Why Fish for Bass at Night?
With fewer boats on the water at night and cooler air temperatures, night fishing offers a unique advantage for anglers who prefer to avoid the heat. However, there’s more to it than just avoiding the sun. Bass often bite better at night when the water temperatures rise, especially in shallower water. Bass are cold-blooded, meaning their environment regulates their bodily functions and moods. In the summer, shallow bass become less active in water temperatures in the upper 80s and 90s. Once darkness falls, the shallows become cooler, and the bass become more active, feeding at night. Bass also tend to group up at night, congregating on the same humps and ledges as during the day, and around dock lights, where they’re attracted to the bugs and small baitfish.
How to Fish for Bass at Night
The best advice and tactics for bass fishing at night vary depending on the type of bass and location. However, there are some overall themes that work well for a variety of species and throughout the country. * Make sure to have some light sources with you, such as headlamps, small flashlights, and interior boat lights. * Refrain from shining the lights in the water as much as possible, as this can be a deterrent to bass. * Casting at night can be challenging, especially if there’s no moon out. Try to avoid looking at your phone, graphs, or other bright lights that can dilate your pupils. * Use your peripheral vision to see the shore instead of directly looking at it.
Best Baits for Night Bass Fishing
There are some basic ideas when it comes to bait selection for night fishing. In low-visibility situations, like night fishing, anglers rely on sound and vibration to draw the attention of bass to a bait. In the dark, the same methods work well. Some productive baits for night fishing include:
* Buzzbaits on top
* Big bladed spinnerbaits or chatterbaits under the surface
* Shakyheads on the bottom
* Shallow-running crankbaits
Colors for Night Bass Fishing
Dark colors work best when fishing in the dark. Most bass baits for night fishing are black, often with some accent color like chartreuse, blue, or red. This creates a visible profile in the water for the bass to target. However, when fishing around artificial lights, it’s best to change to a more natural-colored bait.
Targeting Bass Around Lights
Bass that are feeding around dock lights at night can see very well. To target these fish, use smaller, more natural-color baits that mimic the baitfish that are feeding on bugs around these lights. This can include:
* Shakyheads on the bottom
* Shallow-running crankbaits
* Small, natural-color jigs
Conclusion
Bass fishing at night can be a fun and successful way to catch bass, especially when the sun is high and the water is crowded. By using the right baits, colors, and tactics, you can increase your chances of catching more and bigger bass. So, this summer, take advantage of the cool and serene evenings as the sun sets, air temps drop, and the bulk of the pleasure boaters head for the ramp.
