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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Rocks and Docks
May 4, 2008
First time anglers are often overwhelmed by Lake Norman’s vastness, clear water conditions, and lack of aquatic vegetation. They soon realize the most obvious places to fish are near boat docks and along the hundreds of miles of rip-rap - rocks that protect the shoreline from erosion. The key to dock and rock fishing is to isolate the fish, rather than waste valuable time in unproductive water
When fishing near rip-rap, it is important to note that fish generally hold extremely tight to the rocks. Casting parallel to the shoreline is more effective than casting perpendicular to it. Even when two anglers are fishing, it is best for both to cast from the bow, while the boat moves along the bank.
Which stretches of rip-rap are best, depend on conditions. More often than not, the hot spots are near indentations and where points protrude into the water. Other likely places are where rocks have been dumped below the surface. Rip-rap on shallow banks holds more fish in the spring and fall, while deep water rocks produce more catches during summer and winter months.
Everyone knows it is hard to fish a windy shoreline, but the churning action of waves often energizes fish and makes them feed aggressively on a windy rip-rap point. The longer and harder the wind blows in the same direction, the more active the fish will be on a windward bank.
Rip-rap rocks not only provide shelter for forage fish, but insects, varmints, snakes and crawfish live in the cracks and crevices. Try using a variety of baits.
Lake Norman’s thousands of boat docks might look similar, but each one has its own characteristics. Some hold fish and others do not. The most productive docks provide ample shade, ground cover below the surface, and a deep water escape route for fish. Docks with lots of pilings, cross-members, and ladders are better than those with floatation material.
Floatation material varies. Older docks used Strofoam. The new docks use a black plastic-like material. In the spring, fish seem to prefer the newer floatation black absorbs heat and warms the surrounding water.) In the summer, the older docks with Styrofoam, are preferred.
When searching for docks, look for those with rod holders mounted to the railing, spot lights that shine directly into the water at night, and brush that protrudes from the water. All are indications that the area is fished by its owners, and might even be baited with fish pellets or other food.
All docks attract a few bream, bass, catfish and carp at one time or another. But remember, the amount of shade, water depth, the dock’s proximity to other structures, and the amount of underwater cover will affect the quantity and quality of fishing.
Upcoming Events:
“Introduction to Casting” – Mitchell Community College, Mooresville, NC – Wednesday 7 & 14, 2008, 6:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. Capt. Gus will teach the fundamentals of casting bait, fly and spinning equipment. Bring your favorite rod/reel and learn to cast like a pro. The fee for the two night (four hour) session is $25.00. Call 704-663-1923 to pre-register.
Boater Safety Class – “How to Navigate Lake Norman” – Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC – Thursday, May 8, 2008, 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Topics will include, “Understanding LKN’s Marker and Buoy System”, “Identifying and Learning to Avoid the Ten Most Dangerous Shoals”, and “How to Use and Interpret Lake Maps.” Registration fee is $25.00. For more information or to register, call Capt. Scot Spivey - 704-587-0325 or visit www.lmservice.org.
“How to Throw a Cast New and Keep Bait Alive” - Free seminar by Capt.’s Craig Price and Gus Gustafson – Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC, Tuesday, May 20, 2008, 6:30 p.m. Call 704-658-0822 for additional information.
Tips from Capt. Gus:
Old timers say, “Bananas and peanuts bring bad luck on fishing trips.” Readers beware!
The Hot Spots of the Week:
Bass fishing was particularly good for the FLW Pro Anglers. They reported catching bedding bass in coves and pockets. Striper fishing remains good to very good in water less than twenty feet deep in Reed and Rock Creeks.
The water level is currently 1.7' below full pond and surface water temperature is in the sixties.
Captain Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. 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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