Here are some tips for wahoo fishing in North Carolina. You can fish with any of the high-speed lures or an offshore trolling boat to catch the best catch. The recreational catch limit of wahoo is not set. And as long as you're holding the appropriate commercial licenses, you'll have 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. In mid to late August, wahoo start showing up in the waters near Morehead City. The fishing is most productive when the water is clear and has little or no current. For offshore trolling, the best bait is a simple ballyhoo. 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 technique is very popular at the Bahamas, where boats can pull artificials up to twenty knees. Barracuda is not an issue in the Carolinas. The ocean temperature rises and so does the wahoo. The water temperature and conditions for fishing are ideal for wahoo.
In spring and summer, wahoo is the primary target. However, the timing of the winter to spring transition determines when other species will make an appearance. In the spring, yellowfin tuna used to be the main target, but this has changed in recent years. Although some are caught occasionally, the number of them is very small. This has made it more rewarding to catch them. 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
Ballyhoos make the best bait when it comes to catching 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 must be placed in a way that the wire pin touches the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos are great for surface and seafloor fishing.
Wahoos usually prefer the deeper water column but can be found on the sand as well as in the water. To attract wahoo strikes to your ballyhoo, you should choose a dark-colored ballyhoo. They are fast and aggressive, reaching speeds of up to 125 mph in just seconds. Ballyhoos have the ability to lure other species fish.
Ballyhoos are the most effective wahoo lures in the waters off North Carolina. Ballyhoos are available in many colors and textures. If properly fished, a ballyhoo may catch wahoo right in its natural waters. Ballyhoos are a great bait for wahoo. You should invest in a hard lure if you have a planer rod such as a Yozuri Bonita, or a 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. The sizes of planers range from three to sixteen, and the importance of rigging for success is paramount. 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 high-speed lures are easily pulled by an inline weight and can be placed on a downrigger, planer, or other support device. When targeting big tuna or wahoo, dark colors are especially effective. These lures can also be durable and continue running even after catching many 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 travel at 60 mph, while strike lures travel at 18 mph. This is the average speed of a transiting lure traveling at two to four feet per second. You should therefore use heavy lures that have quality drag. Gaffing the fish should be done by two people for maximum success.
The lip plug is one of the most popular high-speed lures. These lures are usually rigged with wire and cable. 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. To make it easier to change lures, you can use a clip.
Floating debris
This is a great area to hunt this trophy fish. Whajoo prefer aggressive bottom formations, such as wrecks, ledges, and floating debris. These structures offer the perfect habitat for wahoos, who often pile up under them. Another great spot to target this fish is floating debris. It often works well beneath these obstacles. Floating debris can help you locate schools of these majestic fish.
Before searching for a school, a fisherman should first inspect the floating debris for signs of dolphins. He should not attempt to fish in areas that aren't home to baitfish or dolphins. To get to the wahoo he will need a fast-retrieve reel that has a 6-to-1 gear ratio. It is recommended to use a 4 to 6 ounce diamond jig and a Mustad 3407 double-strength 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 do not work - the hooks on the top are for assistance.
During the cooler months, the water surface temperature is cooler, increasing the odds 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 fish population will move to these areas as the temperature drops. These areas are the best for fishing during this time.
Structure
The Gulf of Mexico may have an unusual structure for wahoo fisherman in North Carolina. Wahoo prefer to move in migratory ways. 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. The structure that these fish inhabit is based on currents and water temperature.
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 well-known 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, which are aggressive bottom formations, like to hang around wrecks, pronounced edges, and other weedlines. They often prefer to strike fast-moving baits. They are often found near weedlines or debris in North Carolina. This makes them more likely to find a weedline or artificial lure. They can be caught at speeds as high as ten knots.
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
While there are many times of the year when wahoo fishing can be very productive, there are certain peak times in the month you should focus on for the best results. 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.
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. The average wahoo weighs around 25 pounds, but 50-pounders are not uncommon. 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 is the best bait to catch wahoo if you plan a trip during this period. For big fish, however you might want to try fishing in late April and/or early May.
FAQ
What is your favorite bait for freshwater-fishing?
Live shrimp is the best bait available for freshwater fisherman. Shrimp are affordable, simple to catch, and taste fantastic!
Can I fish throughout the day?
Fishing is allowed at all times of the day. You can only fish during bans.
What is the maximum amount I can expect to spend on fishing gear
Fishing gear doesn't need to cost a lot. There are many cheap options. For example, you could buy a cheap reel, line, and hook. Or you could invest in a quality rod and reel set.
Where can I buy my fishing supplies?
All of these items are available in most sporting goods stores. Online shopping is a good option if you are searching for something particular. Many websites sell everything from rods and reels to tackle boxes and lures.
Statistics
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- 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)
External Links
How To
Why should you use a spinning rod?
Spinning Rods can be used to cast your lure directly into the water, without needing to leave the boat. It's a great choice if you don't want to lose too much time getting back into the boat after every cast. A spinning rod is designed to allow you to make casts from any position while still maintaining control of your line. There are three major components to the rod; handle, butt and reel section. The handle is the part that holds the rod in your hand and grips the shaft. The rod's tips are attached to the hook by the butt portion. The reel seat is where the line is attached to the reel. There are many different types of rods available today. Some rods are made for fishing specific techniques, like trolling or casting. Others can be used in a variety ways, such as fly fishing and spin fishing.
The type of rod you select depends on what kind of fish you plan to catch. For example, if you target large predatory species like bass or pike, you would probably want a heavy-duty rod. If you are fishing for smaller species, such a trout or salmon, a lighter weight rod may work better. You could even go so far as to buy several rod sizes depending on how big the fish you hope to catch is.
Spinning Rods can be used for more than just freshwater fishing. They are commonly used for saltwater fishing too. Saltwater spinning rods weigh more than their freshwater counterparts, as they need stronger materials to withstand saltwater's harsh conditions. Saltwater spinners often have a longer rod but a smaller diameter. They can cast further distances because of this. However, keep in mind that there are some downsides to using a spinning rod for saltwater fishing. First, saltwater spinningrods don't come with reels. Instead, you will have to buy one separately. You will also find them quite expensive. If you love catching bigger fish, then a spinning rod may be something to consider.
A method of fishing that involves using a spinning rod and a weighted lure to cast into the water is called spin fishing. When the lure moves through the water it turns around its weighted center point. This causes the lure's motion to be unpredictable in the water and makes it difficult for fishes to see. Fish may mistakenly consider the lure food and begin eating it. This will make the lure more attractive to fish. The fisherman can then reel in the line attached to the lure. After the lure is retrieved, the fisherman can continue the process until he has caught the desired number.