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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Noise
August 9, 2009
Every angler has heard, "Be quiet or you’ll scare the fish.” Certain noises spook and scatter fish and can turn a normally docile swimmer into an eating machine. Fish feel movement, pressure changes, and vibrations through a system of lateral lines that run the length of its body. Depending on the size of the fish, it could react differently to the same sound. A small fish might flee, a large one might attack, or a really big one might completely ignore the sound.
Fish are frightened when startled, but are also curious. If a noise is heard in moderation, a suspicious fish might be tempted. In some lakes, anglers constantly run a small gasoline outboard engine while live bait fishing. Some believe that the sound of the engine will call fish to the boat, and that once attracted, they can be easily enticed to strike the bait.
Another sound producing technique gaining popularity with Lake Norman fishermen is known as "thumping.” The vibration produced by tapping a long handled object on the bottom of the boat, is thought to attract fish. Every boat has a rod butt, boat paddle or other object that can be used to thump. Thumping should be attempted only after all conventional methods of luring fish have been tried. The technique is best reserved for deep water since fish in the shallows are leery of noise. Experienced "thumpers" have developed a certain cadence with the right amount of thump to attract fish.
A live bait on a hook emits a vibration that signals danger. The unique distress call is viewed as a feeding opportunity by predators. Lure manufacturers try to duplicate the wounded prey vibrations with lures that pop, rattle, vibrate and clatter. Some work better than others.
Lures with concaved faces produce a popping noise when jerked across the water. Poppers are particularly effective when fish are feeding on the surface. These lures work throughout the year for bream, bass and stripers.
Buzz and spinner baits have revolving blades that create vibrations when they move through the water. Buzz baits are usually used on the surface, while spinners are fished at all depths. Vibrations make these lures extremely effective in low light and dirty water situations.
Many baits are made with rattles. Some vibrate, while others pop or spin. Rattles can be inserted into a variety of soft plastic baits. Add a rattle to a plastic worm and watch your catch rate improve.
“How to Catch Lake Norman Striped Bass” - This Free Seminar is scheduled at Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC for Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. I will discuss the “how to’s” of using the proper tackle, catching bait and finding stripers on Lake Norman. Participants are encouraged to bring any striper fishing questions to this informative seminar. For additional information call 704-658-0822.
Saturday, August 29, 2009, Light House Marine Services will offer a State and NASBLA approved 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 Gander Mountain, I-77 Exit 36, Mooresville, NC. Graduates will receive an approved picture ID certificate of completion which may lower the cost of boat insurance. To register, or for more information, call Capt. Scott Spivey – 704 587 0325 or visit www.lmservice.org.
Tips from Capt. Gus:
When stripers or bass sound after a surface feeding frenzy, put your fishing rod in the water and move it back and forth. The swishing sound caused by the rod’s movement will often attract the school to the surface.
Hot Spots of the Week:
Reports continue of stripers being caught at the dam. Best fishing is after dark with live shad, herring and shiners. Catfish and white perch fishing is excellent throughout the day in water depths to thirty five feet. Bass are surface feeding in schools in the river channel adjacent to the State Park during the day. Over all, fishing on Lake Norman is very good.
Lake Norman’s water temperature is in the high eighties and low nineties while the water level is about 2.9' 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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