The upcoming holiday period is one of the best times of the year to fish Lake Norman. By Thanksgiving weekend, most pleasure boats have been winterized and are off the water until spring. The remaining boats are more than likely fishing.
Striped bass, the “king” among Lake Norman’s fish, become energized when water temperatures dip into the fifties. They gorge themselves with shad and herring.
The feast begins at dawn, a big mealtime for hungry stripers, so get an early start and they will greet you with open mouths! On good days, you might boat the creel limit of four 16-inch stripers before the morning sun clears the eastern tree line. That’s worth getting up for.
Anglers who prefer to sleep in or wait for the temperatures to warm, will also catch fish, but maybe not as quickly as those who take advantage of the early bite.
Stripers are sought after for their size and ability to place a strain on fishing tackle. Another worthy opponent is the bass.
Lake Norman’s spotted and largemouth bass are both very tenacious and have a great ability to jump. Some believe that bass stop biting in cold weather. That simply is not the case. In fact, some of the best bass fishing occurs during the winter months.
Successful winter anglers recommend downsizing baits and working them more slowly than normal. Unlike summer bass fishing, the sunny side of the lake attracts more bites this time of year. Bass spend most of the day absorbing the heat generated by the rays of the sun in the shallows.
Pan fish are also active in November. Try using a small minnow on a colorful jig head. Dip it around a brush pile or bridge piling and wait for the tug. Typically it will be a crappie or white perch, but on occasion, you will hook a bass, striper or catfish. The creel limit is 20 8-inch crappies per day. Release the small ones.
During the holiday break, time off from school is a great opportunity to introduce children to the sport of fishing. Not only are the chances of catching fish very good, but to spend a day on the water with a child is a priceless experience.
Bank fishing is permitted at the Marshall Steam Plant, the McGuire Nuclear Station or try the pier at the Lake Norman State Park.
Underwater roadbeds that crisscross most area impoundments are excellent migration routes and primary feeding areas for a variety of fish. Topographic maps that show underwater structure can be purchased at area tackle shops or online at www.lakenormanmaps.com.
A free fishing seminar is scheduled at Gander Mountain, Interstate 77 Exit 36, Mooresville, for Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m. “The Best Places to Catch Winter Bass, Crappie, Perch, Stripers and Catfish on Lake Norman.” This information filled session will be conducted by Jake Bussolini and Capt. Gus. For additional information, call 704-658-0822.
You can visit www.lakenormanstriperfishing. com or call Gus Gustafson at 704-617-6812. E-mail him at Gus@LakeNorman.com.