When you anchor and wait, they resume feeding. When water is murky or stained, it is usually a bad time to night fish. If you’re not used to night fishing, you might carry over the same mindset to night fishing. Bass can feel and hear subtle movements of lures without rattles. The toughest part of night-fishing is taking the plunge and reversing your schedule. If the weather is dropping much below 60 degrees at night, you’ll find that the fish will be more active during the day and more dormant at night. ©2020 Outdoor Sportsman Group. Please Like and Share. There are a number of reasons to pack light when night fishing, but the general rule is that you want to pack as little as you can get away with. Summertime offers bass anglers the best opportunity to land a lunker during the darkness of night. New regulations effective July 1, 2020 The 2020-2021 summary of Florida's freshwater fishing rules and regulations is available: The best practice is to stand out in an open yard blindfolded and flail about. Just keep in mind that bass may need feed in spurts at night just like they do during the day. Telemetry studies have shown that largemouth bass concentrate as much as 90 percent of their activity during nighttime hours, when the water temperature is above 70 degrees. You may struggle to even see where your line is ending up, which makes angling tough in a number of different ways. "I divide summer nightfishing into three phases," White says. It is recommended to use a red colored headlamp when fishing at night. Slow retrieves are best for the same reason. Casting at night can sometimes be tough. Manns concurs, noting that bass movement patterns at night bring fish out of thick cover where anglers hunt them during daylight. The main factors that will draw strikes include vibration, noise and metallic shine in the low light. But for the most part, don’t stress about lure coloration when night fishing for largemouth. Texas rig a dark-colored 7- to 10-inch plastic worm on a 4/0 or 5/0 worm hook along with a 1/4-ounce bullet sinker for fishing 10 to 20 feet deep along main lake points and ledges or steep banks halfway back in coves and creek arms. Armed with hollow plastic Scum Frogs, we had worked our way into the heavy cover of lily pads and stumps at the lake’s outflow creek, catching and releasing several 4-plus-pound bass for our efforts. Casting accuracy is greatly improved. Bass, particularly big bass, also find this time inviting, feeding more predictably after dark during much of the year. Night fishing. Focus on the same areas you would fish during the day. You can stay in one spot for a good while without any action, but then a giant comes along and the game is on. You can find blacklights that will illuminate the entire surrounding area in a way that doesn’t disturb the fish but gives you visibility in casting and retrieving as though it were daytime. As we discussed earlier, largemouth become more reliant on their sense of hearing at night. When the boat is in position, tie both anchors off. In the fall, the flow of … $63.99. Pick a clear lake with a lunker reputation. Night fishing for bass is electric. Here are ten tips, techniques and tricks that will help you target largemouth bass at night. The largemouth bass fishing that afternoon had been very good. During the winter, often times midday when the air temperature is warmest, is when the best bass fishing … White believes that anchoring often is the best approach. Winter Lake Tarpon Fishing. If it were easy, everyone would be scoring big night-time bass. We sat down with some of the best in the business and came up with the following list of tips for maximizing your night fishing … The popularity of this fish has brought together millions of anglers. However, if the water is too murky, the combination of the lack of light and the low visibility water conditions will make it almost impossible for bass to see anything. Largemouth bass can be found close to structures such as underwater brush piles, old road beds, rock reefs or weed lines. They won't even … Toledo Bend and Rayburn produce many bass at night on both Texas - and Carolina- rigged worms and lizards as well as spinnerbaits, but they can provide some thrilling experiences on topwaters, too, especially in the backs of the creeks and coves. Night fishing can produce incredible hauls of bass, but you often have to be a little bit selective in choosing the perfect times to get out on the water. Recreational sport fishing for largemouth bass has become extremely popular in the United States. Understanding Largemouth Bass Night Fishing Basses are equipped with numerous tools to assist them feed in the dark. According to Manns, nocturnal success with contrasting colors is no surprise. "If spring rains muddy your waters, stick to daytime fishing. Many anglers view night bass fishing solely as a summertime option, but it can start during the Prespawn Period, when bass first move toward shallow water. Any lure type and color that works during dawn or dusk can be successful under those bright conditions. You can purchase lights specifically designed for night fishing. Spinnerbaits also come through cover cleanly, so casts parallel to a submerged treeline or weededge are effective. Later in summer, big curlytail worms like Berkley's PowerBait 10-inch worms and magnum ringworms come into their own.". At other times, though, bass may be holding on a spot when you arrive, and they're spooked by the noises of the boat. All your casts will have to be done by feel. This sport is now a multi-billion dollar industry. When I night-fished in Georgia, lighted boat docks were high-percentage areas. That’s not to say that color makes no difference at night, especially in clear water lakes under a full or nearly full moon. In waters like these, bass will usually feed during the daytime. Bass will bite whether it’s raining all night long or if there are clear skies and a full moon. You can try any kind of lure, but make sure it is near the top and during the retrieving, stays near the top and doesn't sink too much. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. I've never had success fishing offshore structure at night in our reservoirs that lack submergent vegetation. This phase may draw more fishing pressure. It’s also a great way to catch the biggest bass of the season. "To double-anchor, I first place the rear anchor at least 20 feet behind where I want the stern to set. But at other times a constant noise or vibration pattern is needed to help bass home in on a lure. A friend's presence could mean the difference between taking a nap, or an unplanned swim. Makes it easy to get up to go fishing in the middle of the night. However, you may need to adjust your lures for moonlight -- more on that topic soon! This is going to happen no matter what you do – Expect that you’ll have a few more near-misses no matter what type of lure you’re fishing with. Paddletail worms like Zetabait's Ding-A-Ling or Zoom's new Speed Worm also can be steadily cranked along shallow breaks or on the surface, providing substantial vibrations as the tail kicks back and forth. Any shoal bass that are caught must be released immediately. They feed near brush piles, gravel areas, boat docks, and rocky outcrops. Summer is the usual season for bass fishing, although in warm climates such as Florida or along the Gulf of Mexico, the season doesn't really matter. At night Largemouth bass follow the lure by its sound. A bright moon allows bass to see more clearly, and thus allows them to venture deeper to feed. During the daytime, lure coloration can be absolutely critical. Avoid jerking or popping your bait too much. Try to stick with one rod and reel and a minimal tackle box containing only a few lures you’ll be using. If you pick the wrong conditions, your chances of success go way down. But during the night, hunting bass focus far more on finding prey by sound. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) This new industry is now driving the development of new types of fishing gear specifically designed for catching largemouth bass, electronic depth finder and fish finding instruments, drift boats, float tubes and specialized bass boats. This can be the difference between a fish trying to strike but missing and successfully hitting the bait. At the top of the food chain, largemouths, hybrid stripers, and white bass frequented the lit manmade structures. Jonathan LePera for Fishing. Night Fishing for Largemouth Bass. This recipe for Steelhead Trout Niçoise Salad is heart healthy, paleo- and gluten-free diet... Ned Kehde breaks down the finer points of the Rabid Baits Goby. So let's look at the largemouth bass … The full moon has fans who feel that bass activity is heightened when the fish can see better. Striped Bass Night Fishing A good reason to fish for Striped Bass at night is that they move from the Striped Bass Reproduction Facts When river temperatures reach 55°F/13°C in … This makes fishing from shore an attractive option for nighttime bass fishing. Then I pull the boat backward with the rear anchor rope, while releasing line at the bow. Make sure you always bring plenty of bug spray. $10.49. Nights with a full moon are considered prime bass fishing times. Bass are sensitive to light and turn away from well-lit areas. "A fish looking up sees more yellow, while one looking down sees more blue. The most auspicious time to fish for largemouth bass is … In most jurisdictions you must display a white stern light when fishing or at anchor, for safety. A beautiful fishery located in west Florida just north of the city of Tampa has been on fire for largemouth bass. Lemonbest Waterproof Night Fishing Flash LED Light Smart Sensor Rod Tip Strike Alert, Pack of 3 3.6 out of 5 stars 63. Anglers match a 3/16- to 1/2-ounce jig with a pork or plastic chunk, working it along the bottom back to the boat. If the water isn’t as clear, you probably want to get out there closer to a full moon and on cloudless nights. A yellow-green to white belly above a bass likely blends against the lighter sky, yielding a poor silhouette. Big largemouth bass eat frogs but they also eat snakes, worms, eels, lizards or water dogs. In the past, I’ve also purchased citronella bracelets, and they also have pins that you can wear on your hat to keep bugs … Looper says, "Most folks fish a black spinnerbait at night, but on Arkansas lakes I've found that a white spinnerbait, especially a big one, outfishes black 99 percent of the time, especially for lunkers. Details of lures are hidden at night, so bass focus their visual efforts on detecting contrasting colors and movements rather than on color details or specific shapes.". Largemouth Bass Night Fishing. Threadfin shad seemed attracted to the light, perhaps because it first drew plankton into the area, or else made it easier for the shad to feed. Last year on November 30th I got a call from a fishing buddy who wanted to try a little night fishing at the local trophy bass lake. Spinnerbaits: With pronounced vibration, spinnerbaits offer extrasensory appeal to bass. "Once I committed to seeking huge bass with a jig, I experimented with color and discovered that a brown jig with a few strands of muted orange in the skirt is deadly." Un uscita notturna al Black Bass effettuata a novembre con una temperatura dell’acqua di 12 gradi, ricercando pesci che stazionano su strutture intorno ai 5 metri di profondità. “If that engine starts without my kill switch on, I ain't the one driving it,” Blake Broussard says after ejection video goes viral. They come through cover cleanly. Once night falls, it takes around a half hour for largemouth vision to adjust for the diminished light. "Summertime, in contrast, sees some big bass shadowing shad schools, holding off structure. "Some big bass move inshore and feed along edges during summer, the pattern that John Hope described in detail in his tracking work with big bass. The In-Fisherman staff reveals some of the hottest action of the winter season, as they show how to ice 20-pound channel catfish. Armed with hollow plastic Scum Frogs, we had worked our way into the heavy cover of lily pads and stumps at the lake’s outflow creek, catching and releasing several 4-plus-pound bass for our efforts. There is no turning your head to watch how your back cast is doing. Give a Gift
At times, irregular action is best, as it imitates an injured fish. When the sun sets, one can sit in the boat and look across the water, and it will be smooth as glass. Aron Kastern on Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin where they go after whitefish on ice. Similarly, a black lure seen against a dark bottom produces little contrast. If bass seem to be short-striking the blade, a trailer hook usually nabs them. Finding Bass. Bright colors, shiny metals and lifelike plastics and stick baits are all popular choices. One key element of the program is matching the hatch. Catfish are fair on punch bait and cut bait. Fishing at night can be challenging but very rewarding. Largemouth bass are the fish of choice for the trophy angler setting forth at night. When the mercury soars this summer and bass are lethargic and suspend, use these night-time tactics to catch the biggest bass in your favorite lake. This means they’re more sensitive to noise coming from a boat or on shore. If the day has been cloudy or rainy, the best night fishing occurs during the late evening or the first couple of hours after sunset. The bass will often hide under logs, overgrowth, or other submerged objects. "On the other hand, buzzbaits work well when big bass move into thick shallow weedbeds that are too thick for a jig to be effective. But in the night, most colored lures tend to look a fairly similar dark gray, blue or black. I used to fish with a guy who loved to fish a Spook at night. Looper has used spinnerbaits widely but pretty much switches to jig fishing when he's after trophy-size bass. Clear your schedule to allow a couple full nights of fishing, putting off sleep for the intervening days. But when it’s working, running topwater along the shoreline can produce some of the most spectacular strikes and most consistent results. Some of the BEST bass fisheries to explore are the ones that are tucked away and hidden from all the rest. After dark, I fish offshore humps, roadbeds, and points, structures that provide shallow water far out into the reservoir. But the best action generally occurs when we're anchored.". ATTENZIONE: In molte zone la pesca notturna da natante non è consentita, vi consigliamo di informarvi prima di cimentarvi… Source The largemouth bass fishing that afternoon had been very good. Constant illumination attracts prey and predators, while making it easier for anglers to navigate, cast, tie knots, change lures, and other things we take for granted during the day that become challenging after dark. Not only to preserve your vision but also not to scare fish away. Perhaps more importantly, it makes it easier for anglers to fish effectively. With the right techniques, you can pull in trophy bass at night. If the water is crystal clear, fishing during a newer moon, or during mildly stormy or overcast weather are likely to be peak fishing conditions. Fishing Vault High Output Ultra Violet UV Black Light LED Light Strip for Bass Boats & Night Fishing 4.3 out of 5 stars 69. Looper has caught lunkers on the Cotton Cordell C10 Redfin, a big jointed floating minnowbait that weaves back and forth across the surface, creating a wake. In those conditions, it might be worth experimenting with color combinations if you’re not catching any fish. "It seemed that spinnerbaits limited the top end size of bass, since I never caught one over 9 1/2 pounds on a spinnerbait and I knew 10-pounders were present.". They're actively hunting but cautious nonetheless. Night Fishing For Largemouth Bass. In the prime fishing summer months, a popular lake can be nearly choked by other anglers, boaters, swimmers and other people out having fun on the water. When the sun goes down, big largemouth often become active feeders. But it lights up the fishing line as though it glows in the dark. Fall is heavy feeding time for largemouth bass. One of the key challenges of hooking a bass is the bass’s strong preference for being under cover. Once I'm anchored, we fish for at least 20 minutes without a bite before moving. That's when he caught his biggest bass, just under 14 1/2 pounds. If the edge of the fish's mouth stops evenly with the fish's eye, then it's a smallmouth. They're also good hookers. While bass will key in more on sounds during the night, they still will hunt by sight if possible. Looper is a contrarian and focuses his fishing efforts when few anglers are out, feeling that other anglers put big bass on their guard. "One reason, of course, is that bass weigh less in summer than in fall, winter, and early spring," he notes. The best bass fishing at night in ponds is typically during the summer months. When you're after big bass, you need to minimize the number of small ones you catch, since that commotion spooks big fish in the vicinity. His schedule calls for daytime fishing during spring, targeting bass in cover or around spawning beds, then turning to nocturnal action in June. Topwater won’t work every night – Sometimes the bass just won’t come up to take a lure off the surface. When the wind cancels your coastal striped bass plans, save the day with the “other” bass in a local pond. Ideally, you want to night fish for largemouth on bodies of water with relatively clear water. In some regions, night-fishing has become an almost standard summertime procedure, an escape from the heat of the day as well as heavy boat traffic. These lights will give you enough illumination to change a lure without frightening all the fish away. Night Fishing for Largemouth. While the atmosphere can be festive, it often times makes carving out space to fish in peace and quiet a challenge. This lets you see exactly where you’ve casted and where your line currently is located. It means the best locations for fall bass fishing will depend on temperature trends, time of day and types of available cover. A laternal line running parallel to its spine helps the bass feel vibration and motion in the water, assisting it find victim that is having a hard time or relocating its target zone. It’s almost as if a bass night shift shows up. Not only to preserve your vision but also not to scare fish away. Unfortunately, night fishing can be intimidating to a lot of anglers, and it takes some skill to do it right. You’ll be too busy swatting and slapping yourself in the face all night! Chris Schneider photo. Night bass fishing is all about the lake conditions. The best time of year for night fishing is the summer. Fish that area slowly and methodically with big baits. Say I've found a point that gradually extends out into the reservoir with deep water on either side. Any kind of bait that displaces water on the surface or features a rattle or chattering sound will give you an extra edge when fishing for largemouth after the sun has gone down. Night fishing for bass is electric. Knowing this, night fishing is all about fishing the shallow areas, but not until a little later at night. But in order to successfully fish at night, it’s important to understand how night fishing differs from angling during the day. "In midsummer, you can catch schooling bass up until dark. If you want to catch big largemouth bass during the summer, there is no better strategy than fishing at night. As a result, many bass lures and baits focus on visual presentation. During the night time and with decreased visibility, bass will miss more strikes than they do during the day. Understanding Largemouth Bass Night Fishing. Bass are sensitive to light and turn away from well-lit areas. Fishing for bass at night can be both exciting and frustrating. First there's the static "zing" of the line as you cast, followed by the silence that leaves you tensed, listening for the "kerplunk." Don't miss the time when the moon is rising or setting, the minor solunar periods. Another option is swimming a jig through the edges of lily-pad beds or stands of bulrushes or stumpfields in river backwaters. Larger bass move into shallower water at night when the water cools and calms. "I rig them for casting parallel to weedlines, with 3/16- or 1/4-ounce slipweights. The best time of year for night fishing is the summer. Larger bass move into shallower water at night when the water cools and calms. You don’t need to get way out there on the water to find the fish – In fact, all the action is likely to be within feet of the shore. They can't sense the things that deter them from biting that hook. Both live bait and artificial lures will attract bass, but one may be more attractive to smallmouth bass as opposed to largemouth bass. The best conditions for night fishing are moonless nights. Included in this article is a description of the lures, and how to use them at night for optimal results. This can be a great advantage for anglers to conquer their most sought after prey, the largemouth bass. During the summer, the water can get really warm in a pond, so therefore they may do the bulk of their feeding at night. Bright colors, shiny metals and lifelike plastics and stick baits are all popular choices. When you have a hot, sunny day in the summer, fishing will most likely be good at night. When bass burrow into cover or hug the bottom at night, try a slow-moving lure such as a plastic worm for fishing in clear water. Those anglers who fish in the dark have discovered that night time fishing can produce some of the largest bass of the season. After dark, the big ones are moving and searching. It would seem that nature has equipped them to feed at night as well as during the day. Summertime is by far the most popular time of the year for bass fishing at night. Mitch Looper, an avid angler from Barling, Arkansas, notes that fairly clear water is a prerequisite for successful night-fishing. Like with any kind of fishing – or just about any activity, really – the best way to improve at night fishing for largemouth is to get out there and practice. Some of my greatest success catching bass after sundown has been with buzzbaits, jitterbugs, poppers and other topwater lures such as frogs. I anchor on top of the high spot of the point, in 10 to 15 feet of water. Bass Fishing Basics: Everything You Need To Know, The Best Fishing Line For Your Bass Baitcaster Reel. Yet Duckworth says the best lakes for catching big smallmouth bass at night are ones with threadfin shad. Largemouth bass tend to avoid direct sunlight, so midday glare off the water can make bass fishing a challenge. Finding largemouth bass during the transitional seasons of the year can sometimes seem challenging, but with a few key late fall fishing tips, you can bump up your cool weather catch rates while using artificial baits and lures. By the time night has fallen, big largemouth will typically be found closer to shore, often close to vegetation or shore bound structure. And for working edges of cover, rather than through it, few additional hang-ups occur with the trailer. Anglers reportedly catch fish up to 20 pounds, and those in pursuit of largemouths catch many. Fishing for bass at night can be both exciting and frustrating. … I'm convinced unnatural light spooks the monsters, so I fish a jig strictly by feel.". Typically, night fishing is best in clear water. Subscriber Services. Night. But when White reviewed moon phases of Texas' 50 biggest largemouth catches and his own top 50, he found that summertime full moons never produced a giant bass on those lists. "During the early summer, from late May through June, bass are recovering from the spawn and feeding heavily in shallow water. If you fish in the south where hot, summer temperatures can soar during the day, you may want to become acquainted with the art of fishing in the dark. Well-fed bass will strike attack targets of opportunity if they present themselves. Night Fishing Largemouth Bass The biggest hurdles to overcome with any night fishing are the casting and line management. Baits that produce best have a steady cadence that bass can home in on with their lateral lines and inner ears. Plan your next fishing and boating adventure here. But the above tips and tricks should give you a solid foundation for going after big largemouth bass at night. Largemouth bass are slow on skirted jigs, spinners, and crankbaits near boat docks, creeks, inlets, and rocky shorelines. Pretty much anything that works in the day works at night if you adjust your colors. Black or purple ten inch worms are still great lures … Night Fishing Telemetry studies have shown that largemouth bass concentrate as much as 90 percent of their activity during nighttime hours, when the water temperature is above 70 degrees. Looper has a caution concerning topwaters, however: "I no longer fish topwaters at night due to the danger factor. If there's grass on top, all the better. If the line of the fish's mouth extends back beyond their eye, making their mouths very large, then it's a largemouth bass. Largemouth bass are gluttons! As a result, baits and lures that incorporate a strong element of noise during retrieval are better choices for night fishing. "If the water is clear and weather tolerable, I start night-fishing in January," he says. This means you have the option to read your magazine on most popular phones and tablets. A laternal line running parallel to its spine helps the bass feel vibration and motion in the water, assisting it find victim that is having a hard time or relocating its target zone. Bass fishing at night in ponds is one of the most exciting things that a fisherman can do. If you want an alternative to the crowds, or you’re just looking to catch largemouth in a different way than you’ve tried before, consider night fishing. Fishing lore surrounds the moon and this celestial body seems to have extra effects after dark, lighting the scene for anglers and even casting shadows that position bass. One of the best ways to catch bass at night is with topwater lures. A healthy 5-pound bass that smashed a topwater frog during the spring. When you have a hot, sunny day in the summer, fishing will most likely be good at night. Early morning and late evening are the best time to catch bass as they tend to take shelter from the sun during the day. "On darker nights, lure speed, depth, color contrast, and sound become increasingly important in helping bass locate prey. There aren't many articles written about it and there surely aren't any instructional videos for sale through any major outlets! Fish big, bulky jigs and soft plastics. The typical daily pattern for largemouth during the summer months goes like this: During the heat of the day, largemouth will be relatively inactive, suspended in deeper water. "For this reason," says White, "we try to create as natural an environment as possible—turn off sonars and lights and sit quietly. Night fishing for largemouths has become commonplace in some areas of the country, while it is just catching on in other regions. The best conditions for night fishing are moonless nights. "One key is recognizing productive structure," he says. Every body of water is slightly different, and you’ll probably find that certain techniques work better or worse for you as you experiment. Softbaits: White and other night-fishing experts rely heavily on softbaits for night-fishing. Forgotten (Or Temporarily Overlooked) Muskie Lures, Hobie MirageDrive 360 Kayak Propulsion: Amazing Control and Power, Umbrella Rigs: A Double Dose of Matching the Hatch, The True Story of the Bass Boat Hero Who Broke the Internet. And particularly where waters are ultraclear, some anglers prefer dark moons. But half-moons also have adherents. But White and Looper avoid illumination, feeling that anything unnatural alerts bass to their presence. Keep them in mind, and you’ll have a new way of hooking up with largemouth when many people are fast asleep. Next your fingers begin to turn the reel crank and you feel the bait moving, pulsing through the water. "Vision researchers have found that in clear freshwater, most underwater light is greenish at twilight," he says. Stay Comfortable While Summer Night Fishing Attention to a few details will make for a much more comfortable night of fishing this summer. "Many anglers rely on rattles at night," he says. Think small, and you may catch smaller spotted bass, but both big spots and big largemouth’s will hit smaller 4-6 inch plastics. Largemouth bass have excellent night vision.