Bass Fishing

Wahoo Fishing NC- How to Catch the Big Ones

By Dylan Smith 09/09/2022 6 mins read

These are some helpful tips for anyone who wants to learn how to wahoo fish in North Carolina. Whether you're fishing from an offshore trolling boat or using one of the many high-speed lures, the following information will help you find the best catch. There is no limit on recreational catch of wahoo. You'll be able to land a trophy fish as long as your commercial licenses are valid.

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. The fishing is most productive when the water is clear and has little or no current. For offshore trolling, a ballyhoo rigged plainly is a good choice of bait. There are many other lures available, such as cedar plugs, Green Machines and Wahoo Whackers.

Whajoo don't fear boats and prefer to fish just below the surface. This method is quite popular in the Bahamas, where boats pull artificials at speeds of twenty knots. Barracuda in the Carolinas are not a problem. Wahoo also increases in temperature as the ocean heats up. For wahoo fishing, the waters are ideal and there are great conditions.

The primary targets are wahoo in the spring and fall. However, the timing of the winter to spring transition determines when other species will make an appearance. The yellowfin and bluefin tuna have historically been the top targets in spring. But they are now absent. Although some do get caught, there are not many. This has made the catch even more rewarding. You might be interested in learning more about the techniques of five experienced captains if you are looking for a high-speed trolling method.

Ballyhoos

Ballyhoos make the best bait when it comes to catching Wahoo. 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 make great surface and seafloor fisherman.

Wahoos usually prefer the deeper water column but can be found on the sand as well as in the water. Ballyhoos should be of a dark color to attract strikes from wahoo. They can be aggressive and reach speeds of up to 30 mph in a matter of seconds. Ballyhoos can also be used to lure other species of fish.

Ballyhoos are one of the most effective wahoo luring devices in the waters around North Carolina. Ballyhoos are available in many colors and textures. A ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its own waters if it is fished properly. Ballyhoos also make excellent wahoo bait. A planer rod is a good choice for a hard lure. You can invest in either a Yo-zuri Bonita (or a Braid Marauder). You can find them in many colors including pink/black or purple/black.

For fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee colored stainless steel wire leader works well. A bridle should be attached to the leader. There are three to sixteen sizes of planers, so rigging is essential 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

A variety of high-speed trolling lures are ideal for targeting wahoo. These high speed lures can also be pulled with an inside trolling weight. Particularly effective when targeting large tuna or wahoo, dark colors work well. These lures are durable and can be used for many 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 travel at 60 mph, while strike lures travel at 18 mph. That's the speed of an average transiting bait in two- to four-foot waves. This is why you should use quality drag and heavy lures. 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 often rigged in wire or cable. This method can lead to the lure breaking if it is bent. Therefore, multi-strand cables are recommended. This wire is also less likely be bent or kinked, 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 offer the perfect habitat for wahoos, who often pile up under them. As it is often able to work under these obstacles, floating debris is another excellent place to target this species of fish. Floating debris can help you locate schools of these majestic fish.

Before fishing for wahoo schools, it is important to inspect any floating debris for dolphins. If there is no baitfish or dolphins, the fisherman should let it go. To get to the wahoo he will need a fast-retrieve reel that has a 6-to-1 gear ratio. A 4 to six-ounce diamond jig with a double-strength Mustad 3407 hook is recommended. 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 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 cool water and places with current. Satellite imagery can be used for monitoring the temperature at the surface. This will allow you to see if any small changes could result in a higher number of Wahoo. The fish population will move to these areas as the temperature drops. 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 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. This is determined by the currents and the water temperature.

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. Hagerich recommends using heavy single-stranded wire and a long-handled rod to catch one. Fishing a wahoo requires that the captain bumps the boat in and off of gear to help the angler stay steady.

Whalos are aggressive bottom forms and love to hang around wrecks, ledges, or other weed lines. They are more likely to take fast-moving baits. They will often remain near weedlines and trash in North Carolina. This means they are more likely strike a lure or weedline. They can be caught at speeds as high as ten knots.

The best time to catch wahoo is from July through September. They prefer warmer Gulf Stream water, so if you're looking for a great place to fish, North Carolina's wahoo fishing infrastructure will offer you many options. To locate a few, you could trot around wrecks or offshore humps.

Peak times are for food

There are many times in the year where wahoo fisherman are most successful, but there are specific peak times that you should be focusing on to get the best results. These are the best days to fish for wahoo, such as the days just before and after a Full Moon or the New Moon. These are the best times to trot at normal or high speeds. 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 can be found on the ledges or structures 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. The water temperature remains cool during these months, making wahoo more likely 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. However, if you're looking for big fish, you can try fishing during late April and early May.

FAQ

What is your favorite bait for freshwater-fishing?

Live shrimp is the best bait for freshwater fishing. Shrimp are affordable, simple to catch, and taste fantastic!

How often should I change my lures

You should change your lures every few days. When left out in direct sunlight for too long, lures tend to lose their effectiveness.

Are you able to fish without a bobber?

Yes, you do! The bobber is used when the bait is being removed from the water. The bobber is made up of the float as well as the line. Casting a lure requires that you attach the hook at the end of your line. Next, you need to cast the line out and let go. You should not use a Bobber as the lure can sink into the water and make it more difficult for fish to bite.

What happens to a fish that is lost while I'm fishing?

You will lose fish sometimes. Sometimes, you will catch a fishing rod and then lose the fish. When this happens, just keep trying. You will eventually catch another fish.

When is the best time for fishing?

It is best to fish in the morning or at night. These times are ideal for fish to be feeding and moving about.

Statistics

Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
Orvis, Simms, and Fishpond have been making some of the best packs and vests for a long time, and it seems like 90% of the anglers around the area use these brands. (troutandsteelhead.net)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)
You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)