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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Garfish
April 25, 2010
Every spring there are reports of something big that swims around docks and in shallow coves. To the first time observer, garfish resemble snakes, gators or even lake monsters that swim near the surface. This long cylindrical fish with a snout full of teeth, does indeed, resemble a sea serpent, of sorts. Its dark green diamond shaped scales create the illusion of a finned snake-like denizen of the deep.
When sunning, a gar appears to be sluggish and lifeless, but when hungry, it is quick to ambush its prey. It immobilizes its victim with a slashing motion of the snout, then shreds and eats it with its needle like teeth. Bass, crappie and perch are fair game for this predator that lives in Piedmont lakes and reaches a length of over three feet.
During the spawning season (May thru July), it is not unusual to see a very large female gar being followed by several smaller males. At times, they are so close to one another that it appears to be one very long fish. Known as “daisy chaining”, it often results in reports from anglers of seeing fish over ten feet in length - a possible reason for many alligator and “Normie the Lake Monster” sightings.
Garfish have the power in their long bodies to really test freshwater fishing tackle. Sometimes they hit artificial lures, but most are caught on live or dead baits while fishing for other species.
The most popular local baits are live shad and fresh cut bream.
A hooked gar is known for its exhilarating runs and will present a gallant battle. On occasion, they leap from the water and try to throw the hook. Care should be taken when unhooking the long nosed gar with its mouthful of needle sharp teeth.
The white meat of a garfish is very popular in Louisiana and other Gulf Coast states, but is not considered good table fare in other regions. The roe is toxic and should not be eaten under any circumstances.
The largest long nose gar taken in North Carolina waters weighed 19 lbs, ten ozs.
Upcoming Events:
A free seminar on “Introduction to Largemouth and Spotted Bass Fishing” will be held at Gander Mountain, Exit 36, at 6:30 p.m., Thursday April 29, 2010. The ninety minute session conducted by Capt. Gus, will cover simple techniques about how to fish with live or artificial baits, and will discuss ten of the best fishing spots on Lake Norman. For additional information, call 704-658-0822.
Reminder:
Time is running out! Beginning May 1, 2010 anyone 25 years of age or younger who operates a vessel powered by 10 or more horsepower on public waters, must complete an approved boater safety course.
Tips from Capt. Gus:
Garfish are usually found swimming near boat docks and in the back of shallow coves during the warmer months of the year. They are easier to see with polarized sun glasses.
Hot Spots of the Week:
Bass, stripers and white perch are hitting a variety of live and artificial baits. Best bets are the islands between the State Park and Buffalo Shoals Rd. Bridge and the Reed/Davidson Creek areas at the south end. Large cats are being caught on fresh cut bream and perch in coves and around boat docks.
The water level is about 2.0' below full pond and the water surface temperature is in the sixties and seventies.
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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