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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Don’t Forget
July 26, 2009
Most folks don’t get to go fishing as often as they would like, so they sometimes forget to bring the critical items needed to make the trip a success. Listed below are a few “must have” items. If you’re going to forget something, don’t forget these!
• Rods, reels and tackle - it might seem strange, but the tackle box is one of the most needed and frequently left behind items on any trip. It’s not a bad idea to put these essentials in the vehicle or boat the night before.
• Net and camera - It is hard enough to land a trophy, but without a net to assist with the landing, the fish often gets away. Don’t forget the net, a big one if you want to land a lunker. It’s also amazing how often anglers forget the camera, the battery is dead, or they don’t know how to use it. The only good thing about forgetting the net or camera is that the fish tend to have been larger without a picture!
• Food, drink and ice - It is best to pack food, drink and ice the evening before in the boat or car. If you leave it in the refrigerator overnight, it is often in the refrigerator when you get home.
• Hat, sunglasses and lotion - Sunglasses are high on the list of forgotten items, probably because it is dark when you begin your trip in the morning. Regardless, glasses, hats and lotion are “must have” items to protect your eyes and skin.
• Appropriate clothing and rain gear - As a rule, occasional anglers don’t forget to bring appropriate clothing for the weather; they just underestimate the effect of the wind chill. This is a serious error in judgment, because more times than not, it feels much colder on the water than it does on land. And… just because the weatherman didn’t call for rain, doesn’t mean he was correct.
• Alarm clock - Don’t forget to set the alarm clock. Many items left behind are due to the fact that the angler had to rush to gather the necessities because he overslept.
• Gas and oil – Don’t forget that boats require fuel and oil to operate. Top off the gas tank and check the oil level each time you leave the ramp or dock. Running out of gas is high on the list of reasons why boaters have to call a water towing service.
• Check list - Savvy anglers use a check list to assure they have done everything they need to do to make the trip a success.
Tips from Capt. Gus:
Remember to replace the drain plug before launching the boat. This is, by far, the most embarrassing and easily forgotten thing to do.
Upcoming events:
“How to Safely Navigate Lake Norman” - This two hour class is offered by Lighthouse Marine Services and will be conducted at Gander Mountain, Mooresville - Exit 36 at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2009. Capt’s Scott Spivey and I will discuss how to safely navigate Lake Norman’s main channel, creek arms, danger spots and back coves during daylight and at night. Other topics will include, understanding navigation and shoal markers, the location of boat ramps, marinas, restaurants & other points of interest on Lake Norman. Registration fee for this class is $25.00. To register, call 704 587 0325 or email uscgc17@bellsouth.org.
Hot Spots of the Week:
Stripers and catfish are biting in the deep water at the lower end of the lake. Night fishing has been particularly good for those deep-jigging and live baiting at the dam. White perch fishing is excellent around deep brush on small minnows and sabiki rigs. Bass fishing remains good-to-very-good around blow downs and deep docks.
Lake Norman’s water temperature is in the high eighties and low nineties. The water level is about 2.5' below full pond
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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