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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Safe Boating is No Accident
May 3, 2009
Boats on Lake Norman have been getting bigger and faster for years. The 2009 models are no exception. It seems that now is an appropriate time to restate two of my favorite adages - “Safe Boating is No Accident” and, “It’s always a good trip if you make it back."
With no highways, stop lights or road signs on the water, it is imperative to know the boating "rules of the road.” I read that seventy-five percent of all boaters have never participated in a boater safety class. Having said that, it is critical to the well being of all passengers that the pilot maneuver the vessel in a defensive manner. Defensive means keeping a constant vigilance for any object or vessel that enters the danger zone of your boat. Should there be an intrusion, either slow the boat down, or increase the speed to avoid any opportunity for collision.
Congested areas, particularly near gas docks, boat storage facilities and lakeside restaurants, should be considered “No Wake” areas, regardless of signs or a lack of them. When plying heavily traveled water, all crew members should be alert and ready to report any indications of danger.
Boat harbors aren't the only places for potential hazards. There are more than twenty bridges that crisscross Lake Norman and afford multiple opportunities for accidents. Passing is not the only bridge issue. Horizontal, vertical and draft clearances of a vessel are also factors to seriously consider. In fact, so many accidents occur in and around bridges that Lake Patrol Officers spend a disproportionate amount time patrolling them. If ever “No Wake” means “No Wake”, it should be around bridges. Boat wakes, similar to the waves created by wind and current, can cause slow moving vessels to veer off course. The situation can be particularly dangerous when passing through a limited access area..
Boat congestion is not always in a “No Wake” zone. Narrow turns in a channel can cause boats to slide off course when the water is choppy. One area that comes to mind is the S-turn in the river channel between Markers 10, 11, 12 and 13. Here, the water winds quickly and multiple feeder creeks converge. At times, dozens of boats appear from all directions to vie for a share of the narrow, winding channel. Many boaters cruise at top speed and pull large wakes. Add to this scary scenario, the fact that there might be a boater in the mix who is unsure about which course to take. As in “The Perfect Storm,” these conditions are exactly right for an accident. To be safe, slow your vessel, stay to the right and watch for approaching boat traffic.
Remember….“Save Boating is No Accident.”
Notice: The Lake Norman Marine Commission will fund the first $10 per adult (first come basis while funds last) towards a Safe Boating course taught by the Lake Norman Power Squadron, the Lighthouse Marine Service, or the Coast Guard Auxiliary, during the months of May and June. Space is limited. Contact course providers for details.
Upcoming Events:
A two hour class offered by Lighthouse Marine Services on “How to Safely Navigate Lake Norman” will be conducted at Gander Mountain, Exit 36 at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, May 21, 2009. Capt’s Scott Spivey and I will discuss how to safely navigate Lake Norman’s main channel, creek arms, danger spots, and back coves during daylight and at night. Other topics will include understanding navigation and shoal markers. Boat ramps, marinas, restaurants & other points of interest will be discussed. The registration fee for this class is $25.00. To register, call 704 587 0325 or email uscgc17@bellsouth.org.
“How to Use Sonar/GPS to Catch More Fish” - Thursday, May 28, 2009
This ninety minute power point seminar is free and open to the public at 6:30 p.m., Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC. Capt. Gus Gustafson will lead the informative session. Additional information is available by calling 704-658-0822.
Tips from Capt. Gus!
To remove twists from anchor and dock lines, pull lines behind a slow moving boat for a few minutes. Remember to remove all hardware and to fasten one end to a boat cleat before paying out the line.
The Hot Spot of the Week:
Nice catches of catfish and bass have been reported around the islands north of the Lake Norman State Park. Bass, catfish and white perch are biting good to very good. Stripers are still active in major creek channels and up river.
The lake level is 1.6' below full pond and the water temperature is in the 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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