Fishin’ with Capt. Gus! Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists 11-6-11

[Fishing Report]

Photo Courtesy of Capt. Gus
Matt Franklin of Matthews, NC shown holding a striped bass caught on a recent Lake Norman fishing trip.



Fishin’ with Capt. Gus!
Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists
11-6-11



Mark Lancaster, Director at Large of the Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists reports that the new rock reefs are a success. Fishermen agree. They are finding a variety of fish above and around the tons of boulders placed in two locations on Lake Norman earlier this year. Spotted bass, white perch and catfish are feeding on the bait fish that have made the rock piles their home. According to Mark, “Plans are being made to create two additional rock reefs in 2012. While the exact locations are still under study, placements in Reed and Stumpy Creeks are being given serious consideration. In addition, a third round of deep water fish attractors will be deployed in the spring of 2012.”



Jake Bussolini, author of several books that discuss the finites of Lake Norman fishing, and an avid supporter of the reef and attractor projects, said at a recent seminar; “I observed large fish swimming around the deep water attractors within an hour of the deployment. Over time, algae attaches to the attractors and causes baitfish to gather, which in turn, draws more and more game fish. Because of the strategic placement on fish migration routes, fish that are caught and kept are quickly replaced by others.”



The GPS coordinates for the manmade reef positioned south of the Highway 150 Bridge are
N35 31.843/W80 56.337 and the other, located above the bridge, are N35 36.844/W80 56.622. Maps and exact GPS coordinates for the twenty deep water fish attractors, along with additional information concerning the reefs, can found at http://lakenormanwildlife.org/Projects.htm.



In addition to the attractor and reef projects, the Lake Norman Wildlife Conservationists have been instrumental in improving the nesting habitats for ospreys, providing basking platforms for turtles and initiating a fishing line re-cycling program designed to prevent birds and other lake animals from becoming entangled in discarded fishing line. If you would like to volunteer for wildlife projects like these, visit info@lakenormanwildlife.org or call 704-332-596.

Tips from Capt. Gus:

Thoroughly fish the area around each rock reef and deepwater attractor. Many times the fish are at the sides, rather than directly on top of the manmade habitat.



Upcoming Events:
A Free Safe Boating Class on “How to Navigate Norman when the Lake is Low” will be held at North Point Watersports, 112 Doolie Road, Mooresville, NC 28117 on Wednesday, November 9, 2011 from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Topics for discussion will include “Understanding Lake Norman’s Channel Marker and Buoy System”, “Identifying and Learning How to Avoid the Ten Most Dangerous Spots”, and “Safely Navigating In Low Water Conditions.” For more information, call me @ 704-617-6812 or email Gus@LakeNoman.com.



A Fee Fishing Seminar on “Electric Trolling Motor Maintenance” is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 at Gander Mountain, Exit 36, in Mooresville, NC. Bill Hassig, of Fishermen’s Friend in Kannapolis, NC will discuss ways to maximize the performance and improve the battery life of your motor. Everyone who owns, or is considering the purchase of an electric trolling motor, should plan to attend this informative session. For additional information, call 704 658 0822.



Hot Spots of the Week:

Best bets for bass are top water lures at daylight in boat basins and around bridge pilings and rip-rap points. Anglers fishing the south hot hole are catching bass and white perch throughout the day. White perch are also being caught on Sabiki rigs fished vertically in water to thirty feet. Channel cats are hitting stink baits, worms and chicken parts in back coves and around docks.



Lake Norman’s water level is down about 4.6' below full pond and down 2.8' on Mountain Island Lake. The water’s surface temperature is in the sixties.



Captain Gus Gustafson, licensed by the US Coast Guard, is a member of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association and a Professional Sport Fishing Guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his website at www.FishingWithGus.com, e-mail him at Gus@lakenorman.com or call 704-617-6812.