Here are some tips to help you make the most of your wahoo fishing trip to North Carolina. You can fish with any of the high-speed lures or an offshore trolling boat to catch the best catch. Remember that recreational wahoo catch is unlimited. 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. The waters near Morehead City start to see wahoo in mid- to late August. Fishing is best when there is little or no current. A standard bait for offshore trolling is a ballyhoo in its plain form. There are many other lures available, such as cedar plugs, Green Machines and Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo do not fear boats and prefer baits that are fished below the surface. This method is quite popular in the Bahamas, where boats pull artificials at speeds of twenty knots. Barracuda aren't a problem in the Carolinas. Wahoo also increases in temperature as the ocean heats up. Wahoo can fish in perfect conditions due to the ocean temperature and fishing conditions.
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 there are some caught, they are few. 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
Ballyhoos is the best bait to catch 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 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. To attract wahoo strikes, ballyhoos should have a dark colored body. They can be aggressive and reach speeds of up to 30 mph in a matter of seconds. Ballyhoos are also effective in luring other types of 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 can also be used as wahoo bait. If you own a planer, you should consider purchasing a hard bait, such as a Yozuri Bonita or Braid Marauder. You can find them in many colors including pink/black or purple/black.
When fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee-colored stainless steel wire leader will work well. A bridle should be attached on the leader. Planers come in three to sixteen sizes, and rigging is important for success. Capt. Weaver also points out that wahoo is a common target. You can target wahoo by rigging a planer using a bridle.
High-speed lures
You can target wahoo with a variety high-speed trolling baits. These high-speed lures can be pulled with an inline trolling weight and placed on a downrigger or planer. Particularly effective when targeting large tuna or wahoo, dark colors work well. They are also very durable and will continue to run even after they catch a lot of 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. Wahoo can reach speeds of 60mph and strike lures traveling at 18 mph. 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. 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. However, this can cause damage to the lure if the lure is bent. This is why it's a good idea to get a multi-stranded wire. The wire can also run straighter because it is less likely to bend or kink. A clip can be used to make changing lures simpler.
Floating debris
This is a great spot to catch this trophy fish. Whajoo will only eat wrecks, ledges, or floating debris as their preferred bottom habitat. These structures offer the perfect habitat for wahoos, who often pile up under them. The best place to target this fish is also floating debris. This material often works under these obstacles. You can also use floating debris to locate these magnificent fish schools.
Before fishing for wahoo schools, it is important to inspect any 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 should use a fast reel with a 6-to-1 speed ratio. A 4 to six-ounce diamond jig with a double-strength Mustad 3407 hook is recommended. A jig should have enough length to hold a 60-pound fluorocarbon lead and a float in case the bait becomes caught in the debris. Butterfly-style jigs should not exist - they have assistance hooks at its top.
Wahoos are more likely to be found in cooler months when the water surface temperature is lower. 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. As the water temperature drops, the fish population tends to move to these locations. This time is when fishing in these areas can be at its best.
Structure
The structure of North Carolina's wahoo fishing may be unusual in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo tend to travel in migratory patterns. They might travel in the Atlantic through the following regions: the Caribbean Gulf of Mexico; the Western Atlantic; and then on to the eastern Atlantic. These fish are dependent on water temperature and currents to determine the structure they inhabit.
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. Hagerich recommends using heavy single-stranded wire and a long-handled rod to catch one. Captains help anglers fish a wahoo by shifting the boat into and out of gear.
Whalos are bottom-based aggressive formations that like to hang around wrecks, pronounced ledges, and other types of weeds. They like to strike fast moving baits. In North Carolina, they often linger near weedlines and debris. This means that they are more likely to strike a weedline or an artificial lure. They can be caught at speeds up to ten miles per hour.
The best fishing season for the wahoo can be found from July to September. These fish prefer warmer Gulf Stream waters, and if you are looking for a good place to target them, the structure of wahoo fishing in North Carolina will give you plenty of options. You can trolling around wrecks and offshore humps to catch a few wahoo.
Peak hours feeding
Although there are many times of year that wahoo fishing proves to be productive, there is a specific time of the month when it is at its best. These are the best days to fish for wahoo, such as the days just before and after a Full Moon or the New Moon. During peak times, trolling should be done at either a medium or high speed. If your boat is capable to handle the additional speed, you will be able 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. Wahoos average around 25 pounds in weight, with 50-pounders not uncommon. You can catch both large and small wahoos during this time.
You can target wahoo from October through March. These months see a cooler water temperature, making wahoo easier to catch. May is a great time to light-tackle fish, even though the weather can change quickly. If you're planning a trip during this time, the best bait for wahoo is blue-crystal. You can also fish during the latter part of April and May if you want big fish.
FAQ
How big should my tackle box be?
Because you will need ample space to store your fishing gear, a large tackle box is essential. Tackle boxes range in size depending on the number of items stored inside.
How much is basic fishing gear?
Basic fishing equipment starts at $100-$200, including rod/reel and bait combos, as well as tackle boxes and bait. For a larger boat, you will need to pay between $500 and $1,000.
What type is the best fishing license?
A fishing license is required if you intend to fish in state waters, i.e. lakes, rivers and bays. A valid fishing license is required by state law for anglers before they can fish. If you plan to fish within federal waters (e.g. Great Lakes, oceans), a license is required. Fishing licenses are not required if you plan to fish in federal waters. However, you will need to check with the authorities before you take any fish home.
Statistics
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.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
Find the Best Fishing Spot
You must decide what type of fish you want. This will help you find the best fishing spots. You need to decide if you want deep sea fishing, or shallow water fishing. Deep sea fishing requires a boat. This is expensive. Shallow water fishing is done from shore, so there's no cost involved. You should choose shallow water fishing if you are interested in trout fishing. You'll need to travel to deeper water if you are looking for barracuda.
There are many different types of fishing spots, depending on your preferences. Some locations offer only one type while others offer many options. For instance, some locations are known for their bass fish fishing and others for fly fishing. Others are known for their shark fishing, crabbing, and other activities.
The best way to figure out where to go depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay, and what you like doing. Do you enjoy camping? Perhaps you would like to visit a campsite near a water source. Are you more interested in city life? Perhaps you prefer the beaches. Perhaps you even like to go canoeing, sailing or scuba diving.
It doesn't matter if you don’t know anything about fishing. You could always ask someone who does. They could tell you about all kinds of things, including where to go.
You might also consider searching online for "fishing places near me". This will give a lot of options. You can narrow down your options by reading customer reviews and rating. Many websites allow you to do so.
Once you've decided on a specific location, make sure to visit it before you leave. It is not always easy to find the right way, so make sure you have directions. Be sure to have all you will need. You should also bring bait, sunscreen, and a tackle box.
It is also a good idea research the weather conditions at the fishing spot. Check the forecast and see when the best times are to go. If the weather changes, you might want to change your plans.
You can now plan your trip once you know where you are going. The next step is deciding what you're going to use to fish.