As summertime approaches, the local lakes fill up with pleasure boaters, the temps creep up past unbearable, and the fish get cranky in the heat much like the anglers trying to catch them. One way to avoid the crowds and enjoy some cooler temps is to fish at night. Night fishing can be equally as rewarding as fishing in the daytime and produce fish of the same quality. It just takes a different approach. In this blog post, we’ll explore some strategies behind successful bass fishing at night.
Understand Bass Activity at Night
Bass are predators that are most active during dawn and dusk. However, as the sun disappears and the moon takes its place, bass don’t go to sleep. Instead, they become more reliant on their other senses, such as lateral lines and heightened sensitivity to vibrations. (I would make the case too that your own senses are more heightened at night and you can focus more on technique and feel without all the distractions and movement of the daytime when people are wildlife are more active.)
Watch for Optimal Conditions for Night Fishing
Clear nights with a full moon provide ideal conditions for night fishing. The added illumination from the moon allows for easier navigation of your local fishing waters while also enhancing the visibility of your lures. There is absolutely nothing like being on the water with it lit up with moonlight and having the lake pretty much to yourself.
Choose the Right Lures
Lures that create noise and vibration are best suited for fishing at night. Buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, vibrating jigs, and crankbaits with rattles are excellent choices. Dark-colored lures, such as black, blue, or purple, create strong silhouettes that bass can detect in low light conditions. Also, keep the bait selection to a minimum. Throw some of the your darkest lures of the variety mentioned previously into a small tackle box to cut down on clutter and get out fishing!
Don’t Forget Your Essential Gear
If you are going to start fishing at night, there are some essentials you need especially fishing in the summer in North Carolina. Bug spray is essential! I like to where six shooter holsters with a can in each holster. Kidding….(But don’t think I haven’t thought of it!). Another essential is a good headlamp, possibly with a red light, for retying after you throw your spinnerbait into a tree misjudging the bank… (I kid….but I’ve been there). Lastly, a good portable cell phone charger in case of emergencies. You never want to be without your cell phone and someone to contact in case you get stuck out on the water.
Be Patient
Unlike the daytime, when bass may aggressively pursue fast-moving lures, at night bass tend to be less aggressive. You have to be patient when fishing at night. Slow and steady retrieves are best used when night fishing. Experiment with different retrieval speeds to find the right speed and action that triggers the most bites.
Stay Safe!
Wear a life jacket when fishing at night and make sure your navigation lights are working so other boaters on the water know where you are at on the water. A good first aid kit is a must. Make sure someone knows you’re out on the water and keep your rig clean and clutter free to avoid trips or spills that might cause accident or injury. Also make sure that you are familiar with the body of water you are fishing, it’s depths and it’s dangers.
Conclusion
Bass fishing at night is a great way to scratch the fishing itch when you want to stay out of the heat and avoid the weekend crowds. With the right lures and the right approach, you’ll enjoy the rewards of catching bass at night under a starlit sky. The next time the sun dips below the horizon, don’t pack up your gear—instead, embrace the challenge and excitement of bass fishing at night!
