Email
Print
Cooler waters prime for catches
ADVERTISEMENT
Published: November 6, 2008
Good news! Lake levels are back to normal, gas prices are falling and fishing on Lake Norman is better than it has been in years. Along with football, shopping, eating and holiday visiting, plan to include some fishing trips during the holidays. Take the time to cast a few baits and enjoy some of the best fishing and most beautiful fall colors you have seen on Lake Norman in years.
When water temperatures dip into the 50s, striped bass, the king of Lake Norman's fish, become energized and gorge themselves with shad and herring. The feast begins at dawn, so get an early start. They will greet you with open mouths!
On good days, you might boat the creel limit (four, 16-inch stripers) before the morning sun clears the eastern shore line. Believe me, it's worth getting up for. Anglers who prefer to sleep in or wait for the temperature to rise will also catch fish, but probably not as quickly as those who take advantage of the early bite.
Stripers are noted for their size and ability to place a strain on fishing tackle, but another worthy opponent is the bass. Lake Norman has spotted and largemouth bass, both very tenacious and with great jumping ability. Some believe that bass stop biting in cold weather. That simply is not the case.
In fact, some of the very best bass fishing occurs during the fall and winter months. Successful cold-water anglers recommend downsizing baits and working them slower than normal. Unlike summer bass fishing, the sunny side of the lake attracts more bites. Since bass spend most of the day absorbing the heat generated by the sun in the shallows.
Pan fish are also active in November and December. Try using a small minnow on a colorful jig head. Dip it around a brush pile or a bridge piling, and wait for the tug. Your catch might surprise you.
Typically, it will be a crappie or perch, but on occasion, you will hook a bass, striper or catfish. The creel limit for crappie this season is twenty fish per day per angler with a minimum length of eight inches. Be careful when releasing the small ones, so they will grow to be caught again.
School vacation breaks during the winter holidays are great times to introduce children to the sport of fishing. A perfect gift to consider is a new fishing outfit and a day of fishing on Lake Norman. Not only are the chances of catching fish very good, but spending the day on the water with a child is a priceless experience. If you don't have a boat, bank fishing is permitted at the Marshall Steam Plant, the McGuire Nuclear Station, or try the fishing pier at the Lake Norman State Park.
Upcoming events:
"Fishing 101" will be a two evening course conducted by Capt. Gus Gustafson at Mitchell Community College, 219 Academy St, Mooresville. The class will be held on consecutive Wednesday nights beginning Nov. 12 at 6:30 p.m. The first session will consist of the basic tackle, bait and methods employed when fishing from the shore, docks, piers and boats. The Nov. 19 session will discuss the details of locating and catching bass, stripers and perch on Lake Norman. Registration fee is $35. Call 704-663-1923 to pre-register.
Tips from Gus!
Underwater roadbeds that crisscross most area impoundments are excellent migration routes and primary feeding areas for a variety of fish. Topographic maps that show underwater structure can be purchased at area tackle shops or online at www.lakenormanmaps.com.
Hot Spots of the Week:
Cooler water temperatures have stripers and bass chasing baits to the surface in most major creeks. Hicks, Stumpy, Mountain and Davidson Creeks have been particularly productive. The lower hot hole at the McGuire Nuclear Plant is also producing limits of spotted bass and stripers.
Capt. Gus Gustafson is licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard and is a Professional Sport Fishing Guide on Lake Norman. Visit his Web site at www.FishingWithGus.com or call 704-617-6812
Email
Print
ADVERTISEMENT
Advertisement
