On Lake Norman, a striped bass (Morone Saxatilis), is commonly known as a “striper.” The name is different from state-to-state and from lake to ocean. Anglers have always had multiple names for fish. To add to the confusion, different species and sub-species are often referred to by different names.

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Surf-casters call the striper a “lineside” or “linesider.” Maryland fishermen refer to them as “rockfish.” The Maryland General Assembly proclaimed the rockfish its state fish in 1965. In South Carolina, stripers are known as “striped bass.” In 1972, South Carolina also proclaimed it their state fish. Locally, anglers refer to stripers (13 to 19 pounds) as “teenagers.” Fish over 20 pounds are known as “pigs.” Some fishermen mistakenly call them “white bass,” white perch” or “hybrids.”

Local slang is frequently used. For example, when striper fishermen talk about largemouth bass, they refer to them as “green heads.” Bass fishermen catch a “hog” when they land a trophy bass. On the VHF when you hear striper fishermen complaining about catching a “skin head,” you can be certain that he has landed a catfish. Crappie, the favored pan fish, is often known as a “speckled perch,” a “slab” and/or a “perch.”

Fishermen have also given bait fish multiple names. “Blue-back herring” are sometimes referred to as “BBs.” Herring on Florida’s west coast are known as “shiners.” Shad, and its more than 30 sub-species, are locally referred to as “tread fins” or “gizzards.” Anglers should become acquainted with local and regional names for fish.

Tips from Capt. Gus
Barbless or circle hooks should be used when practicing catch and release.

Know the size and creel limit for each species of fish.

Be prepared to release any illegal size or over-the-limit fish.

A bleeding fish of legal size (within the creel limit) should be kept.

Do not release stripers when water temperatures reach the mid 70s.

Upcoming Events:

“Safe Boating Class: Thursday, April 17. Lighthouse Marine Services is conducting a “How to use GPS, Sonar and Radar to Navigate and Fish on Lake Norman.” This three-hour class, which begins at 6 p.m., will be at Gander Mountain. The cost is $25 per person with pre-registration. Call 704-587-0325 or visit http://www.lmservice.org.

The Lake Norman Striper Swipers’ Spring Classic tournament will be on April 19 and 20. The two-day event begins at 6 a.m. Saturday and will continue until the weigh-in at 1 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit the LNSS Web site at http://www.lnssfishn.com

“Introduction to Bass Fishing:” A free seminar at Gander Mountain will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23. Call 704-658-0822 for additional information.

Hot Spots of the Week:
Bass and stripers are chasing bait pods to the surface in the backs of coves and creek runs. Activity is particularly good at dawn and dusk. Fishing is also good in the hot hole at the McGuire Nuclear Station.

The water level is currently 1.6’ below full pond and dingy in spots. Surface temperature is in the upper 50s and low 60s.

Gus Gustafson is a USCG Licensed Captain, a member of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association and a professional fishing guide. Visit his Web site at http://www.lakenormanstriperfishing.com.

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