All About Bass Fishing - Guide To Fishing At Night

Bass feed at night and the feeding activity varies across the country, and from lake to lake. In the hot desert climates, bass anglers fish at night because it is more comfortable than during the day. In lakes where bass tend to feed at night, the fishing can often be quite good.

3 Most Important Factors About Night Fishing

Bass can be often more active at night.
The full moon triggers feeding activity at night.
Fish have a harder time locating food and use their sensory line to detect motion.

3 Most Effective Fishing Methods & Lures

Open hook, jig-head worms.
Carolina rig, drop shot worms and Texas-style worms.
Use dark, bulky baits at night and work them slower than normal.

Night fishing is just day-time fishing in the dark.

For obvious reasons summer is typical night fishing season for bass anglers. The best nights of the month tend to be those around the full moon. It is also easier to navigate at night with a bright moon.

As a general rule, fish the same areas as you would during the day. At night, be alert for a pressure bite rather than aggressive bites. One key is to fish slower than you might during daylight hours. Dark colors and larger than normal lures can often improve the number of bites you get.

At many lakes, bass will move into real shallow water right at the waters edge. They only seem to do this for an hour or so and then retreat to deeper water again. It is worth checking the bank with a few casts every half hour or so. To avoid spooking these shallow bass, make careful casts onto dry land and hop the bait quietly into the water. Be ready for instant bites when the bass are this shallow and aggressive.

Fishing at night brings the added dangers of navigating around the lake. Be careful, drive slower and watch your depth finder at all times.