Bass change their behavior from dusk to full darkness. They’re not going to sit there and let you see what you’re doing once it’s dark out so you’ve got to adjust your approach based off lack of light. Bass still feed as hard at night as they do throughout the day; however, they operates in different areas and use different senses.
When the light goes down most anglers go home. Why? Because they can’t see anymore.
But that’s the wrong idea. Bass get more aggressive at night because they know the darkness lets their prey hide in the cover. The small baitfish will tuck up closer to the bank and the bass won’t be far behind.
Half the bite happens at night and if you don’t fish it, then you might as well stay home. Adjusting what you do isn’t enough, you have to adjust how you do it. Focus less on detail and color and more on silhouette, vibration and sound.
Nine Proven Tips For Catching Bass At Night
1. Focus on Vibration and Sound Over Sight
Use basic presentations that allow you to fish quickly and cover more water. Bass pick up the vibrations from a blade bait or chatterbait through their lateral line. They can’t see the bait very well but they hear it.
2. Use Noise-Making Bait for Reaction Strikes
So make long casts, then fish it back in a steady fashion with no stopping. It’s almost like the bass are hearing a beacon coming at them as the blade vibrates. This imitates an injured baitfish they aren’t able to get away from.
So again, don’t worry about placing it exactly right. You want something that will generate reaction strikes. The good thing is even if they haven’t seen it well they pick up on the vibration.
3. Target Shallow Flats Near Cover Structures
Targeting shallow flats and points near deeper cover is a good bet. When insects swarm close to the shoreline, the baitfish follow them which often brings bass to the shallows as well after dark. Sandy flats, gravel bars and other hard bottom areas near brush piles or laydown timber will be your sweet spots.
The flat offers feeding grounds and the structure provides safety for the bass. Simply drag the jig slowly across edge and allow it to fall below the structure. Hop the jig periodically to create a crawdad-like action along the bottom.
4. Choose Dark-Colored Lures for Better Silhouettes
This is a great tactic during the warm months when the bass are actively feeding around the banks. Dark colored lures provide better silhouette In addition to attracting bass, bright-colored lures also has the tendency to spook the fish by standing out too much on dark water. Darker plastics such as black, purple or dark blues will show up as a solid form on the dark background of the night sky and appear to copy natural prey.
In particular, a big black paddle-tail swimbait works realy well when fished fast around surface cover. It looks like a large shadow zipping through the area and the bass instinctively react. They don’t care about fancy finishes or glitter; simplicity seems more natural to their limited vision.
5. Reduce Line Visibility with Fluorocarbon Leaders
Reduce line visibility to increase bites While you can feel a thick braid easily, this type of line is very apparent to wary bass, particularly when fishing in clearer water with them peering upwards from underneath. If possible, go down in braid diameter or use a fluorocarbon leader. In lowlight situations, fluorocarbon is virtually undetectable as it reflects light much like water and sinks straight down.
Taking this additional precaution often saves the fish from spitting the hook. It’s a minor adjustment, but it makes a huge difference on pressured fisheries where the fish are smart enough to dodge obvious danger.
6. Feel for Bites Instead of Watching the Surface
Don’t just look at the surface When fishing at night, it’s easy to stare down into the water looking for ripples and miss that telltale tug when a fish bites.
Instead of looking at the surface, be mindful of any changes in water movement. Feel for increased line tension with your rod tip, or listen closely for the splash. Occasionally, a bass will suck in a soft plastic without making a sound.
In this situation, you have to have your fingers on the line and/or use a sensitive rod to pick up the take. If you don’t feel a hard strike, don’t immediately start reeling in. Wait a second to let the fish get fully committed before setting the hook.
Patience is critical here.
7. Practice Casting and Retrieval in Daylight
Get familiar with your casting and retrieve in daylight hours You won’t be able to feel or see much in pitch black so it’s best not to try to get acclimated to a new lure that way. Take some time to work on getting your casts right to certain spots throughout the day and get used to the feel of the lure sinking down.
Work on the cadence of your retrieve as well because at night, it’s all by feel and muscle memory. By practicing this beforehand, you’ll eliminate any tangles and make sure you’re presenting the lure properly without seeing anything. Having confidence in your equipment lets you concentrate on the fish instead of fighting with mechanics.
8. Prioritize Safety with Lights and Reflective Gear
Be aware of any safety issues and laws regarding use of a headlamp. There are some bodies of water where artificial light, especially near certain protected areas/wildlife, is prohibited. Know the law before going.
Even more important than the law is just using good sense to be safe when night fishing. Others on the water don’t have the same visibility that you do as a boater. Have plenty of lights on your boat so you can navigate.
Wear your life jacket, and if you are in the water, wear reflective clothes to help others spot you more easily. You want to protect yourself but also be able to enjoy the experience by not putting yourself at needless danger. The thrill of the catch is not worth compromising your safety.
9. Relax to Let Fish Feel Comfortable Around You
Enjoy the serenity that comes with a night of fishing. At night, there’s nobody crowded around your boat on the dock, competition has thinned out and the pressure on the fish decreases. It gets pretty relaxing, which usually results in some great fishing.
Less people equals less human commotion above the fish, and they get a little bit more comfortable about what’s going on down there. Just sit back and relax. Let them find you during this time to reap the rewards from the late night magic.
Early morning glories are true, but there’s something special about the late night magic. Bass fishing at night makes a great pastime even more unique and satisfying. It forces you to use all of your other senses and change your approach.
If you pay attention to where to go, how to present your lure, and feel vibrations, you will catch fish while others is heading home. There are things in the dark that block your vision but open your eyes to new opportunities. Get your rod ready, pull up and let’s explore what lurks just below the surface.