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. Whether you're fishing from an offshore trolling boat or using one of the many high-speed lures, the following information will help you find the best catch. Remember that recreational wahoo catch is unlimited. A commercial license is required to catch trophy fish.
Offshore trolling
Offshore trolling for wahoo fishing is best during the fall in North Carolina, particularly late August/early September. The first signs of wahoo are seen in the waters close to Morehead City around mid to late august. Clear water with little to no current is the best for fishing. 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 are not afraid of boats, and they prefer baits fished just below the surface. This technique is very popular at the Bahamas, where boats can pull artificials up to twenty knees. Barracuda in the Carolinas are not a problem. Wahoos also respond to ocean temperatures rising. The conditions for fishing and the temperatures in the water are perfect for wahoo.
In spring and summer, wahoo is the primary target. However, the timing of the winter to spring transition determines when other species will make an appearance. Historically, yellowfin tuna were the top target in the spring, but in recent years, they have been absent. Although some are caught occasionally, the number of them is very small. This has made it more rewarding to catch them. 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
When it comes to catching wahoo, Ballyhoos are the best bait to use. The bait can be frozen, fresh or frozen and should be retrieved using a trolling size J hook. The hook itself should be in line with fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos make great surface and seafloor fisherman.
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 to your ballyhoo, you should choose a dark-colored ballyhoo. They are aggressive and can reach incredible speeds within 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 come with a variety colors and textures. When fished correctly, a ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its native waters. Ballyhoos can also be used as wahoo bait. 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.
When fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee-colored stainless steel wire leader will work well. The leader should be equipped with a bridle. The sizes of planers range from three to sixteen, and the importance of rigging for success is paramount. Capt. Weaver also points out that wahoo is 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
For chasing wahoo, a variety of high-speed trolling lures is ideal. These high-speed lures can be pulled with an inline trolling weight and placed on a downrigger or planer. When targeting big tuna or wahoo, dark colors are especially effective. These lures are durable and can be used for many fish. MagBay is another manufacturer of high-speed trolling lures.
These fish will love trolling lures that are fast and can quickly get to the right spot. 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. You should therefore use heavy lures that have quality drag. To maximize your chances of success, it is recommended that you gaff the fish two times.
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. Clips are also useful for changing lures quickly.
Floating debris
This is a great spot to catch this trophy fish. Whajoo are attracted to aggressive bottom formations such as wrecks and ledges. 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 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, with a Mustad3407 hook of double strength is recommended. 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. 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 to live in cooler waters and areas that have current. Satellite imagery can monitor the temperature surface to determine if any slight changes will cause a higher level of Wahoo. As the water temperature decreases, fish populations are more likely to migrate to these areas. This is when the fishing in these areas is at its best.
Structure
The structure of North Carolina's wahoo fishing may be unusual in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo follow migratory patterns. They can migrate in the Atlantic through several regions such as the Gulf of Mexico (the Caribbean), the Gulf of Mexico (the Western Atlantic), and then the Eastern Atlantic. The structure that these fish inhabit is based on currents and water temperature.
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. To catch one, Hagerich recommends heavy single-strand wire and a heavy-duty rod. A captain is helpful when fishing for wahoos by helping anglers stay on the water and bumping the boat.
Whalos are bottom-based aggressive formations that like to hang around wrecks, pronounced ledges, and other types of weeds. They are more likely to take fast-moving baits. In North Carolina, they often linger near weedlines and debris. This means they are more likely strike a lure or weedline. 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. To catch some wahoo, you might try trolling the offshore humps and wrecks.
Feeding peak times
Although there are many times throughout the year when wahoo-fishing is most productive, there are a few peak times during the month that are particularly productive. The best times to wahoo fish are the days immediately prior and after the Full Moon and the New Moon. During these peak times, you should trolling at either a moderate or high speed. A boat capable of handling this extra speed will allow you to catch a wahoo.
Summer is the best time of year to go wahoo fishing. The best time to target these fish is on the ledges and structure between the Jupiter and Stuart inlets. A wahoo is about 25 pounds on average, but there are 50-pounders available. During prime time you will be able catch both a large and a smaller wahoo.
You can target wahoo from October through March. These months are cooler than normal, which makes wahoo more inclined to bite. Although May weather can be unpredictable, it is usually the best month for light-tackle fishing. Blue-crystal, which is the best bait when fishing for wahoo, is recommended if you're considering a trip in this season. For big fish, however you might want to try fishing in late April and/or early May.
FAQ
How deep can I cast my line of sight?
Cast your line as deep as possible. To ensure the line doesn't twist, your arm should be straightened when casting a slender line.
How often should I change my lures
It is important to change lures every couple of days. After too much exposure to the sun, lures will lose their effectiveness.
Are there many types of lures available?
Yes, there are many kinds of lures. Some lures have been specifically designed for certain fish species. Others mimic insects, grasshoppers and frogs. Lures come in many sizes and shapes. Some lures are even designed to look like real bugs.
What happens when I lose a fishing fish?
Part of the game is losing a fish. Sometimes, you will catch a fishing rod and then lose the fish. Try again when this happens. You will eventually catch another one.
Statistics
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How do you clean your fishing gear?
There are many options when it comes to cleaning your fishing equipment. Some of these methods are very basic while others require more advanced techniques. You can use soap and warm water. You should always ensure you rinse the item thoroughly after washing it. If the item isn't washed thoroughly enough, dirt and bacteria could remain, leading to infection. 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. Avoid touching the item's surface when cleaning. Touching something that is dirty can spread germs.
You can do many things to improve the fishing gear's quality, other than using soap and water. You may need to use solvents or detergents that are specific to your gear. Some things should not be used, though, as they may cause damage to your goods. Bleach is one such thing. Bleach can dissolve metal and plastic so don't use it for cleaning your fishing gear. Use warm water and a dishwashing liquid instead. Only use dishwashing detergents designed to clean fish. Dishwashing fluids contain chemicals and enzymes that break down organic materials, such as blood, slime and scales. Surfactants are also included in dishwashing liquids that loosen dirt and grime. A stain remover is recommended if you have concerns about stain removal. Oils and fats can cause stains. Applying stain removal products directly to areas where the oil and fat are located will remove the stain while not damaging the underlying materials.
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 are meant for small amounts while others are better suited to larger quantities. You can pick the one that is most suitable for you.