Bass Fishing

Wahoo Fishing NC, How to Catch the Big Ones

By Bob Thomas 3 December, 2022 6 mins read

If you're looking to try your hand at wahoo fishing in North Carolina, here are some tips to make the most of your trip. These tips will help you get the best catch whether you fish offshore or with high-speed lures. Remember that recreational wahoo catch is unlimited. A commercial license is required to catch trophy fish.

Offshore trolling

It is best to go offshore fishing for wahoo in North Carolina during the autumn, particularly late August and early September. The waters near Morehead City start to see wahoo in mid- to late August. Clear water with little to no current is the best for fishing. For offshore trolling, a ballyhoo rigged plainly is a good choice of bait. You can also use cedar plugs or Green Machines as lures.

Whajoo aren't afraid of boats. They prefer baits just below the water surface. This is a very common technique in the Bahamas, which has boats pulling artificials at speeds as high as twenty knots. Barracuda, however, are not an issue in Carolinas. The ocean temperature rises and so does the wahoo. The conditions for fishing and the temperatures in the water are perfect for wahoo.

In spring and fall, wahoo will be the main target. The transition from winter into spring will determine when other species will appear. The yellowfin and bluefin tuna have historically been the top targets in spring. But they are now absent. While some are caught, the numbers are low. This has made the catch more satisfying. You might be interested in learning more about the techniques of five experienced captains if you are looking for a high-speed trolling method.

Ballyhoos

When it comes to catching wahoo, Ballyhoos are the best bait to use. The bait can be frozen or fresh and is best retrieved with a trolling size J-hook. The hook should be placed so the wire pin is in line of the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos work well for both seafloor and surface fishing.

Wahoos are most likely to be found in the deeper water column. However, they can also be found on the sand and in water. To attract wahoo strikes, ballyhoos should have a dark colored body. They can be aggressive and reach speeds of up to 30 mph in a matter of seconds. Ballyhoos also work well in luring other types fish.

Ballyhoos are the most effective wahoo lures in the waters off North Carolina. Ballyhoos come in a variety of colors and textures. A ballyhoo is capable of catching wahoo in the waters it inhabits if fished correctly. Ballyhoos are a great bait for wahoo. If you have a planer rod, you will want to invest in a hard lure, such as a Yo-zuri Bonita or a Braid Marauder. You can find them in many colors including pink/black or purple/black.

When fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee-colored stainless steel wire leader will work well. A bridle should be attached to the leader. The sizes of planers range from three to sixteen, and the importance of rigging for success is paramount. Capt. Weaver also noted that wahoo are a common target. If you're planning to target wahoo you should rig your planer with a harness.

High-speed lures

High-speed trolling lures can be used to target 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. They are also durable and keep running straight after catching a lot of fish. MagBay and Nomad are also manufacturers of 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. Wahoos can reach speeds up to 60 mph while strike lures travel at an average speed of 18 mph. This is the average speed of a transiting lure traveling at two to four feet per second. Because of this, you need to use heavy lures with quality drag. To maximize your chances of success, it is recommended that you gaff the fish two times.

The lip plug is a popular type of high-speed lure. These lures are usually rigged with wire and cable. Unfortunately, this method can break the line when the lure gets bent, so it's best to invest in a multi-strand cable. This wire is also less likely be bent or kinked, so it can run straighter. Clips are also useful for changing lures quickly.

Floating debris

This is a great area to hunt this trophy fish. Whajoo prefer aggressive bottom formations, such as wrecks, ledges, and floating debris. These structures provide the perfect habitat for wahoo, who tend to stack up underneath these items. Floating debris is another great location to target this fish, as it often works well under these obstacles. Floating debris may also be a good way to spot these majestic fish schools.

Before fishing for wahoo schools, it is important to inspect any floating debris for dolphins. If there is no baitfish or dolphins, the fisherman should let it go. He must also use a fast-retrieve reel with a 6-to-1 gear ratio to reach the wahoo. A 4 to 6 ounce, diamond jig is recommended with a Mustad 3407 hook. You should make sure that the Jigs are long enough to protect a 60-pound fluorocarbon Leader and a float from getting entangled in debris. Butterfly-style jigs should not exist - they have assistance hooks at its top.

Wahoos are more likely to be found in cooler months when the water surface temperature is lower. This species prefers water with current and cooler temperatures. Satellite imagery can monitor the temperature surface to determine if any slight changes will cause a higher level of Wahoo. The fish population will move to these areas as the temperature drops. These areas are the best for fishing during this time.

Structure

The structure of North Carolina's wahoo fishing may be unusual in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo prefer to move in migratory ways. In the Atlantic, they may migrate through a sequence of regions: the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Western Atlantic, followed by the eastern Atlantic. These fish are dependent on water temperature and currents to determine the structure they inhabit.

Whalos are structure-oriented in fall. They like to be inshore and drop in 120 feet of seawater. These large fish are well-known for their razor sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends heavy single strand wire and a strong rod to catch one. Captains help anglers fish a wahoo by shifting the boat into and out of gear.

Whalos can be aggressive bottom formations. They like to hang out around wrecks, ledges and other weedlines. They like to strike fast moving baits. They often stay near weedlines and other debris in North Carolina. They are more likely than others to be caught near weedlines or artificial lures. They can reach speeds of up to ten knots.

The best time to catch wahoo is from July through September. These fish prefer warmer Gulf Stream temperatures, and North Carolina has a lot of options for wahoo fishermen looking to find them. To find a few wahoo, trolling offshore wrecks or humps is a good option.

Peak hours feeding

There are several times of year when wahoo fishing is particularly productive, but there are some specific peak times of the month that you should target for best results. The best times to wahoo fish are the days immediately prior and after the Full Moon and the New Moon. During peak times, trolling should be done at either a medium or high speed. As long as your boat can handle this extra speed, you should be able 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. You can catch both large and small wahoos during this time.

You can target wahoo from October through March. These months are cooler than normal, which makes wahoo more inclined to bite. Although the weather in May is often unpredictable, light-tackle fishing is best during this time. Blue-crystal is the best bait to catch wahoo if you plan a trip during this period. You can also fish during the latter part of April and May if you want big fish.

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FAQ

What happens to me if I'm caught fishing illegally?

You could face penalties, jail time, or even losing your fishing license. Before you start fishing, it is important to be familiar with the rules.

How much is basic fishing gear?

Basic fishing equipment starts at $100-$200, including rod/reel and bait combos, as well as tackle boxes and bait. For a larger boat, you will need to pay between $500 and $1,000.

How long does it take to catch fish?

It all depends on the fish size and the skill of the fisherman. The time it takes to catch a fish is anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The greater your chance of landing a big fish, the longer you wait.

Can I fish during daylight?

Yes, you can fish anytime of the day. Only times that fishing is banned are when you can fish.

How big should my tackle bag be?

You will need ample storage space for all your fishing gear so a large tacklebox is important. Tackle boxes come in a variety of sizes depending on how many items they hold.

Statistics

You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.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)