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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Boating Your Catch
May 10, 2009
A big fish is tugging on the other end of your line? How well you fight it will determine whether you mount it or lose it. Hopefully, the tips below will put a trophy on your wall.
First and foremost, when you have a big fish, remain calm and keep the line tight. If the fish wants to go the other way, let it go. If the drag mechanism in the reel is set correctly, it will allow the fish to take the line without breaking it. A properly set drag and a good bend in the rod help to wear the fish down. When the fish stops running and turns toward you, crank fast enough to keep the line tight. Don’t try to overpower it. Winching the fish in can cause the drag to slip and the line to spin and twist on the spool. If this happens, stop reeling and raise the rod tip with a smooth and determined motion. Lower the tip as you retrieve the line back to the spool. Repeat this pumping technique until the fish is near the net.
Half the fun of fishing is the fight, so take your time and enjoy the battle. A “green fish”, one that comes to the boat too quickly, is difficult to land and often scoots away when it senses being captured. Sudden bursts often cause the line to break or a hook to pull. Knowing this, play the fish until it tires and all but gives up. Don’t be fooled if a really big fish gives up quickly. It might only be resting while it regains its composure and gets a second wind.
Remember to keep about a rod’s length of line between the rod tip and the fish as it nears the boat. Reeling the fish or terminal tackle all the way to the rod tip will cause something to break. Finally, when the time is right, lead the fish to the net. Be certain that the net is deep enough in the water so that the fish doesn’t dart below it. Always net the fish head first.
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, 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 on Lake Norman. 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 Summer Bass, Stripers, White Perch on Lake Norman - Thursday, May 28, 2009. This free ninety minute power point presentation seminar will begin at 6:30 p.m., Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC. Capt. Gus Gustafson will lead this informative session. Additional information is available by calling 704-658-0822.
Tips from Capt. Gus:
To head a fish in the direction in which you want it to swim, apply pressure with the rod tip. If it decides to go elsewhere, follow it. A big fish might lead you around the boat several times. The trip is worth it.
The Hot Spot of the Week:
Stripers are feeding on live baits in major creeks up lake. Bass, white perch and catfish are biting at both ends of the lake. Reeds Creek has been quite productive for bass and perch. The lake level is 1.2' 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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