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Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Stormy Weather
August 1, 2010
Stormy weather has frequently forced boaters off area lakes this summer. These powerful storms, even though short lived, bring strong winds, lightning and pelting rain. Thunderstorms can occur at any time, but most of them develop during afternoon and early evening hours. That’s when the majority of boaters are on the water, and often a long way from the home port. Some boaters don’t realize that it’s safer to stay put, than to venture long distances over open water during a storm.
Recently, several people were seen running to their boat from a lakeside restaurant as lightning filled the sky, and strong winds were blowing. When asked, “Why the rush, the answer was, “We have to beat the storm.” Their actions and thought process didn’t make sense. Why would anyone risk leaving the safety of a marina restaurant, or any safe harbor, to venture into the eye of a storm in a small boat?
With more summer storm clouds on the horizon, the following are some thoughts to ponder for a safer trip.
Keep an eye on the weather. Since most weather systems move from west to east, look to the south and west for signs of approaching storm clouds. Storms can sneak up rather quickly, so it’s wise to have a hand held or permanently installed VHF marine radio on board for access to NOAA weather updates and forecasts.
At the first sign of an approaching storm, stop swimming, tubing, wakeboarding or skiing. Insist that everyone leave the water, even those merely wading along the shore. Before the storm arrives, decide whether it is wiser to seek safe harbor or attempt to cross open water. In either case, secure any loose articles on deck and require everyone on board, including the best of swimmers, to wear a life vest.
If you choose to ride out the storm in a sheltered cove, pay out enough rope to assure that the anchor will hold while the winds are gusting. A second choice is to engage the motor in and out of gear at idle speed, and keep the bow into the wind and waves. As a precaution, use your cell phone to contact someone on shore and advise them of your situation and location.
~ Special Note ~
High water temperatures at the lower end of Lake Norman have striped bass dying at alarming rates. This year’s kill, while not yet as large as the one in 2004 (over three thousand fish), will have a negative impact on the number of big stripers caught for years to come.
Tips from Capt. Gus:
To reduce the risk of being hit by lightning, lower antennas, remove fishing rods from upright holders, and turn off all electronics.
Upcoming Events:
Saturday, August 7, 2010, Light House Marine Services will offer a Boater Safety and PWC Class. Registration fee is $49.00 for the eight-hour session beginning at 9:00 a.m. The class will be at the Peninsula Yacht Club in Cornelius, NC. To register, or attain additional information, call Capt. Scott Spivey 704 587 0325 or visit www.lmservice.org.
Hot Spots of the Week:
Striped bass and blue cats are hitting from dark until mid morning near the dam at the lower end of the lake. Soft plastic lures are catching bass under deepwater docks and boathouses. Jigging spoons are catching white perch and flathead catfish in Little, Reed and Davidson Creek. Small cats are hitting a wide variety of baits fished from piers and boat docks.
The lake level is about 3.0’ 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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