Drifting for blues and flatheads

2008-05-26 15:31:15

Captain Mac Byrum

Lake Norman, North Carolina - Freshwater Fishing Report

South end of Lake Norman

I slow drift (wind or trolling motor) for big blues and flatheads. I filet my baits and make strips out of them and place them on a 7/0 to 8/0 circle hook on a Carolina rig. Thus, I am dragging the bottom of the lake for catfish. I normally have six rigs out. The one on each side of the outboard are 125 feet out, the next two are 100 feet and the rigs closes in are 90 feet out. By slow trolling (max. speed via GPS should be 1/2 MPH) you can work humps, dropoffs, ledges, points, along side of docks, etc. and cover a lot of area. Also, if you desire, you can have several side planer boards out to increase the width of your spread. You can go to www.fishingwithmac.com and see the results of this technique.

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Fish Species: Catfish (blues and flatheads)

Bait Used: White perch, gizzard shad, crappie and shad

Tackle Used: Quartum Irons 410, 25# big game, circle hooks

Method Used: Slow trolling (1/2 MPH)

Water Depth: 8 to 25 feet

Water Temperature: 74

Wind Direction: Variable

Wind Speed: 2 to 15 MPH

LKN blue catfish

About The Author: Captain Mac Byrum

Company: Fishing with Mac

Area Reporting: Lake Norman, NC

Bio: Mac Byrum started fishing on Norman in the early eighties from his camper at Wildlife Woods campground. In 1986, he and his wife (Frankie) acquired a little piece of haven on the lake where they retired to in 1999. Mac has been fishing for catfish and stripers ever since, with a little time spent working at his part time job at Denver Sportsman (formally Rob and Don's Sportsman). In the mid eighties Mac joined the Lake Norman Striper Swipers and has been a member ever since. Also, Mac is a charter member of the Carolina's Catfish Club and a past president. His love of fishing and his willingness to share his knowledge of fishing is well known among his peers and those he comes in contact with. If you want to catch fish and also learn the latest techniques, Mac is your guide and teacher.

byrumjr@aol.com

http://www.reelreports.com/captains/mac-byrum.html

704-483-4906

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