Fishing Lures

Wahoo Fishing NC - How to Catch the Big Ones

By Mike Richardson 25/08/2022 7 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. You can fish with any of the high-speed lures or an offshore trolling boat to catch the best catch. There is no limit on recreational catch of wahoo. A commercial license is required to catch trophy fish.

Offshore trolling

The best time to go offshore trolling for wahoo fishing in North Carolina is during the fall, especially late August and early September. Wahoo begin to appear in the waters around Morehead City from mid-to late August. Fishing is best when there is little or no current. For offshore trolling, the best bait is a simple ballyhoo. Several other lures are also popular, including cedar plugs, Green Machines, and Wahoo Whackers.

Whajoo aren't afraid of boats. They prefer baits just below the water surface. This method is quite popular in the Bahamas, where boats pull artificials at speeds of twenty knots. However, in the Carolinas, Barracuda are not a problem. 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.

In spring and summer, wahoo is the primary target. But, other species can make an appearance depending on when the winter to spring transition occurs. Historically, yellowfin tuna were the top target in the spring, but in recent years, they have been absent. While some are caught, the numbers are low. This has made the catch even more rewarding. However, if you're interested in a high-speed trolling technique, you may want to learn more about the tactics of five accomplished captains.

Ballyhoos

Ballyhoos, the best bait, are ideal for catching wahoo. You can freeze the bait, or you can retrieve it fresh using a trolling-size Jhook. The hook must be placed in a way that the wire pin touches 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 are fast and aggressive, reaching speeds of up to 125 mph in just seconds. Ballyhoos also work well in luring other types fish.

Ballyhoos are one of the most effective wahoo luring devices in the waters around North Carolina. Ballyhoos can be found in a wide range of colors and textures. When fished correctly, a ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its native waters. Ballyhoos are also excellent bait for wahoo. You should invest in a hard lure if you have a planer rod such as a Yozuri Bonita, or a Braid Marauder. They are available in many different colors, such as pink/black and purple/black.

A single-strand, coffee-colored stainless-steel wire leader is ideal for fishing for wahoo. A bridle should be attached on the leader. The sizes of planers range from three to sixteen, and the importance of rigging for success is paramount. Capt. Weaver also mentions that wahoo can be 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

A variety of high-speed trolling lures are ideal for targeting wahoo. These high-speed lures are easily pulled by an inline weight and can be placed on a downrigger, planer, or other support device. For big tuna and wahoo, the dark colors work well. They are also very durable and will continue to run even after they catch a lot of fish. MagBay and Nomad are also manufacturers of high speed trolling lures.

This lure can be used to catch these fish as it is fast enough that you can get to your favorite fishing spot quickly. Wahoo can travel at 60 mph, while strike lures travel at 18 mph. This is the average transiting luring lure at a speed of two to four feet. You should therefore use heavy lures that have 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. 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. To make it easier to change lures, you can use a clip.

Floating debris

This fish is great for targeting from floating debris. Whajoo prefer aggressive bottom formations, such as wrecks, ledges, and floating debris. These structures offer the perfect habitat for wahoos, who often pile up under them. Floating debris is another great location to target this fish, as it often works well under these obstacles. Floating debris can help you locate schools of these majestic fish.

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. A 4 to 6 ounce, diamond jig is recommended with a Mustad 3407 hook. The jigs should be large enough to protect a fluorocarbon leader 60 pounds in weight and a floating if the bait is caught in the debris. Butterfly-style jigs do not work - the hooks on the top are for assistance.

The water surface temperature in cooler months is lower, increasing the likelihood of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers water with current and cooler temperatures. 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 temperature of the water surface decreases, the fish population is more likely to move to these areas. During this time, the fishing is the best in these areas.

Structure

A few exceptions may exist in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo are known to migrate in migratory patterns. 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 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. These large fish are infamous for their razor-sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends heavy singlestrand wire and an extremely heavy-duty fishing rod in order to catch one. Fishing a wahoo requires that the captain bumps the boat in and off of gear to help the angler stay steady.

Whalos are aggressive bottom formations and like to hang around pronounced ledges, wrecks, and other weed lines. They often prefer to strike fast-moving baits. In North Carolina, they often linger near weedlines and debris. This means that they are more likely to strike a weedline or an artificial lure. They can be caught at speeds up to ten miles per hour.

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 times for feeding

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. You should wahoo-fish on the days immediately preceding and following the Full Moon and New Moon. During these peak times, you should trolling at either a moderate 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 can be found on the ledges or structures between Jupiter and Stuart inlets. The average wahoo weighs around 25 pounds, but 50-pounders are not uncommon. You can catch both large and small wahoos during this time.

It is best to go after wahoo between October and March. These months see a cooler water temperature, making wahoo easier to catch. May is a great time to light-tackle fish, even though the weather can change quickly. Blue-crystal will be the best bait if you go on a fishing trip during this time. For big fish, however you might want to try fishing in late April and/or early May.

FAQ

How long does it take to become an expert fisherman?

To become a skilled fisherman, it takes many years of practice. Learn new techniques, improve your skills and become a more skilled fisherman.

What is the time it takes to catch a fish.

It depends on how big the fish is and what level of skill the fisherman has. It takes anywhere from one minute to an hour to land a fish. The greater your chance of landing a big fish, the longer you wait.

What type of fishing gear do you require?

You will need a rod, reel and line. Hooks, bait, tackle boxes, and snacks are also needed. If you want to catch fish, you should know how to cast, rig up a hook, and use a bobber. Be patient and wait until you catch the fish.

Do I need special licenses to fish?

No, unless you are going to fish in another state or county. Many states allow anglers fishing without a license. To find out what license is required, check with your local Fish & Wildlife Agency.

How much is basic fishing gear?

Basic fishing equipment can be purchased for between $100-$200. This includes rod/reel combos and bait as well as a tackle box. For a larger boat, you will need to pay between $500 and $1,000.

How big should my tacklebox be?

You will need ample storage space for all your fishing gear so a large tacklebox is important. The size of tackle boxes will vary depending on how many items are stored inside.

How can you tell if your lure is working?

You should watch out for movement in your lure when it is thrown into the water. If there is movement, your lure is operating properly.

Statistics

Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
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)
About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
For most freshwater species you are most likely to target when first starting out, a reel size of 20 to 30 should be more than enough! (strikeandcatch.com)