Here are some tips to help you make the most of your wahoo fishing trip to North Carolina. These tips will help you get the best catch whether you fish offshore or with high-speed lures. There is no limit on recreational catch of wahoo. It's easy to land a trophy fish if you hold the correct commercial licenses.
Offshore trolling
Offshore fishing for wahoo is best in the fall, especially in late August or early September. The waters near Morehead City start to see wahoo in mid- to late August. Clear, calm water and little current are the best conditions for fishing. A ballyhoo rigged in plain form is a great standard bait for offshore trolling. Many other lures are also very popular, such as cedar sticks, Green Machines, or Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo do not fear boats and prefer baits that are fished below the surface. This method is extremely popular in the Bahamas where artificials are pulled at speeds of up to twenty knots. Barracuda is not an issue in the Carolinas. Wahoos also respond to ocean temperatures rising. The water temperature and conditions for fishing are ideal for wahoo.
Wahoo is the main target in spring and autumn. However, the timing of the winter to spring transition determines when other species will make an appearance. Yellowfin tuna has been the top target for spring fish in the past. However, in recent years they have been absent. Although some fish are caught, their numbers are very low. This makes the catch more rewarding. The tactics of five successful captains may interest you if your interests lie in trolling at high speeds.
Ballyhoos
When it comes to catching wahoo, Ballyhoos are the best bait to use. You can freeze the bait, or you can retrieve it fresh using a trolling-size Jhook. The hook itself should be in line with fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos can be used for both surface and deep-sea fishing.
Wahoos prefer to be in deeper water columns, but they can also be found in the sand or in the water. Ballyhoos should be of a dark color to attract strikes from wahoo. They are extremely aggressive and can move at lightning speed. Ballyhoos are also very effective at luring different types of fish.
Ballyhoos, the most effective wahoo baits in North Carolina waters, are best. Ballyhoos come with a variety 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.
For fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee colored stainless steel wire leader works well. A bridle should be attached to the leader. You can find planers in three to sixteen sizes. Rigging is crucial for success. Capt. Weaver also notes that wahoo are a common target. If you are planning on targeting wahoo, rigging a planer with a bridle will help you to find the sweet spot.
High-speed lures
High-speed trolling lures can be used to target wahoo. These lures can be pulled using an inline trolling weight, and then placed on a planer or downrigger. Dark colors work especially well when targeting wahoo or big tuna. They are also very durable and will continue to run even after they catch a lot of fish. Other manufacturers of high-speed trolling lures include MagBay and Nomad.
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 run at speeds of 60 mph and strike lures at 18 miles per hour. This is the average transiting lure's speed in two to four feet waves. You should therefore use heavy lures that have 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 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. This wire is also less likely to bend and kink, so it can run straighter. A clip can be used to make changing lures simpler.
Floating debris
This trophy fish can be found in floatable debris. Whajoo will only eat wrecks, ledges, or floating debris as their preferred bottom habitat. These structures provide the perfect habitat for wahoo, who tend to stack up underneath these items. As it is often able to work under these obstacles, floating debris is another excellent place to target this species of fish. Floating debris is also a great way to find these magnificent fish in their schools.
Before locating a school of wahoo, a fisherman must first check the floating debris for dolphins. If there are no dolphins or other baitfish in the area, 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 six-ounce diamond jig with a double-strength Mustad 3407 hook is recommended. The jigs should be large enough to protect a fluorocarbon leader 60 pounds in weight and a floating if the bait is caught in the debris. They should not be Butterfly-style, as they have help hooks at their top.
The water surface temperature in cooler months is lower, increasing the likelihood of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers cooler water and areas 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 temperature of the water surface decreases, the fish population is more likely to move to these areas. This is when the fishing in these areas is 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 may travel through the Atlantic in a series of regions, including the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean. Then they will move on to the Western Atlantic. These fish are dependent on water temperature and currents to determine the structure they inhabit.
Whalos, which are structure-oriented in their fall, frequent inshore drops and lumps in 120 feet or more of water. These large fish are known for their sharp jaws. To catch one, Hagerich recommends heavy single-strand wire and a heavy-duty rod. A captain is helpful when fishing for wahoos by helping anglers stay on the water and bumping the boat.
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. In North Carolina, they often linger near weedlines and debris. This means they are more likely strike a lure or weedline. They can even be caught at speeds exceeding ten knots.
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 times are for food
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. You should wahoo-fish on the days immediately preceding and following the Full Moon and New Moon. During peak times, trolling should be done at either a medium or high speed. You can catch a wahoo as long as your boat is capable of handling the extra speed.
Summer is the best time of year to go wahoo fishing. The best time to target these fish is on the ledges and structure between the 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.
October to March is the best time to target wahoo. Because the water is cool, wahoo are more likely to bite during these months. May is a great time to light-tackle fish, even though the weather can change quickly. Blue-crystal will be the best bait if you go on a fishing trip during this time. For big fish, however you might want to try fishing in late April and/or early May.
FAQ
Where can I find good fishing guides?
The services offered by fishing guides are numerous. You can get advice about the best areas to fish in, tips for catching certain types of fish and even how to use various types of equipment.
How much are basic fishing tools?
Basic fishing equipment can be purchased for between $100-$200. This includes rod/reel combos and bait as well as a tackle box. You will need to spend $500-$1000 if you plan to rent a larger boat.
How big should my tacklebox 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 long does it take to catch fish?
It depends on how big the fish is and what level of skill the fisherman has. A fish can be caught in between one and an hour. The longer you wait, the better chance you have of catching a big fish.
How long does it take for a fisherman to be an expert?
You will need years of experience to become an expert fisherman. To become a better fisherman, you will need to learn new techniques and increase your skill.
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)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
External Links
How To
How do I clean fishing gear?
There are many options when it comes to cleaning your fishing equipment. Some of them are very basic, while others require advanced techniques. You can use soap and warm water. You should always ensure you rinse the item thoroughly after washing it. There is a possibility that dirt may remain inside the item, which can lead to bacteria growth. If this happens, it can lead to bad odors and even more serious infections. A good way to prevent this is to dry the items completely before storing them. Another thing that you should keep in mind when doing any type of cleaning is to avoid touching the surface of the item. Touching something that is dirty can spread germs.
Other than washing your gear with soap and water, there are other ways to enhance the quality of your fishing equipment. Special detergents and solvents may be necessary depending on what type of gear you have. There are certain things that you should never use, though, because they could damage your goods. Bleach is one of them. Bleach is known for dissolving plastic and metal so you should not use it to clean your fishing gear. Use warm water and a dishwashing liquid instead. You should only use dishwashing liquids made specifically for cleaning fish. Dishwashing liquids contain enzymes and chemicals that help break down organic materials such as scales, slime, and blood. They also contain surfactants, which help to remove dirt and grime. However, if you're worried about removing stains, you should consider using a stain remover. Most stains are caused by oil and fats that have remained on the gear's surface. Applying stain removers directly on the area from which the oil or fat has come is a good way to remove it without causing any damage to the underlying material.
You'll find many options in your local home improvement shop if you are looking for cleaner solutions for your fishing gear. There are many types of cleaners you can find in stores. Some can be used to clean small amounts of grease and others for larger amounts. You can choose one that suits your needs best.