Here are some tips to make your trip more enjoyable if you want to try wahoo-fishing in North Carolina. This information will help you catch the best fish, whether you fish from an off-shore trolling boat or one of the many high speed lures. And remember, there's no size limit for recreational catch of wahoo. And as long as you're holding the appropriate commercial licenses, you'll have no problem landing a trophy fish.
Offshore trolling
The fall is the best time to trot offshore for wahoo fishing, especially in North Carolina. Wahoo begin to appear in the waters around Morehead City from mid-to late August. Clear, calm water and little current are the best conditions for fishing. For offshore trolling, the best bait is a simple ballyhoo. There are many other lures available, such as cedar plugs, Green Machines and Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo have no fear of boats and prefer baits caught just below water's 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. Wahoos also respond to ocean temperatures rising. For wahoo fishing, the waters are ideal and there are great conditions.
In spring and summer, wahoo is 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. Although some fish are caught, their numbers are very low. The catch has been made even more rewarding by this. If you are interested in high-speed trolling techniques, you might want to read about five successful captains.
Ballyhoos
When it comes to catching wahoo, Ballyhoos are the best bait to use. 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 that the wire pin is directly 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 be aggressive and reach speeds of up to 30 mph in a matter of seconds. Ballyhoos have the ability to lure other species fish.
Ballyhoos are the most effective wahoo lures in the waters off North Carolina. Ballyhoos come with a variety 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. 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. The leader should have an attached bridle. There are three to sixteen sizes of planers, so rigging is essential 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
High-speed trolling lures can be used to target wahoo. These high-speed lures are easily pulled by an inline weight and can be placed on a downrigger, planer, or other support device. 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 is another manufacturer of high-speed trolling lures.
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. 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 the most popular high-speed lures. These lures are usually rigged with wire and cable. This method can lead to the lure breaking if it is bent. Therefore, multi-strand cables are recommended. The wire will also be less likely bend and kink so it can run straighter. To make it easier to change lures, you can use a clip.
Floating debris
This is a great spot to catch this trophy fish. Whajoo are attracted to aggressive bottom formations such as wrecks and 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 may also be a good way to spot these majestic fish schools.
Before looking for schools of wahoo, the fisherman needs to first examine any floating debris in the area. If there are no baitfish, or dolphins around the area, then he should leave it alone. He should also use a fast retrieve reel with a 6-to-1 gear to reach the wahoo. A 4 to 6 ounce, diamond jig is recommended with a Mustad 3407 hook. Jigs should be long enough to protect a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and a float if the bait gets entangled in the debris. Butterfly-style jigs do not work - the hooks on the top are for assistance.
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. Use satellite imagery to monitor surface temperature to determine whether any small changes in the temperature will bring in a higher concentration of Wahoo. As the water temperature drops, the fish population tends to move to these locations. During this time, the fishing is the best in these areas.
Structure
The Gulf of Mexico may have an unusual structure for wahoo fisherman in North Carolina. Wahoo follow 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. This is determined by the currents and the water temperature.
Whalos have a structure-oriented fall. They are attracted to inshore lumps and drops of up to 120 feet. These large fish are well-known for their razor sharp jaws. Hagerich suggests heavy single-strand wire and heavy-duty rods to capture 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 like to strike fast moving baits. They are often found near weedlines or debris in North Carolina. They are more likely than others to be caught near weedlines or artificial lures. They can be caught at speeds up to ten miles per hour.
The best time to catch wahoo is from July through September. The fish prefer warm Gulf Stream waters and North Carolina's wahoo fishing structure will provide plenty of opportunities to catch them. For example, you can try trolling around offshore humps or wrecks to find a few wahoo.
Feeding peak times
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. Three days before and after the Full Moon as well as the New Moon are prime times to go wahoo fishing. You should be trolling at a normal or high speed during these peak times. If your boat is capable to handle the additional speed, you will be able catch a wahoo.
Summer is the best time of year to go wahoo fishing. These fish are best caught on the structures and ledges between Jupiter and Stuart Inlets. A wahoo is about 25 pounds on average, but there are 50-pounders available. During prime time you will be able catch both a large and a smaller wahoo.
You can target wahoo from October through March. This is because the water temperature stays cool, making it more likely that wahoo will bite. Even though May's weather is unpredictable, it's generally the best month to light-tackle fish. Blue-crystal, which is the best bait when fishing for wahoo, is recommended if you're considering a trip in this season. You can still fish for big fish in the late April and early mai, though.
FAQ
What happens to me if I'm caught fishing illegally?
Fines, jail time and even the loss of your fishing licence could be your options. It is crucial to understand the rules before you fish.
Where can I find quality fishing guides?
There are many services that fishing guides can offer. They can advise you on the best areas to fish, give tips on catching particular types of fish, and even teach how to use different types fishing equipment.
What can I do to get my children interested in fishing?
Absolutely! Fishing is a favorite pastime of children. Children who learn to fish are likely to never stop. There are many things you can do to encourage your child to try fishing. To encourage them to fish, you can teach them how knots are made, how to build a fishing line, and what fishing etiquette is. They could be shown pictures of fish and told stories about fishing.
Is it possible to fish at night or during the day?
Yes, but you will need to ensure that you are using artificial light. Fisherman use artificial lights to lure fish. They work well after the sun sets as fish become more active in the dark.
How often should my lures be changed?
Change your lures once a day. If left in the sun for too much time, lures can lose their effectiveness.
Statistics
- 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)
- 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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How to Cast a Fishing Rod Perfectly
The first thing you must know when casting a fishing rod is to use your wrist to move the rod's handle smoothly towards the water. You should hold the rod at a slight angle to ensure the line is parallel with the ground. As you move the rod forward, ensure that the rod tip is perpendicular with the water's surface. Fish won't bite if the rod's tip touches the surface of the water before it reaches the bottom. This technique will increase the distance between the rod's tip and the water surface.
If you don't feel comfortable casting a rod yet, here are some tips to make it easier.
To begin, keep the rod as close to you chest as possible. By doing this, the rod will move in the right direction and you won't have to bend.
You may also want to place a tripod along the shoreline or on top of a rock ledge when casting heavy rods. This will allow you secure your rod and reel while keeping it in place.
You might also consider purchasing a small reel rather than an expensive one. A spinning reel that is inexpensive will enable you to cast further distances and improve your hand-eye coordination.
A fishing pole holder might be another option. These holders are designed to keep the rod upright and hold it securely. These holders are easy-to-store and prevent rod damage.
Fifth, practice casting until your muscles get used to it. Casting a fish rod is a skill that takes time.
Sixth, patience is the key to successful fishing. Wait for the right time to strike, then work hard to catch the fish.