5 Things To Be Careful of When Night Fishing

Night fishing can be some of the most exciting, rewarding and fulfilling fishing you ever do in your life. It can also be the most dangerous fishing you ever do as well. Here are 5 quick things to look out for and be careful of next time you venture out…

One - Trees can make your trip miserable.

We used to fish at the same lake every weekend for 6 months during the day. I knew this lake like the back of my hand, so it seemed anyway. One Saturday night, we decided to try our luck night fishing on this lake.

Once we got out in the water, we were catching fish like no other. Maybe it was carelessness or the adrenaline flowing, but we were whipping around the lake to get to our favorite daytime spot, anxious to see if we would get the same results.

What appeared to be open water was actually a graveyard of fallen trees and submerged tree stumps. I’m sure you can imagine the damage the boat received. Just goes to show you the waters are completely different at night than in the day. Sure we knew the water had trees throughout, but they were much easier to see during the day.

Two - Other boaters

While you have control over the lights on your boat, you don’t have that luxury with other boats on the water with you. Some people do not abide by the law and they choose to not use their lights when night fishing for whatever reason. Seeing another boat at night when they do not have their lights on can be a challenge.

Three - Insects

Big fish aren’t the only things that come out at night. Expect to find more mosquitoes and black flies at night, eager to snack on your skin. Always bring some bug spray (deet) with you.

Four - Wildlife

Like insects, you may find an increase in animals out at night with you. One in particular are snakes. For some reason, we come across more snakes at night than during the day.

Five - Fishing with others

It is hard to see your partner’s rod when he is casting at night. Many times have I been snagged by a lure being casted by my partner. Keep an eye out for your co-fishermen when you cast your line.

Daniel Eggertsen is a long time fishermen, as well as President and Founder of Evening Secret Fishing - (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/obstacle.php)

If You Have Never Used A Blacklight While Night Fishing, You’re Missing Out

We all know the benefits of night fishing - bigger catches and calmer waters are just two, however, night fishermen have several challenges that “day time” fishermen do not have to deal with.

One of the most difficult challenges is, of course, being able to see your line to find out if you have had a hit. Here is one way of easily being able to watch your line at night.

Use a blacklight and a fluorescent fishing line.

When fishing at night, it may be a few seconds before you know you have one on the line. By this time, the fish could already be under your boat or have begun it’s mad dash to the opposite shoreline.

By using a blacklight, your florescent line will glow in the dark, making it sometimes easier to see your line than during the day. You’ll be amazed at how your line lights up in the dark waters.

There are several types of blacklights on the market specifically made for night fishermen. Probably the most popular is the “Stan Sloan” brand. Cabela’s also has an Optronics brand blacklight they are selling for about $50.

Just as important as the blacklight is the type of line you use with it.

Berkley makes a great flame green fireline florescent line that works well with blacklight night fishing as well. The reason this particular line works so well is because the florescent coloring is not painted on the line, but rather is chemically mixed into the actual line during production, which means the color lasts much longer than other brands.

P-Line also makes a good fluorescent line that is clear. You will need to test to determine which one works best for you.

The use of a blacklight during night fishing is a common debate among avid fishermen. Some think the black lights may spook certain fish, others couldn’t live without using them.

Give it a shot and see for yourself. You may be pleasantly surprised with the results.

Daniel Eggertsen is a long time fishermen, as well as President and Founder of Evening Secret Fishing - (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/blacklight.php)

The Best Type Of Line For Night Fishing

Here is a topic that is often debated between night fishermen. Depending on how you like to fish at night, here is what you should look for in general:

If you are going to be fishing with a blacklight, you will want to be sure you spool up a clear blue fluorescent line. The clear blue is especially made to work well with blacklight night fishing, so it is highly recommended.

When you go night fishing, never use a line that is less than 20lb test. 20lb is the minimum weight you should even think about. You won’t be dealing with those wimpy “day fish”.

Ideally, if you are blacklight fishing, you will want to use the 20lb clear blue fluorescent line. When the blacklight hits that line, you will be amazed at how well that line shows up.
Of course, if you do not need to watch your line closely (such as when you are using a spinnerbait) then the color is not as important.

Why do you need a minimum of 20lb test line?

Simple, the fish you will be catching at night are going to be bigger! Sometimes we catch fish twice the size as those we caught during the day at the same spot.

The bigger fish feed at night, so while your buddies are catching the little guys during the day, you can come in and take the ‘monsters’ at night.

Berkley makes a good clear blue line for night fishing. You should probably get a spool before you plan a night fishing trip. It is called the Berkley Trilene XT Fluorescent Clear Blue. You can pick up a pony spool for about $2.50 and a filler spool for under $6.00.

If you are not blacklight fishing, the color is not as important as the strength of the line. Just make sure it is strong enough to handle the big boys you may come across out there at night.

Daniel Eggertsen is a long time fishermen, as well as President and Founder of Evening Secret Fishing - (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/night-line.php)