To All a Merry Christmas! Enjoy Captain Gus’
rendition of “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.”
I’m dreaming of a fish Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know,
Where the fish still glisten
And children listen
To hear fish tales in the snow.
I’m dreaming of a fish Christmas
With every column that I write.
May your fish be many and bite
And may all
Your fishing trips be bright.
I’m dreaming of a fish Christmas
Like all the fishermen I know,
May your trips be sunny & fun
And to Santa’s elves
May all your chores be done.
__________
Anglers fishing during the holidays can expect plenty of action while field testing their new tackle. Fishing conditions should be ideal, with water temperatures in the fifties and an abundance of cloudy days. As in years past, diving sea birds will show anglers where fish are feeding just below the surface.
Spotted bass, a cross between a largemouth and smallmouth, will locate in the same general areas as stripers do, and can be caught from schools suspended throughout the water column. When fish are actively feeding, it is not unusual to catch two or three on a single cast, while using Alabama and Sabiki rigs. Often, multiple species are taken on the same cast, confirming the theory that bass, perch, striper and hybrids feed in packs when foraging during the colder months. Traditional holiday hot spots are Ramsey, Reed, Little, Mountain and McCray Creeks below the Highway 150 Bridge, and Stumpy and Hicks Creeks farther North.
Last Minute Gift Ideas:
* GPS/Fish Finder combination units show bottom readings, depth and fish. It also tracks the boat’s location on a map. Prices start at $199.00 (B&W).
* A thermos bottle that keeps liquids hot or cold - ($10 up)
* Minnow bucket with battery operated aerator - ($25 up)
* “How to Fish” DVD’s and books - ($10 up)
* Landing Net – ($10 up)
* Ranger Bass Boat – ($35,000 up)
* Gift Card – Any amount
The water level on Lake Norman is about 3.5’ below full pond and is 3.2' below full on Mountain Island Lake. The surface water temperature is in the high forties and low fifties in water not affected by power generation on Lake Norman.