Fishing in the Dark

Whether it’s a trout rising in a rocky creek bed, carp bubbling on a muddy shore or bass striking at their prey under the moonlight — fishing in the dark is a wonderful way to spend time outdoors. It’s also a great opportunity to try out different fishing techniques and spend quality time with a special someone.

This is a fun and rewarding activity, but it’s important to be prepared. Having the right gear and knowledge can help you fish more effectively at night. The right lures, bait and technique can make the difference between a successful fishing trip and one that goes awry.

When it comes to fishing at night, the best baits are usually live. Unlike most lures, which depend on sight to trigger strikes, live bait relies on the senses of taste and smell as well as vibrations to attract fish. This is especially true for larger species that may rely more on these senses at night than during the day.

In addition to using live bait, it’s a good idea to use lures with bright colors that stand out in the dark, such as purple or black. It’s also a good idea to use fluorocarbon line, which is more sensitive than regular nylon and can help you feel even the slightest bite.

Another trick to night fishing is to work the shallows as fish tend to slide into these areas at night, where they can see less of their surroundings. Also, when fishing at night, be sure to stay away from weeds and other structure that can easily snag your line. This is especially important for newcomers to night fishing who may be more prone to snags than experienced anglers.

When fishing at night, it’s usually best to use lures that ride high in the water and are relatively easy to retrieve. As mentioned earlier, the senses of taste and smell are important to night fishing, so using a bait that produces a strong scent is usually a good bet. Additionally, because of the low visibility, lures with rattles or vibrating blades are often more effective at night than those that emit little more than a subtle vibration.

Before heading out to fish at night, it’s a good idea to choose your spot based on the type of fish you’re after as well as how protected the area is and how much boat traffic it gets. It’s also a good idea, if you can, to arrive at your spot during daylight so you can get settled in without having to worry about navigation or setting up in the dark.

Finally, having a few extra rods, reels and rigs on hand is a good idea as well. Untangling lines and snagging knots can be a real pain in the dark, so being able to swap out a rig is a big plus. Be sure to have plenty of extra bobbers and jigs as well.