#1 Night Fishing Mistake (That Can Spook Away All Of The Fish)
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
- Found In: Fishing Tips, Inshore Fishing, WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: 10-25-20
Night fishing is a fun and unique way to catch fish, especially big fish.
And although it’s the same concept as fishing in the day, there are some different challenges that come with night fishing, including the obvious fact that it’s much harder to see what you’re doing.
Which leads us to the most common night fishing mistake.
It’s really easy to make and not realize you’re doing it, plus it can spook the fish away so you might get skunked.
See what it is and how to stop making it in the video below.
#1 Night Fishing Mistake [VIDEO]
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If you’re fishing at night you’ll want to have a headlamp on so you can see what you’re doing, but the biggest mistake people make is shining their light into the water.
Obviously, the light goes through the water and when fish see a sudden bright light coming from the surface, they’re likely to get spooked.
If you’re on the shoreline, you can avoid this mistake by turning your back to the water if you need to turn on your lamp to tie on a new lure or check your bait.
And if you’re on a boat you can avoid this mistake by looking straight down when the light is on so it shines into the boat and not into the water.
Another way to stop making this mistake is to get a headlamp with red or green lights that are less bright (and less likely to spook fish) in addition to the main light.
Also, it’s important to note that this is different from lights that are constantly on in the water, such as dock lights.
Those types of lights can attract fish and won’t spook them because they’re stationary, but a sudden flash of light in the water from your headlamp will most likely spook them.
Conclusion
If you’re fishing at night try to avoid shining your headlamp into the water at all costs.
It’s an easy mistake to make, though, so if you find yourself doing it a lot, go get a headlamp that has a red or green light option.
Have any questions about night fishing?
Let me know down in the comments!
And if you know someone who wants to get better at night fishing, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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If you’re ready to upgrade to a nicer light, consider going with a neck light instead of a headlamp. I use one from Milwaukee Tool that can handle the elements. The light on either side (there are two) pivots, so you can ensure they’re pointing down before you turn them on. Plus, they’ll stay that way if you look up to see what the big splash was.
That style is also really helpful when you’re loading up at the ramp and cleaning up back at the house.
Great tip!
Nice tip!
Thanks John!
hHi Tony
I’ve tried night fishing………nice quiet water……..caught one of my personal best………..however those bugs……….did I mention bugs ?……. I didn’t want to use bug spray…….I heard that it repels fish……..is it worth putting on netting or just use the bug repellent?
Hey Will!
I prefer to just wear rain gear (light weight nylon pants and jacket) to keep the bugs off. It can get a little warm but i’d rather be warm than getting destroyed by bugs. Also fingerless gloves and a neck gaiter. Then I will put a little big spray on the exposed areas, like my forehead and sides of my face.
I use avon skin so soft don’t worry about getting it on or in your bait. It works so good I have actually dipped my bait of choice in it and it really works for catching channels.
Thanks Tony!!
You’re welcome Caden!
Unfortunately I see that happen way too often at Sebastian especially right in my fishing spot. Drives me crazy.
Same here! What people don’t realize is when your eyes get adjusted to the darkness, you can actually see pretty well. If your eyes are adjusted to the darkness and a sudden light shines on, you will almost have a brief period of blindness because your pupils are wide open to take in as much light as possible in the dark. Same can happen to the fish as well.