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  Fishin' With Capt. Gus - Boaters Beware
October 15, 2006
The vastness of Lake Norman makes it difficult to navigate, especially at night. Hidden shoals take a huge toll on boat bottoms and propellers. Some hazards are covered by water, while others float or protrude well above the surface. At night, flotsam, boats without lights, bridges, water intakes and unlit buoys or markers, are a few of the perils that boaters should avoid.
Arguably, the twenty or so odd bridges that span our lake are the most dangerous of all hazards. Bridges funnel boat traffic into very narrow spaces and create congestion and crisscrossing of traffic. Only one bridge, (Windermere Island Bridge) is a lighted bridge. The absence of lights makes bridges difficult to see at night, even in the moonlight.
Vertical and horizontal clearances of all bridges should be considered. The slightest error could cause a serious collision. To make matters worse, some bridge pilings have underwater footers for additional support. Depending on the lake level, a footer can be just below the surface and can cause damage to a passing vessel. When possible, pass between the spans with the highest and widest set of pilings. Bridge pilings also act as dams by trapping debris that moves with wind and water currents. As with other floating debris, such areas should be avoided.
Water intakes are large cement structures that protrude into the lake. The most obvious is the abandoned Mecklenburg County Water intake at the mouth of Davidson Creek - the one with the big Osprey nest on top. Not only does it stretch for several hundred feet into the lake, but it is very close to the highly traveled Davidson Creek channel. It is poorly lit and particularly dangerous at night. Be sure to waypoint the location on your GPS. If you should hit it, you will know it.
Boat docks also pose serious danger. Those of particular concern are the oversized docks that jut far into the lake. Much like the bridges, most are without lights or reflectors. Stay in open water and between the red and green channel markers. Don't hug the shoreline during the day or at night.
There are fifty or more unlit shoal and channel markers in the waters of Lake Norman. Some are adjacent to high-traffic creek or river channels and pose a serious threat to boaters at night. The Marine Commission is working on a program to light every marker on the lake. Currently, the Commission is under funded and in search of additional funds.
Upcoming Seminar
Fishing 101- Bank and Dock Fishing for Pan and Game Fish
Bring the family to this free, informative seminar. Capt. Gus Gustafson and Catfish Guide, Mac Byrum will explain the basics and will 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 are Mountain Creek below the 150 Bridge and north to the State Park. Both areas are seeing a lot of surface activity. Anglers are catching stripers and bass with shallow running baits. The lake level is 3.0 ' below full pond and the water surface temperature is in the mid to high seventies.
Tips from Gus!
When searching for surface feeding fish, try to position the boat with the wind and sun at your back. Splashing fish are easier to see.
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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