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Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Hooks Catch More Than Fish
June 13, 2010
Everyone has a tale about getting hooked while fishing. It seems that it happens to all of us sooner or later. After the fact, some stories are quite funny and make for great jokes. But, if hooks are handled in a careless manner, the danger is real and there is always the potential of serious injury to eye, body or limb. Modern fish hooks are very sharp, so sharp, in fact, that little, if any, hook set is required to penetrate the hard mouth of a fish or any part of the angler’s body. When a hooking accident occurs, it’s a stressful and painful experience at best. To minimize the chances of getting hooked, consider the following:- Keep hooks, lures and tackle boxes out of the reach of everyone, especially children.
- When casting, be sure the fishing area is clear, particularly behind you.
- Do not allow hooks or lures to tangle or swing freely. Attach the hook securely to the hook holder located near the fore-grip of the rod or to another convenient place on the rod or reel.
- When not in use, place rigged fishing outfits in rod holders or storage compartments. Never allow them to lay unattended in the boat or on the deck.
- Should a bad cast create a hang up, do not yank or pull. This could cause the hook or lure to fly back toward you like a missile. It’s best to work your way back to the problem and free the hook by hand.
- When unhooking, give yourself plenty of slack line while attempting to gain control of the fish. Hold the fish tightly, either by the mouth (if it doesn’t have teeth), or behind the gills. Then attempt to remove the hook.
- Expect the fish to wiggle and flip at anytime, so keep a tight grip on your catch while unhooking.
- Needle nose pliers might be needed to remove deeply set hooks.
- In the event you should hook yourself or someone else, remain calm. Cut the line so only the hook or lure is attached. Stop any bleeding. Even if the hook can easily be removed, a tetanus shot may be required.
*Sometimes it’s not only the fish hook that sticks you, but the sharp fins, spines or teeth of the fish can also get you. Consult your doctor.
Tips from Capt. Gus:
Getting hooked can happen at any time, but it is more likely to occur while casting, attempting to free a hung lure, and while unhooking a fish.
Up Coming Events:
Thursday, June 17, 2010, Light House Marine Services is offering an instructional course entitled, “How to Safely Navigate Lake Norman.” Topics to be discussed will include “Understanding Lake Norman’s Marker and Buoy System,” “Identifying and Learning how to avoid Dangerous Shoals” and “How to Use and Interpret Lake Maps.” Registration fee is $25.00 for the two and a half hour course conducted by Capt. Gus. The class begins at 6:30 p.m. at Gander Mountain, Exit 36 Mooresville, NC. To register, or for more information, call Lt. Scott Spivey – 704 587 0325 or visit www.lmservice.org.
Free Fishing Seminar - “How to Catch Summer Striped Bass on Lake Norman” will be discussed at Gander Mountain, Exit 36 on Thursday, June 24, 2010 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. This informative session conducted by Capt. Gus will cover day and night striper fishing while trolling, live baiting and deep jigging. Contact 704-658-0822 for additional information.
Hot Spots of the Week:
Stripers are hitting baits being trolled thirty to fifty feet below the surface in Mountain Creek. Spotted bass are hitting top water baits on points and coves at dawn and dusk. White perch are hitting small baits in water from fifteen to thirty feet deep.
Recently, fishing has been good to very good.
The lake level is about 1.5' below full pond and the water surface temperature is in the eighties.
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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