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  Fishin' With Capt. Gus - Smallmouth Bass Trip
October 8, 2006
Jake Roper and I spent eight hours fishing the New River in Ashe County last month. Talk about remote fishing, we never saw another fisherman. The river, known as the "New", is unusual since it flows from south to north. Depending on the elevation, the river has smallmouth bass, trout, and arm-length muskies. The slow moving section of the river we rafted was easy to float and very beautiful.
On this particular Fall-like day, we targeted smallmouth bass. Most were less than 12" in length, but they fought hard on our light tackle. We used six pound test line and threw 4" soft plastic lures most of the time. "Smallies" jump high, tug hard and take line as they pull drag in the river current. The bite lasted the entire day. At times, we had two fish hooked, with others following at the same time. Together, we hooked fifty or more smallmouth, all of which were released to fight another day.
We launched Jake's 12' two man raft at the New River State Park near Jefferson, NC. The park is a beautiful two hour drive from Lake Norman. Our first smallmouth was caught across from the launch site on the third cast. Fish after fish were taken in the faster moving sections of the river. Several times there were so many fish that we anchored and fan cast the entire section.
Jake has ten years experience in float fishing and wading the rivers and streams of Western North Carolina. Depending on the time of year and the water conditions, he fishes the French Broad, the upper Catawba, the Tuckaseegee and the Lower Saluda in South Carolina.
To learn more about mountain smallmouth and trout fishing, call one of the following local guides and outfitters:
Madison River Outfitters - Cornelius, NC - 704 896 3018
Carolina Mountain Sports - Statesville, NC - 803 366 3466
Smiling Smallies (Jeff Roper) - Kannapolis, NC - 704 721 5459
With Just a Feather (Paul Rose) - Gastonia, NC - 704 852 9723
Upcoming Seminar:
Fishing 101- Bank and Dock Fishing for Pan and Gamefish
Bring the whole family to this free, informative seminar. Capt. Gus Gustafson and Catfish Guide Mac Byrum will begin with the basics and cover everything from cane poles, hooks and bobbers, to the latest in artificial baits and casting techniques.
Where: Bass Pro Shops, Concord Mills Mall - upstairs meeting area
When: Monday, November 6, 2006
Time: 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Contact: 704-979-2200
Hot Spots of the week continue to be long points and large coves where stripers and bass are striking the surface. The islands above the 150 Bridge and the Davidson/Reeds creek areas have been productive. Catfish and perch are also hitting cut bait in water less than twenty feet deep. Overall, fishing is good to very good. Striper fishing has been excellent. The lake level is 3.1' below full pond and the water surface temperature is in the mid to high seventies.
Tips from Gus!
"Is it colder in the mountains or in the morning?" The answer to this proverbial question is, "Both." Whether you fish in the mountains or in the morning, it will more than likely be colder than you expected it to be. Bring extra clothing.
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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