Sharpening your skills.

[Bassn Blvd]

If you search this forum you will find hundreds of post on various topics that cover the "best" rod for sensitivity, the best line, mono v.s braid v.s flouro and not to mention "which brand is better" wars. Well, IMO, having the "best" equipment or the most recent produced reel or lure isn't going to make you a good fisherman.

Several of us on this site fish at night as well as day. To me, fishing at night is a whole new ball game. Not that your technique changes a whole lot but because of visibility. I rely on feel more than line watching, even in the day. And yes, learning to feel the strike can be accomplished without having the most sensitive rod.

Here is what I do to hone my skills besides putting in hours and hours of time on the water.

I practice fishing with my eyes shut. It doesn't matter if I'm using a crankbait or worm. I close my eyes after my cast. I keep my eyes shut and rely solely on feel to detect the bite. I use my finger against the line to help detect the strike. I then use the tip of my rod and my finger against the line to tell me which direction the fish is traveling.

I'll also take my practice a step further and block out my hearing. Use ear muffs or plugs but be prepared, this is a bit freakish. Closing your eyes and ears at the same time can be kind of scary. IMO, by not utilizing 2 of your senses forces you to rely on feel and instinct which, in return, will make you a BETTER fisherman..

Another technique is to try casting with you eyes close. Have you ever tried watching your worm sail through the air at night? Can't see it can ya? I use a 3/16 ounce weight most of the time when I worm fish. Get used to knowing how long it takes your worm to travel a certain distance with same amount of effort put into each cast. I pick out a target on the water and then close my eyes. I make my cast and see how close I came to hitting my target. This technique really helps me at night when it's hard to see where I'm casting.

I hope my practice techniques help when it comes to honing your skills.

[BASS fisherman]

I agree 100% BB!

I used to night fish alot.  I feel it has honed my ability to feel even the smallest tap on that bait.  

My only problem are the bats that swoop down and hit my line thinking it's a bug.  Everytime the bat bumps the line it feels similar to a fish taping at the lure.   >

[Sam]

Have closed my eyes but never tuned out my hearing.

May give it a try next year.

And I agree. If you close your eyes you seem to have a better "feel" of the line via your finger.

Only problem is I am "Type A" so patience is not one of my virtues.  

[Catt]

I was introduce to night fishing in 1973 and have continued until the present; I start night fishing in April continuing through October. These years of having limited or no visibility has heightened my awareness of what is taking place below the surface. This heightened awareness has made me better at fishing deep water where feeling the bite is harder than finding structure.  

[Muddy]

I prefer night fishing also. I usually spend at least 1/2 my time on the water between 4pm and 2 am, it seems last year.

[bilgerat]

Count me in for night fishing. For me it's by far the most productive time. Plus the added benefit of pretty much having the water to yourself.

It will for sure heighten your senses.

[Btech]

I try to close my eyes ... thats not hard but staying awake .... hopfully the fish will be my alarm clock

[GLADES]

Great post. I have fished at night a few times and you definately have to sharpen your senses. I found myself getting snagged alot.

I will give your suggestions a try.

[burleytog]

I'll also take my practice a step further and block out my hearing. Use ear muffs or plugs but be prepared, this is a bit freakish.

If I tried that, I'd fall off the boat in a New York minute.  I have a hard enough time standing on a boat with my eyes and ears open.  

[Gatorbassman]

Try this. Park your boat in the middle of the lake and get up on the edge of the front deck. Then look straight up and count to five.....

(Make sure the water is warm and you have your life jacket on before doing this.) ;D

[Paul Roberts]

The first time I threw a complete fly-line was at night.

[Catt]

Try night fishing during a New Moon  

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

The first time I threw a complete fly-line was at night.

That says a ton.

Last time I fished during the day was to film a tv show,lol  Senses are improved 10 fold when you fish the dark side

Fluke,...I'll try that one..........on Eric ;D

[Muddy]

The first time I threw a complete fly-line was at night.

That says a ton.

Last time I fished during the day was to film a tv show,lol Senses are improved 10 fold when you fish the dark side

Fluke,...I'll try that one..........on Eric ;D

Hey Russ you better check first with your local DEP, there are laws about throwing foreign substances in the water

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

He's been in before,.....no fines. ;D

[wavewalker]

always count your lure dwon at night . y would you close your eyes. fore feel at night .just asking. when a little pinch between the two fingers works better. an your right about the night .love the dark

[Bassn Blvd]

Wavewalker, I 'm not suggesting closing your eyes at night for practice but rather in the day time. It seems to me that too many people rely too much on certain rods, reels, line and etc. to do the catching for them. I agree it's nice to have the most sensitive built rod but not everyone can afford 3-4 hundred dollars per rod. I feel as though people need to practice with their own sensitivity by relying more on feel than line watching. And this can be done with lower priced, less sensitive rods. Have you ever tried line watching at night with no moon? I didn't think so.  I think it's easier to close your eyes  and use your senses so that you aren't tempted to line watch.