Fishin’ With Capt. Gus! What’s in a Name? 2-5-2012

[Fishing Report]

Fishin’ With Capt. Gus!
What’s in a Name?
2-5-2012



Photo courtesy of Capt.Gus

Scott Taylor of Terrell, NC holding a striped bass caught on a cold January morning.



February is boat show month around the Carolinas. It’s a time to look, wish and if you’re lucky enough, you might buy the boat of your dreams. In case you don’t know, maritime tradition requires that all new vessels be christened and given a name before the inaugural launching.



Boat names have always been an interesting case study, particularly since the shift from women’s names to just about anything that comes to mind. Today’s boat names might be anything from famous personalities, like the deck boat with “ I LOVE LUCY” stenciled on the stern, to one named “Your AD Here,” which gives one a hint about the owner’s occupation.



When asked about the name “VISITATION”, the lady sitting on the fantail said, “My husband is a pastor and when people call and ask where he is, I tell them he is out on “Visitation.” How’s that for an honest answer? Then there’s a sailing vessel named “MISS CONCEPTION”, owned by a retired OB-GYN. The doctor named his dingy “MISS CARRIAGE”.



Names on dingys and boat tenders (those small boats that allow mariners to row or motor to shore from a mooring), are just as interesting as the names of primary vessels. Names such as “THE END OF THE LINE”, “BAR TENDER” and “PUTT-PUTT” bring a smile. Since dingys are small, they often take on little names, like “MINNOW”, “RIPPLE”, “NO BIG THING”, “SEA SQUIRT” and “MY HALF”. A name, appropriate in these troubled financial times is “PLAN B”. And how about the sailing vessel, “CAMPBELL’S SLOOP”, which was seen towing a red dingy named “CONDENSED SOUP”. Campbell’s, no doubt.



A lot of interesting things are seen at the Sandbar, a popular Lake Norman location with the rafting crowd. A few years back, a boat tied up with several others, had the unique invitation “FREE PARKING” painted on its transom. The bright yellow cigarette boat tied next to it, was filled with bikini clad ladies, and was appropriately named “CHARLIE’S ANGELS”.



Jimmy Buffett’s songs have a big influence on anything that has to do with boats, bars and beaches. So why not join the tropical island crowd and give your boat a trendy name such as “FIVE O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE”, “ PARROT HEAD”, “CHANGES IN LATITUDES” or “SAILOR MAN?”



Finally, a question for the fisherman. Given a choice, which name would you choose for your fishing boat, “THE BILL COLLECTOR” or “THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY?”
If you chose “THE BILL COLLECTOR”, you made a good choice. The name might have nothing to do will collecting money, but fishing for sailfish and marlin, both have long snouts called bills.



There are so many great boat names that choosing one can be difficult. But, don’ fret, be happy! Should a better name come to mind, just change the name and have another party. Remember… putting a new name on the transom is a lot cheaper than buying a new boat!


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, and 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: When deep jigging in open water, use the smallest diameter line practical. Lighter line allows the bait to sink rapidly and improves sensitivity at the rod tip.



Hot Spots of the Week: Suspended stripers, bass and white perch are being caught along the edges of the main river and the major creek channels on both sides of the Highway 150 Bridge. White perch fishing has been exceptional, with catches exceeding one hundred per boat being reported. Anglers fishing for stripers are trolling Alabama/Umbrella rigs, deep jigging spoons and drifting life baits.

The surface water temperature is in the forties and low fifties. The water level is about 4.5' below full pond on Lake Norman and 3.4' below full on Mountain Island Lake.



Captain Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. is a member of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association and is a full time Professional Fishing Guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his website, www.fishingwithgus.com or call 704 617-6812. For additional information, email him at Gus@Gus@lakenorman.com.