When the sun goes down...
July 31st 2007 00:30
Fishing at night can be just the thing to land some “big ones” when you think an area has no fish. By day, maybe the fish aren’t there. Boat traffic, jet skis, or swimmers may spook aquatic life. However, as the sun goes down and pleasure seekers call it a day, fish return to “their turf”. Also, in some ways, fish are like us. You can consult all the lunar tables and tidal charts you want but, if it’s really hot, you just won’t see as many fish. After a day in the high 80s or 90s, fish may not become active until temperatures drop after the sun goes down.
If some night fishing is in order, it’s important to keep your wits about you. In the dark, knots are just a little harder to tie and it seems like the fish you catch are a little more slippery. Safety should always be your main concern! Public piers are often better lit that private locations so, you may want to go that route to begin nocturnal activities.
A lantern is essential! One that floats is even better. In addition to this, a small flashlight is always handy. It’s not uncommon for both hands to be occupied. Although it may sound unappealing, a small flashlight that can be held in the mouth is desirable. Using one of the small lamps that fits on your head will enable you to sidestep this unpleasantness. A light jacket may also be in order. The temperature may be fairly comfortable away from the water but it’s not uncommon to lose a few degrees after you get around a river or large lake.
Whether you’ll be fishing from a boat, pier, dock, or shore, it’s advisable to keep your equipment to a minimum. In the limited confines of a boat, it’s just too easy to step on a rod, lure, or hook. Even if you’re not in a boat, it’s still easy to kick something into the water! For the sake of convenience, the best thing to do is begin late in the afternoon and pare down. Decide what equipment you really need for a night excursion.
This is where compartmentalized utility boxes are going to come in handy. These things come in various sizes and are usually transparent which comes in handy when you are getting ready to fish because you can simply grab what you want rather than taking all of your tackle every time you go out and then not need half of it.
The fish you find at night are probably going to be relying on sound, vibration, and scent more that vision. (they often are hindered by the dark too!) With that in mind, you MAY be disappointed if you’re using live bait. I’ve seen guys do okay at night with live bait but I’ve also see people come back empty handed! Despite what I said about keeping equipment to a minimum, I often use two rods at night the same as I do during the day. One is rigged with live bait and the other is rigged with an artificial lure. Concentrate on the surface of the water and the bottom of the body you’re fishing. That’s not to say that you won’t find something in the middle but, if catching is the main goal, this is where you’re probably going to find fish.
Blue is one of the last colors to disappear under water and that is one of the reasons I like it for night work. Also, black is a good color after the sun goes down. With this in mind, naturally, a combination of the two would work also. Another color that may yield good results is a deep purple.
What you catch is really going to depend on where you live. You may catch a bottom feeder and if you eat your catch, you have to ask yourself it you want to eat something like that when you consider what may be on the bottom. You may get a really big catfish and although I’m not crazy about them, a lot of people like to bread and fry them. On the other hand, maybe too many people have seen “Jaws” and turn up their nose at shark, another night creature. However, shark meat is “meatier” than other fish, especially shark steak!
Personally, I think they're good eatin’!
Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!
*image from morguefile.com
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Comment by Marti
Christian Revolution
This is an awesome blog! My boys LOVE to fish, and I mean LOVE to fish..but they never catch anything! I am going to have them start reading your blog!
It's so refreshing to see an objective blog! (How ironic that I say that!)
Great blog and keep up the great work!
*hugs*
Comment by James Rickard
unlucky_ fishermen.com
Angling Fish