It must be May! Every year this time, large fish are seen and heard splashing along the shoreline. The hubbub is created by carp wallowing in the shallows, and the noise draws the attention of many lake residents. Some are so tricked into thinking they see ten pound largemouth bass that they cast fruitlessly in their direction. The carp are actually mating, and the noise is part of the spawning ritual.
There are two types of carp in Lake Norman - the common carp and the grass carp. Both grow to be mammoth in size. Just how big they actually get is anybody’s guess, but the Carolina state record for a common carp is forty-eight pounds, and the world record is over seventy-five pounds. Grass carp grow even larger, and are stocked to help keep the lake bottom free of hydrilla and other evasive grasses.
Interestingly, common carp are native to Europe and were brought to the United States in the 1800’s because immigrants favored the taste over that of bass. For whatever reason, when harvested from American waters, the meat wasn’t nearly as tasty. Today, carp are seldom eaten. They’re considered trash fish by most anglers and are released.
A small group of anglers target carp by using fly fishing tackle. Another group bow hunt for them in the shallows at night from boats designed with generator powered lights. Because of their size, carp put up quite a fight when hooked on a rod and reel. Anglers who target them compare the fight to that of a red drum caught on spinning tackle or a bonefish taken on a fly. If you want to get in on the action, try using sweet corn kernels, lima bean pods, plain dough balls, cotton balls laced with a variety of scents, and plain bread kneaded onto the hook.
Bass tackle works fine for the occasional carp angler. Just be certain to use smaller than normal hooks, set a light drag and place rods in holders. Carp bites often go unnoticed, since they hit so lightly. For that reason, electronic strike indicators or bells are attached to the rod to signal a strike. Once hooked, a carp will pull line from the reel as it swims off. Let it run until it tires, then begin to reel. Should the carp take line again, let it. Each time it makes a run, it will wear down a little more. Don’t try to horse it in. Take your time and enjoy the battle. When the carp gets close, use a long handled rubber net to land it.
The best thing about carp is that they are easily attracted to the surface with bread, corn, fish pellets or dog food thrown into the water. That is why you’ll see kids feeding them around the docks of lakeside restaurants that have coin-operated fish food dispensers.
See you out there!
Tips from Capt. Gus! The common carp is golden brown in color, and is noted for its bugle horn-like mouth.
Hot Spots of the Week: The majority of bass and crappie taken in recent days have come from less than ten feet of water. While some bass are still bedding, others are feasting on forage and recently hatched game fish. Best baits for shallow water bass are floating worms, flukes and Senko’s. Top water lures are producing strikes around daylight.
Crappies are being caught in shallow water on 1/32nd and 1/16th oz. jigs in a variety of colors. Those fishing live baits are also catching limits. Talk at the boat ramps is about how big they have grown. Twelve inch fish are common, so cull the small ones and those still holding eggs.
On most days, white perch are hitting live minnows on jigs and Sabiki rigs, so have a few dozen crappie minnows on board.
Upcoming Events: “How to Navigate Lake Norman Day or Night” will be a free safe boating class at The Peninsula Yacht Club, 18501 Harbor Light Blvd, Cornelius, NC 28031 on May 14th at 6:30 p.m. Becky Johnson and I will cover topics that include “Understanding LKN’s Channel Marker and Buoy System”, “How to Avoid Shallow Water”,” The Ten Most Dangerous Spots”, and “Interpreting Lake Maps”. For more information, call Ashley at 704 892 7575.
Free Fishing Seminar: If you want to learn how to catch Lake Norman’s trophy catfish, come to Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC on May 21st at 6:30 p.m. Mac Byrum, the lake’s premier catfish guide, will discuss the techniques and strategies he employs to capture trophy blues and flatheads. In addition, a free handout pinpointing all six rock reefs will be given to attendees.
Norman’s water level is about 2.4’ below full pond and 3.6’ below full on Mountain Island Lake. The surface water temperature is in the sixties and seventies in water not affected by power generation on Lake Norman.
Capt. Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. is an Outdoor Columnist and a full time Professional Fishing Guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his website www.FishingWithGus.com or call 704-617-6812.