Here are some tips to help you make the most of your wahoo fishing trip to 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. You don't have to catch a wahoo recreationally. 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. Wahoos start appearing in the waters surrounding Morehead City between mid and late August. Clear water with little to no current is the best for fishing. A ballyhoo rigged in plain form is a great standard bait for offshore trolling. There are many other lures available, such as cedar plugs, Green Machines and Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo aren't afraid of boats. They prefer baits just below the water surface. This method is quite popular in the Bahamas, where boats pull artificials at speeds of twenty knots. Barracuda is not an issue in the Carolinas. Wahoo also increases in temperature as the ocean heats up. The water temperature and conditions for fishing are ideal for wahoo.
In spring and fall, wahoo will be the main target. The timing of the transition from winter to spring determines when other species are likely to 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. The catch has been made even more rewarding by this. 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. The bait can be frozen or fresh and is best retrieved with a trolling size J-hook. The hook must be placed in a way that the wire pin touches the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos make great surface and seafloor fisherman.
Wahoos tend to prefer deeper water, but they are also found in the sand. To attract wahoo strikes, ballyhoos should have a dark colored body. 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 can be used as wahoo-lure in North Carolina. Ballyhoos comes in many different colors and textures. If fished correctly, a Ballyhoo will catch wahoo from its native waters. Ballyhoos can also be used as wahoo bait. You should invest in a hard lure if you have a planer rod such as a Yozuri Bonita, or a Braid Marauder. These lures are available in several colors, including pink/black and purple/black.
A single-strand, coffee-colored stainless-steel wire leader is ideal for fishing for wahoo. The leader should be equipped with a bridle. Planers come in a variety of sizes and rigging can be crucial to their success. Capt. Weaver notes that wahoo have a tendency to be a common target. You can target wahoo by rigging a planer using a bridle.
High-speed lures
High-speed trolling lures can be used to target wahoo. These high-speed lures can be pulled with an inline trolling weight and placed on a downrigger or planer. Dark colors work especially well when targeting wahoo or big tuna. They are also durable and keep running straight after catching a lot of fish. MagBay is another manufacturer of high-speed trolling lures.
A high-speed trolling lure is ideal for these fish because it is fast enough to get to a good fishing spot quickly. Wahoo can reach speeds of 60mph and strike lures traveling at 18 mph. This is the average transiting luring lure at a speed of two to four feet. Because of this, you need to use heavy lures with quality drag. For maximum success, two people are recommended to gaff the fish.
One of the most common types of high-speed lures is the lip plug. 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. The wire can also run straighter because it is less likely to bend or kink. 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 prefer aggressive bottom formations, such as wrecks, ledges, and floating debris. 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. 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. To reach the wahoo, he must use a fast-retrieve rod with a 6-to-1 ratio. 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.
During the cooler months, the water surface temperature is cooler, increasing the odds of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers water with current and cooler temperatures. Satellite imagery can monitor the temperature surface to determine if any slight changes will cause a higher level of Wahoo. 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 Gulf of Mexico may have an unusual structure for wahoo fisherman in North Carolina. Wahoo are known to migrate in migratory patterns. 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. 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 bottom-based aggressive formations that like to hang around wrecks, pronounced ledges, and other types of weeds. They like 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 even be caught at speeds exceeding ten knots.
The best time to fish for wahoo is July through September, even though it's a year-round species. These fish prefer warmer Gulf Stream conditions, so if your goal is to find them, North Carolina's wahoo-fishing structure will be an excellent choice. To catch some wahoo, you might try trolling the offshore humps and wrecks.
Peak times for feeding
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. The best times to wahoo fish are the days immediately prior and after the Full Moon and the New Moon. During these peak times, you should trolling at either a moderate or high speed. As long as your boat can handle this extra speed, you should be able to catch a wahoo.
When it comes to wahoo fishing, the most effective time is summer. 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. This is the best time to catch a large or a small wahoo.
From October to March, wahoo are most at their best. These months see a cooler water temperature, making wahoo easier to catch. Even though May's weather is unpredictable, it's generally the best month to light-tackle fish. If you're planning a trip during this time, the best bait for wahoo is blue-crystal. You can still fish for big fish in the late April and early mai, though.
FAQ
Are there different types?
Yes, there are many kinds of lures. Some lures are designed specifically for certain species of fish. Some lures mimic insects, frogs or crayfish while others are designed to mimic grasshoppers, worms, and other frogs. There are many sizes and shapes of lures. Some lures can even be shaped like real insects.
How do I get started fishing?
If you are new to fishing, there are several things that you need to know before you go out on the water. First, learn about the different kinds of fish in your area. Knowing where they hang out is a must. Once you have established the best areas for fishing, you will need to practice casting. This means learning how to throw a lure into the air and letting it fall back down onto the surface of the water. Practice makes perfect!
What is the cost of basic fishing gear?
Basic fishing equipment is around $100-$200 for rod/reel combination, bait, tackle box, and so on. You will need to spend $500-$1000 if you plan to rent a larger boat.
What is the time it takes to catch a fish.
It depends on the size and skill level of your fisherman. The time it takes to catch a fish is anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. The better your chances of landing a big fish are, the longer you wait.
What happens when I lose a fishing fish?
You will lose fish sometimes. Sometimes you might catch a fish but then lose it. When this happens, just keep trying. You will eventually catch another one.
Statistics
- 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)
- 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)
- Coarse fishing is 100% catch and release these days. (linesonthewater.anglingtrust.net)
External Links
How To
How to Cast a Fishing Rod Perfectly
You must first know how to cast a fish rod. The rod should be held at a slight angle from the body so that the line is parallel to the ground. Keep the rod's tip parallel to the water when you move it forward. The fish won't eat if the tip touches water's surface sooner than the line reaches 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.
First, hold the rod as close to your chest as possible. This will allow you to control the rod's movement without having to bend.
A tripod can be placed on the shoreline, or on a rock ledge, to cast a heavy rod. You'll be able rest your rod securely and still have control of the reel.
Third, you might consider buying a smaller reel as an alternative to a larger one. A spinning reel that is inexpensive will enable you to cast further distances and improve your hand-eye coordination.
A fourth option is to purchase a fishing rod holder. These holders are designed to hold the rod firmly while keeping it upright. They're easy to store away after use and protect the rod from getting damaged.
Fifth, practice casting until you get used to the motion. Casting a fishing rod takes practice.
Sixth, patience is key to successful fishing. You must wait for the right moment to strike and then fight hard to bring the fish in.