If you enjoy fishing during the day, have you ever considered doing it in the dark? You might have more action and bites after the sun goes down. As a beginner, use this guide for the ultimate night fishing tips to have a successful first adventure!
Leave for Your Destination Before Sunset
The point of night fishing is to do it in the dark, but it will be difficult to set up your gear and prepare yourself when you have very little light to see. Pack your vehicle and hit the road before the sun sets so you can easily navigate to your fishing location. Leave around a half hour before sunset; that way, the sun will have disappeared from the sky by the time your gear is in order.
Fish With an Anchor
As a beginner, one of the best night fishing tips we can give you is to use an anchor. When you anchor in the water, you won’t have to worry about your boat drifting away or knocking into something you can’t see. While you can fish using the trolling method, it’s a technique better suited for intermediate night fishermen because they have more experience maneuvering their boats in the dark.
Fish Under a Full Moon
The moon has a heavy influence on tidal movements. Therefore, fish are more attuned to the moon and increase their feeding levels during a new and full moon. Due to this phenomenon, you’ll have more success catching an array of fish on specific nights of the month.
Don’t Forget Artificial Lighting
When you use artificial lighting while night fishing, it can actually attract more fish to your location because it causes a natural food chain reaction. The light will accumulate more plankton and microscopic animals that fish love to feed on. You’ll eventually attract more fish when these organisms are present. Many factors go into finding the best lighting for night fishing, so ensure you choose one that benefits your method of fishing.
Know What Type of Fish You’re Hunting
Knowing what type of fish you’re hunting and their habits will provide you with more information on where to go to find them. For example, if you’re bow fishing in the dark and looking for carp, you must find a location with murkier waters because this is where the fish prefer to make their homes. Before you set out on your journey, scout locations and areas with higher concentrations of the type of fish you’re catching; this way, you’ll know where to go once the sun is set.
When you’re out on the water, don’t give up on yourself! If you’re not having immediate luck after sunset, it could be because, like you, the fish are adjusting to the dark. Be patient. Activity will start back up in an hour or two, and you’ll catch more fish. Use this article to prepare for night fishing, and don’t forget to have fun!
