|
|
  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Definitions
October 19, 2008
Fisherman have a language all their own. Those unfamiliar with the lingo could have difficulty enjoying or actively participating in certain fishing discussions. To avoid this, words like “shoals, hook sets, hook ups, hot holes, hot spots, etc.” need to be defined. The following info may help “wet your bait,” so to speak, and allow for a better understanding of “fish talk.”
Shoal – A bottom area beneath the water’s surface that is much shallower than the area surrounding it. A shoal can present an unsafe or challenging navigation situation. Numerous shallow areas on Lake Norman are identified by white diamond shaped markers with the word SHOAL printed on them. While shoals can be perils to boaters, they often harbor bass, catfish and stripers.
Freshwater /Saltwater fish – Saltwater fish generally live in oceans and bays along the coast. Freshwater fish swim the streams, rivers, lakes and reservoirs that flow into the sea. Fish common to Lake Norman, like striped bass, white perch, shad and herring, can survive in both fresh and saltwater environments.
Hook set/Hook up – The term “hook set” is used when a fish takes the bait and the angler tightens the line in an attempt to hook the fish. Once the hook is set, the fish is considered a “hook up.” That’s when the “reel” excitement begins!
Shallow water/Deep water - A relative term used to describe the depth fish are being caught, and the depth of the surrounding water. For example, a depth of less than five feet might be considered shallow water in a lake only twenty feet deep. On the other hand, a marlin fisherman might say the fish are shallow in three hundred feet of water. Deep could be ten feet or more in some instances and over a thousand feet in others.
Live bait – This term is commonly associated with various types of small fish used to lure larger ones. Most freshwater live baits are shad, herring, minnows, shiners, insects, worms and small animals such as frogs, lizards, etc. Since “live bait” is a generic term, it’s best to ask which type and size is the best to use.
Trolling motor – A small motor, either gas or electric, used to propel a boat while fishing. A trolling motor is usually quiet and maneuverable, and it allows the boat to move at a much slower speed than the big motor.
Hot Spot/Hole Hole – A hot spot is a place or general area where fish are being caught regularly in significant numbers. A hot hole is a place where warm water is being discharged. Lake Norman has two hot holes – one east of The McGuire Nuclear Plant, the other at the Marshall Steam Plant between markers 15 and 15A. The warm water attracts schools of bait, which in turn, lure game fish to the area.
Tips from Capt Gus!
Before you discard an old cast net, remove the weights. They can be used when drifting and down lining or can be melted down to make lead head-jigs or a variety of fishing weights.
Upcoming Events:
A two-hour course entitled “Introduction to Bass Fishing on Lake Norman” will be held at Mitchell College, 219 N. Academy St., Mooresville, NC, on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. Capt. Gus Gustafson will discuss tackle, tactics and techniques he uses to catch largemouth and spotted bass on Lake Norman. Call 704-663-1923 to pre-register and pay the $25.00 fee.
A free fishing seminar, “How to Read and Interpret a Fish Finder to Catch Perch, Stripers and Bass” will be conducted by Jake Bussolini at Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC, Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. Call 704-658-0822 for additional information. Jake is the author of two books, “Jake’s Take on the Lake” and “Freshwater Fighters.” Both books focus on the specifics of fishing Lake Norman.
Hot Spot of the Week:
Fishing for bass and stripers has been good to very good over underwater islands (humps) and off long points that jut into the lake. Anglers fishing Mountain Creek (east of Slanting Bridge) are finding nice catches of spotted bass and stripers mixed in the same feeding areas.
The lake level is down about 2.5 feet from full pond and the water’s surface temperature is in the seventies.
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
|
|
|
|
|
