Here are some tips to help you make the most of your wahoo fishing trip to North Carolina. The following information will help to find the best catch, no matter if you are fishing from an offshore trolling vessel or using high-speed lures. And remember, there's no size limit for recreational catch of wahoo. 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 first signs of wahoo are seen in the waters close to Morehead City around mid to late august. Fishing is best when there is little or no current. For offshore trolling, the best bait is a simple ballyhoo. You can also use cedar plugs or Green Machines as lures.
Whajoo have no fear of boats and prefer baits caught just below water's surface. This method is quite popular in the Bahamas, where boats pull artificials at speeds of twenty knots. Barracuda in the Carolinas are not a problem. The ocean temperature increases, which means that the wahoo will also rise. The water temperature and conditions for fishing are ideal for wahoo.
Wahoo is the main target in spring and autumn. The transition from winter into spring will determine when other species will appear. Yellowfin tuna has been the top target for spring fish in the past. However, in recent years they have been absent. Although some are caught occasionally, the number of them is very small. The catch has been made even more rewarding by this. But if you're interested to learn more about high-speed trolling, you might like to see the tactics of five highly skilled captains.
Ballyhoos
Ballyhoos make the best bait when it comes to catching Wahoo. You can freeze the bait, or you can retrieve it fresh using a trolling-size Jhook. The hook itself should be in line with fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos have a great reputation for seafloor and surface fishing.
Wahoos typically hang out in the deeper water column, but they can be found even on the sand and in the water. To attract wahoo strikes to your ballyhoo, you should choose a dark-colored ballyhoo. They can run at incredible speeds and are very aggressive. Ballyhoos also work well in luring other types fish.
Ballyhoos, the most effective wahoo baits in North Carolina waters, are best. Ballyhoos are available in many colors and textures. A ballyhoo is capable of catching wahoo in the waters it inhabits if fished correctly. Ballyhoos can also be used as wahoo bait. 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.
For fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee colored stainless steel wire leader works well. The leader should have a bridle attached to it. The sizes of planers range from three to sixteen, and the importance of rigging for success is paramount. Capt. Weaver notes that wahoo have a tendency to be a common target. You can target wahoo by rigging a planer using a bridle.
High-speed lures
You can target wahoo with a variety high-speed trolling baits. These high-speed lures can be pulled with an inline trolling weight and placed on a downrigger or planer. Dark colors work especially well when targeting wahoo or big tuna. These lures can also be durable and continue running even after catching many fish. MagBay, Nomad and Nomad are other manufacturers of high-speed trolling baits.
High-speed trolling baits are ideal for these fish, as they can move quickly enough to reach a good spot. 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. Because of this, you need to use heavy lures with quality drag. Two people are required to gaff fish for maximum success.
The lip-plug is one of most popular types of high speed lures. These lures are usually rigged with wire and cable. This can cause the lure to become bent and break the line. It is best to buy a multi-stranded cable. The wire will also be less likely bend and kink so it can run straighter. A clip can be used to make changing lures simpler.
Floating debris
This trophy fish can be found in floatable debris. Whajoo are attracted to aggressive bottom formations such as wrecks and ledges. 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 is also a great way to find these magnificent fish in their schools.
Before looking for schools of wahoo, the fisherman needs to first examine any floating debris in the area. If there are no baitfish, or dolphins around the area, then he should leave it alone. He must also use a fast-retrieve reel with a 6-to-1 gear ratio to reach the wahoo. It is recommended to use a 4 to 6 ounce diamond jig and a Mustad 3407 double-strength 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 do not work - the hooks on the top are for assistance.
Water surface temperatures are cooler in cooler months. This increases the chance of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers cooler water and areas with current. Satellite imagery is used to monitor temperature and determine if small temperature fluctuations will result in an increase in Wahoo. The fish population will move to these areas as the temperature drops. During this time, the fishing is the best in these areas.
Structure
A few exceptions may exist in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo follow migratory patterns. 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. This is determined by the currents and the water temperature.
Whalos have a structure-oriented fall. They are attracted to inshore lumps and drops of up to 120 feet. These large fish are infamous for their razor-sharp jaws. Hagerich suggests heavy single-strand wire and heavy-duty rods to capture one. Captains help anglers fish a wahoo by shifting the boat into and out of 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 often stay near weedlines and other debris in North Carolina. This means that they are more likely to strike a weedline or an artificial lure. They can reach speeds of up to ten knots.
The best times to fish for the wahoo are July through September. They prefer warmer Gulf Stream water, so if you're looking for a great place to fish, North Carolina's wahoo fishing infrastructure will offer you many options. You can trolling around wrecks and offshore humps to catch a few wahoo.
Peak hours feeding
Although there are many times of year that wahoo fishing proves to be productive, there is a specific time of the month when it is at its best. Three days before and after the Full Moon as well as the New Moon are prime times to go wahoo fishing. 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. These fish are best caught on the structures and ledges between Jupiter and Stuart Inlets. The average wahoo weights in at 25 to 25 pounds. However, there are often 50-pounders. During this prime time, you'll be able to catch both a large wahoo and a smaller one.
It is best to go after wahoo between October and March. These months see a cooler water temperature, making wahoo easier to catch. Even though May's weather is unpredictable, it's generally the best month to light-tackle fish. Blue-crystal is the best bait to catch wahoo if you plan a trip during this period. If you are looking for large fish, however, fishing can be done in late April or early May.
FAQ
Do you need a bobber to fish?
Yes. The bobber is used when the bait is being removed from the water. There are two parts to a bobber: the float, and the line. Attach the hook to the line at the end and then let go. The lure can sink in the water if the bobber isn't used.
How can I tell whether my lure is working properly?
When you cast your lure into the water, watch for movement. If you observe movement, your lure may be working properly.
Is it safe?
No matter where your fish is purchased, make sure you ask the seller whether they have an expiration date. The fish is safe to eat if it doesn't have an expiration. However, if the fish is old or smells bad you should not eat them.
Which rod do I choose?
Graphite composite is the best rod for fly-fishing. This material has exceptional casting qualities and is strong. To cast better, you must practice with graphite rods.
When is the best time for fishing?
Fishing is best done in the early morning or late evening. These times are when the fish are active and feeding.
Statistics
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How do I clean my fishing equipment?
There are many ways to clean your fishing equipment. Some are very simple while others require advanced techniques. Most people use soap and water. You should always ensure you rinse the item thoroughly after washing it. If you don't rinse it well enough, there's a chance that some dirt remains inside, which could cause bacteria growth. If left untreated, this could cause a bad odor and worsening of infections. This can be prevented by drying the items thoroughly before storing them. Another thing that you should keep in mind when doing any type of cleaning is to avoid touching the surface of the item. Germs can be transferred to the object if you touch it.
Other than washing your gear with soap and water, there are other ways to enhance the quality of your fishing equipment. You may want to use different detergents or solvents, depending on the type and model of your fishing gear. There are certain things that you should never use, though, because they could damage your goods. Bleach is one example. Bleach can be used to dissolve plastics and metals, so don't ever use bleach to clean your fishing equipment. Use warm water and a dishwashing liquid instead. Dishwashing liquids that are specifically designed for cleaning fish should be used only. Dishwashing solutions contain enzymes and chemicals that aid in the breakdown of organic materials such blood, slime, and scales. Surfactants help remove dirt and grime from surfaces. However, if you're worried about removing stains, you should consider using a stain remover. Most stains are caused by oil and fats that have remained on the gear's surface. Stain removers can be applied directly to the spot where the oil or fat is present. This will remove the stain without causing damage to the underlying material.
If you're looking for a cleaner solution for your fishing gear, you'll find plenty of options at your local home improvement store. There are many cleaners available in most stores, each with a different purpose. Some can be used to clean small amounts of grease and others for larger amounts. You can choose which one best suits your needs.