Your aquatic prizes will usually be waiting near the shoreline
GUS GUSTAFSON
First-time anglers are often overwhelmed by Lake Norman's vastness, clear water and lack of aquatic vegetation.
GUS GUSTAFSON
First-time anglers are often overwhelmed by Lake Norman's vastness, clear water and lack of aquatic vegetation.
They soon realize the most obvious places to fish are near boat docks and along the hundreds of miles of rip-rap, rocks that protect the shoreline from erosion.
The key to dock and rock fishing is to isolate the fish, rather than waste valuable time in unproductive water.
When fishing near rip-rap, it is important to note that fish generally hold extremely tight to the rocks. Casting parallel to the shoreline is more effective than casting perpendicular to it. Even when two anglers are fishing, it is best for both to cast from the bow, while the boat moves along the bank.
Which stretches of rip-rap are best will depend on conditions. More often than not, the hot spots are near indentations and where points protrude into the water. Other likely places are where rocks have been dumped below the surface. Rip-rap on shallow banks holds more fish in the spring and fall, while deep water rocks produce more catches during summer and winter.
Everyone knows it is hard to fish a windy shoreline, but the churning action of waves often energizes fish and makes them feed aggressively on a windy rip-rap point. The longer and harder the wind blows in the same direction, the more active the fish will be on a windward bank.
Rip-rap rocks not only provide shelter for forage fish, but insects, varmints, snakes and crawfish live in the cracks and crevices. Try using a variety of baits.
Lake Norman's thousands of boat docks might look similar, but each one has its own characteristics. Some hold fish, and others do not. The most productive docks provide ample shade, ground cover below the surface and a deep water escape route for fish. Docks with lots of pilings, cross-members and ladders are better than those with floatation material.
Floatation material varies. Older docks used foam. The new docks use a black plastic-like material. In the spring, fish seem to prefer the newer floatation; black absorbs heat and warms the surrounding water. In the summer, the older docks with foam are preferred.
When searching for docks, look for those with rod holders mounted to the railing, spotlights that shine directly into the water at night, and brush that protrudes from the water. All are indications that the area is fished by its owners and might even be baited with fish pellets or other food.
All docks attract a few bream, bass, catfish and carp at one time or another. But remember, the amount of shade, water depth, the dock's proximity to other structures and the amount of underwater cover will affect the quantity and quality of fishing.
Upcoming
• "Introduction to Casting," Mitchell Community College, Mooresville, 6-8:30 p.m. May 7, 14. Capt. Gus will teach the fundamentals of casting bait, fly and spinning equipment. Bring your favorite rod/reel and learn to cast like a pro. $25. Call 704-663-1923 to preregister.• Boater Safety Class: "How to Navigate Lake Norman," Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville. 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Thursday. Topics include, "Understanding LKN's Marker and Buoy System," "Identifying and Learning to Avoid the 10 Most Dangerous Shoals" and "How to Use and Interpret Lake Maps." $25. Details: 704-587-0325, www.Imservice.org.
• "How to Throw a Cast New and Keep Bait Alive." Free seminar by Craig Price and Gus Gustafson. Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, 6:30 p.m. May 20. Details: 704-658-0822.
Tip from Capt. Gus
Old timers say, "Bananas and peanuts bring bad luck on fishing trips." Readers beware!
Hot spots
Bass fishing was particularly good for the FLW Pro Anglers. They reported catching bedding bass in coves and pockets. Striper fishing remains good to very good in water less than 20 feet deep in Reed and Rock creeks.
Lake level
The water level is currently 1.7 feet below full pond, and surface water temperature is in the 60s.
Fishing Gus
Gustafson
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Gus Gustafson: gus@lakenorman.com
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Fishing reduces stress and gives you a break from our modern world where everything is going a million miles per hour
73
Check & Clear 6
LOC: 38-54-14.60N / 097-14-09.07W
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