Spring’s arrival, a little late this year, has fish almost jumping in the boat! What a difference a few days of sunshine and eighty degree air temperatures make. Not only do south winds warm the lake and make fish active, but fishermen also become more energetic. In case you haven’t noticed, the parking lots at the lake’s access ramps have gone from being only half full in March, to overflowing in April.

Some call it “Spring Fever”, while others claim they have a case of “Fishing Pox”. Regardless, the only cure is to cast a lure with the intention of catching something big. The period between mid-March and mid-May is also a favorite with taxidermists, who mount a lot of record class fish each year. To prove the point, a look at the freshwater State Record Board shows the following:

White Crappie – 3 pounds, 15 oz. – 4/1/13
Largemouth – 15 pounds, 14 oz. - 3/29/91
Hybrid Striped Bass -17 pounds, 7 oz. – 3/15/96
Striped Bass – 66 pounds – 3/31/12
Brook Trout – 7 pounds, 7 oz. – 5/15/80
Brown Trout – 24 pounds, 10 oz. – 4/17/98
Black Crappie – 4 pounds, 15 oz. - 4/27/80

With the high possibility of catching a trophy fish, April is a good time to inspect your fishing line for nicks and abrasions. Cut the worn section off and re-tie the terminal tackle. Better yet, replace the line, particularly if it has been on the reel for more than a year, or is opaque, twisted or doesn’t fill the spool. While you’re at it, you might as well clean and lubricate the reel before using it again.



Equally as important, is to use the sharpest hooks available. Surprisingly, the hooks that become the dullest are the trebles attached to your favorite lures. While some anglers replace hooks after they catch a few fish, it’s more economical to use a hook file to occasionally sharpen them. Replacement is a viable option when hooks are bent.

Lastly; big fish have a way of swimming through weak spots in landing nets. Replace the webbing if tattered or torn.

See ya out there!

Tips from Capt. Gus! Knots tied with monofilament line should be wet with saliva or line lubricant before pulling them tight.

Hot Spots of the Week: Big crappies are hitting minnows and jigs in shallow water. Try fishing around fallen trees or bushes along the shore.

Bedding season is in full swing, with lots of larger than normal largemouth bass being caught. “Schoolie” size spotted bass are hitting jerk baits and Alabama Rigs in cove openings and on channel points. Catfish are shallower than they have been in weeks. Use stink baits for channels and fresh cut bait for blues.

Upcoming Events:
Free Fishing Seminar – “Bass Fishing around Rocks, Docks and Drop-Off’s on LKN” - Jake Bussolini and I will conduct this ninety minute seminar beginning at 6:30 p.m. on April 16th at Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC. For additional information, call 704 658 0822.

A Free Kids Fishing Tournament, sponsored by Mountain View Baptist Church, Maiden, NC will be on May 3^rd from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Jones Fish Camp, Highway 16, Maiden, NC. Call 704 634 3926 for more information.

Lake Norman’s water level is about 2.1’ below full pond and is 3.1’ below full on Mountain Island Lake. The surface water temperature is in the fifties and sixties in water not affected by power generation.