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Wahoo Fishing NC - How to Catch the Big Ones

By Bob Thomas 05/11/2022 6 mins read

Here are some tips for wahoo fishing in North Carolina. These tips will help you get the best catch whether you fish offshore or with high-speed lures. You don't have to catch a wahoo recreationally. And as long as you're holding the appropriate commercial licenses, you'll have no problem landing a trophy fish.

Offshore trolling

Offshore fishing for wahoo is best in the fall, especially in late August or early September. Wahoos start appearing in the waters surrounding Morehead City between mid and late August. Clear and calm waters with minimal current are best for fishing. A ballyhoo rigged in plain form is a great standard bait for offshore trolling. Many other lures are also very popular, such as cedar sticks, Green Machines, or Wahoo Whackers.

Whajoo do not fear boats and prefer baits that are fished below the surface. This method is extremely popular in the Bahamas where artificials are pulled at speeds of up to twenty knots. Barracuda aren't a problem in the Carolinas. The ocean temperature increases, which means that the wahoo will also rise. Wahoo can fish in perfect conditions due to the ocean temperature and fishing conditions.

Wahoo is the main target in spring and autumn. The timing of the transition from winter to spring determines when other species are likely to make an appearance. The yellowfin and bluefin tuna have historically been the top targets in spring. But they are now absent. Although some are caught occasionally, the number of them is very small. This has made the catch even more rewarding. The tactics of five successful captains may interest you if your interests lie in trolling at high speeds.

Ballyhoos

Ballyhoos is the best bait to catch wahoo. You can freeze the bait, or you can retrieve it fresh using a trolling-size Jhook. The hook itself should be positioned so that the wire pin is in line with the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos can be used for both surface and deep-sea fishing.

Wahoos prefer to be in deeper water columns, but they can also be found in the sand or in the water. To attract wahoo strikes to your ballyhoo, you should choose a dark-colored ballyhoo. They are extremely aggressive and can move at lightning speed. Ballyhoos have the ability to lure other species fish.

Ballyhoos make the best wahoo lures in North Carolina. Ballyhoos can be found in a wide range of colors and textures. A ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its own waters if it is fished properly. Ballyhoos also make excellent wahoo bait. If you own a planer, you should consider purchasing a hard bait, such as a Yozuri Bonita or Braid Marauder. These lures come in many colors such as purple/black or pink/black.

A single-strand, coffee-colored stainless-steel wire leader is ideal for fishing for wahoo. A bridle should be attached on the leader. You can find planers in three to sixteen sizes. Rigging is crucial for success. Capt. Weaver also noted that wahoo are a common target. A bridle can be used to rig a planer and help you find the sweet spot if you want to target wahoo.

High-speed lures

Many high-speed lures for trolling are available to catch wahoo. These lures can be pulled using an inline trolling weight, and then placed on a planer or downrigger. For big tuna and wahoo, the dark colors work well. These lures are strong and durable, so they can keep going even after you catch many fish. MagBay as well as Nomad manufacture high-speed trolling lures.

A high-speed trolling lure is ideal for these fish because it is fast enough to get to a good fishing spot quickly. Wahoo can travel at 60 mph, while strike lures travel at 18 mph. That is the speed of an average transiting lure in two to four foot waves. Use heavy lures with high-quality drag to achieve this effect. For maximum success, two people are recommended to gaff the fish.

The lip plug is a popular type of high-speed lure. These lures are often rigged in wire or cable. However, this can cause damage to the lure if the lure is bent. This is why it's a good idea to get a multi-stranded wire. The wire will also be less likely bend and kink so it can run straighter. To make it easier to change lures, you can use a clip.

Floating debris

This fish is great for targeting from floating debris. Whajoo will only eat wrecks, ledges, or floating debris as their preferred bottom habitat. These structures are the ideal habitat for wahoo who will often stack up under these items. As it is often able to work under these obstacles, floating debris is another excellent place to target this species of fish. Floating debris can help you locate schools of these majestic fish.

Before searching for a school, a fisherman should first inspect the floating debris for signs of dolphins. If there are no baitfish, or dolphins around the area, then he should leave it alone. To reach the wahoo, he should use a fast reel with a 6-to-1 speed ratio. A 4- to 6-ounce diamond jig, with a Mustad3407 hook of double strength is recommended. Jigs should be long enough to protect a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and a float if the bait gets entangled in the debris. They should not be Butterfly-style, as they have help hooks at their top.

During the cooler months, the water surface temperature is cooler, increasing the odds of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers areas with water that is cooler and more current. Satellite imagery can be used to monitor the temperature of the surface to determine if there are any temperature changes that could lead to a higher Wahoo concentration. As the water temperature decreases, fish populations are more likely to migrate to these areas. This time is when fishing in these areas can be at its best.

Structure

The structure of North Carolina's wahoo fishing may be unusual in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo prefer to move in migratory ways. They might travel in the Atlantic through the following regions: the Caribbean Gulf of Mexico; the Western Atlantic; and then on to the eastern Atlantic. These fish live in a structure determined by currents and water temperatures.

Whalos are structure-oriented in fall. They like to be inshore and drop in 120 feet of seawater. This large fish is known for their razor-sharp jaws. Hagerich suggests heavy single-strand wire and heavy-duty rods to capture one. The captain assists anglers fishing wahoo by moving the boat around and helping them stay in the right gear.

Whalos, which are aggressive bottom formations, like to hang around wrecks, pronounced edges, and other weedlines. They are more likely to take fast-moving baits. They are often found near weedlines or debris in North Carolina. This means that they are more likely to strike a weedline or an artificial lure. They can even be caught at speeds exceeding ten knots.

The best times to fish for the wahoo are July through September. The fish prefer warm Gulf Stream waters and North Carolina's wahoo fishing structure will provide plenty of opportunities to catch them. For example, you can try trolling around offshore humps or wrecks to find a few wahoo.

Feeding peak times

There are many times in the year where wahoo fisherman are most successful, but there are specific peak times that you should be focusing on to get the best results. These are the best days to fish for wahoo, such as the days just before and after a Full Moon or the New Moon. These peak times are best when you trolling at a high or normal speed. A boat capable of handling this extra speed will allow you to catch a wahoo.

Summer is the best period to fish for wahoo. The best time to target these fish is on the ledges and structure between the Jupiter and Stuart inlets. The average wahoo weighs about 25 pounds. But, 50-pounders are not uncommon. This prime time is when you can catch both a large and smaller wahoo.

You can target wahoo from October through March. Because the water is cool, wahoo are more likely to bite during these months. May is a great time to light-tackle fish, even though the weather can change quickly. If you're planning a trip during this time, the best bait for wahoo is blue-crystal. You can still fish for big fish in the late April and early mai, though.

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FAQ

How do I bait my hooks

Attach a piece of meat to your hook to bait it. Then tie the meat around the eye of your hook.

Is fishing safe

Fishing is very safe. Fishing is a wonderful way to relax and take in the beauty of nature. It is possible to fish safely as long you do not break any safety rules.

What time does it take you to catch a salmon?

It depends on how big the fish is and what level of skill the fisherman has. A fish can be caught in between one and an hour. The better your chances of landing a big fish are, the longer you wait.

How long does it usually take to become a master fisherman

Expert fishermanship takes practice over many years. To become a better fisherman, you will need to learn new techniques and increase your skill.

How can I get my kids to take up fishing?

Absolutely! Children love fishing. The majority of children who are raised fishing will never stop. There are many things you can do to encourage your child to try fishing. One way to encourage your child to learn how fishing is done is to teach them how you tie knots, how build a pole, and the basics of fishing etiquette. You can also show them photos of fish and tell them stories about fishing.

Are there any good spots for fishing?

You can fish in many places around the globe. Many people enjoy fishing in parks, private ponds and lakes, rivers, streams and other bodies water.

Statistics

Orvis, Simms, and Fishpond have been making some of the best packs and vests for a long time, and it seems like 90% of the anglers around the area use these brands. (troutandsteelhead.net)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
To substantiate this theory, Knight attempted a systematic inquiry by considering the timing of 200 'record' catches, more than 90 percent were made during a new moon (when no moon is visible). (myfwc.com)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)