Here are some tips to help you make the most of your wahoo fishing trip to 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. And remember, there's no size limit for recreational catch of wahoo. As long as you have the right commercial licenses, it's no problem landing a trophy fish.
Offshore trolling
The fall is the best time to trot offshore for wahoo fishing, especially in North Carolina. Wahoos start appearing in the waters surrounding Morehead City between mid and late August. Clear water with little to no current is the best for fishing. A standard bait for offshore trolling is a ballyhoo in its plain form. Many other lures are also very popular, such as cedar sticks, Green Machines, or Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo have no fear of boats and prefer baits caught just below water's surface. This technique is very popular at the Bahamas, where boats can pull artificials up to twenty knees. Barracuda aren't a problem in the Carolinas. The ocean temperature increases, which means that the wahoo will also rise. The conditions for fishing and the temperatures in the water are perfect for wahoo.
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. The yellowfin and bluefin tuna have historically been the top targets in spring. But they are now absent. Although some do get caught, there are not many. This makes the catch 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 are the best bait for 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 are great for surface and seafloor fishing.
Wahoos prefer to be in deeper water columns, but they can also be found in the sand or in the water. Ballyhoos should wear dark colors to attract wahoo. They are extremely aggressive and can move at lightning speed. Ballyhoos have the ability to lure other species fish.
Ballyhoos can be used as wahoo-lure in North Carolina. Ballyhoos come in a variety of colors and textures. A ballyhoo is capable of catching wahoo in the waters it inhabits if fished correctly. Ballyhoos are a great bait for wahoo. 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. 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 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
A variety of high-speed trolling lures are ideal for targeting wahoo. These high-speed lures can be pulled with an inline trolling weight and placed on a downrigger or planer. 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.
These fish will love trolling lures that are fast and can quickly get to the right spot. Wahoo can reach speeds of 60mph and strike lures traveling at 18 mph. This is the average transiting lure's speed in two to four feet waves. 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 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 can also be run straighter as it is less likely that it will bend or kink. Clips are also useful for changing lures quickly.
Floating debris
Floating debris is a great place to target this trophy fish. Whajoo love to hunt on the bottom, especially wrecks, ledges and floating debris. These structures provide the perfect habitat for wahoo, who tend to stack up underneath these items. Floating debris is another great location to target this fish, as it often works well under these obstacles. You can also use floating debris to locate these magnificent fish schools.
Before looking for schools of wahoo, the fisherman needs to first examine any floating debris in the area. He should not attempt to fish in areas that aren't home to baitfish or dolphins. To reach the wahoo, he should use a fast reel with a 6-to-1 speed ratio. A 4- to 6-ounce, four- to six-ounce, diamond-tipped jig with a Mustad 3507 hook and double-strength Mustad 3407 line is recommended. Jigs should be long enough to protect a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and a float if the bait gets entangled in the debris. Jigs should not be Butterfly-style - they have assist hooks at the 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. 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. The fish population will move to these areas as the temperature drops. During this time, the fishing is the best in these areas.
Structure
In the Gulf of Mexico, the structure of wahoo fishing in North Carolina may be an anomaly. Wahoo travel in migratory routes. They might migrate across the Atlantic via a number of areas: the Caribbean Gulf of Mexico, the Gulf of Mexico, the Western Atlantic and the Eastern Atlantic. These fish live in a structure determined by currents and water temperatures.
Whalos are structure-oriented in the fall, which means that they frequent inshore lumps and drops in 120 feet of water. These large fish are infamous for their razor-sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends using heavy single-stranded wire and a long-handled rod to catch one. The captain assists anglers fishing wahoo by moving the boat around and helping them stay in the right gear.
Whalos are bottom-based aggressive formations that like to hang around wrecks, pronounced ledges, and other types of weeds. They often prefer to strike 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 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 find a few wahoo, trolling offshore wrecks or humps is a good option.
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. For example, the three days immediately before and after the Full Moon, and the New Moon are prime times for wahoo fishing. During peak times, trolling should be done at either a medium or high speed. A boat capable of handling this extra speed will allow you to catch a wahoo.
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. 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. This is because the water temperature stays cool, making it more likely that wahoo will bite. May is a great time to light-tackle fish, even though the weather can change quickly. 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.
FAQ
Is it safe to eat fish caught by someone else?
Always ask your seller where you bought your fish. It's safe to eat if the fish doesn't have an expiration date. You shouldn't eat fish that smells or looks old.
Is fishing safe?
Fishing is very safe. Fishing is a great way to relax and enjoy nature. As long as you follow safety rules, you will have no problems.
When fishing, how far from shore should you stand?
The further you are from the shore the more likely it is that you will catch fish. This also increases your chances of getting wet.
What should I wear to fish?
Protect your skin from the elements with clothes. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and gloves are all good choices. Consider adding insect repellent.
What is your favorite bait for freshwater-fishing?
The best bait for freshwater fishing is live shrimp. Shrimp are affordable, simple to catch, and taste fantastic!
What kind of fishing license do I need?
If you plan to fish in state waters (i.e., lakes, rivers, and bays), you must purchase a fishing license. The state laws require that anglers obtain a valid fishing licence before they can fish. If you plan to fish in federal waters (i.e., oceans, Great Lakes, etc. Fishing licenses are not required if you plan to fish in federal waters. You will need a fishing license if you plan to take fish home.
Statistics
- 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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
Why would you need a spinning rod?
Spinning rods are used to cast your lure into water without having to leave the boat. If you don’t have the time or desire to get back in your boat quickly after each cast, it’s a great choice. A spinning rod will allow you to cast from any position, while maintaining control over your line. There are three components to the rod: handle, butt section and reel seat. You hold the rod with your fingers and grip the shaft. The butt section is where you attach the rod's tip to the hook. The reel seat is where the line is attached to the reel. There are many rod options available today. Some are designed to be used only for certain types of fishing, such as casting or trolling. Others are intended to be used for different purposes, such fly fishing or spin fishing, as well as bait fishing.
The type of fish that will be caught determines the type and size of the rod. For example, if you intend to catch large predatory species like pike or bass, you'll need a heavy-duty fishing rod. If you are targeting smaller species, such as trout and salmon, a lighter-weight rod may be more effective. You could even go so far as to buy several rod sizes depending on how big the fish you hope to catch is.
Spinning Rods aren't limited to freshwater fisherman. They are often used for saltwater fishermanship. Saltwater spinningrods are heavier than their freshwater counterparts. They require stronger materials in order to withstand saltwater. In addition, saltwater spinners usually feature a larger diameter rod with a shorter length. This allows them to cast farther distances. However, keep in mind that there are some downsides to using a spinning rod for saltwater fishing. Saltwater spinning reels come without reels, which is a big difference from freshwater rods. Instead, one must be purchased separately. They can also be very expensive. A spinning rod is worth your consideration if you enjoy catching larger fish.
Spin fishing is a method of angling in which a fisherman uses a spinning rod to cast a weighted lure into the water. When the lure moves through the water it turns around its weighted center point. This causes the lure's motion to be unpredictable in the water and makes it difficult for fishes to see. The lure could also be mistaken for food by fish and they may begin to eat it. The lure will therefore attract more fish. The lure's line can then be reeled in by a fisherman. Once the lure is recovered, the fisherman may continue this process until he has caught all the fish he desires.