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Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Holiday Week Fishing
July 4, 2010
It’s the Fourth of July week and not all fireworks are in the sky. There are lots of noises caused by splashing fish and kids yelling when they see them jump.
Fishing seems better than it has been in years. It might be the hot weather, high water levels, or maybe there are more fish around than in the past. Regardless, there are plenty of swimming around Lake Norman’s boat docks and piers. Reports of kids and adults snatching catfish, carp and sunny’s from under docks and around dock pilings are common each summer. But, this year it’s better than ever and the fish are bigger. Those fishing for bass, crappie and white perch are waiting until the sun sets yo attract them by flipping on the dock lights.
There is no rhyme or reason for so many fish. They are biting just about any bait that hits the water, including worms, bread balls and a variety of table scraps. Hungry fish make it a fun time for all, especially the youngsters.
If you miss NCWRC's fish for free day (7-4-2010), a day when you do not need a license to fish, don't forget to purchase one for the other days of the year. Read on to find out what not having a license cost some unlucky North Carolina anglers.
"The lack of a fishing license for one crew member may have cost a boat more than $900,000 in prize money in the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in North Carolina. The Daily News of Jacksonville reported the fisherman who caught a record-setting 883-pound blue marlin on June 14 said tournament officials have stripped the Hatteras-based boat Citation of the title and money. Andy Thomossan says one crew member didn't have the required fishing license. One of the boat's owners, Michael Topp, says the lack of a license was discovered during a lie detector test. The tournament said its board was withholding presentation of the prize money until it could research a possible rules violation".
The week of the Fourth of July is the kick-off for an exciting summer season. To help you and your family make a great start, here are few pointers that might lead you to a better catch.
▪ To attract fish, bait the water around your dock with dog food, rabbit or trout pellets, or pieces of bread.
▪ Attract fish at night by installing lights that shine directly into the water.
▪ Best baits are worms, minnows, bread balls and table scraps.
▪ Snoopy and Spider Man rods catch lots of fish. But, set the drag loose in case you hook a big one.
▪ Bobbers and floats keep baits from dragging and hanging up on the bottom.
▪ Long handle nets are a must when pier fishing. Always net the fish head first.
▪ Take care while unhooking your catch so you don’t hook yourself!
▪ Release any fish that aren’t going to be eaten.
▪ Be sure to take pictures of your catch.
Remember, you don’t have to fish to enjoy the water. Throw a few bread crumbs or a handful of dog food in the water and watch. What you see could be anything from a school of tiny minnows to a giant carp. The food also attracts turtles, ducks and geese.
Tips from Capt. Gus - Children should be required to wear life jackets (PFD”S) while fishing, boating and even while roaming the shoreline or casting from a dock or pier.
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 21, 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:
Fish early. Later is not only hot, but there will be plenty of pleasure boats stirring up the fish. Best bets for now are stripers in deep water south of marker seven to the dam. Catfish are hitting cut baits (bream, perch, and herring) drifted or slow trolled in back coves and shallow points. Lots of white bass are being caught on Sabiki rigs, but small minnows, worm pieces and spoons work well too. The best bass fishing is early and late around docks and other shaded structure.
The lake level is about 2.0' below full pond and the water surface temperature is in the 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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