The Summer Night Bite

While daytime fishing is the common choice for most bass anglers, night fishing offers a unique and exciting experience. The cover of darkness adds an extra layer of challenge and mystery, requiring a different set of strategies and techniques.

Summertime night bass fishing also presents an opportunity to connect with more active bass and nature in a special way that many new night anglers find exciting. The  following guide explores a number of valuable tips to help you become a better nighttime bass angler.

Understand Bass Behavior at Night: Bass are known to be more active and less cautious under the cover of darkness, making them more likely to venture out into open waters and feed. With increased activity at night means bass move closer to the shoreline or shallow flats searching out forage such as crayfish and minnows. Prioritize areas with shallow water near deep water, since deeper bass tend to move closer to the shore under the cover of darkness. Look for shallow cover such as docks, vegetation patches, fallen trees, or rocky areas that provide hiding spots for forage and a calling card for hungry bass. Additionally, look for areas with ample lighting, such as bridges, marinas, or docks, as the lights draw insects therefore attracting forage and subsequently bass.

Master the Art of Stealth: During the night, bass rely heavily on their sense of hearing and lateral line system. Minimize noise and disturbances to avoid spooking them. Move quietly in your boat or along the bank, avoid unnecessary splashes, and refrain from using overly bright lights. Switch to a headlamp or low-intensity LED light for visibility without compromising the natural lighting of the surroundings.

Consider the Influence of Moonlight: The moon can play a significant role in night fishing. A full or nearly full moon can illuminate the water, both enhancing visibility and increasing the presence of shadows from treelines, docks, bridges, etc. Conversely, during a new moon or on cloudy nights, darkness prevails, necessitating the use of alternative techniques such as slower presentations or lures with rattles to attract bass. Understanding the moon phases and planning your outings accordingly can greatly impact your success rate.

Use Baits That Generate Noise and Vibration: Since visibility is reduced at night, bass rely more on their hearing and lateral line sense to locate prey. Utilize lures that generate noise and vibration, such as noisy topwaters, buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, or crankbaits with rattles. Slow, steady retrieves help bass locate/track your lure and trigger their predatory instincts to entice strikes. If steady retrieves are not working, experiment with different retrieval speeds and cadence patterns until you find what works best on a given night.

Remember Bug Repellent: Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects that are more active during the night. Apply bug repellent and sunscreen before heading out to ensure a comfortable and safe fishing experience.

Stay Safe: Night fishing presents potential hazards and safety should be a top priority. Always inform someone of your plans and expected return time. Wear a personal flotation device (PFD) and ensure all necessary safety equipment is on board. Familiarize yourself with the waterway and potential hazards during daylight hours to avoid accidents at night. Also be mindful of weather conditions and keep an eye out for approaching storms or heavy fog.

Night bass fishing offers a unique and exciting angling experience. By understanding bass behavior, harnessing the power of moonlight, considering baits utilizing noise and vibration, and prioritizing safety, you can increase your chances of landing a true trophy bass in the dark.