Are you tired of fishing through the slow, hot mid-day hours for Bass? When it’s too hot outside or the daytime bite is difficult, you might want to consider a night mission. It takes some time to get adjusted in terms of your approach and comfort levels but night fishing for Bass can really be worth the effort.
Some of the biggest Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass are caught at night. Hardcore Striped Bass anglers also swear by the late bite! If you learn when and how to target Bass in the dark, it can open a big world of opportunity. And that’s why we’ve prepared this article…
Why Fish at Night for Bass
When the conditions are optimal, Bass are surprisingly active at night. Many food sources like rodents, snakes, crayfish, and other bait fish are available. The sensitive lateral lines of Bass means they can feel movement and use their inner ear and sight to hone in on prey. Because of this, lures with action, scent, and noise are excellent in the dark.
Night fishing is unique as your eyesight as an angler will be inhibited. After making adjustments for this, however, you’ll notice several clear advantages.
First off, far fewer anglers are out at night so you’re less likely to have any competition. The lack of sunshine also means you’ll cast fewer shadows and have less of a chance of spooking the fish.
Lastly – and most importantly – some of the oldest and largest Bass in any ecosystem are schooled at evading danger during the day. Under the right circumstances, they’re more aggressive and catchable through the night hours.
Bass Night Fishing Techniques
There are a few key approaches to night fishing for Bass. While every angler has their favorite techniques, most night fishing success comes from using more aggressive lures and techniques. A worm fished slowly or beneath a float can certainly work, but I prefer making a commotion to play on the full suite of senses a Bass has.
The following are some key elements that play into night fishing success:
- Motion. Erratic moving lures and baits are great for night fishing. They don’t necessarily need to move far or fast but having something that makes a struggling motion on the retrieve is ideal.
- Sound. Adding some extra sound to the equation never hurts. Topwater lures that pop are a favorite. Lures with rattles and built-in sound mechanisms are go-to night options.
- Colors. This topic is a matter of heavy debate. Personally, I prefer dark colors. Black and purple are top producers at any depth and under any set of conditions. Adding in some chartreuse or pink can also work well. I think movement and sound are more important factors but black is an excellent color choice.
The other thing to consider before jumping into the darkness is scouting. It really pays to have a game plan before you hit the water. Scout during the day and map out the spots you really want to fish. When you return at night, it will be much easier to know where the obstacles are and what water has the most potential.
Bass Night Fishing Gear
You can grab your favorite Bass rods, reels, and general tackle for a night fishing trip. There are a few specialized items you will need, however:
- Headlamp. Choose a high-powered headlamp just in case you need it for navigating in the dark. A model with a powerful red light is also useful for navigating without blasting light towards the fish.
- Eye protection. Wearing sunglasses won’t help in the dark but you still need eye protection to prevent accidents. Wear clear glasses to shield your eyes from hooks without impairing your vision.
- GPS navigation. Moonlight can help with navigation but it’s very difficult in total darkness. It doesn’t matter if you’re fishing from a boat or shore, use GPS points to navigate in the dark.
Favorite Lures for Bass at Night
I’ve already mentioned some of the most effective lures, but there are a ton of artificials that will get the job done out there. I strongly suggest you experiment to find the best fit. Take notes during your daytime scouting missions to mark specific features to help guide your lure selection. If you know where the weed beds, logs, docks, rocks, and other elements are located – along with a general idea about depth – you can make more educated lure choices.
These are a few of the lure styles that work really well at night:
- Buzzbaits. When you want to cover ground with a consistent, active retrieve, buzzbaits are fantastic.
- Poppers. I love fishing poppers for Bass at night. The audible popping and surface sound make it easier to track the location of the lure. The strike is also audible, making it easier to identify and get a jump on the hook set.
- Spinnerbaits. Work through weedbeds and make plenty of motion and noise with these lures. Many Bass anglers use them in low light conditions and into the night.
- Crankbaits. A wobbling, erratic motion is perfect for night fishing. Adjust the design and lip style to match the depth in your area. For warm conditions, working shallow, mid-level depths is productive.
These lures generally don’t require anything different or complicated. Just choose a favorite and fish it hard!
Where to Go Bass Fishing at Night
Any Bass fishery can produce at night. The biggest restrictions on night fishing involve access and safety. For example, most anglers aren’t equipped to spend long nights navigating the sea for Striped Bass. In general, I find it easier to focus on smaller waters or smaller sections of a big body of water at night. Find the fish and habitat during the day, then return knowing they’re at least in the vicinity during your night mission.
Some of the most productive Bass spots at night are piers, docks, jetties, and other heavy structure areas where fish can hold safely during the day. If they have access to depth and heavy cover all day, it gives them a convenient place to hunt at night. This applies to both freshwater and saltwater environments.
No matter where you fish, focus on Bass during the seasons when they’re most active. In the northern states and Canadian provinces, this means you’ll night fish during the hottest months of the year. In the southern states where Bass have a longer growing season, there’s more opportunity for night fishing throughout the year.
When to Go Bass Fishing at Night
Timing is the most complex aspect of night fishing for Bass. In general, you want to focus on the prime seasons when water temperatures are optimal. In the heat of summer, day temperatures can become almost too hot. Catching the cooler night bite is a great idea. You can catch fish at night throughout the spring, summer, and fall in most locations but summer is prime.
Moon cycles are also a major factor to consider for any night fishing trip. In general, a bigger moon allows more light and visibility for Bass to eat. It also offers you more visibility and easier fishing conditions. I prefer a big moon and believe the moonlight helps to highlight the profile of lures and baits.
When the moon is new and the nights are especially dark, fewer anglers will test the waters. While I prefer moonlit nights, you can catch Bass in complete darkness as well. That being said, you need to be accurate – hitting spots where they’re holding as they don’t have the light to travel far. In any case, it’s still worth fishing in the darkness.
Bass Night Fishing FAQs
Are you ready to go Bass fishing in the dark?
Night fishing for Bass – and indeed for any species – can seem intimidating at first. Don’t forget your safety equipment and take it slow to begin with. It’s a good idea to acclimatize for a few minutes by turning off your headlamps and allowing your eyes and senses to adjust. After you get a feel for the darkness, you’ll see that it’s a really nice time to be on the water. On top of the novelty, you also might catch the Bass of a lifetime!
Do you chase Bass at night? What varieties of Bass are your favorites in the dark? Any tips for lures and techniques? We’d love to hear from more experts in the comments below!
The post How to Go Bass Fishing at Night: An Angler’s Guide appeared first on FishingBooker Blog.
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