Mathnerdm, update your profile, with your general location, and some local guys who are members of BR can help you. As far as your question, no two lakes are created the same. It was also the first time out to that lake so you have to get familiarized with it. Going, out at night limited your vision, to see what the cover looked like. Since you are new to bass fishing and to this site, read up as much as you can on the article section on night fishing. Scout the lake you went to during the day, and see what it looks like. Then come back with a game plan at night and try again. Good Luck.