Ocean Fishing

Wahoo Fishing NC: How to Catch the Big Ones

By Trey Gordon 6 July, 2023 6 mins read

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your wahoo fishing trip to 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. And remember, there's no size limit for recreational catch of wahoo. A commercial license is required to catch trophy fish.

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. Clear, calm water and little current are the best conditions for fishing. For offshore trolling, the best bait is a simple ballyhoo. Several other lures are also popular, including cedar plugs, Green Machines, and Wahoo Whackers.

Whajoo aren't afraid of boats. They prefer baits just below the water surface. This technique is very popular at the Bahamas, where boats can pull artificials up to twenty knees. Barracuda aren't a problem in the Carolinas. The ocean temperature rises and so does the wahoo. For wahoo fishing, the waters are ideal and there are great conditions.

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. Yellowfin tuna was the most sought-after species in spring in the past, but they have been absent in recent years. Although some fish are caught, their numbers are very low. This has made the catch more satisfying. But if you're interested to learn more about high-speed trolling, you might like to see the tactics of five highly skilled captains.

Ballyhoos

Ballyhoos, the best bait, are ideal for catching wahoo. The bait can be frozen, fresh or frozen and should be retrieved using a trolling size J hook. The hook should be placed so the wire pin is in line of the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos have a great reputation for seafloor and surface fishing.

Wahoos typically hang out in the deeper water column, but they can be found even on the sand and in the water. Ballyhoos should wear dark colors to attract wahoo. They are fast and aggressive, reaching speeds of up to 125 mph in just seconds. Ballyhoos also work well in luring other types fish.

Ballyhoos can be used as wahoo-lure in 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.

One-strand coffee-colored stainless wire wire leaders will work well when fishing for wahoo. A bridle should be attached to the leader. The sizes of planers range from three to sixteen, and the importance of rigging for success is paramount. Capt. Weaver also points out that wahoo is a common target. If you plan to target wahoo, you can rig a planer with an aide and a bridle to help you locate the sweet spot.

High-speed lures

High-speed trolling lures can be used to target 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. These lures are durable and can be used for many fish. MagBay, Nomad and Nomad are other manufacturers of high-speed trolling baits.

High-speed trolling baits are ideal for these fish, as they can move quickly enough to reach a good 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. Two people are required to gaff fish for maximum success.

Lip plugs are one of the most commonly used high-speed lures. These lures are often rigged in 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 is also less likely to bend and kink, so it can run straighter. Clips are also useful for changing lures quickly.

Floating debris

This is a great area to hunt this trophy fish. Whajoo love to hunt on the bottom, especially wrecks, ledges and floating debris. These structures are the ideal habitat for wahoo who will often stack up under these items. Another great spot to target this fish is floating debris. It often works well beneath these obstacles. Floating debris can also help you find the schools of these majestic fish.

Before looking for schools of wahoo, the fisherman needs to first examine any floating debris in the area. 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. A 4 to 6 ounce, diamond jig is recommended with a Mustad 3407 hook. A jig should have enough length to hold a 60-pound fluorocarbon lead and a float in case the bait becomes caught in the debris. Butterfly-style jigs should not exist - they have assistance hooks at its top.

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 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 water temperature decreases, fish populations are more likely to migrate to these areas. These areas are the best for fishing during this time.

Structure

It is possible that the structure of North Carolina's Wahoo fishing fleet may be an anomaly in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo follow 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. The structure that these fish inhabit is based on currents and water temperature.

Whalos are structure-oriented in fall. They like to be inshore and drop in 120 feet of seawater. These large fish are known for their sharp jaws. Hagerich suggests heavy single-strand wire and heavy-duty rods to capture one. Captains help anglers fish a wahoo by shifting the boat into and out of gear.

Whalos are bottom-based aggressive formations that like to hang around wrecks, pronounced ledges, and other types of weeds. They are more likely to take 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 be caught at speeds of up 10 knots.

The best times to fish for the wahoo are 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 find a few wahoo, trolling offshore wrecks or humps is a good option.

Peak hours 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. These are the best days to fish for wahoo, such as the days just before and after a Full Moon or the New Moon. During peak times, trolling should be done at either a medium or high speed. As long as your boat can handle this extra speed, you should be able to catch a wahoo.

Summer is the best season for wahoo fishing. The best time to target these fish is on the ledges and structure between the Jupiter and Stuart inlets. The average wahoo weighs around 25 pounds, but 50-pounders are not uncommon. During this prime time, you'll be able to catch both a large wahoo and a smaller one.

From October to March, wahoo are most at their best. Because the water is cool, wahoo are more likely to bite during these months. Even though May's weather is unpredictable, it's generally the best month to light-tackle fish. Blue-crystal is the best bait for wahoo fishing if you are planning a trip. You can still fish for big fish in the late April and early mai, though.

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FAQ

What happens if I catch a fish and lose it?

Losing a fish is part of the game. Sometimes you may catch a fish, then lose it. You can keep trying even if you lose the fish. You will eventually catch another fish.

How much can I budget to spend on fish-catching gear?

You don't have to spend a lot of money on fishing gear. There are many inexpensive options available. You could purchase a reel, line and hook for as low as $10. Or you could invest in a quality rod and reel set.

Where can you find the best fishing spots?

There are many places you can fish all around the world. Fishing is a popular pastime in many places, including public parks, private lakes, rivers, streams, or other bodies of water.

Is it possible to fish during the day?

Yes, you can fish anytime of the day. Only when fishing is prohibited is it not allowed to fish.

How much does basic fishing gear cost?

Basic fishing equipment costs around $100-$200 dollars for rod/reel combos, bait, tackle box, etc. If you want to go out on a bigger boat, then you'll need to spend between $500-$1000 dollars.

How do I know if my lure works?

You should watch out for movement in your lure when it is thrown into the water. If you observe movement, your lure may be working properly.

Statistics

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)
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)
It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.com)