Going fishing is only part of the fun. Sometimes what people talk and write about afterwards adds even more enjoyment to the sport. Here are a few things that have happened along the way, and a few sayings taken from the walls of fishing establishments and restaurants.
A dad and son were fishing from the shoreline, when all of a sudden the boy catches a big fish.
He asks, “What are we going to do with it?”
The dad answered, “I don’t know. This has never happened before.”
Next, a statement printed on a sign in a tackle shop read, “Work hard — fish harder!” Another, similar to the first, had a more sobering message. “Born to fish; forced to work.”
One that is sure to get your attention read, “A bad day of fishing beats a good day of shopping with my wife at the mall.”
And, a post on a popular website read, “Missing — husband, boat, fishing tackle and dog — Reward for dog.”
There is an eyeball mounted on a plaque on a wall in an area tackle shop.
The one word caption reads, “Walleye.”
Another, on a Lake Norman charter boat says, “I would rather be lost on Lake Norman than be found at home.”
And another favorite reads, “Caution — fishing and hunting stories in progress. Protective boots might be required.”
To encourage people to buy more gear, one shop has this notice posted at the front door.
“Fishermen never have enough rods, reels, tackle boxes and lures.”
That’s probably why one angler’s favorite saying is, “I spent most of my money on fishing. The rest I wasted.”
A bass fisherman once said, and he really meant it: “Some people have a drinking problem. Mine is fishing.”
There has always been a bit of rivalry between hunters and fishermen. Maybe this explains the saying, Hunters lie and wait; fishermen wait and lie.”
This thought is appropriate in today’s hurried world — “So many fish; so little time.” And, for those new to the sport, this one offers some good advice: “Only fish on days that end with the letter Y.
Upcoming events
• The 32nd Annual Dogwood Bass Tournament, scheduled for 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.Saturday at Lake Norman’s Midway Marina, is open to the public. The entry fee is $100 per boat/team with a total cash payout of $5,500.
The proceeds from this charity event aids the children at the Shriner’s Children Hospital. Registration forms are available on line at www.lakenormanshrineclub.org. For additional information, call 704-235-5888.
• “Using Sonar and GPS to Catch Stripers, Bass and White Perch.” This two-hour seminar begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday and is free and open to the public. Join me at The Bass Pro Shops at Concord Mills Mall in the upstairs conference room by Archery. For additional information call 704-979-2200.
• Free Safe Boating Class.
“How to Navigate Lake Norman — Day or Night” will be held at North Point Watersports, Exit 36, Mooresville, from 6:30-8 p.m. Wednesday. Topics for discussion will include “Understanding LKN’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@LakeNoman.com.
Tips from Capt. Gus
Small minnows will not only tempt crappies, but are also great for taking white perch. Use a small hook and a light split shot weight.
Hot Spot of the Week
Depending on the weather, bass fishing has been very good to excellent. Best bets are the shallow pockets and coves of Mountain, Hicks and Terrapin Creeks. White perch and crappie continue to be caught around sunken brush and boathouses. Striper fishing is spotty, but best results are upriver and in the Davidson/Reed Creek arms of Lake Norman.
The surface water temperature varies by location, but is mainly in the 50s and 60s in open waters not affected by the power plants. The water level is about 2.5 feet below full pond on Lake Norman and 2.5 feet below on Mountain Island Lake.
Capt. Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures is an outdoor columnist and a fulltime professional fishing guide on Lake Norman. Visit his web site, www.Fishingwithgus.com or call 704-617-6812. For additional information, email him at Gus@lakenorman.com.