{"id":18217,"date":"2018-12-09T10:00:57","date_gmt":"2018-12-09T18:00:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/community.nrs.com\/?p=18217"},"modified":"2022-01-06T07:51:19","modified_gmt":"2022-01-06T15:51:19","slug":"guide-nighttime-fishing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/community.nrs.com\/duct-tape\/2018\/12\/09\/guide-nighttime-fishing\/","title":{"rendered":"The Quick & Dirty Guide to Nighttime Fishing"},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019ve all heard the saying \u201cthe freaks come out at night.\u201d I tend to agree, especially when referring to what lies below the water\u2019s surface. While I steer clear of the late-night social scene, I take every advantage I get to slide my kayak into the quiet of the night in search of what may be floating below.<\/p>\n

Seasoned anglers already know nighttime fishing is a great way to avoid crowds and beat the summer (and southern) heat, as well as the best time to target trophy catches lurking in the darkness. Predatory fish such as redfish, tarpon and tripletail use the cover of the night to lie in wait, ready to ambush unsuspecting prey. An angler using this same strategy and a stealthy approach can increase the odds in their favor of landing that trophy fish.<\/p>\n

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It\u2019s commonly misunderstood that you can only catch fish at night under a full moon or near a source of light\u2014spotlight, lamppost, or underwater light. While both of these scenarios can help the angler to catch fish at certain times, it\u2019s important not to overlook other approaches.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ve caught plenty of fish under a new moon and away from any light source\u2014total darkness. But knowing the tides and lunar phases and how they effect the feeding patterns of your target species will benefit you greatly. In some areas, a falling tide will flush bait out into open water starting a feeding frenzy. An incoming tide can bring in cleaner water with cooler temps and really turn on the bite.<\/p>\n

At night, I fish the same way I would if it were daytime, just slower. I spend more time on the \u201couter edges.\u201d These \u201couter edges\u201d are the outside of the light halo, pilings, docks, barges, where the hydrilla meets open water or where the lilies meet the dollar pads. I use a methodical approach, covering the water with fan casts, as I ease along as quietly as possible.<\/p>\n

It helps to be familiar with the bottom contour, cover and structure of the water your paddling. I recommend mapping out a run during daylight hours to acquaint yourself with the area while dropping some waypoints as a reference.<\/p>\n