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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! - Boating Your Catch
May 20, 2007
There is a big one tugging on the other end of your fishing line. It just jumped, so you know it's a wall hanger. How skillfully you fight it, will determine if you mount or lose it. The tips below will assure that your trophy fish finds its way to the wall in your den.
First and foremost, when you have a big fish tugging, remain calm and keep the line tight. If the fish wants to go the other way, let it go. The drag mechanism in the reel allows the fish to take line without parting when set correctly. A properly set drag also helps to wear the fish down, particularly if a good bend is kept in the rod. When the fish stops running and turns toward you, crank fast enough to keep the line taut. But, 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. When this happens, stop reeling. Then raise the rod tip in a smooth and determined motion. Once it reaches its apex, lower it as line is retrieved back on to the spool. Repeat this pumping technique over and over 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 can cause the line to part or a hook to pull. Knowing this, play it until it tires and has all but given up. But, don't be fooled if a really big fish gives up quickly. It might just be resting while it regains composure and gets its second wind.
Remember to keep about a rod's length of line out to play the fish when it finally nears the boat. Reeling the fish 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 into the water so that the fish doesn't dart below it. Always net your trophy head first.
Up Coming Events:
Fishing 101 - Mitchell Community College, Mooresville Campus - Call 704 878 3223 to register This six hour course is divided into three, two hour segments, running on consecutive Wednesday evenings beginning June, 13, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. Captain Gus will cover in great detail, the how to's of recreational angling on Lake Norman and other area lakes.
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 before tiring. The trip is worth it.
The Hot Spot of the Week: Stripers are feeding on live baits up lake in major creeks. Bass, white perch and catfish are biting on both ends of the lake. Reeds Creek has been quite productive for bass and perch. The lake level is 2.5' below full pond and the water temperature is in the high seventies.
New Books:
"Fish Tales and Other Stories as Told by Capt. Gus" can be purchased online at http://www.fishtalesandotherstories.com . "Jake's Take on The Lake" written by local author Jake Bussolini, is available at http://www.jakestakebook.com
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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