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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Edward, the Christmas Elf
December 23, 2007
This week is a perfect time to tell stories to kids (from one to ninety-nine) about the North Pole, Santa, his reindeer, toys, elves etc. The fish tale below is about Edward the Elf, a helper from Santa’s toy workshop.
The bad news came on Christmas Eve when the elves were laid off until next year. It was expected, but still sad. Most of the little people had made arrangements for another job, but Edward didn't think he would be laid off. He suddenly found himself without a job, a place to live, and without any money.
The unhappy little elf wandered the countryside for days, willing to accept the most minimal of jobs. He quickly learned that his only skills were in Santa’s workshop, and that he didn’t qualify for any other jobs. He finally came to the end of the road, which literally was at the edge of the ocean.
He found himself in a quaint fishing village without a penny to his name. Being a positive little elf, Ed said to himself, "Self, a job on a fishing boat might be fun." What he didn't know was that elves are too small to pull heavy net loads of fish and besides, he dressed funny for a fisherman.
He had all but given up, when he saw a sign, "Bait Man Wanted.” Edward hustled inside to inquire. The pay was lousy, but the job included free room and board. His only choice was to take it, so he did.
Edward tended the minnow tanks and sold bait seven days a week. The customers loved his cheerfulness. They soon became his friends and told him the whereabouts of their secret fishing holes. It wasn't long before he knew more about fishing than everyone in town. He worked hard and saved his money.
One day, he decided to quit his day job and become a fishing guide. He caught lots of fish and stayed busy year round. In a few years, he had more than enough money to retire, play golf with his friends and fish happily ever after. Well, almost.
He was fishing in the ocean when a big wave capsized his boat. Wet, tired and alone, he drifted farther and farther from shore. Fins began to circle his small body. He tried to tuck his feet under his chin, but then he couldn't swim. The sharks came closer and closer until one nudged him in the belly. It was then that a really big one showed his pearly whites and swallowed Edward whole. He must not have tasted very good because the shark spit him out and swam away. The remainder of the school followed suit.
It was looking very bleak for the little elf. He knew he couldn’t tread water much longer, when what to his wondering eyes did appear, but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer. The coursers they came, straight from the sky, to quickly rescue the poor little guy. They took him back in the empty sleigh to work for Santa Claus every day!
Merry Christmas and be reminded that small fish have………LARGE TALES!
Upcoming Events:
Mitchell Community College in Mooresville has scheduled a fishing class covering advanced techniques for catching bass, stripers and catfish. The class will be on Tuesday nights, January 22 and 29, 2008 at 6:30 P.M. For more information, call 704 663 1923.
A free Striper Fishing seminar is scheduled at Gander Mountain, Exit 36 Mooresville, NC on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at 6:30 PM. This 90 minute session will be presented by Lake Norman fishing guides, Capt. Craig Price and Capt. Gus Gustafson. For additional information, call 704 658 0822.
Tips from Capt. Gus:
After Christmas close-out sale events provide the perfect opportunity to purchase 2007 model fishing electronics at giant discounts. Check the after Christmas sale flyers.
Hot Spot of the week:
Cold weather has stripers, bass and white perch concentrating in and around Lake Norman’s power plant warm water discharge canals. Birds can be found diving over schools of bait at dawn to signal the presence of bigger fish below. Fish are also in Ramsey, McCrary and Stumpy Creeks.
The lake level is 6.7’ below full pond and the surface water temperature is in the mid fifties. Beatties Ford, Little Creek, Long Island, Stumpy Creek, Pinnacle, McCrary and Hager’s access ramps are all open.
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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