05-18-2017, 02:38 PM
[#0000FF]I used to fish at night...at lot. Not so much anymore. Don't have the stamina...and I don't like skeeters. Not fond of picking up a dose of West Nile nastiness.
I appreciate all the new goodies and refinements that make night fishing more productive and enjoyable. But I would like to add a few suggestions.
1. Never fish a new water that you don't know well after dark...for the first time. Use a GPS system to put you on the numbers of spots you know rather than blindly cruising around and randomly picking a spot to anchor up and soak your baits. Helps avoid getting lost and/or damaging your boat (or worse) on underwater hazards you did not know were there. Also helps to fish where you know the fish are likely to be.
2. Always let someone else know where you will be and when you expect to return...just in case.
3. Know what the weather is going to be...as near as possible. But keep a watch for sudden changes that could spell trouble. Get off the water if the wind gets too strong and/or there is the potential for lightning.
4. Always wear your PFD...even if you are an adult. Accidents happen...and most drownings occur among adults who were not wearing PFDs.
5. Wear protective clothing and plenty of DEET insect repellent. More comfy while fishing with less probability of contracting bug-borne illnesses.
6. Have a headlamp with a red bulb. You can see well enough to rig and bait but the bugs don't come zooming in as much as with regular lights.
8. Make sure you have the required lights on your craft...and do not anchor in frequently traveled boating lanes. Also have an air horn for audible warnings if needed.
9. Bring a cell phone and/or radio to summon help if needed. Keep both in waterproof containers until needed.
10. Make sure you have all the required safety equipment as well as a well-stocked first aid kit.
11. Don't take a bite of your sandwich after handling nasty catfish bait...and not washing your hands.
[/#0000FF]
[signature]
I appreciate all the new goodies and refinements that make night fishing more productive and enjoyable. But I would like to add a few suggestions.
1. Never fish a new water that you don't know well after dark...for the first time. Use a GPS system to put you on the numbers of spots you know rather than blindly cruising around and randomly picking a spot to anchor up and soak your baits. Helps avoid getting lost and/or damaging your boat (or worse) on underwater hazards you did not know were there. Also helps to fish where you know the fish are likely to be.
2. Always let someone else know where you will be and when you expect to return...just in case.
3. Know what the weather is going to be...as near as possible. But keep a watch for sudden changes that could spell trouble. Get off the water if the wind gets too strong and/or there is the potential for lightning.
4. Always wear your PFD...even if you are an adult. Accidents happen...and most drownings occur among adults who were not wearing PFDs.
5. Wear protective clothing and plenty of DEET insect repellent. More comfy while fishing with less probability of contracting bug-borne illnesses.
6. Have a headlamp with a red bulb. You can see well enough to rig and bait but the bugs don't come zooming in as much as with regular lights.
8. Make sure you have the required lights on your craft...and do not anchor in frequently traveled boating lanes. Also have an air horn for audible warnings if needed.
9. Bring a cell phone and/or radio to summon help if needed. Keep both in waterproof containers until needed.
10. Make sure you have all the required safety equipment as well as a well-stocked first aid kit.
11. Don't take a bite of your sandwich after handling nasty catfish bait...and not washing your hands.
[/#0000FF]
[signature]