Fishing at night

Night fishing has become more popular as our lives are getting more hectic and we are working longer hours every day. It can be a rewarding way to spend time away from crowds and fishing pressure. Night fishing can be done nearly anywhere; from big lakes to small ponds. It can be great for sunfish, bass, catfish, walleye and crappie. Many record breaking fish have been caught while fishing at night.

Night fishing is just what it says: fishing at night and not always with a full moon or much light. It is typically done from a boat, but many people fish at night from a shore, in a stream or in a river. In some areas of night fishing, you are able to use artificial light to capture big fish. However, this artificial light while night fishing may not be allowed, so make sure to check all rules for the area you will be night fishing.

If you are new to fishing at night, you will quickly find out that it can be much more difficult than fishing during the day, even for the most experienced fisherman. On the other hand, night fishing can be easy and lot of fun. The big difference is in how you prepare for your fishing trip.

The following are tips to successful and enjoyable fishing at night.

1. Pick a good night for fishing. Choose a night when the forecast is good. Bad weather can make the night worse and very dangerous.
2. Prepare your boat if using one. Make sure the boat you are using and the engine are in good working condition. Having the boat break down during the day is bad enough, it is only worse at night.
3. Get all supplies needed for fishing ready in advanced. Go through your boat and make sure everything is secure and in place. Go through tackle boxes to make sure they are filled with everything needed for the trip.
4. Pre-plan. It is important to pre-plan for night fishing. Try making a check list of all items that are needed for night time. It is also a good idea to go to the area you will be fishing and scout it out.
5. Have floatation devices. You need to have a flotation device for every person who will be on the boat. It is easier to find someone who has fallen over the boat during the day and can be extremely difficult at night. A flotation device that can be thrown is also a good idea to keep on board when fishing at night.
6. Lights. Lights are needed and important on a boat and should be on when visibility has been reduced, such as at night time. The most common accident reported at night is hitting an unseen object. Running lights are required by law in most states.
7. Warning device. A warning device or horn can be vital in the dark. It can be used as a warning for other approaching boats and can be used to draw attention towards you when a problem occurs.
8. Navigation tools. Tools for navigation can be extremely useful at night for safety. The best choice is a GPS, but a compass can also be very helpful. Fishing at night is very different and sometimes fog can move in without warning and cause you to lose sight of where you are.
9. Make mental notes. Make a note to yourself before you leaving for fishing of where to find everything that you will need while fishing. At night, it can be easier to find pliers and tackle if you have some sort of idea where they are.

Many people who fish at night enjoy many of its advantages. Night fishing provides tranquility and solitude compared to fishing during the day when fighing areas are more crowded. Fishing at night can be peaceful and allows you to leave stress behind for awhile. During the day when the air is warmer, larger fish tend to stay away from shallow water. At night, they generally move into more shallow water to feed. Night fishing also many times provides a large catch due to this.