Fishin’ With Capt. Gus! New For 2012 February 12, 2012

[Fishing Report]

Fishin’ With Capt. Gus!
New For 2012

February 12, 2012


Photo Courtesy of Capt. Gus

David Snyder (L) and partner Tim, visitors from S. Dakota, are holding a pair of striped bass caught on a February Lake Norman fishing trip.


Fishing/boating web sites and the 2012 catalogs are brimming with new and improved products. Below are a few that might be of interest and could make your next fishing trip easier and more productive.

Fish Finder/Chart Plotter - Black & white units as low as $199
An affordable, Fish Finder/Chart Plotter Combo is a must for every angler. Even the occasional angler will find it useful. What could be better than seeing the exact depth and location of the fish displayed on a screen? Prices increase with screen size and features. Humminbird, Garmin and Lowrance brands are industry leaders.



Auto-Piloted Electric Trolling Motors
Minn Kota offers a series of trolling motors with auto-pilot. This feature allows a 55, 80, or 100+ pound thrust electric motor to guide the boat along a set compass course. The auto-piloted motor is a favorite with deep-water fishermen on Piedmont lakes. The co-pilot, an added feature, allows for wireless remote-controlled operation. A deluxe version comes with a built-in sonar transducer. When connected to a fish finder, the transducer provides an underwater view from the bow. Better yet, the top of the line I-Pilot has its own GPS system keeps the boat within five feet of a designated spot or cruise a predetermined course at a set trolling speed.



Cockpit Wash-down Kit - Less than $200
Clean the cockpit of your boat with a high pressure 12V DC pump and wash-down kit. Fresh/saltwater is easily accessible for cleaning decks, muddy anchors, or for filling bait tanks. Wash down kits with Surflo and Jabsco pumps are available at local marine dealer outlets.

Rubber Landing Net
A rubber net with an extendable handle is both fish and angler friendly. The rubber webbing doesn't remove the slime from a fish as does a monofilament. Hooks are also less likely to tangle and snag, which makes unhooking easier and less aggravating.

Marine Binoculars
Binoculars make it easier to locate channel markers and diving seabirds from a distance. Upscale models are waterproof with built-in compass and range finding capability.

Gore-Tex Outerwear
Gore-Tex allows for maximum comfort in adverse weather conditions. Gore-Tex jackets, parkas and pants not only keep out the wind, but resist water and allow body perspiration to escape. Outerwear is available with or without insulation. A complete non-insulated outfit can be purchased for less than $200.00. Insulated winter sets are more expensive.

Catalytic Cart Heater - Less than $100
Catalytic heaters are designed for golf carts, but work equally as well on fishing boats. The heater has an adapter that mounts in most cup holders. The 3000 BTU output operates up to 8 hours on a 16.4 oz. disposable propane cylinder.

Upcoming Events:
Free Fishing Seminar - “Deep Water Winter Fishing For Stripers, Bass and Perch” - Drew Montgomery (Fishing Guide), Jake Bussolini (Author) and I will discuss using shaky-heads, drop shots, Alabama and Sabiki rigs. This all new ninety minute session will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 15, 2012 at Gander Mountain, Exit 36 in Mooresville, NC. For additional information, call 704 658 0822.



Tips from Capt. Gus: Garnish catfish baits with the scent of garlic, licorice, shrimp and shad. Blues and channel cats can’t resist the aromas.



Hot Spot of the Week: Spotted bass and perch fishing continue to be very good to excellent. Occasionally, three to six pound stripers are also showing up in the mix. Low flying and diving sea birds are leading anglers to the best feeding grounds on the lake. Stumpy, Hagers, Mountain and Reed Creeks have been productive in recent days. Warm temperatures have increased the number of anglers fishing during the afternoon. So, to escape the weekend crowd, get an early start.



The surface water temperature varies by location, but is mainly in the forties and low fifties in open waters not affected by power generation. The lake level is about 4.7' below full pond on Lake Norman and 3.0' below full on Mountain Island Lake.

Capt. 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, www.Fishingwithgus.com or call 704-617-6812. For additional information, e-mail him at Gus@lakenorman.com