These are some helpful tips for anyone who wants to learn how to wahoo fish in North Carolina. Whether you're fishing from an offshore trolling boat or using one of the many high-speed lures, the following information will help you find the best catch. There is no limit on recreational catch of wahoo. A commercial license is required to catch 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 standard bait for offshore trolling is a ballyhoo in its plain form. There are many other lures available, such as cedar plugs, Green Machines and Wahoo Whackers.
Whajoo don't fear boats and prefer to fish just below the surface. This method is extremely popular in the Bahamas where artificials are pulled at speeds of up to twenty knots. Barracuda is not an issue in the Carolinas. Wahoos also respond to ocean temperatures rising. Wahoo can fish in perfect conditions due to the ocean temperature and fishing conditions.
Wahoo is the main target in spring and autumn. However, the timing of the winter to spring transition determines when other species will make an appearance. In the spring, yellowfin tuna used to be the main target, but this has changed in recent years. Although some fish are caught, their numbers are very low. This makes the catch more rewarding. If you are interested in high-speed trolling techniques, you might want to read about five successful captains.
Ballyhoos
Ballyhoos make the best bait when it comes to 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 make great surface and seafloor fisherman.
Wahoos usually prefer the deeper water column but can be found on the sand as well as in the water. To attract wahoo strikes to your ballyhoo, you should choose a dark-colored ballyhoo. They are extremely aggressive and can move at lightning speed. Ballyhoos can also be used to lure other species of fish.
Ballyhoos are the most effective wahoo lures in the waters off North Carolina. Ballyhoos come in a variety of colors and textures. A ballyhoo is capable of catching wahoo in the waters it inhabits if fished correctly. Ballyhoos are a great bait for wahoo. You will need a hard lure such as a Yozuri Bonita and a Braid Marauder if your planer rod has one. They are available in many different colors, such as pink/black and purple/black.
One-strand coffee-colored stainless wire wire leaders will work well when fishing for wahoo. A bridle should be attached on the leader. You can find planers in three to sixteen sizes. Rigging is crucial for success. 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
High-speed trolling lures can be used to target wahoo. These lures can be pulled using an inline trolling weight, and then placed on a planer or downrigger. When targeting big tuna or wahoo, dark colors are especially effective. They are also durable and keep running straight after catching a lot of fish. MagBay is another manufacturer of high-speed trolling lures.
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 speed of a transiting lure traveling at two to four feet per second. Use heavy lures with high-quality drag to achieve this effect. Gaffing the fish should be done by two people for maximum success.
The lip plug is a popular type of high-speed lure. These lures are usually rigged with wire and cable. This can cause the lure to become bent and break the line. It is best to buy a multi-stranded cable. 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 area to hunt this trophy fish. Whajoo are attracted to aggressive bottom formations such as wrecks and ledges. These structures offer the perfect habitat for wahoos, who often pile up under them. The best place to target this fish is also floating debris. This material often works under these obstacles. Floating debris can also help you find the schools of these majestic fish.
Before locating a school of wahoo, a fisherman must first check the floating debris for dolphins. 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, with a Mustad3407 hook of double strength is recommended. If the bait becomes entangled in debris, the jig should be long enough for it to protect the fluorocarbon leader of 60 pounds and the float. 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 cooler water and areas with current. Satellite imagery can monitor the temperature surface to determine if any slight changes will cause a higher level of Wahoo. The temperature of the water surface drops, which means that the fish population moves to these areas more often. This is when the fishing in these areas is at its best.
Structure
A few exceptions may exist in the Gulf of Mexico. 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. The structure that these fish inhabit is based on currents and water temperature.
Whalos are structure-oriented during the fall. This means they often drop in 120 feet of water and frequent inshore lumps. These large fish are well-known for their razor sharp jaws. To catch one, Hagerich recommends heavy single-strand wire and a heavy-duty rod. When fishing a wahoo, the captain helps the angler stay tight by bumping the boat in and out of gear.
Whalos are aggressive bottom forms and love to hang around wrecks, ledges, or other weed lines. They like to strike fast moving baits. They often stay near weedlines and other debris in North Carolina. This means they are more likely strike a lure or weedline. They can reach speeds of up to 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. To locate a few, you could trot around wrecks or offshore humps.
Peak feeding times
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. 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. If your boat is capable to handle the additional speed, you will be able catch a wahoo.
Summer is the best time of year to go wahoo fishing. The best place to fish for these fish is between Jupiter inlets and Stuart islands. 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.
You can target wahoo from October through March. Because the water is cool, wahoo are more likely to bite during these months. While the weather in May can be unpredictable, this is generally the best time for light-tackle fishing. Blue-crystal is the best bait to catch wahoo if you plan a trip during this period. However, if you're looking for big fish, you can try fishing during late April and early May.
FAQ
Is it safe?
Always check with the seller to see if there is a freshness date. If the fish has no expiration date, then it's probably safe to eat. You shouldn't eat fish that smells or looks old.
How much are basic fishing tools?
Basic fishing equipment costs around $100-$200 dollars for rod/reel combos, bait, tackle box, etc. You will need to spend $500-$1000 if you plan to rent a larger boat.
What should I wear to fish?
Wear clothing that will protect you from the weather. You can protect yourself from the elements with gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat. You should also bring insect repellent.
What happens if a person is caught fishing illegally
Fines, jail time and even the loss of your fishing licence could be your options. Before you go fishing, it's important that you know the rules.
Statistics
- About 40 percent of all fish are freshwater species. (takemefishing.org)
- 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)
- You likely have a fish hooked if the bobber moves erratically for over 5 seconds. (tailoredtackle.com)
External Links
How To
How do I properly clean my fishing gear?
There are many ways to clean your fishing equipment. Some of these methods are very basic while others require more advanced techniques. You can use soap and warm water. Rinse the item with water after washing. If the item isn't washed thoroughly enough, dirt and bacteria could remain, leading to infection. If left untreated, this could cause a bad odor and worsening of infections. A good way to prevent this is to dry the items completely before storing them. Remember to not touch the item's surface while cleaning. You risk spreading germs to objects if you touch them.
Apart from using soap, water, there are many ways you can improve the quality and performance of your fishing gear. You may need to use solvents or detergents that are specific to your gear. There are certain things that you should never use, though, because they could damage your goods. Bleach is one such thing. Bleach is known for dissolving plastic and metal so you should not use it to clean your fishing gear. Instead, use warm water with a dishwashing solution. You should only use dishwashing liquids made specifically for cleaning fish. Dishwashing fluids contain chemicals and enzymes that break down organic materials, such as blood, slime and scales. They also contain surfactants, which help to remove dirt and grime. If you are concerned about stain removal, you can use a stain remover. Stains are usually caused by oils and fats that remain on the surface of the gear. Applying stain removal products directly to areas where the oil and fat are located will remove the stain while not damaging the underlying materials.
You'll find many options in your local home improvement shop if you are looking for cleaner solutions for your fishing gear. You will find a wide variety of cleaners in your local store, all designed for different purposes. Some are made to remove small amounts of grease; others can handle larger quantities. You can choose which one best suits your needs.