Here are some tips for wahoo fishing in North Carolina. The following information will help to find the best catch, no matter if you are fishing from an offshore trolling vessel or using high-speed lures. And remember, there's no size limit for recreational catch of wahoo. It's easy to land a trophy fish if you hold the correct commercial licenses.
Offshore trolling
It is best to go offshore fishing for wahoo in North Carolina during the autumn, particularly late August and early September. The first signs of wahoo are seen in the waters close to Morehead City around mid to late august. Clear water with little to no current is the best for fishing. A ballyhoo rigged in plain form is a great standard bait for offshore trolling. Several other lures are also popular, including cedar plugs, Green Machines, and Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo have no fear of boats and prefer baits caught just below water's surface. This method is extremely popular in the Bahamas where artificials are pulled at speeds of up to twenty knots. Barracuda aren't a problem in the Carolinas. The ocean temperature rises and so does the wahoo. The temperatures of the water and the conditions for fishing are perfect for wahoo.
In the spring and fall, wahoo are the primary target. The timing of the transition from winter to spring determines when other species are likely to make an appearance. Historically, yellowfin tuna were the top target in the spring, but in recent years, they have been absent. While some are caught, the numbers are low. 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 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 itself should be positioned so that the wire pin is in line with the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos make great surface and seafloor fisherman.
Wahoos prefer to be in deeper water columns, but they can also be found in the sand or in the water. To attract wahoo strikes, ballyhoos should have a dark colored body. They are extremely aggressive and can move at lightning speed. Ballyhoos have the ability to lure other species 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. 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, coffee-colored stainless-steel wire leader is ideal for fishing for wahoo. A bridle should be attached to the leader. Planers come in three to sixteen sizes, and rigging is important for success. Capt. Weaver also mentions that wahoo can be 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
For chasing wahoo, a variety of high-speed trolling lures is ideal. These high-speed lures may be pulled with an inner trolling weight and put on a downrigger. When targeting big tuna or wahoo, dark colors are especially effective. These lures are strong and durable, so they can keep going even after you catch many fish. MagBay is another manufacturer of 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 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. Because of this, you need to use heavy lures with quality drag. Two people are required to gaff fish for maximum success.
The lip-plug is one of most popular types of high speed lures. These lures are often rigged in wire or cable. The lure can be bent by this method, which can result in the cable breaking. This wire is also less likely be bent or kinked, so it can run straighter. You can also use a clip to make changing lures more simple.
Floating debris
This trophy fish can be found in floatable debris. Whajoo are attracted to aggressive bottom formations such as wrecks and ledges. These structures are the ideal habitat for wahoo who will often stack up under 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 searching for a school, a fisherman should first inspect the floating debris for signs of dolphins. If there aren't any baitfish or dolphins in the area, he should just leave it alone. To get to the wahoo he will need a fast-retrieve reel that has a 6-to-1 gear ratio. A 4 to 6 ounce, diamond jig is recommended with a Mustad 3407 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 are not recommended. They have help hooks at the tip.
Wahoos are more likely to be found in cooler months when the water surface temperature is lower. This species prefers water with current and cooler temperatures. 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 prefer to move in migratory ways. They can migrate in the Atlantic through several regions such as the Gulf of Mexico (the Caribbean), the Gulf of Mexico (the Western Atlantic), and then 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. This large fish is known 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, which are aggressive bottom formations, like to hang around wrecks, pronounced edges, and other weedlines. They will often strike fast-moving baits. They will often remain near weedlines and trash in North Carolina. This makes them more likely to find a weedline or artificial lure. They can even be caught at speeds exceeding ten knots.
Although the wahoo is a year-round species, the best fishing for it occurs from July through September. 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. For example, you can try trolling around offshore humps or wrecks to find a few wahoo.
Peak times for feeding
Although there are many times throughout the year when wahoo-fishing is most productive, there are a few peak times during the month that are particularly productive. For example, the three days immediately before and after the Full Moon, and the New Moon are prime times for wahoo fishing. During these peak times, you should trolling at either a moderate or high 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 season for wahoo fishing. 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.
It is best to go after wahoo between October and March. These months are cooler than normal, which makes wahoo more inclined to 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. If you are looking for large fish, however, fishing can be done in late April or early May.
FAQ
How often do I need to change my lures
Change your lures once a day. After too much exposure to the sun, lures will lose their effectiveness.
Are there different types of lures?
There are many types of lures. Some lures have been specifically designed for certain fish species. Some lures mimic insects, frogs or crayfish while others are designed to mimic grasshoppers, worms, and other frogs. There are many types of lures. Some lures look like real bugs.
Do I require special fishing licenses?
If you intend to take fish outside of your state or cross county lines, no. Many states allow anglers fishing without a license. Find out the requirements by contacting your local Fish & Wildlife authority.
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How To
How to perfectly cast a fishing rod
First, you need to know how to cast a fishing line. Keep the rod slightly off the body, so the line is parallel to it. Keep the rod's tip parallel to the water when you move it forward. The fish won't eat if the tip touches water's surface sooner than the line reaches bottom. This technique can be used to increase distance between the tip and water surface.
If you don't feel comfortable casting a rod yet, here are some tips to make it easier.
Begin by holding the rod close 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. You can rest the rod securely, while also holding the reel.
Third, consider getting a small reel over a more expensive one. A cheaper spinning reel will let you cast farther distances and help you improve your hand-eye coordination.
A fourth option is to purchase a fishing rod holder. These holders are made to securely hold the rod while maintaining its upright position. These holders are easy to store and protect your rod from damage.
Fifth, practice casting until your muscles get used to it. Casting a fishing rod takes practice.
Sixth, patience and perseverance are the keys to fishing success. You must wait for the right moment to strike and then fight hard to bring the fish in.