How Bass Fishing at Night Works

Summer is the usual season for bass fishing, although in warm climates such as Florid­a or along the Gulf of Mexico, the season doesn't really matter. It's good to know, too, that during hot weather months, bass can be found in both shallow and deep water. If you hesitate to take out a boat at night, you can always fish from the banks.

Some anglers believe that there are three "best" times during the night for catching large bass: dusk, midnight and just prior to dawn. You might want to try each time for a few hours and see if the big bass are biting. [source: Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources]

Nights with a full moon are considered prime bass fishing times. Bass have a tendency to feed more during bright moonlit nights. Another bonus of a full moon -- the moonlight cuts down on your need for flashlights or running lights. However, you may need to adjust your lures for moonlight -- more on that topic soon! [source: Hood]

The boat is loaded, the moon is full -- but what's on the end of your fishing line? Read on for some truly alluring tips.

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­Although it doesn't seem logical, many anglers have found that dark lures are most effective for night fishing. Remember that bass don't have the same vision as people. [source: Bass Fishing.org] It turns out, the bass can see the dark lures more easily, because they are lit by the sky. Dark colors, like black, purple, deep blue, brown and burgundy, create a silhouette on the water that the bass can see. [sources: Hood, Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Watts]

Another recommendation is to use a black, short-arm spinner bait, with a single large Colorado blade. The blade and short arm together create a thump and vibration that attracts bass even at a distance. Bass are attracted to vibrations as well as to sound and color, so the combination is important. Bass feeding at night rely on feeling rather than seeing their prey. Just as you care about the flash of the lure during the day, you need to be concerned with its thump at night. [source: Cork] If the bass are feeding primarily on bream, use a larger thump than if they are feeding on shad. You may also want to vary the size of the Colorado blade to see what's working best. [source: Cork]

If you're fish­ing in smaller lakes, streams or even farm ponds, don't neglect the classic black jitterbug, which creates a lot of noise. [source: Hood] Another strategy for making some noise is to use rattles on crankbait, spinnerbait or inside a plastic worm. You should be equipped with 7- to 10-inch plastic worms, 4- to 6-inch skirted double-tailed grubs, and large lizards made of soft plastic. [source: Hood, Kentucky Dept. of Fish and Wildlife Resources]­

What are some of the special tricks of fishing for bass at night? Cast a line out over to the next section.

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Here are some last-minute tips to remember before heading out: