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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Summer Safety Boating Tips
July 20, 2008
In spite of very high gas prices, boat traffic on Lake Norman has been extremely busy. Hopefully, these timely reminders will help make your next lake experience a safer one.
Things To Know:
- The operator of a vessel is responsible for knowing the regulations and obeying the law.
- Boater Safety Courses are conducted throughout the year by various professional organizations, including Lighthouse Marine Services (704-587- 0325) and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (704-664-1933).
- Vessel operators must report in writing to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, any accident or other mishap that results in death, injury, a missing person or damage of $2,000 or more to a vessel or to property.
- Blue Light, No Wake - Effective January 1, 2007, vessel operators must slow to a “no wake speed” within 100 feet of a law enforcement officer with a flashing blue light or within 50 feet in a narrow cove.
- Be safe; be sober. A blood alcohol level of .08 (same as the legal limit for a vehicle driver), applies to a boat operator. Be reminded that state law can also charge an impaired operator for alcohol concentration levels of less than .08.
- To report a boating violation, call the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission at 1-800-662-7137.
- Skiing, wake boarding and tubing is safer in a secluded cove with the assistance of an observer on board.
- Children under 13 must wear a personal floatation device on any moving recreational vessel.
- A throw cushion is required. In the event of a man-overboard situation, it should be readily available and not one being used as a seat cushion.
Night Boating:
- Slow down! It is not safe to operate a boat in the dark at the same boat speed(s) as during daylight hours.
- Before launching, check navigation lights and power sources. Vessels at night are required to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise.
- The operation of a personal watercraft vehicle on NC State waters is not permitted between sunset and sunrise.
- When spending the night at anchor, set the anchor in a section of lake well protected from wind and busy lanes of boat traffic. To warn other vehicles of your presence, a white anchor light, visible for 360 degrees, must be displayed.
Tips from Gus:
Ice melts quickly in the summer heat. Take an extra bag or two to keep food and beverages cool.
Upcoming Events:
A free fishing seminar by Capt. Gus Gustafson - “Deep Jigging for Summer Stripers” and “How to Catch White Perch with Sabiki Rigs” - Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC - Wednesday, July 23, 2008, 6:30 p.m. Call 704 658 0822 for additional information.
Hot Spots of the Week:
Anglers trolling deep diving lures are catching stripers in the lower river channel. Bass are hitting a variety of lures around boat docks and rip-rap. Small channel catfish are hitting worms. The larger blues and flatheads prefer fresh cut bait. White perch are plentiful in coves from fifteen to thirty-five deep.
The water level is currently 2.6' below full pond. Water surface temperature is in the high eighties and low 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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