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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! - Can't Catch Them?
May 6, 2007
"I've fished Lake Norman several times and haven't caught anything yet." Sound familiar? You bet it does, particularly if you moved from a place that had saltwater or lots of walleye, pike and yellow perch. Although the fishing techniques are similar, baits and tactics used by warm water fishermen in southern impoundments are somewhat different.
The first thing to do is to become familiar with the lake. Purchase a good topographic map and study it. Ride the lake when you expect to find lots of fishermen. Weekends are best. When you see someone fishing, place a mark on your map or GPS unit. If the anglers are standing and casting frequently, they are more than likely bass fishing. If they are sitting or fishing with multiple rods, they are probably fishing for catfish or striped bass. If you see a boat catching fish, circle the spot on your map. Repeat this process during mornings, afternoons and evenings. Use different colored ink to note the time of day. If that doesn't get you started, go with an experienced friend, fishing club member or fishing guide.
Most area anglers fish artificial lures. Begin with small baits on light line. Since shad and herring are the predominate baitfish, try something that looks similar. "Shad Raps" and "Rattle Traps" are good choices. Fish slowly, using different lures that will allow you to cover the entire water column. As a rule, bass roam the shallows at dawn, then move to cover or offshore as the day brightens. Other baits to consider are soft plastics, pig & jigs and buzz baits. Live minnows fished on a float rig will also produce nice stringers of bass when nothing else works.
Catfish are often caught while bottom fishing close to shore. Cats are scavengers and will hit a variety of baits. Night crawlers are most popular, followed by an assortment of prepared stink baits or table foods such as Vienna sausage and pieces of shrimp. Big cats prefer fresh dead fish presented whole, or cut into strips or chunks. If you're after trophy cats, use at least thirty pound test line, large hooks and heavy rods and reels.
Stripers are active year round. They roam from dam to dam, but most are caught in major creek arms with live or artificial baits. Drift fish or slowly troll live baits at various depths throughout the water column. Shad, herring, trout and shiners are frequently used. Troll with downriggers in the deep water of the river channel during the warmer months.
May Events:
"Public Boater Saftey Class" - Saturday, May 19, 2007 - 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
The Lake Norman Sail and Power Squadron will conduct this course at the Denver, Volunteer Fire Department. Contact; Clyde Starr for details - 704 947 2729.
"How to Navigate Lake Norman at Night" - Saturday, May 19, 2007
Capt. Alan Stopko will conduct this three hour class at the Peninsula Yacht Club,18601 Harbor Light Blvd, Cornelius, NC. The course begins at 9 a.m. and the fee s $20 per person. Call 704 895 6993 for more information.
"How to Use Sonar/GPS to Catch More Fish" - Sunday, May 20, 2007
This ninety minute free seminar is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. at Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC. Local angler and author Jake Bussolini and Capt. Gus Gustafson will lead the informative session. Additional information is available by calling 704 658 0822.
Tips from Capt. Gus!
To avoid disturbances by pleasure boaters, fish during the week or from first light until approximately 10 a.m. on weekends.
The Hot Spot of the Week continues to be the shallow areas of major creek arms on both sides of the Highway 150 Bridge. Catches of bass, stripers, catfish and white perch have been good to excellent. The lake level is 2.5' below full pond and the water temperature is in the high seventies.
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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