Here are some tips to make your trip more enjoyable if you want to try wahoo-fishing 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. 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 best time to go offshore trolling for wahoo fishing in North Carolina is during the fall, especially late August and early September. The waters near Morehead City start to see wahoo in mid- to late August. Clear and calm waters with minimal current are best for fishing. A standard bait for offshore trolling is a ballyhoo in its plain form. 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. For wahoo fishing, the waters are ideal and there are great conditions.
Wahoo is the main target in spring and autumn. The timing of the transition from winter to spring determines when other species are likely to make an appearance. In the spring, yellowfin tuna used to be the main target, but this has changed in recent years. While some are caught, the numbers are low. This has made the catch even more rewarding. The tactics of five successful captains may interest you if your interests lie in trolling at high speeds.
Ballyhoos
When it comes to catching wahoo, Ballyhoos are the best bait to use. The bait can be frozen, fresh or frozen and should be retrieved using a trolling size J hook. The hook should be placed so that the wire pin is directly in line with the fish’s nostrils. Ballyhoos make great surface and seafloor fisherman.
Wahoos are most likely to be found in the deeper water column. However, they can also be found on the sand and in water. To attract wahoos, ballsyhoos need to be dark in color. 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 come in a variety of colors and textures. If properly fished, a ballyhoo may catch wahoo right in its natural waters. Ballyhoos are a great bait for wahoo. If you have a planer rod, you will want to invest in a hard lure, such as a Yo-zuri Bonita or a Braid Marauder. You can find them in many colors including pink/black or purple/black.
A single-strand, coffee-colored stainless-steel wire leader is ideal for fishing for wahoo. A bridle should be attached on the leader. There are three to sixteen sizes of planers, so rigging is essential for 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
For chasing wahoo, a variety of high-speed trolling lures is ideal. These high speed lures can also be pulled with an inside trolling weight. For big tuna and wahoo, the dark colors work well. These lures are durable and can be used for many 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 hit speeds of 60 mph with strike lures travelling at 18 MPH. That is the speed of an average transiting lure 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.
The lip plug is one of the most popular high-speed lures. These lures can be rigged using wire or cable. Unfortunately, this method can break the line when the lure gets bent, so it's best to invest in a multi-strand cable. This wire is also less likely be bent or kinked, so it can run straighter. You can also use a clip to make changing lures more simple.
Floating debris
Floating debris is a great place to target this trophy fish. 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. Another great spot to target this fish is floating debris. It often works well beneath these obstacles. Floating debris is also a great way to find these magnificent fish in their schools.
Before trying to locate a school of Wahoo, a fisherman has to check for any floating debris that might contain 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. Butterfly-style Jigs are not recommended. They have help hooks at the tip.
The water surface temperature drops in the cooler months, which increases the chances of finding a Wahoo. This species prefers cool water and places with current. Use satellite imagery to monitor surface temperature to determine whether any small changes in the temperature will bring in a higher concentration of 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
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 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 a structure determined by currents and water temperatures.
Whalos are structure-oriented in the fall, which means that they frequent inshore lumps and drops in 120 feet of water. These huge fish are famous for their razor-sharp teeth. Hagerich recommends heavy single strand wire and a strong rod to catch one. A captain is helpful when fishing for wahoos by helping anglers stay on the water and bumping the boat.
Whalos can be aggressive bottom formations. They like to hang out around wrecks, ledges and other weedlines. They will often 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 be caught at speeds of up 10 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 temperatures, and North Carolina has a lot of options for wahoo fishermen looking to find them. To find a few wahoo, trolling offshore wrecks or humps is a good option.
Peak times for feeding
There are several times of year when wahoo fishing is particularly productive, but there are some specific peak times of the month that you should target for 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 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. During prime time you will be able catch both a large and a smaller wahoo.
It is best to go after wahoo 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 for wahoo fishing if you are planning a trip. You can still fish for big fish in the late April and early mai, though.
FAQ
What can I do to get my children interested in fishing?
Absolutely! Kids love to fish. Most children who grow up fishing never stop doing so. You can encourage your child to fish by doing many things. For example, you could teach them how to tie knots, build a fishing pole, and learn about fishing etiquette. It is possible to show them pictures of fish and tell stories about fishing.
How often should I change my lures
Change your lures once a day. When left out in direct sunlight for too long, lures tend to lose their effectiveness.
Is it possible to fish at night or during the day?
But you must ensure that you use artificial light. Fisherman use artificial lights to lure fish. They are most effective after the sun sets, when fish are more active.
How deep can I cast my line of sight?
Cast your line as deep as possible. Cast a line with your straight arm so the line doesn’t twist.
Statistics
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- It is estimated there are at least 2 million people who go fishing in California each year. (californiayachtsales.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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How to Cast a Fishing Rod Easily
First, you need to know how to cast a fishing line. The rod should be held slightly away from the body so that it is parallel to the ground. Keep the rod's tip parallel to the water when you move it forward. If the tip hits the water's surface before the line reaches the bottom, the fish won't bite. You can increase the distance between the tip of the rod and the surface of the water by practicing this technique.
These tips will help you feel more comfortable casting a fishing rod.
First, hold the rod as close to your chest as possible. This way, you can easily control the rod's direction without bending down.
You may also want to place a tripod along the shoreline or on top of a rock ledge when casting heavy rods. This will allow you secure your rod and reel while keeping it in place.
Third, you may want to consider buying a small reel instead of an expensive one. A cheaper spinning reel will let you cast farther distances and help you improve your hand-eye coordination.
A fishing pole holder might be another option. These holders hold the rod securely and keep it upright. They are easy to store after use and protect the rod against damage.
Fifth, practice casting until it becomes second nature. Casting a fish rod is a skill that takes time.
Sixth, remember that the key to successful fishing is patience. You need to wait until the right moment strikes and then work hard for the fish.