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Gus' shares best fishing story of the year
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Published: January 8, 2009
Looking ahead to a year of new fishing tales, it seems to be a good time to reflect on my most memorable fishing trip of 2008.
On a late summer morning, I was joined by three youngsters on a fun fishing trip. Upon arriving at their dock, the two boys and one girl, all wearing life vests, jumped in my boat. I could tell from the smiles on their faces that this was going to be a wonderful trip.
The day was beautiful and the fishing was great. The kids caught plenty of small white perch, bass and even a few catfish. They laughed continuously, chided one another each time a fish was hooked and bantered back and forth over who caught the biggest and most fish. Regardless of who caught what, the trio had tons of fun, and so did I.
When the trip was winding down, one of the boys noticed a rather large bass swimming upside down near the water's surface. Upon closer inspection, it was evident that the poor fish was stressed and having difficulty maneuvering. The kids grabbed a landing net and dipped it from the lake. After taking a few pictures of the youngsters holding the bass, I prepared to release it. The kids balked at that idea and pleaded with me to let them put it in the live well so they could show their parents.
When we returned to the boat dock, one of the boys put the bass and two white perch in a big bucket of water and headed toward the house. Later that day, I received a call from Dad (who had arranged the trip.) He thanked me for taking the children ... and then told me the rest of the story.
He was led by the excited children to the master bathroom, where he saw a bass and two white perch swimming aimlessly in the bathtub. If that wasn't enough, a carton of worms — dirt and all — had been dumped in the tub to feed the fish. Since the kids didn't know for sure what the white perch might eat, they had crumbled and dumped half a dozen chocolate chip cookies into the tub as well.
According to Dad, the kids were told to put the fish back in the lake — before their mother found out. They were not happy, but did as they were told.
At the dock, the boys released the perch first, but had trouble getting hold of the bass. Finally, they removed it from the bucket and threw it back into the lake. The minute it hit the water, their Lab, thinking it was a throw toy, jumped in the water to get it. Just as the dog opened its mouth, the bass disappeared below the surface and swam away. What an ending to a great fishing trip!
Hot spot of the week
The Hot Spot of the week is Hicks Creek, adjacent to the Lake Norman State Park. Stripers and bass are taking live baits suspended below the surface. The cool water temperature has them feeding throughout the day, but the best bite as always at first light.
Upcoming Events:
The Lake Norman Striper Swipers' Annual Winter Classic is Jan. 17. Registration will be at Gander Mountain in Mooresville, on Jan. 16 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
A free seminar entitled "Learning to Use Your Depth Finder to Catch More Fish" is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 22, from 6:30-8 p.m. at Gander Mountain in Mooresville. The discussion will be conducted by Lake Norman Fishing Guide, Capt. Gus Gustafson and Jake Bussollini, author of "Freshwater Fighters." For this 90-minute session, bring your questions along with the instruction book for your depth finder.
For additional information, call 704-658-0822.
Tips from Capt. Gus
Winter bass are less active because the water is cold. Anglers who downsize baits and slow the retrieve will see a dramatic increase in the number of bites each trip.
Capt. Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. is a Professional Fishing Guide on Lake Norman. Call 704-617- 6812 for additional information.
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