These are some helpful tips for anyone who wants to learn how to wahoo fish in North Carolina. These tips will help you get the best catch whether you fish offshore or with high-speed lures. You don't have to catch a wahoo recreationally. It's easy to land a trophy fish if you hold the correct commercial licenses.
Offshore trolling
The fall is the best time to trot offshore for wahoo fishing, especially in North Carolina. The waters near Morehead City start to see wahoo in mid- to late August. Fishing is best when there is little or no current. For offshore trolling, a ballyhoo rigged plainly is a good choice of bait. You can also use cedar plugs or Green Machines as lures.
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. However, in the Carolinas, Barracuda are not a problem. As the ocean temperature rises, so do the wahoo. For wahoo fishing, the waters are ideal and there are great conditions.
In spring and fall, wahoo will be the main target. Other species may appear depending on the time of the winter-spring transition. In the spring, yellowfin tuna used to be the main target, but this has changed in recent years. While there are some caught, they are few. The catch has been made even more rewarding by this. 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
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 positioned so that the wire pin is in line with the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos have a great reputation for 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 to your ballyhoo, you should choose a dark-colored ballyhoo. They can run at incredible speeds and are very aggressive. Ballyhoos have the ability to lure other species fish.
Ballyhoos can be used as wahoo-lure in 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 are a great bait for wahoo. If you own a planer, you should consider purchasing a hard bait, such as a Yozuri Bonita or Braid Marauder. These lures come in many colors such as purple/black or pink/black.
A single-strand stainless steel wire leader in coffee-colored stainless will be a good choice for fishing for wahoo. The leader should have an attached bridle. Planers come in three to sixteen sizes, and rigging is important for success. Capt. Weaver also mentions that wahoo can be a common target. If you're planning to target wahoo you should rig your planer with a harness.
High-speed lures
For chasing wahoo, a variety of high-speed trolling lures is ideal. These lures can be pulled using an inline trolling weight, and then placed on a planer or downrigger. For big tuna and wahoo, the dark colors work well. They are also durable and keep running straight after catching a lot of fish. MagBay, Nomad and Nomad are other manufacturers of high-speed trolling baits.
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 hit speeds of 60 mph with strike lures travelling at 18 MPH. This is the average transiting luring lure at a speed of two to four feet. It is important to use heavy lures and high 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 usually have wire or cable rigged to them. 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 can also be run straighter as it is less likely that it will bend or kink. Also, try using a clip to make changing lures easier.
Floating debris
This trophy fish can be found in floatable debris. Whajoo like to be found in bottom formations that are aggressive, such as wrecks or ledges. These structures create the perfect habitat environment for wahoos who like to stack up beneath these items. This is a great place to target this fish because it works well underneath 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 is no baitfish or dolphins, the fisherman should let it go. To reach the wahoo, he must use a fast-retrieve rod with a 6-to-1 ratio. A 4- to 6-ounce diamond jig, with a Mustad3407 hook of double strength is recommended. 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 do not work - the hooks on the top are for assistance.
The water surface temperature drops in the cooler months, which increases the chances of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers areas with water that is cooler and more current. Satellite imagery can monitor the temperature surface to determine if any slight changes will cause a higher level of Wahoo. The temperature of the water surface drops, which means that the fish population moves to these areas more often. These areas are the best for fishing during this time.
Structure
A few exceptions may exist in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo follow migratory patterns. 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 are dependent on water temperature and currents to determine the structure they inhabit.
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 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 are aggressive bottom formations and like to hang around pronounced ledges, wrecks, and other weed lines. They prefer to strike fast-moving lures. They will often remain near weedlines and trash 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 fishing season for the wahoo can be found from July to September. 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 feeding times
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. The best times to wahoo fish are the days immediately prior and after the Full Moon and the New Moon. These peak times are best when you trolling at a high or normal speed. And as long as you have a boat that can handle the extra speed, you can expect to catch a wahoo.
Summer is the best period to fish for wahoo. The best place to fish for these fish is between Jupiter inlets and Stuart islands. The average wahoo weights in at 25 to 25 pounds. However, there are often 50-pounders. During this prime time, you'll be able to catch both a large wahoo and a smaller one.
October to March is the best time to target wahoo. Because the water is cool, wahoo are more likely to bite during these months. Although May weather can be unpredictable, it is usually the best month for light-tackle fishing. If you're planning a trip during this time, the best bait for wahoo is blue-crystal. However, if you're looking for big fish, you can try fishing during late April and early May.
FAQ
What happens if a person is caught fishing illegally
Your license could be suspended or revoked. Before you go out fishing, it's crucial that you understand the rules.
Can I fish throughout the day?
Fishing is allowed at all times of the day. The only time you cannot fish is during times when there is a ban on fishing.
What is the best time to fish?
Early morning or late afternoon is the best time to fish. During these times, the fish are feeding and moving around.
What should I wear when fishing?
Wear clothes that protect you from the elements. It's a good idea to have gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. Consider adding insect repellent.
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)
- 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)
External Links
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. Move the rod forward by keeping the rod's tip perpendicular the water. If the tip hits the water's surface before the line reaches the bottom, the fish won't bite. This technique can be used to increase distance between the tip and water surface.
These tips will help you feel more comfortable casting a fishing rod.
First, hold the rod as close to your chest as possible. This way, you can easily control the rod's direction without bending down.
If you are casting a large rod, it is a good idea to put a tripod on the shoreline. By doing this, you'll be able to rest the rod securely while holding the reel.
A third option is to buy a smaller reel than 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 is another option. These holders are designed to keep the rod upright and hold it securely. These holders can be stored away easily after each use, and they protect the rod from being damaged.
Fifth, practice casting until your muscles get used to it. Casting a fish rod is a skill that takes time.
Sixth, patience will be your key to successful fishing. Wait for the right time to strike, then work hard to catch the fish.