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I have seen guys hang lanterns out of their boat
and I have never thought was a good idea. After all, you have
gas onboard to run your big motor and it just never crossed my
mind to have something burning near my gas tank. They do make
the ones that run off batteries. That would be the safer route
to go.
When I do use additional lights, I try and hang
them above me. That way I am not blinded by the light. The
lights will also attract bugs so bug spray is another good item
to have onboard. Try and keep the bug spray off the bait or
your hands; the fish do not like the taste of it any better
than you do.
Make sure that you do not have a lot of things
lying around the boat that might cause you to take a late night
swim. I like to have extra hooks/weights/floats usually in one
of my top pockets so I do not have to dig for
them.
I also like to set up before sunset that way I
can see everything and will not have to rely on where I put
things after dark.
Bait is something else that you will need and I
recommend what ever you get normally, double or triple it. You
will not believe the fish that you will catch and do not forget
to also check and make sure of what your state laws says as far
as how many fish you’re allowed and the right length. Don't
think the Game Wardens sleep at night.
Story
Time: I was at a lake in Mississippi in a cove
with no one else around and was having the time of my life when
I saw this boat from the other side of the lake coming toward
me. I had my front lights on but had the back white light off
due to it drawing bugs.
As it turned out, it was three Game Wardens in
one boat and they went through the drill to ensure that I had
my fishing license, boat registration and life jackets. They
asked me why I was not running my rear light and I said that it
was attracting bugs, and was told that it was for my safety and
that another boat could come up and hit me. I told them yeah I
see what you’re saying but there was no traffic in the cove and
had not seen another boat all night and it was 2 in the
morning.
Well to make it short, the ticket was $150.00
and it ruined my night. When I got back to the ramp to take my
boat out of the water, I was the only boat on the lake besides
the Game Warden.
Pack a snack and drinks; it could be a long
night and you will get that urge for something to eat and
drink.
You will find that boat night fishing can be fun
and I urge you to practice every safety rule that you can think
of to follow. It might just be the one I left out that will
allow you to return for another night’s
fishing.
Dock Crappie Night Fishing:
Dock fishing is a lot safer but here again there
are things that you must still have for a good night of filling
your ice chest with crappie but free from game warden
tickets.
Keep your Fishing License on your body at all
times when fishing. I still like to wear that lifejacket; you
could fall off the dock or pier.
Lights are easier to set up. Attach them under
the dock or pier to keep them out of your
eyes.
Most of the same things can be used when dock or
pier fishing and not to mention that you will have easy access
if you left something in the car or truck. If there is enough
room on the dock or pier a comfortable chair is on my
list.
I might not use a rod holder here but you can
bet I tie either string or rope to my poles. Where to set out
your poles, thought I would not get to that part, but wanted to
get everything that you might need in the boat or
dock.
What you want to do is set the poles at
different depths until you locate where and what the fish want.
I like to set two in right under the lights and two just out
from the lights right where it starts getting dark. Sometimes
the big boys will hang out right at the edge of the light and
here again read earlier articles where I have told you there
will be a lot of top water
action. I would say 50% of the time it is the little guys
hitting the shad and the ones they hit and kill sink and that
is where the big boys might be waiting for that free
meal.
You will notice that it takes about one hour
after sunset before the action starts but then crappie night
fishing can be one of the best fishing trips you ever
have.
One other thing that I want to say if the dock
or pier has rails attached, it can be a great time to take the
kids fishing.
I can not stress the safety in night fishing but
if done right you will never forget the great time that you
had.
Keep the Hooks Wet!
Steve
McGoldrick
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