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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Power Lines
January 25, 2009
We know that magnets attract other magnets and various types of metal. That is why, when a knife or other metal object is lost overboard, a magnet, attached to a line, is often used to retrieve it. An electronic force, similar to that created by a magnet, forms near power lines. Because the lines are suspended high above the lake, they are assumed away by fishermen and most boaters, unless, of course, the vessel has a very high mast.
Over the years, savvy outdoorsmen have begun to realize that power lines, particularly those supported atop high steel towers or pylons, attract a variety of wildlife. The scientific reasons for this attraction are complicated, but fish hangout near power lines as well.
When you think about it, some of the better fishing locations around Lake Norman are adjacent to, or directly under power lines. The first location that comes to mind is the section of Little Creek, just past the pump station, where power lines pass overhead. Year round this site produces excellent catches of crappie, perch, bass and catfish. Seasonally stripers are also caught below the lines. Other popular locations are at the entrance to the Lake Norman State Park, Rocky Creek (just east of Marker S3), Lucky Creek (west of Markers LC1), and in the main river channel a short distance south of the Highway 150 Bridge.
In addition to creating to a force field, transmission lines generally cross over the lake where the distance from shore to shore is narrower than the surrounding areas. Thus, the fish swimming through the space are funneled through a confined area.
The next time you are catching fish as quickly as you can bait the hook, look up - there just might be a set of power lines above your head!
Upcoming Events:
On Saturday, February 14, 2009 at 9:00 a.m., Light House Marine Service will offer it’s first Boater Safety Course of the new boating season. The registration fee for the eight hour session is $49.00. The class will be held at Morning Star Marina in Cornelius, NC. To register, or for more information, call Lt. Scott Spivey – 704 587 0325 or visit http://www.lmservice.org.
A Free Seminar on “How to Catch LKN Striped Bass” will be held at Gander Mountain, Exit 36 in Mooresville, NC at 6:30 P.M. on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. This two-hour session will be conducted by fishing guide Capt. Craig Price and myself. For additional information call 704 658 0822
Tips from Capt. Gus:
Use lithium grease to lubricate the shaft of your trolling motor. The grease will allow the motor to slide easily, and will prevent the shaft from freezing in the bracket during cold weather.
Hot Spots of the week:
Striper fishing has been very good with limit catches coming from both sides of the Highway 150 bridge. With colder temperatures, stripers and bass have congregated near the hot water discharge chutes of the Marshall and McGuire Power Plants. Additionally, stripers are being caught in the creek channels at depths to seventy feet. Live baits are best. Trout are popular, but for those who can throw a net are using shad and herring.
The water surface temperature is in the forties and the water level is 95.7 or 4.3 feet below full pond.
Captain Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. is licensed by the US Coast Guard, a member of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association, and is an outdoor columnist and a full time professional fishing guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his web site, Fishin' With Gus! at www.FishingWithGus.com or call 704-617-6812.
For additional information e-mail Gus at Gus@LakeNorman.com
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