Fishing Pressure and Night Fishing

[MassYak85]

My real question here essentially boils down to: If you are targeting trophy fish, are willing to tough out the weather, and don't have time constraints...when are you going fishing during the summer and why? Are you waiting for any specific weather pattern to develop, any moon phases  etc,?

 

Going off that question, I wanted to generate some conversation here about fishing pressure affecting optimal fishing times. I've always felt that a busy weekend can have a bigger impact on the fish than many weather changes, but I am still relatively new to this sport compared to some of you guys and don't have decades of experience. It always made sense to me that the middle of the work week, with all else being equal, would produce the least pressure and therefore better fishing. I've also read and heard it said before that certain bass, particular some of the larger ones, can get into a feeding cycle of only feeding at night during certain times of the year, when fishing pressure is high during the day. And obviously low-pressure lakes can be a real honey hole for those that know about them, but you also have to balance how healthy the fishery itself is, since it might get fished less for a reason. 

 

Does it make sense to combine all three of these ideas....fish nights on a Wednesday on a less-popular lake? Or do those true night-exclusive bass during the summer get into those patterns because the lake gets so much pressure normally.

 

 

[A-Jay]

Personal best largemouth & smallmouth for me have all either come in the spring or the fall. (and not at night)

I do fish all summer but between the high temps, as well as fishing & recreational pressure, seems like opportunities  to catch the better bass are fewer.  Certainly doesn't mean summer time can not or does not produce big bass because it most certainly does - all over the fishes range. 

  I also fish quite a bit at night in the summer and into the early fall -  although it may just be my favorite bass fishing experience - It has not produced the majority of my bigger bass.  Doesn't keep me from going nor will it.

 

Finally, I agree whole hardheartedly with your mid week night ops plan. 

Often times the only time I go. 

A-Jay

 

[WRB]

As a trophy bass angler pre spawn brings more hungry big bass near shallow water then any other seasonal or time period with peak feeding during the few days around the full and new moon. That is when over 90% of my giant bass were caught during daylight hours.

Does low traffic help, yes. 

Does low fishing pressure help, yes.

Does low barametic pressure help, yes

Does low light help, yes.

Does night fishing during pre spawn help, don't know because can't fish at night then.

Summer nights when traffic is gone, fishing pressure is light, weather is mild and temperatures cooling is a ideal time to bass fish because of all the positive factors that night offers. I have never caught a bass over 15 lbs at night, lots big bass between 10 to 12 lbs and I don't know why, it could be my time on the water is limited.

Tom

[Catt]

My #1 love for big bass fishing is the dog days of summer.

 

Why?

 

Because big momma is more predictable, unlike pre-spawn I don't have to hunt her down. I know she is at home on deep water structure, in prime cover, & all I have to do is knock!

 

I absolutely believe weekend traffic makes a difference which is why I night fish during the week. My selection is Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday.

 

My personal opinion is the weather during this time of year kinda forces the night bite.

 

At least down South!

 

Day time temperatures in the triple digits has the water temperatures at their highest. 

 

You can catch during the day if ya wanna cook!

[papajoe222]

I fish a small body of water (strip pit) and find that yes, catching is a little easier during mid week and at night. I've also found that the majority of big fish have, what I call,  an internal feeding clock and stick to it throughout the summer. Once I figure that puzzle out, I plan my outings based on that time. Not that I don't pay attention to weather, the moon phase, etc. I just don't let it dictate when I go. That feeding period has more influence on my decision.  That doesn't mean those are the only times I can catch them, only that they are most active then. 

Prime time for me on that body of water would be Wed. and Thurs. evenings from 7:00-10:00PM. I also like to stay out until just before sun-up under a new moon.  Not a bunch of big bites then, but some great numbers.

[Bankbeater]

Somebody told me this about my local lakes once.  Saturday and Sunday the bass are very skittish from all the weekend fishing pressure.  Monday and Tuesday the bass have started to calm down a bit.  Wednesday and Thursday were his prime days to be on the water.  Friday is when the weekend pressure starts building back up on the lakes again.

[Mobasser]

I too like summer fishing because its easier for me to find and pattern bass. If I were going strictly for big fish, find the best deepwater spots you can. Fish them slowly with a plastic worm or jig, two proven baits for bigger bass. At night, fish these areas too, but also fish the more shallow areas close by these spots.Avoid heavy boat traffic - weekdays are good as are week nights.

[scaleface]

11 minutes ago, Mobasser said:

At night, fish these areas too, but also fish the more shallow areas close by these spots

Thats what I do . I like to fish shallow points and flats . Being I cant see well enough to fish shoreline cover effectively , I find that shallow points and flats are easy and productive areas to toss lures  .

[buzzbaiter83]

I’ll start fishing nights in April wearing coveralls and continue all the way til November. Just like the daytime bite you’ll catch more

numbers in spring and fall but I agree with @Catt about summertime and the predictability of big bass. They’re gonna be holding deep on some structure whether it’s a point, hump, ledge, or whatever. You just gotta find them. 

[jamey1e]

I personally find summer the best time to target the big fish.  Surprisingly I've found the afternoon hours between 1 and 5 to be the most productive for a couple of reasons.  Most guys in my area aren't going to be out in the hottest part of the day.  During the hottest months the lake is almost empty by noon.  I believe the fish have been conditioned to feed around times of low pressure and traffic.  I also believe the high sun and temps will make the fish more predictable.  For instance the fish that move up at night to feed in the shallows will slowly be pushed out deep.  I consistently find them bunched up on the deepest part of whatever structure they've been holding on.  Where in times of mild temps and weather they may be scattered.     

[TOXIC]

Ahhhh.....The hunt for big fish.  Couple of things I learned guiding in all conditions and pretty much 3 seasons every year.  The trophy fish don't run with the schoolies.  They don't act the same or inhabit the same haunts.  There's a lot of factors that come into play but I have 10 citation fish (over 8lbs) out of my home water.  Most of those citation fish were caught exactly where they shouldn't be (normal reasoning).  Big fish hunters know that the big girls are truly different.  IMHO, night time fishing is is better because of the low light in shallow water and the baitfish become easier targets.  When I am in Wisconsin, the crawfish only come out at night and they litter the shallows....easier pickins on a favorite food source.   

[Catt]

Darkness covers up an angler's presence and most importantly his mistakes!

 

Shallow verses deep water: I have not noticed a distinct advantage one way or the other. I will normally fish both areas thoroughly staying with the one that produces the best results.

[ClackerBuzz]

I can address this from a biological view.  currently my lake is in a biological funk (which can sometimes be confused with fishing pressure;  a combination of both is truly the worst).  you'll often read lakes go through 20 year cycles, from good to bad.  i've found i need multiple conditions on my side before the bass even think about getting remotely aggressive (to give this contest they will not hit a senko/jig on the fall and you'll have a very long and miserable day if you don't get this thru ur head. you need to let lures hit bottom and soak 60 seconds before even thinking about slow dragging).

 

i need multiple conditions on my side to have a good day fishing:  heavy cloud cover/rain, minimum 10+ mph winds, darkness of a new moon, prefrontal, various insect hatches creating a visible feeding time for baitfish, dusk/dawn.

 

i won't fish the 3-5 days before or after a new moon unless there is also wind/rain/prefrontal etc.  if the lake is smooth as glass the bite will be extremely difficult.   Whereas the bite turns on with a new moon and high winds.

 

Prefrontal alone can be useless.  But add some winds in and you have my attention.

 

That's not to say you can't catch a giant at high noon with calm bluebird skies.  however i fish 5-7 days per week b/c I live on the lake and know you can waste endless hours fishing the worst possible conditions.  i won't start getting excited until multiple conditions are met and high percentage times are lining up.  when that happens I can't get on the lake fast enough.

[scaleface]

As far as deep water at night .I dont think  I ever caught one past 10 foot and I have tried .  I know some good spots ,just havent hooked up . I'll keep at it and maybe some night it will happen .