Night Fishing Do's & Dont's...

[crappiepappy]

Stratos185 .... I don't think you are required to have your red/green bow light on WHEN FISHING -- just your white stern light (visible 360deg). Of course, you would have to have both on when running down the lake, under power of the big motor.

I'd add putting a t-rigged 4" plastic craw w/rattle on the menu !! Or, if nothing else ... a 3-4" tube t-rigged.
If you want to throw cranks ... find 12-15ft depth that parallels the bank, and throw crank straight out in front of the boat. Hot Lips - Model A 6A Bomber - Wiggle Wart ... have all produced for me.

If you're on a bank/area with fish ... don't just fish it one time thru -- double back and run thru it again. (you could have come in contact with fish just coming up shallow to feed !! )

For me ... there seems to be two distinct "times" when I get a bite on t-rigged plastics, and the majority of the bites of the night seem to stay that way. One is right after I lift/drop, when the sinker has hit bottom, but the bait is still fluttering down. Second is when the bait has settled on the bottom, and been there a few seconds. On the first scenario ... I usually see the line jump --- on the second, I don't see any line movement, but do feel the 'weight' of the fish (when lifting rod) or the line moves off (doesn't come towards me, but heads off sideways) as I lift the rod. Don't get "feely" with the fish ... if it even remotely resembles a bite, or just doesn't feel/act "normal" --- SET THE HOOK !!

.... luck2ya ... cp

[crazyfishinnut]

I think fishing at night is exciting. You are REQUIRED to keep both your lights on unless you are anchored, if you are fishing with a trolling motor you are still "underway". Just enjoy the peace and dont get in a hurry.

[CTFSHWHISKER]

unless you are running or idling in the main navigation channel with the big motor only have on your white anchor light according to the officer at barren.he pulled up at 1130 to say thanks for having on my lights on but turn off the red and green when fishing.by the way he went about a hundred yards and ticketed the next boat for no lights at all,except the black light.

[MsgMills]

Also remember, settin the hook is free, so don't take no chances at night...if it feels funny, set the hook, if'n it feels heavy, set the hook, if'n you ain't fer sure, set the hook...sett'n the hook don't cost nutt'n there free remember that...Plus hang onto that rod at all times, never know when a big old green fish will try and jerk that rod out of your hand....Especially right at the boat sometimes on a spinner bait........