If you're looking to try your hand at wahoo fishing in North Carolina, here are some tips to make the most of your trip. 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. And as long as you're holding the appropriate commercial licenses, you'll have no problem landing a trophy fish.
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. Fishing is best when there is little or no current. 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 are not afraid of boats, and they prefer baits fished just below the surface. This method is extremely popular in the Bahamas where artificials are pulled at speeds of 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 spring and fall, wahoo will be the main target. 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 fish are caught, their numbers are very low. This has made it more rewarding to catch them. The tactics of five successful captains may interest you if your interests lie in trolling at high speeds.
Ballyhoos
Ballyhoos is the best bait to catch 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 tend to prefer deeper water, but they are also found in the sand. To attract wahoo strikes to your ballyhoo, you should choose a dark-colored ballyhoo. They are aggressive and can reach incredible speeds within seconds. Ballyhoos are also very effective at luring different types of fish.
Ballyhoos make the best wahoo lures in North Carolina. Ballyhoos can be found in a wide range of colors and textures. A ballyhoo can catch wahoo in its own waters if it is fished properly. 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. You can find them in many colors including pink/black or purple/black.
When fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee-colored stainless steel wire leader will work well. A bridle should be attached to the leader. 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. If you are planning on targeting wahoo, rigging a planer with a bridle will help you to find the sweet spot.
High-speed lures
A variety of high-speed trolling lures are ideal for targeting wahoo. These lures can be pulled using an inline trolling weight, and then placed on a planer or downrigger. Particularly effective when targeting large tuna or wahoo, dark colors work well. These lures can also be durable and continue running even after catching 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 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. Use heavy lures with high-quality drag to achieve this effect. To ensure maximum success, you should gaff the fish with two people.
One of the most common types of high-speed lures is the lip plug. These lures are often rigged in wire or cable. The lure can be bent by this method, which can result in the cable breaking. This wire is also less likely be bent or kinked, so it can run straighter. A clip can be used to make changing lures simpler.
Floating debris
This fish is great for targeting from floating debris. Whajoo will only eat wrecks, ledges, or floating debris as their preferred bottom habitat. These structures create the perfect habitat environment for wahoos who like to stack up beneath these items. This is a great place to target this fish because it works well underneath these obstacles. Floating debris can also help you find the schools of these majestic fish.
Before trying to locate a school of Wahoo, a fisherman has to check for any floating debris that might contain dolphins. If there are no baitfish, or dolphins around the area, then he should leave it alone. To reach the wahoo, he should use a fast reel with a 6-to-1 speed ratio. A 4 to six-ounce diamond jig with a double-strength Mustad 3407 hook is recommended. You should make sure that the Jigs are long enough to protect a 60-pound fluorocarbon Leader and a float from getting entangled in debris. Butterfly-style jigs should not exist - they have assistance hooks at its top.
Water surface temperatures are cooler in cooler months. This increases the chance of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers cooler water and areas with current. Satellite imagery is used to monitor temperature and determine if small temperature fluctuations will result in an increase in Wahoo. As the water temperature decreases, fish populations are more likely to migrate to these areas. During this time, the fishing is the best in these areas.
Structure
The structure of North Carolina's wahoo fishing may be unusual in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo follow 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. These fish live in a structure determined by currents and water temperatures.
Whalos have a structure-oriented fall. They are attracted to inshore lumps and drops of up to 120 feet. These large fish are well-known for their razor sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends heavy single strand wire and a strong rod to catch one. The captain assists anglers fishing wahoo by moving the boat around and helping them stay in the right gear.
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. They are more likely to catch a weedline, or an artificial lure. They can reach speeds of up to ten knots.
The best time to catch wahoo is from July through September. These fish prefer warmer Gulf Stream temperatures, and North Carolina has a lot of options for wahoo fishermen looking to find them. To locate a few, you could trot around wrecks or offshore humps.
Peak hours feeding
Although there are many times of year that wahoo fishing proves to be productive, there is a specific time of the month when it is at its best. The best times to wahoo fish are the days immediately prior and after the Full Moon and the New Moon. You should be trolling at a normal or high speed during these peak times. 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 places to catch these fish are on the ledges and structures between Jupiter's and Stuart inlets. The average wahoo weighs around 25 pounds, but 50-pounders are not uncommon. You can catch both large and small wahoos during this time.
You can target wahoo from October through March. 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. However, if you're looking for big fish, you can try fishing during late April and early May.
FAQ
What happens if I am caught illegally fishing?
You could face fines or jail time as well as losing your fishing permit. Before you go out fishing, it's crucial that you understand the rules.
How often should I replace my lures?
Lures should be changed every few days. After too much exposure to the sun, lures will lose their effectiveness.
How can I tell if my lures are working?
If your lure is moving when you place it in the water, pay attention. If your lure moves, it is functioning properly.
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)
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.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
Find the Best Fishing Spot
You must decide what type of fish you want. This will help you find the best fishing spots. You need to decide if you want deep sea fishing, or shallow water fishing. Deep sea fishing is expensive and requires a boat. The cost of shallow water fishing is minimal as it's done from shore. If you are looking to catch trout, shallow water fishing is your best choice. You'll need to travel to deeper water if you are looking for barracuda.
There are many different types of fishing spots, depending on your preferences. Some locations offer only one type while others offer many options. Some places are famous for their fly fishing, while others are better at bass fishing. Some locations are also famous for their shark fishing or crabbing.
How long you intend to stay and your interests will all play a role in deciding where you want to go. Do you enjoy camping? Then you might want to check out a place near a lake. Are you more into city life? Maybe you prefer the ocean. You might even enjoy taking part in a sport such as kayaking, canoeing, sailing, scuba diving, or surfing.
Even if fishing is not something you are familiar with, it's worth asking someone who does. They might be able to tell you all sorts of information, including where to fish.
You could even try searching online for "fishing spots near me." This will give many options. It would be wonderful if you could narrow your selections by reviewing and rating each product. Many websites allow you to do so.
Once you've decided on a specific location, make sure to visit it before you leave. Sometimes it takes longer to get there than anticipated. Make sure to bring all the necessary items. Make sure to pack your bait, tackle box and sunscreen.
It's also a good idea to research the weather conditions at the fishing spot. Seek out the forecast to see the best times of day. Changes in the weather can cause you to alter your plans.
Once you have a good idea of where you want to go, it's time to start planning your trip. The next step is deciding what you're going to use to fish.