These are some helpful tips for anyone who wants to learn how to wahoo fish in North Carolina. 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. There is no limit on recreational catch of wahoo. 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. The waters near Morehead City start to see wahoo in mid- to late August. Clear and calm waters with minimal current are best for fishing. A standard bait for offshore trolling is a ballyhoo in its plain form. 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 technique is very popular in the Bahamas, where boats are pulling artificials at speeds up to twenty knots. Barracuda, however, are not an issue in Carolinas. The ocean temperature increases, which means that the wahoo will also rise. The water temperature and conditions for fishing are ideal 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. Yellowfin tuna was the most sought-after species in spring in the past, but they have been absent in recent years. While some are caught, the numbers are low. This has made the catch even more rewarding. 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. The bait can be frozen, fresh or frozen and should be retrieved using a trolling size J hook. The hook should be placed so the wire pin is in line of the 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. Ballyhoos should be of a dark color to attract strikes from wahoo. They can run at incredible speeds and are very aggressive. Ballyhoos also work well in luring other types fish.
Ballyhoos are the most effective wahoo lures in the waters off North Carolina. Ballyhoos are available in many colors and textures. A ballyhoo is capable of catching wahoo in the waters it inhabits if fished correctly. Ballyhoos make great 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 come in many colors, including purple/black and pink/black.
One-strand coffee-colored stainless wire wire leaders will work well when fishing for wahoo. A bridle should be attached to the leader. Planers come in a variety of sizes and rigging can be crucial to their success. Capt. Weaver notes that wahoo have a tendency to be a common target. If you plan to target wahoo, you can rig a planer with an aide and a bridle to help you locate the sweet spot.
High-speed lures
For chasing wahoo, a variety of high-speed trolling lures is ideal. These high-speed lures are easily pulled by an inline weight and can be placed on a downrigger, planer, or other support device. When targeting big tuna or wahoo, dark colors are especially effective. 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 run at speeds of 60 mph and strike lures at 18 miles per hour. This is the average speed of a transiting lure traveling at two to four feet per second. It is important to use heavy lures and high quality drag. Two people are required to gaff fish for maximum success.
The lip plug is one of the most popular high-speed lures. These lures are often rigged in wire or cable. This method can lead to the lure breaking if it is bent. Therefore, multi-strand cables are recommended. This wire is also less likely to bend and kink, so it can run straighter. Clips are also useful for changing lures quickly.
Floating debris
This trophy fish can be found in floatable debris. Whajoo love to hunt on the bottom, especially wrecks, ledges and floating debris. These structures make the perfect habitat to wahoo because they tend to pile up beneath them. Another great spot to target this fish is floating debris. It often works well beneath these obstacles. Floating debris is also a great way to find these magnificent fish in their schools.
Before locating a school of wahoo, a fisherman must first check the floating debris for dolphins. He should not attempt to fish in areas that aren't home to baitfish or dolphins. To get to the wahoo he will need a fast-retrieve reel that has a 6-to-1 gear ratio. It is recommended to use a 4 to 6 ounce diamond jig and a Mustad 3407 double-strength hook. Jigs should be long enough to protect a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and a float if the bait gets entangled in the 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 cool water and places with current. Use satellite imagery to monitor surface temperature to determine whether any small changes in the temperature will bring in a higher concentration of 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 may travel through the Atlantic in a series of regions, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Then they will move on to the Western Atlantic. These fish live in structures that are determined by currents, water temperature, and other factors.
Whalos are structure-oriented during the fall. This means they often drop in 120 feet of water and frequent inshore lumps. These large fish are infamous for their razor-sharp jaws. To catch one, Hagerich recommends heavy single-strand wire and a heavy-duty rod. When fishing a wahoo, the captain helps the angler stay tight by bumping the boat in and out of gear.
Whalos are bottom-based aggressive formations that like to hang around wrecks, pronounced ledges, and other types of weeds. They will often strike fast-moving baits. They can often be found near weedlines in North Carolina. They are more likely to catch a weedline, or an artificial lure. They can be caught at speeds as high as ten knots.
The best time to fish for wahoo is July through September, even though it's a year-round species. These fish prefer warmer Gulf Stream conditions, so if your goal is to find them, North Carolina's wahoo-fishing structure will be an excellent choice. To find a few wahoo, trolling offshore wrecks or humps is a good option.
Peak times for 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. Three days before and after the Full Moon as well as the New Moon are prime times to go wahoo fishing. These peak times are best when you trolling at a high or normal speed. You can catch a wahoo as long as your boat is capable of handling the extra speed.
When it comes to wahoo fishing, the most effective time is summer. These fish are best caught on the structures and ledges between Jupiter and Stuart Inlets. The average wahoo weighs about 25 pounds. But, 50-pounders are not uncommon. This is the best time to catch a large or a small wahoo.
October to March is the best time to target wahoo. This is because the water temperature stays cool, making it more likely that wahoo will bite. Although the weather in May is often unpredictable, light-tackle fishing is best during this time. Blue-crystal will be the best bait if you go on a fishing trip during this time. You can still fish for big fish in the late April and early mai, though.
FAQ
How long does it take for a fisherman to be an expert?
You need to practice for years before you can become a proficient fisherman. You will be a better fisherman if you learn new techniques and improve your skills.
How do you bait your hooks?
Tie a piece meat on the hook to bait it. Then tie the meat around the eye of your hook.
Do I need special licenses to fish?
No, unless you are going to fish in another state or county. Many states allow anglers the freedom to fish without the need of a license. For more information, contact your local Fish & Wildlife department.
How much can I budget to spend on fish-catching gear?
Fishing gear does not have to be expensive. There are many options that are affordable. You could purchase a reel, line and hook for as low as $10. You could also invest in a rod and reel set.
What can I do to get my children interested in fishing?
Absolutely! Absolutely! Fishing is something that kids love to do. Most children who grow up fishing never stop doing so. You can encourage your child to fish by doing many things. For example, you could teach them how to tie knots, build a fishing pole, and learn about fishing etiquette. You can also show them photos of fish and tell them stories about fishing.
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How To
How to Cast a Fishing Rod Perfectly
Casting a fishing pole requires that you use your wrist to guide the rod's handle toward the water. The rod should be held at a slight angle from the body so that the line is parallel to the ground. As you move the rod forward, ensure that the rod tip is perpendicular with the water's surface. The fish won't eat if the tip touches water's surface sooner than the line reaches bottom. This technique allows you to increase the distance from the tip of your rod to the water's surface.
Here are some tips for casting a rod if you're not confident yet.
Hold the rod as close as you can to your chest. This will allow you to control the rod's movement without having to bend.
The tripod may be set up on the shoreline and/or on a rock edge to aid in casting a heavy-duty rod. By doing this, you'll be able to rest the rod securely while holding the reel.
Third, you may want to consider buying a small reel instead of an expensive one. A cheaper spinning reel will let you cast farther distances and help you improve your hand-eye coordination.
A fishing pole holder might be another option. These holders are made to securely hold the rod while maintaining its upright position. They're easy to store away after use and protect the rod from getting damaged.
Fifth, practice casting until your muscles get used to it. Casting a fishing pole takes practice.
Sixth, patience will be your key to successful fishing. You must wait for the right moment to strike and then fight hard to bring the fish in.