Television shows such as Wicked Tuna, The Deadliest Catch and River Monsters have people believing that something big and mysterious is lurking in the waters of Lake Norman. That is why kids, in particular, are always claiming they saw something resembling an alligator or lake monster of some kind while boating.

Lake Norman is in fact full of creatures that when seen at first glance, look big enough to qualify as river monsters. The long nose garfish is a good example. When seen swimming just below the surface, particularly when in schools, garfish appear to be one very long fish. Their cylindrical shape resembles an oversized snake, or even an alligator without legs.



From time to time, this archaic fish gulps air above the surface. This is when it’s most visible to the casual observer, and when telling of the encounter, people tend to exaggerate its size. Long nose garfish can grow quite large. The biggest ever taken from North Carolina waters weighed twenty-five pounds. Bigger still, is the alligator gar which can grow to lengths of ten feet. This mammoth fish frequents the brackish waters of the Mississippi River Basin.

Garfish are dark green in color with rows of diamond shaped scales running diagonally around their long cylindrical body. Its discerning feature is a long snout full of teeth. Like gator's, garfish appear to be sluggish and lifeless when sunning, but when hungry, this fish is quick to ambush its prey. It immobilizes the forage with a slashing motion of the snout, and quickly shreds it with its needle-like teeth. Bass, crappie and perch are fair game for this savvy predator.

Garfish have plenty of power in their long body to test most freshwater fishing tackle. At times, they hit the same artificial lures used by bass fishermen. Most are caught with live or cut bait while fishing for other species. The most popular local baits are live shad and fresh cut bream. A hooked gar puts up a gallant battle and is known for exhilarating runs. On occasion, they will leap from the water while attempting to shake the hook.

The white meat of a garfish is very popular in Louisiana and other Gulf Coast states, but is not considered good table fare in other regions. Its roe is toxic and should not be eaten under any circumstances.

In spite of their intimidating appearance, garfish are passive toward humans.

See you out there!

Tips from Capt. Gus! Gloves should be worn and care taken when unhooking teeth studded garfish!

Hot Spots of the Week: Bass are hitting top water and shallow running lures at sunrise and soft plastics fished around cover throughout the day. Surprisingly, crappie fishing remains good-to-very-good for those casting small baits around brush and under deep water docks. Seventy degree water temperatures have channel and blue catfish biting in coves and on shallow flats adjacent to deep water. White perch fishing is very good in twenty to thirty feet of water when using live baits.

Upcoming Events:
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 1.8’ below full pond and 3.7’ below full on Mountain Island Lake. The surface water temperature is in the seventies in water not affected by power generation on Lake Norman.