These are some helpful tips for anyone who wants to learn how to wahoo fish in North Carolina. 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. And remember, there's no size limit for recreational catch of wahoo. You'll be able to land a trophy fish as long as your commercial licenses are valid.
Offshore trolling
Offshore fishing for wahoo is best in the fall, especially in late August or early September. Wahoo begin to appear in the waters around Morehead City from mid-to late August. Fishing is best when there is little or no current. For offshore trolling, a ballyhoo rigged plainly is a good choice of bait. 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 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. Wahoos also respond to ocean temperatures rising. 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 do get caught, there are not many. This has made it more rewarding to catch them. 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 itself should be in line with 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. Ballyhoos should wear dark colors to attract wahoo. They are aggressive and can reach incredible speeds within seconds. Ballyhoos have the ability to lure other species fish.
Ballyhoos are the most effective wahoo lures in the waters off 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 make great 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.
When fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee-colored stainless steel wire leader will work well. A bridle should be attached on the leader. There are three to sixteen sizes of planers, so rigging is essential for success. Capt. Weaver also notes that wahoo are a common target. You can target wahoo by rigging a planer using a bridle.
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 very durable and will continue to run even after they catch a lot of fish. Other manufacturers of high-speed trolling lures include MagBay and Nomad.
This lure can be used to catch these fish as it is fast enough that you can get to your favorite fishing spot quickly. 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. This is why you should use quality drag and heavy lures. To ensure maximum success, you should gaff the fish with two people.
Lip plugs are one of the most commonly used high-speed lures. These lures usually have wire or cable rigged to them. 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 can also be run straighter as it is less likely that it will 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 love to hunt on the bottom, especially wrecks, ledges and floating debris. These structures provide the perfect habitat for wahoo, who tend to stack up underneath these items. Another great spot to target this fish is floating debris. It often works well beneath these obstacles. Floating debris may also be a good way to spot these majestic fish schools.
Before locating a school of wahoo, a fisherman must first check the floating debris for dolphins. If there is no baitfish or dolphins, the fisherman should let it go. To reach the wahoo, he must use a fast-retrieve rod with a 6-to-1 ratio. 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. The jigs should be large enough to protect a fluorocarbon leader 60 pounds in weight and a floating if the bait is caught in the debris. Butterfly-style jigs should not exist - they have assistance hooks at its top.
Wahoos are more likely to be found in cooler months when the water surface temperature is lower. This species prefers areas with water that is cooler and more current. Satellite imagery can monitor the temperature surface to determine if any slight changes will cause a higher level of Wahoo. As the temperature of the water surface decreases, the fish population is more likely to move to these areas. This time is when fishing in these areas can be at its best.
Structure
A few exceptions may exist 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. This is determined by the currents and the 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 known for their sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends heavy singlestrand wire and an extremely heavy-duty fishing rod in order to catch one. The captain assists anglers fishing wahoo by moving the boat around and helping them stay in the right gear.
Whalos, which are aggressive bottom formations, like to hang around wrecks, pronounced edges, and other weedlines. They often prefer to strike fast-moving baits. They often stay near weedlines and other debris in North Carolina. They are more likely than others to be caught near weedlines or artificial lures. They can be caught at speeds as high as ten knots.
The best time to catch wahoo is from July through September. These fish prefer warmer Gulf Stream waters, and if you are looking for a good place to target them, the structure of wahoo fishing in North Carolina will give you plenty of options. To catch some wahoo, you might try trolling the offshore humps and wrecks.
Peak hours 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. The best times to wahoo fish are the days immediately prior and after the Full Moon and the New Moon. These peak times are best when you trolling at a high or normal speed. A boat capable of handling this extra speed will allow you to catch a wahoo.
Summer is the best time to fish for wahoo. These fish can be found on the ledges or structures between Jupiter and Stuart inlets. The average wahoo weights in at 25 to 25 pounds. However, there are often 50-pounders. 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. Although May weather can be unpredictable, it is usually the best month for light-tackle fishing. Blue-crystal, which is the best bait when fishing for wahoo, is recommended if you're considering a trip in this season. If you are looking for large fish, however, fishing can be done in late April or early May.
FAQ
Can I fish during the day?
Yes, you can fish anytime of the day. Fishing is only allowed during periods when it is prohibited.
How deep should my line go?
Cast your line as deep as possible. Cast a line with your straight arm so the line doesn’t twist.
How much time does it take to catch a fish?
It depends on how big the fish is and what level of skill the fisherman has. The time it takes to catch a fish is anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour. You have a better chance of landing a large fish if you wait longer.
What happens if I am caught illegally fishing?
You may face fines, jail time, and even loss of your fishing license. It's important to know the rules before you go fishing.
What kind of fishing gear do I need?
You will need a rod, reel and line. Hooks, bait, tackle boxes, and snacks are also needed. A cast is essential if you want to catch fish. You also need to know how to rig a hook. Remember to be patient and wait for the right moment before you strike.
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)
- 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)
- 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)
External Links
How To
How to perfectly cast a fishing rod
The first thing you must know when casting a fishing rod is to use your wrist to move the rod's handle smoothly towards the water. To ensure that the rod is parallel to ground, it should be held at an angle. When you start moving the rod forward, keep the tip of the rod perpendicular to the surface of the water. The fish won't eat if the tip touches water's surface sooner than the line reaches bottom. This technique can be used to increase distance between the tip and water surface.
Here are some tips for casting a rod if you're not confident yet.
The first thing you should do is to hold the rod at your chest. By doing this, the rod will move in the right direction and you won't have to bend.
You may also want to place a tripod along the shoreline or on top of a rock ledge when casting heavy rods. You'll be able rest your rod securely and still have control of the reel.
Third, consider getting a small reel over a more expensive one. A cheap spinning reel will allow you to cast longer distances and will help you develop good hand-eye coordination.
Fourth, you might also consider buying a fishing pole holder. These holders hold the rod securely and keep it upright. These holders are easy to store and protect your rod from damage.
Fifth, practice casting until the motion becomes natural. Casting a fishing line takes practice.
Sixth, remember that the key to successful fishing is patience. Waiting for the right moment to strike is key to successful fishing. Then, work hard to get the fish in.