Anglers have understood the beauty of social distancing all along. They don’t need the competition for fish, and they will go to great lengths to protect their secret hiding spots. But there’s a less stressful way to get the fish all to yourself: start casting after the sun goes down. Read these tips on how to get the most out of night fishing. You might find that you prefer the wee hours.
Know the Regulations
Oregon allows night fishing—up to a point. The state is particular about the kinds of fish you can catch. Make sure you check the latest regulations before you head out. You can fish at night for:
- Bass
- Walleye
- Catfish
- Crappie
- Carp
- Bluegill
In Oregon, you cannot fish at night for:
- Salmon
- Shad
- Steelhead
- Sturgeon
- Trout
- Whitefish
Light It up
Whether you’re fishing by dock or by boat, light is both your friend and your enemy. Fire up a lantern and you’ll attract biting bugs that could shorten your outing. But the right light can make your fishing more fruitful. Shine a light on the surface, and you’ll see glowing phototrophs rush to the top. Those are followed by hungry minnows, then followed by the fish you’re after. Moonlight works, too. For the best results, try a submersible green light that appeals to fish’s vision.
Move That Bait
When it’s dark, fish depend on sonar sense to find their prey. They are attuned to movement, so keep bait moving until the fish get there. You can save yourself some energy with a ½ or ¾-ounce spinnerbait. Glow-in-the-dark lures can draw bites from bigger fish on instinct, and they’re even more noticeable when “charged” by moonlight or fishing lights.
Prep Everything
You don’t see as well in the dark. Take a little time to rig up some rods with a variety of lures. You won’t have to mess around with too many sharp objects in the middle of the night, and you’ll save yourself time fishing. Have a system so you can feel around for what you need without losing your focus, and map out your route ahead of time if you will head out in a boat.
Sit Down
Learning how to get the most out of night fishingwon’t help much if you accidentally end up in the drink yourself. If you reel in a catch while standing, it’s easy to lose your balance and tumble. Sit down when you get a nibble. In fact, take as many safety precautions as possible. Tell someone where you are, and pack an emergency kit, life preservers, lights, and warming blankets.
