Night Bass Fishing Tips

Why Bass Fish at Night?

Few anglers target bass at night. Fishing during the day is much more common because that's when most people are active. And fishing at night is more difficult because our vision is reduced, making it harder to navigate a boat, cast and land fish.

However fish are active at night, and there are few other anglers to contend with. Fishing at night is also cooler, which can make fishing more comfortable in warmer climates. Plus, decreased vision means fish will use less scrutiny in examining your lures.

Lure Selection

Bass willingly bite at night, but reduced vision is a problem. Bass will have a more difficult time seeing your lure in the dark. To counter this problem, use a lure that creates a lot of vibration. Spinnerbaits, prop baits, artificial frogs and similar lures create a lot of vibration, which bass detect through their lateral line. The lateral line runs the length of the fish's body and picks up underwater vibrations similar to the way our ears pick up noises.

In addition to using noisy baits, anglers often use lures that are slightly larger than normal to give fish a bigger target to home in on. Retrieve your lure in a slow, predictable manner to make it easier for fish to find. Erratic presentations often result in missed strikes. Dark-colored baits, especially dark-colored topwater baits, are good choices because they create a better silhouette against the night sky and are easier for fish to see. When using topwater baits, don't set the hook until you feel the weight of the fish. A common mistake is setting the hook when you hear a bass splash as it hits your lure in the darkness. Pausing a moment or two after the splash until you feel the weight of the fish will improve your hooking percentage.

Considerations

Everything becomes more difficult in the dark, so nighttime bass anglers should be prepared. Always wear a headlamp, which allows you to see what you're doing while keeping your hands free. Have extra batteries and an additional light on hand. Keep your boat organized. All equipment should be easily accessible so you don't have to hunt for it in the dark. Keep necessary items, such as a net and pliers for removing hooks, where they are readily accessible at all times. And use caution when you cast.