Night Time Bass Fishing?

We are nearing the time of year when the fishing conditions become
unbearable for most fishermen. I personally do not like to be on the
lake when temperatures get above 90 degrees. Most fishermen are aware
that there is practically no shade on most lakes. Being exposed to the
sun all day during these high temperatures can subject a person to a
severe sunburn and possibly a heat stroke.

One of the most overlooked ways to fish and probably the most productive
way to fish during these hot summer days, is NIGHT fishing.Some might think
upon this method of fishing as dangerous and it can be if you don't take
precautions.

The best time for night fishing I have found is 3 to 4 nights prior to
the full moon.I have had success during the full moon and a few nights
after the full moon.The most effective being prior to the full moon,has
been the most productive for me.

You see the light of the moon enables us to see better, and navigation
becomes safer than with no moon. My recommendation for no moon is that
you know the area of the lake your fishing well. The safest way to
navigate is slow your boat down to a safe speed, and make sure you use
your navigation lights which is required by the law. To not use your
navigation lights is both illegal and down right foolish.

Fishing at night is not any different than during the day and your
choice of lures is not much different. I use dark colored lures, plastic
worms, jig and pigs, spinner baits, crank baits and of course the most
overlooked is the top water lures such as buzz baits, jitterbugs, chug
baits and even the zarra spook.

Bass have a lot better night time vision than we have and also have their
lateral line as an aid, feeling vibrations and noises such as a rattling
sound. They can zoom right in on any of the baits very easily and effectively
catch and engulf these baits.

A fisherman has a better chance at catching a lunker,for various reasons,
one being there is a whole lot less traffic and fishing pressure at night.
Cooler temperatures make the fisherman more comfortable and enjoy the trip
much more than trying to endure the sun and the heat associated with these
hot summer days.

If you haven't tried night fishing, then I suggest very strongly that you
try it a time or two. It sure beats trying to endure these hot summer days
when the bite is extremely slow and the recreational boating is too much
for an enjoyable trip.

SAFETY is a must for night fishing. Make sure you have flashlights and
extra batteries, and a good knowledge of the lake where you are fishing.
Always let someone know where you are going to be fishing and a rough
estimate of the time you expect to arrive home. Take your cell phone with
you for emergency situations. My best advice is try to make sure you have
a buddy along.

If you plan ahead, slow down, know the lake well , and take all the safety
precautions that you can, then you should have a very enjoyable trip.You
might even catch that trophy lunker bass that has always eluded you before.

I hope this article has been informative and helpful for those die hard
bass fishermen that would rather not sit under the a/c during july and august
hot summer days.

So again, until next time, and there will be a next time. Keep your hooks wet and

safely enjoy the "Great Outdoors" See you out there, and have fun!