Reasons may vary, but every angler seems to have a favorite fish. Some like a particular one because it’s what they caught as youngsters. Others prefer one over the other because it tastes better, and some target a particular species because of the battle it gives the angler. There are some who just like to fish and enjoy catching whatever bites the hook.

Freshwater fishermen differ on what they like to catch, but largemouth bass, crappie and catfish rank at the top of many lists in North Carolina. Smallmouth bass, mountain trout, striped bass, white bass and perch are also favorites. Where one fishes has a lot to do with what they catch. But, when all the pluses and minuses are totaled, the largemouth bass is arguably the freshwater “Tar Heel” favorite.

Few, if any, freshwater fish spend as much time dancing, twisting and flip flopping out of the water as the largemouth does when it’s hooked. And regardless of how many an individual has caught, it’s always amazing to watch an overweight, sow bellied bass shake a lure loose just before it swims away. But, it’s not just the aerial combat. Bass pull so hard that all too often they are lost when the line parts, the hook straightens or the fishing rod breaks.

If it’s not the hard fighting tenacity that makes a bass so popular, it might be the fact that it attacks anything within striking distance. Bass have actually been known to leap from the water to snare low flying birds and insects, frogs perched on lily pads, or to swallow a snake slithering across the surface. Since everything is fair game, the baits used to tempt bass are as varied as their diet. Fishermen have so many bass lures to choose from that selecting the correct bait for the circumstances can be a challenge. Buying, field testing and talking about catching a big bass on a new lure is an important part of bass fishing.

Television, magazines, catalogs, the Internet and You Tube have collectively helped to put bass fishing to the forefront. Equally important, are the heroes of bass tournament circuits, whether local, regional or national. These winners, particularly those who share fishing information, provide a lot of enthusiasm for the sport.

The fact that even an occasional angler has a tale about the “one that got away”, or a cell phone picture of the one that didn't, helps to promote and keep bass fishing fun and interesting.

Tips from Capt. Gus! When bass fishing with artificial worms, match the length of the worm to the size of the hook. For example, when fishing with a 4” worm, use a #1 hook. As the length of the worm increases, so should the hook size, i.e. match a 6” worm with a 1/0 or 2/0 hook and an 8” worm with a 3/0 or 4/0.

Upcoming Events: A Free Safe Boating Class on “How to Navigate Lake Norman Day or Night” will be held at the Peninsula Yacht Club, 18501 Harbor Light Blvd., Cornelius, NC 28031 on September 25th 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 Becky Johnson at 704 892 7575.

Fishing Report: Crappie, catfish and bass are biting very well. Limits of 10” plus size crappie are being caught over deep brush piles on small minnows. Catfish, mostly channels and blues, are hitting in back coves and creeks all over the lake. A young angler reported catching a good size blue catfish on a piece of uncooked pork chop fat. Most cat fishermen use more traditional baits, such as chicken livers, bream heads and fresh cut baits.

Bass fishing improves as water temperatures cool. While some anglers are still fishing the deeper edges, ledges and humps, there are bass being caught around docks and in back coves as well. There has been an increasing amount of surface feeding activity in recent days, both on points and open water. Slow trolled Alabama rigs are catching a few stripers and hybrids along with quite a few spotted bass.

Water Conditions:
The water level on Lake Norman is approximately 2.5' below full pond. Mountain Island Lake is 3.0' below full. Surface water temperatures are in the low to mid-eighties, depending on location or proximity to a power plant.

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. For additional information, e-mail [email protected].