No boat? No problem

At certain times of the year, fishing the shoreline of Lake Norman can be quite productive with or without a boat. Anglers with boats spend a large portion of time casting toward the bank, while those without boats cast from the shore to various locations along the bank. Freshwater fish cruise the shallows in search of food, shade and cover. The challenge is to find the right bank to catch fish.
Duke Power provides bank-fishing access at its two power plants. The McGuire Nuclear Station is located off Highway 73, east of Cowan's Ford Dam, and the Marshall Steam Plant is at Highway 150, west of the Catawba River. Both areas, known as "hot holes," are popular places for fish and anglers to congregate. The highly oxygenated warm water serves as an incubator for small forage fish. Game fish are plentiful. Bank fishermen often stand shoulder to shoulder to catch them.

Fishing techniques vary by angler and time of year. Bottom fishing is popular at both discharge chutes. Many anglers choose a medium action spinning outfit, rigged with a slip sinker, a swivel, a length of leader material and a hook. Recommended baits are worms, dead fish or live baits. Bass minnows are popular live baits that work well. Those in search of catfish should use prepared catfish baits. Chicken livers or Vienna sausages work surprisingly well. Use heavy weights in strong currents.

Bait can be purchased near the McGuire Plant at the Exxon station on Highway 73 at Beatties Ford Road. For those who fish the Marshall Steam Plant discharge, the BP station east of the Catawba River on Highway 150 or the Terrell Bait Shop west of the river are convenient places to purchase worms and minnows.

Fishermen who prefer artificial lures might choose silver spoons, white bucktails or top water lures.

These baits work particularly well for largemouth, white perch or striped bass. At times, feeding activity will occur on the surface. Swirls, caused by large fish striking bait on the surface, will signal the beginning of a feeding frenzy. The bite is usually short in duration, but when it occurs, everyone on the bank will have a bent rod.

The hot holes produce nice catches year-round. During the winter, the warm water discharges attract all species of fish that require relief from the cold. In summer, small bait fish attract hungry bass and catfish. If you haven't previously fished these banks, talk with some who fishes them on a regular basis. Most fishermen are willing to share their techniques and success stories with you.

One thing for certain is that fish bite best when the current is running. The faster the current, the more active the fish will be. Again, remember that a strong current requires a heavy weight to hold bottom. Also, when water is moving briskly, it is best to cast up current and allow the bait to bump along the bottom as it drifts back toward you.

To successfully land a fish, a long-handled net is recommended. Be very careful, as rocks are slippery and the water moves swiftly most of the time. Children should always wear a life preserver and should never be left unattended. North Carolina Wildlife Officers patrol both fishing areas on a regular basis. To avoid a penalty, abide by all fishing rules and be aware of the creel and size limits of the fish you keep.

Lake Norman State Park has a wooden fishing pier that extends approximately 65 feet into the lake. The pier is in a cove that supports a large population of bream, bass, white perch, catfish and stripers. Effective baits are minnows, worms, stink baits and artificial lures. The park also has a small 33-acre lake for bank fishing and boating. Park hours vary by season, so check the Web site at www.ils.unc.edu/parkproject/visit/lano/home.htm.

Tips from Gus!
When fishing from the bank, it is often best to cast parallel to the shoreline. This allows the bait to swim in the shadows of the trees and cover.

Upcoming Events:
A free fishing seminar conduced by Capt. Gus Gustafson — "Everything You Want to Know About Tying Fishing Knots" — will be held at Gander Mountain in Mooresville on Tuesday, Aug. 19, at 6:30 p.m. Call 704 -658-0822 for additional information.

Hot Spots of the Week:
Night fishing at the dam has been very good when drifting live baits and trolling with down planers. Bass and stripers are still spread along the edges of river and major creek channels from marker 13, south to the dam. Bass are hitting buzz baits along deep rip-rap and soft plastic around docks and brush. White perch are being caught on small minnows, spoons and Sabiki rigs, when slow drifted in 15 to 40 feet of water.
The lake water level is currently 2.9' below full pond. Water surface temperature is in the high 80s and low 90s.