When It’s Too Hot To Fish Consider These Cool Night-Fishing Basics

Photo and Story by Margie Anderson

NIGHT LIGHTS -- A lot of bass fishermen like to use black lights on their boats. These are mounted to the gunwales with suction cups, and they make fishing easier in two ways: they cast a glow on shore so you can see where you’re casting, and they make fluorescent line light up like a rope of fire. This makes it really easy to see even the shyest bites. The absolute gold standard in black lights is the NucliEye. These are the smallest, brightest fishing lights ever, and they are absolutely incredible.

Once it gets over a hundred and ten in the shade, fishing during the day isn’t too much fun. Fishing at night starts to sound inviting, and night fishing has other benefits, too: not only is it cooler, but also there are no jet skis or water skiers around, and the fish are more active.

Some anglers are nervous about going out on the boat at night, but if you have the right equipment and you use caution, you’ll be fine. If you really feel uptight about it, try launching the boat while it is still light, then stay around the marina area.

The fishing near the docks is usually pretty good, and the area will be lit all night long, too.

There are some basics that you’ll need to make night fishing fun and safe. Lights are key, obviously. Arizona law states that you need to have your nav lights on all night long, even if you aren’t on the move.

If you are the angler in the back of the boat, the light can be an annoyance, so be sure to bring a broad-brimmed hat to keep the light out of your eyes. Even if you are positioned with the light behind you, it can reflect off your glasses.

Also bring along some insect repellant in case the light attracts pesky bugs.

For moving around the lake, you’ll need a spotlight. A rechargeable million-candlepower light is a great investment because you don’t have to worry about cords getting in the way.

The spotlight will illuminate any navigation or hazard buoys, as well as allow you to see shore. Take care not to shine the light directly at another boat – you’ll ruin the guy’s night vision.

Remember that traffic signals are derived from nav lights on boats. If you can see the other boat’s green light, you have the right of way. If you see his red light, give way.

And remember the rule: to avoid a collision, bear right. In any case, go slowly at night and never insist on the right of way. It’s better to be cautious in the dark.

Once you’ve arrived at your fishing hole, you’ll need different kinds of lights. For crappie and white bass, you’ll probably want a floating light to drop into the water.

These lights attract insects, which attract baitfish, which attract the crappies. So, give them time to work.

Optronics has some dynamite new floating lights that run on batteries. Go to www.optronicsinc.com to see them. They’ve also got the spotlights there, or you can visit your local tackle shop or Sportsman’s Warehouse and they’ll probably have a variety of lights to choose from.

Besides a spotlight and floating light, you’ll need a small light for when you need to re-rig. There are all kinds of options here.

Some lights strap around your head, others clip to the bill of your hat, and others hang around your neck on a lanyard. The small adjustable LED lights that clip to your cap work really well because they leave your hands free.

If you decide to stick with a flashlight, make sure it’s small enough to hold in your mouth so you can use both hands to re-tie.

A lot of bass fishermen like to use black lights on their boats. These are mounted to the gunwales with suction cups, and they make fishing easier in two ways: they cast a glow on shore so you can see where you’re casting, and they make fluorescent line light up like a rope of fire. This makes it really easy to see even the shyest bites.

The absolute gold standard in black lights is the NucliEye. These are the smallest, brightest fishing lights ever, and they are absolutely incredible. They’re a little pricey at $250, but rumor has it they’re coming out with a model that will run about $125 to $150 pretty soon.

You can get a NucliEye at Fisherman’s Choice Pro Shop in Phoenix (602-993-1139), or go to www.jumpingchollajigs.com for more information. Sportsman’s Warehouse also carries NucliEye.

Last but certainly not least is this: Wear your life jacket at night. Even if you take it off when you stop, please at least wear one while you’re motoring.

Take your time, use common sense and courtesy, and you’ll find that night fishing is a lot of fun.