Here are some tips to help you make the most of your wahoo fishing trip to 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. Remember that recreational wahoo catch is unlimited. A commercial license is required to catch trophy fish.
Offshore trolling
Offshore trolling for wahoo fishing is best during the fall in North Carolina, particularly late August/early September. Wahoo begin to appear in the waters around Morehead City from mid-to late August. Clear, calm water and little current are the best conditions for fishing. A simple ballyhoo rigged in plain shape is an excellent bait for offshore trolling. Other lures that are popular include cedar plugs and Green Machines.
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, however, are not an issue in Carolinas. The ocean temperature rises and so does the wahoo. The temperatures of the water and the conditions for fishing are perfect for wahoo.
In spring and fall, wahoo will be the main target. The transition from winter into spring will determine when other species will appear. Yellowfin tuna has been the top target for spring fish in the past. However, in recent years they have been absent. Although some are caught occasionally, the number of them is very small. 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. You can freeze the bait or use it fresh. The best way to retrieve the bait is with a trolling-size J-hook. The hook itself should be positioned so that the wire pin is in line with the fish's nostrils. Ballyhoos have a great reputation for seafloor and surface fishing.
Wahoos usually prefer the deeper water column but can be found on the sand as well as in the 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 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. If properly fished, a ballyhoo may catch wahoo right in its natural waters. Ballyhoos are also excellent bait for wahoo. A planer rod is a good choice for a hard lure. You can invest in either a Yo-zuri Bonita (or a Braid Marauder). You can find them in many colors including pink/black or purple/black.
For fishing for wahoo, a single-strand coffee colored stainless steel wire leader works well. A bridle should be attached on the leader. Planers come in three to sixteen sizes, and rigging is important for success. Capt. Weaver also mentions that wahoo can be 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 high-speed lures may be pulled with an inner trolling weight and put on a downrigger. Particularly effective when targeting large tuna or wahoo, dark colors work well. They are also durable and keep running straight after catching a lot of fish. Other manufacturers of high-speed trolling lures include MagBay and Nomad.
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 speed of a transiting lure traveling at two to four feet per second. This is why you should use quality drag and heavy lures. 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 usually have wire or cable rigged to them. However, this can cause damage to the lure if the lure is bent. This is why it's a good idea to get a multi-stranded wire. This wire is also less likely to bend and kink, so it can run straighter. To make it easier to change lures, you can use a clip.
Floating debris
This is a great spot to catch this trophy fish. Whajoo prefer aggressive bottom formations, such as wrecks, ledges, and floating debris. 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 may also be a good way to spot these majestic fish schools.
Before looking for schools of wahoo, the fisherman needs to first examine any floating debris in the area. If there are no baitfish, or dolphins around the area, then he should leave it alone. 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. 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.
Water surface temperatures are cooler in cooler months. This increases the chance of finding a Wahoo. 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. These areas offer the best fishing conditions.
Structure
A few exceptions may exist in the Gulf of Mexico. Wahoo tend to travel 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. 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 infamous for their razor-sharp jaws. Hagerich recommends heavy singlestrand wire and an extremely heavy-duty fishing rod in order 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 often prefer 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 even be caught at speeds exceeding ten knots.
The best times to fish for the wahoo are 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. You can trolling around wrecks and offshore humps to catch a few wahoo.
Feeding peak times
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. You should wahoo-fish on the days immediately preceding and following the Full Moon and 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. 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.
October to March is the best time to target wahoo. 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. Blue-crystal is the best bait for wahoo fishing if you are planning a trip. If you are looking for large fish, however, fishing can be done in late April or early May.
FAQ
How can I get my kids to take up fishing?
Absolutely! Kids love to fish. Many children who grow up fishing never stop. There are many things that you can do to encourage your child into fishing. For example, you could teach them how to tie knots, build a fishing pole, and learn about fishing etiquette. You could also show them pictures of what fish look like and tell them stories about fishing.
How do I bait my hooks
Your hooks will be baited by attaching a piece if meat to its end. Next, tie the meat around your hook's eye.
What should you wear when fishing?
Protect your skin from the elements with clothes. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and gloves are all good choices. You should also bring insect repellent.
How do I get started fishing?
It is important to understand the basics of fishing before you set out to fish. First, you need to learn about the different types of fish in your area. Also, it is important to identify their preferred places of residence so you can find them. After you've identified the best areas to search for fish, practice casting. This means learning how to throw a lure into the air and letting it fall back down onto the surface of the water. Practice makes perfect!
What type of fishing gear do you require?
A rod and reel, line, hooks (bait), tackle box, and snacks. 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.
What happens if I am caught illegally fishing?
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.
Do I require special fishing licenses?
If you are planning to take fish out-of-state or across county lines, then no. Many states allow anglers fish without the need for a license. For more information, contact your local Fish & Wildlife department.
Statistics
- 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)
- 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
Finding the Best Fishing Location
You must decide what type of fish you want. This will help you find the best fishing spots. You should decide whether you want to go deep sea fishing or shallow water fishing. Deep sea fishing requires a boat. This is expensive. Shallow water fishing can be done from shore and is therefore free of cost. Shallow water fishing is the best option if you want to catch trout. You'll need to travel to deeper water if you are looking for barracuda.
Depending on your preference, there are many types of fishing spots. Some places only offer one type, while others offer multiple options. One example is that some areas are known for their bass fishing and others specialize in fly-fishing. Some locations are also famous for their shark fishing or crabbing.
The best way to figure out where to go depends on your budget, how long you plan to stay, and what you like doing. Do you enjoy camping? Then you might want to check out a place near a lake. Do you prefer the city? Maybe you prefer the ocean. You might enjoy canoeing and sailing, scubadiving, kayaking, and surfing.
Ask someone who is familiar with fishing. They can tell you everything, even where to go.
You can even search online for fishing spots near you. This will give you many options. It would be great if you could narrow down your list of choices by reading reviews and ratings. Many websites offer this feature.
Once you have decided on a particular location, be sure to go there before you leave. It is not always easy to find the right way, so make sure you have directions. Make sure to bring all the necessary items. Make sure to pack your bait, tackle box and sunscreen.
Researching the weather conditions is a great idea. You can check the weather forecast to find the best times to go. If the weather changes, you might want to change your plans.
You can now plan your trip once you know where you are going. The next step is to decide what kind of fish you will be using.