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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Normie , the Lake Monster
February 14, 2010
“Mystery of the Carolina Woods”, an article published in this month’s issue of Wildlife in North Carolina magazine suggests that a Nessie-like monster might live in Lake Norman.
“Normie” was named by Matt Myers, web designer and creator of www.lakenormanmonster.com. Since there aren’t any valid photographs of Normie, the site features a cartoon-like rendering of how Matt sees the monster.
For those unfamiliar with Normie, below are excerpts from some of my columns over the years.
”Normie, the Lake Norman Monster" - is it a hoax, or is it real? That question has been asked by Lake Norman visitors for more than a quarter century. At first, its existence was only a rumor by individuals who claimed to see something very large swimming in the lake.”
Next, were tales from anonymous scuba divers inspecting the dam.” As they swam near the bottom of the lake, a burst of water pushed them toward the rocks, and something large swimming above them, turned the water black by obscuring the sunlight. The astonished divers freaked out!”
 “Hundreds of monster sightings have been reported since – so many, in fact, that a website was developed by Matt Myers, for people to post their observations. In the year 2007, ten different incidents were reported. More have followed. Matt learned years ago, that those who report sightings of space ships hovering overhead, mermaids, monsters or alligators in the lake, are viewed by their peers with suspicion. However, he wanted a venue to welcome such discussions without fear of reprisal or undue criticism. That's when he created www.lakenormanmonster.com.
“While some sightings are suspect, Matt believes there is enough substance to think there might be a creature lurking below the water's surface! He says, "The following comments give credence to a monster theory and bear further investigation."
"Its eyes were the size of basketballs."
"It had a huge body with two large fins."
"I was swimming in the northern part of the lake, when I saw the water divide, and something was coming toward me."
"The "catfish" I saw was definitely larger than I was. It was dark gray and approximately 4 feet long and 2 feet wide."
”When asked why the interest in "Normie", Matt was quick to comment, "Other large lakes have legendary monsters, so why not Norman? It’s the state's largest lake, with water depths to one-hundred-thirty feet, and it has more than five-hundred miles of shoreline - lots of room for a monster to roam." He went on to say, "Newspaper articles about record catfish from LKN, stories about big garfish, stockings of grass carp (that grow to huge portions), and reports of people catching the dreaded snakehead fish, have everyone scanning the water."
In closing, Matt sited a rumor about a biological experiment that possibly went astray.” It seems that years ago Arkansas Blue Catfish and Wyoming Buffalo Carp were cross-bred in hopes of producing a fish that would reportedly grow to a thousand pounds and provide excellent table fare. Rumors are that these fish were stocked in Lake Norman. To date, none have been caught.”
The website (www.lakenormanmonster.com) is loaded with reports of unusual sightings and strange happenings. It's a fun place to visit. After you visit the site, do a little monster hunting on your own while fishing or boating on Lake Norman.
Tips from Capt. Gus:
When deep jigging in open water, use the smallest diameter line practical. Lighter line allows the bait to sink rapidly and improves sensitivity at the rod tip when a strike occurs.
Upcoming events:
A free seminar entitled “Learning To Use Your Depth Finder To Catch More Fish” is scheduled for Thursday, February 25, 2010 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Gander Mountain, Mooresville, Exit 36. Lake Norman Fishing Guide, Capt. Gus Gustafson, and Jake Bussollini, author of “Freshwater Fighters”, will lead the discussion. Bring the instruction book for your depth finder and any questions you might have to this 90-minute session. For additional information, call 704 658 0822.
Hot Spot of the Week:
When weather conditions are right, warmer waters in Ramsey creek are producing nice catches of bass and stripers. The deeper channel sections of Reed and Davidson are also hot spots for stripers and perch.
The lake level is currently above normal and surface water temperatures in deep open water are in the forties.
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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