First attempt at night fishing this weekend

[jtexas]

If the weather forecast holds & if my partner can get away; rather not night-fish alone my first time. Cedar Creek lake, a large impoundment with a lot of developed shore, meaning lots of lighted docks, reportedly holding lots of white bass & large hybrids. Don't have a fishing spotlight, shouldn't need one with all the available light on the lake. Reports are of limits on whites & hybrids, with the hybrids being up to 10 pounds & none under 5. They say all the docks hold fish but not all hold hybrids.<br /><br />They say it takes about four hours after dark for the fish to gather around the docks. Long casts with small lures to avoid making a big splash on the cast, so we'll be using light tackle. Hold the boat in the dark & cast into the light. Water depth is irrelevant as most of the fish are close to the surface. <br /><br />Any pointers, tips, advice, or just wanna come along?<br /><br />thanks,<br />john

 

[gaugeguy]

Re: First attempt at night fishing this weekend

Caught my largest bucketmouth (8lb 6oz) during a night fishing adventure. I like using dark colored topwaters (jitterbug, hula-poppers, and torpedos) and colorado bladed spinnerbaits. The more vibration/noise the better. We use spotlights just to pick up the shoreline. I like to run the spinnerbaits so they bounce off of structure like rocks and docks. I also think the strikes are more violent at night. You should have a blast JT, have fun!!!

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: First attempt at night fishing this weekend

Big bladed spinnerbaits, big thumpers, and a P61 pop-r are deadly at night.<br /><br />Cast out and hold on and have a great time.

 

[walleyehed]

Re: First attempt at night fishing this weekend

3/8oz terminator Sp. bait with a black skirt (4.25 blade removed and #5 willow installed)is kick-butt on stripers under the lights on the docks at Texoma.....

 

[LubeDude]

Re: First attempt at night fishing this weekend

Oh ya, "NIGHT FISHING", Its my favorite. I took my wife her first time, now in the summer, she wants to go all the time. I dont know what it is, but your senses are so much more in tune when its dark, even a 2 #er fights like a 5.<br /><br />I have fished a lot at night, I even used to make and sell a night time spinnerbait I called the Night Stalker. It had a huge colorado black blade, weighed 1/2 Oz. and had a double large black skirt with a trailor hook.<br /><br />With that said, for largemouth, Large colorado blade, (They give the most vibration and feel), Large Bait and black, and use a trailor hook. Also, if you use a braided line you will feel the bait better. Tune in to the thump of the blade, if you lose touch with the thump, set the hook, sometimes the bass will just swim up and suck it in and swim with it and the only way to tell they are there is the blade stops spinning when it hits them on the head. Mostly you will get very vicious strikes though. One time with good succes and you will be hooked on night fishing forever. Ive found that it takes about two hours for the bite to begin and it will only last most often about two hours.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: First attempt at night fishing this weekend

10 at night till 2 in the morning is when I find the best bite at night.

 

[Barlow]

Re: First attempt at night fishing this weekend

never fished for Bass at night. <br />Now 'Walter' and Musky is a different story but I'd bet the same is true or at least similar.<br /><br /><br />I'd be tossing a larger stick/jerk bait at first following that up with a dressed jig or one of the previously mentioned spinnerbaits.. Colorado blade for more thump IMO .. but I've got no experience with Stripers.<br /><br />white bass up here love minnow tipped flies at night.. sometimes untipped.<br /><br />another thing is using black lights in the boat.. easy on your eyes and more stealth - don't wear white tho - also adds to the 'disco feel' if the fish aren't biting.. just turn up the radio and dance the night away <br /><br />just my .02 babble<br /><br />good luck jt and have a good time!

 

[esoxlee]

Re: First attempt at night fishing this weekend

About 75% of my fishing is at night. If activity on Cedar Creek lake is heavy in the daytime, the best action is usually at night because that's when they'll feed. I normally use medium to large surface lures that create a lot of surface disturbance such as the jitterbug, dying flutter, j-13 rapala and the woodchopper. Take my word that the splashing of your lure will not drive fish away. The biggest walleye, bass and muskie that I've caught have all been at night usually between the hours of midnight to 2 am. Many people have suggested using the colour black, but found that fire tiger works best. I always target long weedlines adjacent to deeper water. I get as close to the weedline as possible and cast parallel to it. Then slowly retrieve with a twitch of the rod tip once a while. Remember, when you hear a thunderous splash in the vicinity of your lure, wait for a second and then set the hook. One final note, don't shine your flashlight directly at whatever your trying to illuminate but instead, angle the beam about 20 to 30 degrees away from the object. You'll still be able to see it but the light won't spook the fish away. Best of Luck!!!

 

[TwoWatt]

Re: First attempt at night fishing this weekend

While I didn't get out at night any last year, I am planning on doing it a lot this year. When that summer heat hits, I know I'll enjoy a nice cool night on the lake.<br />The best advice I can give came from a book I've read. That advice was to have everything you need ready & in place BEFORE you leave the dock. That way you aren't fumbling around in the dark when you need something. <br />I'd suggest a good light. What I am going to use are those lantern holders you attach to a cleat on the boat. The lantern hangs outside of the boat to reduce the fire risk. (google "Cleat-On Lantern Holder" to find it)

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: First attempt at night fishing this weekend

OT, just make sure you have plenty of bug repelant with you cause them things draws bugs like magnets.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: First attempt at night fishing this weekend

Walmart sells a strap on light that you attach to your forehead. I learned about these at Gonfishns cabin last summer and now all my friends have them. They are led lights that last forever on two AAA batteries. Walmart sells them for around 20 dollars and they are invaluable for night fishing.

 

[TwoWatt]

Re: First attempt at night fishing this weekend

Bugs don't eat much <br /><br />Thanks for the tip though as that's one thing I would of forgotten......<br />Also may have to check out one of those headlights euro is talking about. <br /><br />While on this subject..... sort of.... <br /><br />Does anyone use underwater lights for crappie/etc? I've "heard" they really produce. Enough to be outlawed in a couple states(I believe). I've heard to put 'em out, wait an hour (yeah right) and the fish will come.....? <br />I've already checked with IN DNR & it's legal here.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: First attempt at night fishing this weekend

I use the floating crappie lights if that is what you are talking about.<br />No more than a round car headlight mounted in some stryofoam.<br />They work.