Night fishing is a thrilling and adventurous way to enjoy the peacefulness of the outdoors while targeting a variety of nocturnal species. Unlike traditional daytime fishing, night fishing offers a unique set of challenges and rewards. Here are 8 ways for better night fishing.
Bring proper lighting
It’s essential to have proper lighting when night fishing. Bring flashlights, headlamps, and lanterns to help you see what you’re doing and to ensure that you can safely move around your fishing spot.
Cheap solar lights can be a cost-effective solution if you start your fishing during the daylight hours although a headlamp is perfect for all fishing situations. A headlamp keeps your hands free if you need to tie rigs or battle fish and they can be bought inexpensively from most tackle retailers or camping suppliers.
Bring warm clothing
Nights can get chilly, even in the summer. Always make sure you bring warm clothing like a jacket, hat, and gloves to keep yourself warm and comfortable. Additional layers don’t usually weigh much and if you are fishing near to your car they can always be left in there until needed.
Packing a few extra layers is a good habit to get into when fishing at any time. Even on warm days a shady spot on the bank can be significantly cooler so when attempting night time fishing you should keep that in mind and be extra prepared.
Use insect repellent
Insects are more active at night, and mosquitoes, in particular, can be a nuisance. Invest in a good quality insect repellent that contains an active ingredient known to repel insects such as DEET, picaridin, or IR3535 and leave it in your tackle bag.
Make sure you apply insect repellent at the start of your session to enjoy the maximum benefit.
An additional measure you can take is to invest in a portable bug zapper. These can act as both a portable light for night fishing while taking care of some of flies and insects in your area. These are particularly useful if you have a small tent or bivvy located near the waters edge.
Familiarize yourself with the area
Take some time to familiarize yourself with the fishing area during the day and if you plan to arrive at night visit the venue beforehand during the day.
Pay attention to any hazards or obstacles that may be present, such as rocks, logs, or shallow water. Make a note of any areas that you should consider off-limits during the hours of darkness. It’s important to take a cautious approach to safety when night fishing.
Bring a first-aid kit
Accidents can happen, so it’s always a good idea to bring a first-aid kit. Include items like bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers along with any prescription medications you require.
Make sure you take your mobile phone and that the battery is fully charged. Ideally take an additional power charger for your phone in case you need it, especially if you will be fishing for multiple nights.
Keep in mind that many fishing locations are remote and receive minimal foot traffic and poor cell service. You should always tell someone that you are going night fishing and make sure they are aware where you are going and when to expect you home.
Use the right equipment
Using the right equipment helps to catch more fish and make your angling more enjoyable. Consider if there is any specific equipment, baits or lures that work better at night for your targeted species.
If you intend to night-fish regularly you might want to invest in some additional items that will benefit you:
- Bite alarms can help you identify bites while you sleep. Many freshwater lake and river anglers use these during the daytime but they are especially useful at night.
- A Bivvy or small tent can provide shelter against the elements and insects. It also gives you a place to sleep and store your gear out of the way of rain and rodents.
- To help get some sleep while night fishing many anglers purchase a bedchair with a comfortable all-season sleeping bag.
- Fluorescent baits are available in many types from glow in the dark plastic sweetcorn to glow in the dark lures. These often work wonders when night fishing.
- to help you identify bites at night while you sleep. A bivvy or small tent will help provide shelter from the elements and store your gear out of the way of rain and rodents.
Be patient and enjoy the peace
Fishing at night can be more challenging than during the day, so be patient. You may have to wait longer for a bite, but when it comes, it can be more rewarding. In most species the larger fish tend to be more active at night so while you may have to wait longer for a bite it will often be a good sized fish.
When you fish at night the lakes and rivers are often much quieter, sometimes you can find yourself all alone. Take a moment to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of your surroundings, fishing really is a great sport.
Practice catch-and-release
Always consider practicing catch-and-release to help preserve the fish population. This way, you can still have fun catching fish without harming the environment or depleting fish populations.
Many pleasure anglers adopt a catch-and-release policy these days and it ensures our lakes, rivers and oceans will stay bountiful for many years to come.
(Featured image courtesy of Wikipedia Creative Commons)
