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  Fishin' With Capt. Gus - Noise - Its Effect on Fishing
September 24, 2006
Every angler has heard, "Be quiet or you'll scare the fish." Certain noises spook and scatter fish, or 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 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 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 it is in danger. The unique distress call is viewed as a feeding opportunity by predators. Lure manufacturers try to duplicate these 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.
Upcoming Event
The Norman Fishery Alliance annual meeting and fish fry will be Saturday, September 23, 2006, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the Hook, Line and Sinker, (formerly Robichaux), 1113 Brawley School Road, Mooresville, NC 28117. Call 704-658-1975 for additional information.
Tips from Capt. Gus!
A slight twitch of the rod tip in calm water might create enough sound to cause a fish to strike. A louder noise might be necessary when water is choppy.
The Hot Spot of the week is Mountain Creek. Bass and stripers are surface feeding throughout the day. The best action is with a smooth water surface free of boat traffic. The lake level is 1.9 from full pond and the water surface temperature is in the high seventies and low eighties.
Captain Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. 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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