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Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Hot Weather Boating & Fishing Tips
June 27, 2010
After a really cold winter, it looks like we’re headed for a super hot summer. The mid-June heat wave has caused Lake Norman's surface water temperatures to soar into the mid to high eighties, making it feel like bath water. On days when the sun is bright and the wind is light, the heat becomes noticeable at eight in the morning. By ten o'clock it’s time to seek shade and air conditioning. So, how can fishermen and boaters beat the heat and still enjoy time during the summer boating season?
First, get an early start, especially if you plan to fish. It’s not just humans, but also the fish, that are affected by the summer sun. One reason is that fish do not have eyelids. Since they don’t, they go deep or seek cover to avoid the blinding rays of the summer sun.
The hotter the day, the more important it is to protect fish baits. Worms, minnows and crickets will die quickly if not sheltered. Minnows live best in an insulated bucket with aeration. If you want worms to be lively, keep them in a cool location away from the sun. Crickets also need shade or they will also die.
Unhook fish with care and quickly release them. The longer a fish stays out of the water, the more likely it is to die. Due to the likelihood of dying, the North Carolina Resources Commission encourages anglers to keep any size striper up to the creel limit of 4 between June 1st and September 30th. All fish being kept should be put on ice immediately. It’s a good idea to have extra ice on board throughout the summer to chill your catch and keep refreshments cool.
Be certain that everyone on board has plenty to drink. The ice chest should have lots of chilled water and other drinks to replace the fluids lost to the summer heat.
Staying hydrated is number one, but staying cool is also a challenge on a hot day. Does your boat have a T-top or a Bimini? If it doesn’t, wearing a hat will also help to keep you cool. While caps are popular, wide bream hats are even better because they shade the face and neck. Regardless, don’t leave home without protection for your head. The rest of the body should be protected as well, with a combination of sunscreen and lightweight clothing.
One of the great things about summer is that when all else fails, you can jump in the water to cool off. There are many boats that anchor and the people spend the day floating in the water – a cool way to spend a day!
Tips from Capt. Gus:
Lake Norman has dozens of islands suitable for beaching your boat, picnicking and swimming. Their sandy shores are great places to spend a delightful summer day. But, remember, they are off limits to everyone from sundown to sunup each night.
Upcoming Events:
Free Fishing Seminar - “Bank and Dock Fishing for Sunfish, White Perch, Catfish and Bass” will be discussed at Gander Mountain, Exit 36 on Wednesday, July 24, 2010 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Bring the entire family to this free event. I will cover everything from fishing with cane poles, hooks and bobbers, to using live and cut-baits. Suggestions will be given about the best places to fish from shore. Contact 704-658-0822 for additional information.
Hot Spots of the Week:
Striped bass are hitting lures trolled to forty feet, from Governor’s Island south to Marker 3, and in Reed Creek from D9 out to the old river channel. Bass continue to surface feed throughout the day on points, humps and near boat basins. White perch are fifteen to fifty feet deep. Best bets are Little, Reed and Davidson Creeks.
The lake level is about 2.0' below full pond and the water surface temperature is in the eighties and nineties.
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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