Ocean Fishing

Wahoo Fishing NC, How to Catch the Big Ones

By Dylan Smith 10/04/2022 7 mins read

These are some helpful tips for anyone who wants to learn how to wahoo fish in North Carolina. You can fish with any of the high-speed lures or an offshore trolling boat to catch the best catch. You don't have to catch a wahoo recreationally. It's easy to land a trophy fish if you hold the correct commercial licenses.

Offshore trolling

The fall is the best time to trot offshore for wahoo fishing, especially in North Carolina. The first signs of wahoo are seen in the waters close to Morehead City around mid to late august. Clear water with little to no current is the best for fishing. A standard bait for offshore trolling is a ballyhoo in its plain form. You can also use cedar plugs or Green Machines as lures.

Whajoo aren't afraid of boats. They prefer baits just below the water surface. This technique is very popular in the Bahamas, where boats are pulling artificials at speeds up to twenty knots. Barracuda aren't a problem in the Carolinas. Wahoo also increases in temperature as the ocean heats up. The conditions for fishing and the temperatures in the water are perfect for wahoo.

In the spring and fall, wahoo are the primary target. But, other species can make an appearance depending on when the winter to spring transition occurs. The yellowfin and bluefin tuna have historically been the top targets in spring. But they are now absent. While there are some caught, they are few. The catch has been made even more rewarding by this. If you are interested in high-speed trolling techniques, you might want to read about five successful captains.

Ballyhoos

Ballyhoos are the best bait for catching wahoo. The bait can be frozen, fresh or frozen and should be retrieved using a trolling size J hook. The hook itself should be in line with 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, ballyhoos should have a dark colored body. They are extremely aggressive and can move at lightning speed. Ballyhoos are also effective in luring other types of fish.

Ballyhoos are one of the most effective wahoo luring devices in the waters around North Carolina. Ballyhoos come with a variety colors and textures. If fished correctly, a Ballyhoo will catch wahoo from its native waters. Ballyhoos also make excellent wahoo bait. You will need a hard lure such as a Yozuri Bonita and a Braid Marauder if your planer rod has one. They come in many colors, including purple/black and pink/black.

A single-strand stainless steel wire leader in coffee-colored stainless will be a good choice for fishing for wahoo. 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 notes that wahoo have a tendency to be 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

Many high-speed lures for trolling are available to catch wahoo. 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. They are also very durable and will continue to run even after they catch 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 hit speeds of 60 mph with strike lures travelling at 18 MPH. This is the average transiting lure's speed in two to four feet waves. Use heavy lures with high-quality drag to achieve this effect. Two people are required to gaff fish for maximum success.

The lip-plug is one of most popular types of high speed lures. These lures usually have wire or cable rigged to them. This method can lead to the lure breaking if it is bent. Therefore, multi-strand cables are recommended. The wire can also run straighter because it is less likely to bend or kink. Also, try using a clip to make changing lures easier.

Floating debris

This is a great area to hunt this trophy fish. Whajoo like to be found in bottom formations that are aggressive, such as wrecks or ledges. These structures offer the perfect habitat for wahoos, who often pile up under them. Floating debris is another great location to target this fish, as it often works well under these obstacles. Floating debris is also a great way to find these magnificent fish in their schools.

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. He must also use a fast-retrieve reel with a 6-to-1 gear ratio to reach the wahoo. A 4- to 6-ounce, four- to six-ounce, diamond-tipped jig with a Mustad 3507 hook and double-strength Mustad 3407 line 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. Jigs should not be Butterfly-style - they have assist hooks at the top.

Wahoos are more likely to be found in cooler months when the water surface temperature is lower. This species prefers water with current and cooler temperatures. 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. During this time, the fishing is the best in these areas.

Structure

The Gulf of Mexico may have an unusual structure for wahoo fisherman in North Carolina. Wahoo travel in migratory routes. 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. These fish live in structures that are determined by currents, water temperature, and other factors.

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. A captain is helpful when fishing for wahoos by helping anglers stay on the water and bumping the boat.

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. They are often found near weedlines or debris in North Carolina. 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 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. You can trolling around wrecks and offshore humps to catch a few wahoo.

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. During these peak times, you should trolling at either a moderate or high speed. A boat capable of handling this extra speed will allow you to catch a wahoo.

When it comes to wahoo fishing, the most effective time is summer. The best time to target these fish is on the ledges and structure between the Jupiter and Stuart inlets. A wahoo is about 25 pounds on average, but there are 50-pounders available. You can catch both large and small wahoos during this time.

The best time to hunt wahoo is between October and March. These months are cooler than normal, which makes wahoo more inclined to 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. You can still fish for big fish in the late April and early mai, though.

FAQ

Which rod do I choose?

Graphite fiberglass composite is the best material for fly fishing. This material is strong, lightweight, and has excellent casting properties. To learn how to cast better, you will need to practice with graphite rods.

How do I bait my hooks

You can bait your hooks by attaching a piece de meat to the end of your hook. Next, tie the meat around your hook's eye.

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

Fishing gear does not have to be expensive. There are many cheap options. A cheap hook, line, and reel could be your best option. Or you could invest in a quality rod and reel set.

What is the correct length fishing rod?

The size of the fish you want to catch will dictate the length of the fishing rod. If you're going for smallmouth bass, a 6'6" rod would be ideal. A 7'5" rod is better for largemouth bass fishing.

Statistics

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)
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)