|
|
  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Fishing Accidents
September 7, 2008
Cooler weather has Lake Norman anglers in search of fall stripers and bass. Remember, when boating or fishing there is always a chance of becoming the victim of a mishap. The good news is that many accidents can be avoided.
Trips and falls are not uncommon, while skin cuts, bruises, broken bones and even man-overboard situations occur from time to time. Anglers should practice caution at all times, particularly when playing and unhooking a fish. Boat wakes, rough seas, quick starts, and difficult docking situations are major contributors to boat injuries.
Accidents can be reduced by keeping the boat’s deck dry and clear of gear. The ability to safely maneuver also improves if the boat is kept on an even keel. This means to properly distribute the weight and require that all passengers remain seated while underway.
Fishing rods, gaffs, nets, dock lines and anchors should be stowed in a hatch or in holders. Latch and secure all tackle boxes to prevent the contents from sliding and spilling. "A place for everything and everything in its place" is appropriate to remember and practice.
Fish hooks are like missiles when they break free of a fish, tree branch, or other obstruction. Expect them to fly directly back toward the rod tip and the angler holding it. It is much more prudent to fish with a loose drag, cut the line and retie it, than it is to try to “yank” a tangled lure loose when hung. Likewise, fish hooks should be secured to a rod guide or hook ring when not being used.
To avoid being bitten, finned or cut by a gill plate, anglers should wear gloves. Grip the fish near the head and gills. Covering a fish's eyes with your hand or a rag helps calm it while handling. Fish tend to stop wiggling when held upside down. It is important to know which fish have teeth and which do not. Most freshwater fish do not, but many saltwater species have very sharp teeth. "Boga Grips" and other fish holding devices are available at tackle shops.
Knife cuts can be prevented. Firmly hold the fish with gloves and cut away from the hand. Store the knife in a sheath when not being used. In the event of a cut or puncture, administer first aid and visit a doctor for additional treatment. A tetanus shot may be necessary.
Exercise caution during docking situations. Docking is among the most dangerous of all boating procedures. Passengers should remain seated with arms and legs inside the vessel until it has been secured.
Some accidents happen when not on the water. Care must be taken during the boat launch. When possible, position someone along side the trailer to assist by giving directions. Secure the parking brake and chock the trailer if you are alone when parking on a boat ramp.
Tips from Captain Gus!
Hold white perch from the underside when unhooking. This will reduce the chance of being stabbed by its sharp pointed fins and gills. Likewise, keep your hands away from the pointed and barbed dorsal and pectoral fins of a catfish.
Upcoming Events:
A course entitled “How to Safely Navigate Lake Norman”, is scheduled at Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC, Thursday, September 11, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. Topics will include, “Understanding Lake Norman’s Marker & Buoy System”, “The Ten Most Dangerous Places to Navigate”, “ Points of interest”, “How to Navigate with the Aid of a GPS”, “Sonar”, and “Lake Maps”. The fee for instructions and materials is $25.00. For more information or to pre-register, contact Capt. Scott Spivey – 704 587 0325 or visit Lighthouse Marine Services at www.lmservice.org.
A free Fishing Seminar conducted by Capt. Gus Gustafson - “Fall Striped Bass Fishing on LKN - How to Find, Catch & Cook this Popular Gamefish”. Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC, Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. Call 704 658 0822 for additional information.
Hot Spots of the week are the bridges that crisscross Lake Norman. Anglers fishing around pilings are catching spotted and largemouth bass, crappie, white perch and an occasional striped bass. Bass continue to school throughout the day at the McGuire Hot Hole. Striped bass are cruising the edges of the river channel at depths to fifty feet.
The lake's water level is near normal for this time of year. 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
|
|
|
|
|
