Fishing Lures

Wahoo Fishing NC- How to Catch the Big Ones

By Mike Richardson 15/05/2022 6 mins read

Here are some tips for wahoo fishing in North Carolina. You can fish with any of the high-speed lures or an offshore trolling boat to catch the best catch. The recreational catch limit of wahoo is not set. As long as you have the right commercial licenses, it's no problem landing a trophy fish.

Offshore trolling

Offshore trolling for wahoo fishing is best during the fall in North Carolina, particularly late August/early September. Wahoo begin to appear in the waters around Morehead City from mid-to late August. The fishing is most productive when the water is clear and has little or no current. A simple ballyhoo rigged in plain shape is an excellent bait for offshore trolling. Many other lures are also very popular, such as cedar sticks, Green Machines, or Wahoo Whackers.

Whajoo are not afraid of boats, and they prefer baits fished just below the surface. This is a very common technique in the Bahamas, which has boats pulling artificials at speeds as high as twenty knots. Barracuda in the Carolinas 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 the spring and fall, wahoo are the primary target. However, the timing of the winter to spring transition determines when other species will make an appearance. 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. The tactics of five successful captains may interest you if your interests lie in trolling at high speeds.

Ballyhoos

Ballyhoos are the best bait for catching wahoo. You can freeze the bait or use it fresh. The best way to retrieve the bait is with a trolling-size J-hook. The hook itself should be in line with fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos make great surface and seafloor fisherman.

Wahoos usually prefer the deeper water column but can be found on the sand as well as in the water. To attract wahoos, ballsyhoos need to be dark in color. They can run at incredible speeds and are very aggressive. Ballyhoos are also very effective at luring different types of fish.

Ballyhoos make the best wahoo lures in North Carolina. Ballyhoos can be found in a wide range of colors and textures. If properly fished, a ballyhoo may catch wahoo right in its natural waters. Ballyhoos are a great bait for wahoo. You will need a hard lure such as a Yozuri Bonita and a Braid Marauder if your planer rod has one. These lures are available in several colors, including pink/black and purple/black.

A single-strand, coffee-colored stainless-steel wire leader is ideal for fishing for wahoo. The leader should be equipped with a bridle. You can find planers in three to sixteen sizes. Rigging is crucial for success. Capt. Weaver also notes that wahoo are a common target. You can target wahoo by rigging a planer using a bridle.

High-speed lures

High-speed trolling lures can be used to target wahoo. These high-speed lures can be pulled with an inline trolling weight and placed on a downrigger or planer. If you are targeting large tuna or wahoos, dark colors work best. They are also very durable and will continue to run even after they catch a lot of fish. MagBay as well as Nomad manufacture high-speed trolling lures.

High-speed trolling baits are ideal for these fish, as they can move quickly enough to reach a good spot. Wahoo can reach speeds of 60mph and strike lures traveling at 18 mph. This is the average transiting luring lure at a speed of two to four feet. Because of this, you need to use heavy lures with quality drag. To ensure maximum success, you should gaff the fish with two people.

The lip plug is a popular type of high-speed lure. These lures can be rigged using wire or cable. This can cause the lure to become bent and break the line. It is best to buy a multi-stranded cable. 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 is a great area to hunt this trophy fish. Whajoo like to be found in bottom formations that are aggressive, such as wrecks or ledges. These structures provide the perfect habitat for wahoo, who tend to stack up underneath these items. Another great spot to target this fish is floating debris. It often works well beneath these obstacles. Floating debris can also help you find the schools of these majestic fish.

Before locating a school of wahoo, a fisherman must first check the floating debris for dolphins. If there aren't any baitfish or dolphins in the area, he should just leave it alone. To reach the wahoo, he must use a fast-retrieve rod with a 6-to-1 ratio. It is recommended to use a 4 to 6 ounce diamond jig and a Mustad 3407 double-strength hook. If the bait becomes entangled in debris, the jig should be long enough for it to protect the fluorocarbon leader of 60 pounds and the float. Butterfly-style jigs should not exist - they have assistance hooks at its top.

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 temperature of the water surface drops, which means that the fish population moves to these areas more often. This time is when fishing in these areas can be at its best.

Structure

It is possible that the structure of North Carolina's Wahoo fishing fleet may be an anomaly in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo prefer to move in migratory ways. 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. 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 known for their sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends heavy single strand wire and a strong rod to catch one. When fishing a wahoo, the captain helps the angler stay tight by bumping the boat in 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 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 of up 10 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 temperatures, and North Carolina has a lot of options for wahoo fishermen looking to find them. To catch some wahoo, you might try trolling the offshore humps and wrecks.

Peak times for feeding

While there are many times of the year when wahoo fishing can be very productive, there are certain peak times in the month you should focus on for the best results. 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. You can catch a wahoo as long as your boat is capable of handling the extra speed.

Summer is the best time to fish for wahoo. These fish are best caught on the structures and ledges between Jupiter and Stuart Inlets. The average wahoo weighs around 25 pounds, but 50-pounders are not uncommon. During prime time you will be able catch both a large and a smaller wahoo.

From October to March, wahoo are most at their best. The water temperature remains cool during these months, making wahoo more likely to bite. Although May weather can be unpredictable, it is usually the best month for light-tackle fishing. 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

Can I fish during the day?

You can fish at any time of the day. Fishing is only allowed during periods when it is prohibited.

Where can I find good fishing spots?

There are many places you can fish all around the world. Many people enjoy fishing at public parks, private ponds, lakes, rivers, streams, and other bodies of water.

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. You'll need to spend between 500-$1000 to get a bigger boat.

How can I get started in fishing?

It is important to understand the basics of fishing before you set out to fish. First, learn about the different kinds of fish in your area. Also, it is important to identify their preferred places of residence so you can find them. Casting is a skill that you can learn once you know where the fish are most likely to be found. This means learning how to throw a lure into the air and letting it fall back down onto the surface of the water. Practice makes perfect!

To fish, you will need a Bobber

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. Casting a lure requires that you attach the hook at the end of your line. Next, you need to cast the line out and let go. A bobber is not necessary to cast a lure. The lure could sink into the waters, making it difficult for the fish bite.

What happens if I catch a fish and lose it?

The game involves losing fish. Sometimes you might catch a fish but then lose it. When this happens, just keep trying. You will eventually catch another fishing fish.

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)
Orvis, Simms, and Fishpond have been making some of the best packs and vests for a long time, and it seems like 90% of the anglers around the area use these brands. (troutandsteelhead.net)
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)