Free Fishing Seminar

“Deep Water Winter Fishing for Stripers, Bass and Perch.” Professional fishing guide, Drew Montgomery and Jake Bussolini, fishing expert and noted author, and Capt. Gus Gastafson will conduct an all new session Wednesday, February 15, 2012, 6:30 p.m. at Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC. For additional information, call 704-658-0822.

Carefree Boat Club of Lake Norman
Acquires Local Club

Carefree Boat Club of Lake Norman has merged its operations with Queen City Boat Club to further solidify its position as the largest boat club on Lake Norman. Carefree Boat Club of Lake Norman has expanded its fleet of boats in the acquisition, now offering members the choice of six boats on a reservation basis, including four Sea Rays, ranging in size from 21 to 26 feet, and two pontoon boats. more >>

All-time NASCAR legend Rusty Wallace obviously knows a boatload about racing. He also knows who to call when he needs a world-class dock for his new Lake Norman home – Mark Lancaster. Years ago, Rusty, hearing of Mark’s reputation for superior quality and customer satisfaction, decided to give him a try. Four docks later, he “wouldn't consider using anybody else. He does it better than anybody.” more >>

Boat Safely

Operator errors account for 70% of boating accidents, many fatal, according to the US Coast Guard. Recent calamities on lakes Norman and Wylie were the result of operator errors, one involving an experienced boater who apparently overlooked safety precautions, the other someone new to boating operating with little or no boating knowledge. Keep your passengers and crew – and yourself – safe: take a course. more >>

Boat Lift Alternatives

By far, most boaters choose to trailer their boats, rather than keep them in a slip … for a number of reasons. Obviously, wet or dry slip storage is expensive, yet provides easy access to the water while avoiding the stress and strain of boat access areas as well as all that backward maneuvering which can be a challenge. For those privileged to live on the water, the personal boat slip can become a requirement of that lifestyle.

Assuming a decision in favor of wet slips, whether out the back door or in your favorite marina, then comes the decisions regarding boat lifts: yes or no. Obviously, they’re not free so you start by considering pros and cons. So why a lift? more >>

Lake Norman Watercraft Challenge

View Photo Album >>

About the cover: Rinker is part of the Nautic Global Group, which also manufactures Godfrey Pontoons, Hurricane Deck Boats and Polar Kraft Aluminum Fishing Boats. That’s the Rinker 246 Bowrider on our cover this issue. You can tell from the photo that riding in style is all part of the Rinker design. A well-made boat at a time when that kind of value is crutial to an informed boat purchase, the 246 has been called “Best of the Best.” See your next 246 and other Rinker models at Couick’s Marine in Waxhaw NC or visit  www.couicksmarine.com.

Welcome aboard!

It’s not something I tell many people, but I actually live in Charlotte. Even (worse?), I’m a native. Not many can claim that these days, with the growth our region continues to experience. Of course there are nearly as many reasons for that growth as there are Yankees living in Mooresville. More than you can count without taking your shoes off.

But one of the big reasons for that growth has to be area lakes. All of them, all the lakes ... and there are lakes, believe it or not, other than Lake Norman, though it is the largest. Consider the number of retirees coming to the area, many hauling their boats. Think also of the corporate relocation people looking for a particular quality-of-life that they’ll use to lure current and future employees. Water and water sports is certainly a draw.

The first function of that public resource is drinking water, then power generation. But all that water adds immeasurably to the overall beauty of this region and adds more horsepower to the engine of growth. Confirmation of the beauty theory came earlier this year when Chaparral Boats chose Lake Norman for their 2011 catalog photo-shoot.

With all that growth has come all manner of construction to accommodate all those new people. As with most things man-made, much of that new construction is simply, Biblically put, blight upon the land. On occasion, though, something gets built that is just, well, right. Mark Lancaster has built four docks for his friend, Rusty Wallace. This recent effort combines the latest dock-building technology and components with years of experience. It’s a showplace where form and function go hand-in-hand. On page 10, you can catch a glimpse and read the story.

Another product of this growth is the sheer volume of people and boats on the water ... everywhere. In and of its self, that’s not a problem. The problem arises when those people decide its ok to drive a boat without first using their heads and second without taking at least a rudimentary boating safety course. There are way too many accidents on the water as a result, some with very sad consequences. On pages 44 and 56 you’ll find some resources that can help you avoid trouble on the water, and improve that quality-of-life thing for all of us.

Continuing the quality thread, you’ll find some yummy recipes from “everyone’s favorite galley gourmet,” Capt. Jan Robinson on page 84, and some tips for a productive fishing trip from Capt. Gus Gustafson follow that over on page 86.

As usual, you’ll find some great maps, the Pilot Marina Guide, the Marine Service Index and all the rest in this issue. I hope you’ll find it useful.

Visit us online at www.pilotmedia.us or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PilotMedia. Let us hear from you. Become a fan.

See you on the water,

-Mike

Mike Aldridge
Publisher