These are some helpful tips for anyone who wants to learn how to wahoo fish 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. The recreational catch limit of wahoo is not set. You'll be able to land a trophy fish as long as your commercial licenses are valid.
Offshore trolling
The best time to go offshore trolling for wahoo fishing in North Carolina is during the fall, especially late August and early September. Wahoo begin to appear in the waters around Morehead City from mid-to late August. Clear and calm waters with minimal current are best 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 have no fear of boats and prefer baits caught just below water's 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. The water temperature and conditions for fishing are ideal for wahoo.
In spring and summer, wahoo is the primary target. The transition from winter into spring will determine when other species will appear. Yellowfin tuna has been the top target for spring fish in the past. However, in recent years they have been absent. Although some are caught occasionally, the number of them is very small. This makes the catch more rewarding. 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 is the best bait to catch 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 itself should be positioned so that the wire pin is in line with the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos work well for both seafloor and surface fishing.
Wahoos usually prefer the deeper water column but can be found on the sand as well as in the water. To attract wahoos, ballsyhoos need to be dark in color. They are aggressive and can reach incredible speeds within seconds. Ballyhoos are also very effective at luring different types of fish.
Ballyhoos, the most effective wahoo baits in North Carolina waters, are best. Ballyhoos comes in many different colors and textures. If properly fished, a ballyhoo may catch wahoo right in its natural waters. Ballyhoos make great 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). These lures come in many colors such as purple/black or pink/black.
When fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee-colored stainless steel wire leader will work well. The leader should have an attached bridle. Planers come in three to sixteen sizes, and rigging is important 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. When targeting big tuna or wahoo, dark colors are especially effective. 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.
High-speed trolling baits are ideal for these fish, as they can move quickly enough to reach a good spot. Wahoo can reach speeds of 60mph and strike lures traveling at 18 mph. That is the speed of an average transiting lure in two to four foot waves. Use heavy lures with high-quality drag to achieve this effect. 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 typically rigged with wire or 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 can also be run straighter as it is less likely that it will bend or kink. Also, try using a clip to make changing lures easier.
Floating debris
Floating debris is a great place to target this trophy fish. 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. The best place to target this fish is also floating debris. This material often works under these obstacles. You can also use floating debris to locate these magnificent fish schools.
Before searching for a school, a fisherman should first inspect the floating debris for signs of 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. Jigs should be long enough to protect a 60-pound fluorocarbon leader and a float if the bait gets entangled in the debris. They should not be Butterfly-style, as they have help hooks at their top.
During the cooler months, the water surface temperature is cooler, increasing the odds of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers cooler water and areas 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. As the water temperature drops, the fish population tends to move to these locations. These areas offer the best fishing conditions.
Structure
It is possible that the structure of North Carolina's Wahoo fishing fleet may be an anomaly in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo travel in migratory routes. In the Atlantic, they may migrate through a sequence of regions: the Caribbean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Western Atlantic, followed by the eastern Atlantic. These fish live in structures that are determined by currents, water temperature, and other factors.
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 known for their sharp jaws. Hagerich suggests heavy single-strand wire and heavy-duty rods to capture 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 often prefer to strike fast-moving baits. In North Carolina, they often linger near weedlines and debris. They are more likely than others to be caught near weedlines or artificial lures. They can even be caught at speeds exceeding 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. You can trolling around wrecks and offshore humps to catch a few wahoo.
Peak feeding times
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. Three days before and after the Full Moon as well as the New Moon are prime times to go wahoo fishing. These are the best times to trot at normal or high speeds. A boat capable of handling this extra speed will allow you to catch a wahoo.
Summer is the best period to fish for wahoo. These fish can be found on the ledges or structures between Jupiter and Stuart inlets. The average wahoo weighs about 25 pounds. But, 50-pounders are not uncommon. You can catch both large and small wahoos during this time.
October to March is the best time to target wahoo. This is because the water temperature stays cool, making it more likely that wahoo will bite. Although the weather in May is often unpredictable, light-tackle fishing is best during this time. Blue-crystal is the best bait for wahoo fishing if you are planning a trip. However, if you're looking for big fish, you can try fishing during late April and early May.
FAQ
How can I get my kids to take up fishing?
Absolutely! Children love fishing. Most children who grow up fishing never stop doing so. There are many things that you can do to encourage your child into 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. Show them pictures of fish, and tell them stories.
Is it safe for me to eat fish that has been caught by another person?
No matter where you buy your fish, always ask the seller if they have a freshness date on their fish. The fish is safe to eat if it doesn't have an expiration. However, if the fish is old or smells bad you should not eat them.
Can I fish during the day?
Yes, fishing is possible at all hours of the day. The only time you cannot fish is during times when there is a ban on fishing.
Statistics
- 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)
- 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)
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
External Links
How To
How to tie a fishing lure like a professional
You can make simple fishing lures from different materials or colors by following these steps.
Step 1: Cut 2 pieces of twine approximately 3/4 inches in width.
Step 2: Divide one length of twine in half.
Step 3: Twist both ends together.
Step 4: Wrap one end of the second piece with twine around another so that the knot rests within the loop.
Step 5: Close the loop.
Step 6 - Repeat step 4.
Step 7: Use a needle or pin to secure the knot.
Step 8: Trim any excess twine.