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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Garfish Invasion
June 15, 2008
The first time a casual observer gets a glimpse of a garfish, visions of snakes, gators and lake monsters come to mind. The long cylindrical fish, with a snout full of teeth, does indeed resemble a sea serpent of sorts. What makes it look even more like a creature, are the dark-green diamond shaped scales that create the illusion of a finned snake denizen of the deep.
When sunning, a gar appears to be sluggish and lifeless, but when hungry, it is quick to ambush its prey. First, it immobilizes the prey with a slashing motion of its snout, and then it shreds and eats it with needle-like teeth. Bass, crappie and perch are fair game for this predator that lives on area lakes and grows to lengths of over three feet.
During the spawning season (May thru July), it is not unusual to see a very large female gar being followed by several smaller males. At times, they are so close to one another that they appear to be one very long fish. Daisy chaining, as it is called, often results in reports from anglers of seeing fish over ten feet in length - a possible reason for many alligator/monster sightings on Lake Norman.
Garfish have the power in their long bodies to test most freshwater tackle. Sometimes, they hit artificial lures. Most, however, are caught with either live or dead baits while fishing for other species. The most popular local baits are live shad and fresh-cut bream.
A hooked gar will put up a gallant battle and is known for its exhilarating runs. On occasion, they leap from the water while attempting to throw the hook. Care should be taken when unhooking the long nosed gar with its mouthful of needle sharp teeth.
The white meat of a garfish is very popular in Louisiana and other Gulf Coast states, but is not considered good table fare in other regions. The roe is toxic and should not be eaten under any circumstances.
The largest long nose gar taken in North Carolina waters weighted in at nineteen pounds-ten ounces.
Upcoming Events:
“Night Fishing for Lake Norman Stripers, Bass and Catfish” - A free seminar conducted by Mac Byrum and Capt. Gus Gustafson - Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC – Thursday, June 19, 2008, 6:30 p.m. Call 704 658 0822 for additional information.
On Thursday, July 10, 2008, Light House Marine Services will offer an instructional boating course entitled, “How to Safely Navigate Lake Norman.” 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 for the three-hour class is $25.00. 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.
Tips from Capt. Gus:
Garfish are usually found swimming near boat docks and in the back of shallow coves during the warmer months of the year. They are easier to see with polarized sun glasses.
Hot Spots of the Week:
Stripers are taking baits suspended thirty-five to fifty feet below the surface along the edge of the old river channel and in the deep sections of major creek arms. Anglers deep jigging and trolling with down riggers are reporting nice catches from Marker 13, south to the dam. Cat fishing has been very good to excellent on both cut and prepared baits. Large cats are being caught with fresh dead bream and perch.
The water level is currently 2.1' below full pond. Water surface temperature is in the mid- 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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