Fishin' with Capt. Gus! Sounds/Vibrations -What Do Fish Hear? September 11, 2011-1.jpg


Photo Courtesy of Capt. Gus

Blue Heron stalking the shallows at sunrise.



Fishin' with Capt. Gus!
Sounds/Vibrations - What Do Fish Hear?
September 11, 2011

Every angler has either heard or said, "Be quiet or you will scare the fish.” It’s true that certain noises spook and scatter fish, while others can turn a normally docile swimmer into an eating machine.



Fish feel movement, water pressure changes, and vibrations through a system of lateral lines that run the length of their body. Depending on its size, a fish will react differently to the same sound. A small fish might flee, a large one might attack, or a really big one might completely ignore the sound.

Fish are frightened when startled, but are also curious. If a fish senses a noise from a distance, a suspicious one might be tempted to take a closer look and even eat the bait. In some lakes, anglers constantly run a small gasoline outboard engine while live bait fishing. They believe that the sound of the motor will call fish to the boat, and that once attracted, they can be easily enticed to strike.

Another sound producing technique, and one gaining popularity with Lake Norman fishermen, is known as "thumping.” The vibrations produced by tapping a long handled object on the bottom of the boat, is thought to attract fish. Every boat has a paddle or other object that can be used to thump. Thumping should be attempted only after all conventional methods of luring fish have been tried. The technique is best reserved for deep water, since fish in the shallows are leery of noise. Experienced "thumpers" have developed a certain cadence with just the right amount of thump to attract fish.

Live baits emit a vibration that signals it is in danger. The unique distress call is viewed as a feeding opportunity by predators. Lure manufacturers try to duplicate these wounded prey vibrations with lures that pop, rattle, vibrate and clatter. As with anything, manmade, some items work better than others.

Lures with concaved faces produce a popping noise when jerked across the water. Poppers are particularly effective when fish are feeding near the surface. They are effective throughout the year for bream, bass and stripers.

Buzz and spinner baits with revolving blades create vibrations when they move through the water. Buzz baits are usually used on the surface, while spinners are fished at all depths. Vibrating lures are extremely effective in low light and muddy water situations.

Many types of bait are made with rattles. Some vibrate, while others pop or spin. Rattles can be inserted into a variety of soft plastic baits. Add a rattle to a plastic worm and watch your catch rate improve.



Upcoming Events:

Free Safe Boating Class - “How to Navigate Lake Norman Day or Night” will be held at North Point Watersports, 112 Doolie Road, Mooresville, NC on Wednesday, September 14, 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 “Interpreting Lake Maps”. For more information, call me: 704-617-6812 or email Gus@LakeNorman.com.



Free Fishing Seminar:

“Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Norman Fishing” - Jake Bussolini and I will answer your fishing questions on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. at Gander Mountain, Exit 36, in Mooresville, NC. This session will be of great interest to those new to lake fishing and interested in catching bass, cats, crappie, perch and stripers. Bring your questions to this informative seminar. For additional information, call 704 658 0822.



The Lake Norman Sail & Power Squadron will conduct Boater Safety Training on Saturday, September 24th at 8:00 a.m. at the Duke Energy Environmental Center, Huntersville. The cost is $45.00. Pre-registration is required. For additional information, visit: www.usps.org/lakenorman or call Bob Yannacci at 704 660 5568.



Tips from Gus! Low water levels have exposed many shoals, rocks, stump fields and other likely places to fish when the water levels rise. Mark the spots on your GPS and return to catch fish when the water level rises again.



Hot Spots of the Week: Cooling water temperatures have bass and white perch hitting throughout the day. Bass are surface feeding upriver around the islands and on shallow river/creek points at the lower end of the lake. White perch fishing is excellent, while crappie fishing is improving each day as water temperatures drop. For those trolling down riggers or drift fishing live baits, you might find a few stripers in the deep water near channel marker 3.



The surface water temperature varies by location, but is mainly in the mid eighties in open waters not affected by power generation. The water level is about 4.7 ' below full pond on Lake Norman and 2.8' below full on Mountain Island Lake

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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.