Fishin’ with Capt. Gus! The Tide is Out 10-23-11

Photo Courtesy of Capt. Gus

Bottom showing at Marker M1 on Lake Norman

Fishin’ with Capt. Gus!
The Tide is Out
10-23-eleven

In latest weeks, lower drinking water levels have uncovered stumps, rocks and other bottom obstructions on Lake Norman. The worry of operating aground or damaging a propeller is trying to keep boaters absent. That’s a shame, simply because the climate has been ideal for boating and fishing, not to point out the gorgeous fall colours. Whilst concerns of possible groundings are justified, they can occur even when the drinking water amount is at full pond. Reduced drinking water really should be a issue, but it ought to not quit boaters from enjoying the lake.

Water amounts are low for Oct, but not any decrease than regular in February, when the target is 6 feet below total pond. But, retain in thoughts that even when the lake is down six feet, there is a lot of water to safely navigate. Fishermen who ply the lake in the course of the low water months of winter, have minor, if any, problem locating secure passage. They, just like other savvy boaters, exercise caution and adhere to the principles of the road.

If you are new to boating and involved about the reduced water situations, the tips outlined under ought to assist make your next excursion safer and a lot more satisfying:

Very low H2o Boating Guidelines:

In addition to all required security gear, don’t leave the dock with no a map of the lake and a depth finder.
Lake Maps are offered at marinas, tackle retailers, maritime provide outlets and online.
Depth finders can be bought for much less than $ a hundred.00.
Maneuver at gradual pace when navigating back again coves and unfamiliar waters.
Keep between the red and green channel markers.
Remain to the right of the middle of the channel.
Give shoal and rock markers a wide berth.
Maintain a watchful eye on the depth finder.
When soundings show shoaling, sluggish or cease the vessel and refer to the lake map or GPS.
If in doubt as to which way to commence, reverse your class to the deeper drinking water you previously passed.
Maintain a watchful eye out for strange wave patterns or breaking drinking water. The two are indications of shallow water.
Don’t pass among the shoreline and an island.
Stay properly offshore of unmarked factors and shorelines.
When passing underneath bridges, steer closer to the middle than the sides of bridge pilings. This will support to steer clear of hitting a submerged help abutment.
In the occasion of a difficult grounding, shut the motor, trim up the prop or outdrive and accessibility the conditions.
If required, contact a boat towing provider. They are competent at re-floating and towing stranded vessels. (Sea Tow – 704-895-8699) or (Tow Boat US – 704-200-1930).
Marine GPS units are not as sophisticated as individuals equipped in vehicles, but are equally as useful when it comes to navigating Lake Norman. Every boat really should have one particular, even if it is an economical handheld unit.
Tips From Capt. Gus
A often asked query is: The word “shoal” is printed on white diamond formed symptoms on Lake Norman. What is a shoal?” A shoal is a shallow location in a physique of h2o that may well be exposed when the water is lower. Shoals ought to be prevented, even when lake drinking water level is at full pond.

Scorching Spots of the Week:

Fish brush piles and boat docks in water fifteen ft or deeper. Bass, white perch and crappie are concentrating in these regions all the way through the day. Based on which species you target, consider a combination of live and synthetic baits. The previous week, fishing for spotted bass and cat fish was really great, and white perch fishing was superb.

The lake level on Lake Norman is about 4.6 ‘ beneath complete pond, and down three.0’ on Mountain Island Lake. The water surface temperature on equally lakes is in the sixties and very low seventies.

Captain Gus Gustafson is licensed by the US Coast Guard, a member of the Southeastern Outside Press Affiliation and a Expert Activity Fishing Manual on Lake Norman, NC. Pay a visit to his Net site at www.fishingwithgus.com , e-mail him at Gus@lakenorman.com or get in touch with 704-617-6812.