Kayak night fishing is an exciting and unique way to experience a night on the water. With its tranquil atmosphere, peacefulness, and abundance of wildlife, kayak night fishing can provide a truly unforgettable adventure.
However, there are some important things you should consider before embarking on this type of outdoor activity. From choosing the right gear to safety precautions and techniques for catching fish in low light conditions, here are some essential tips for successful kayak night fishing.
Overview of kayak fishing under the moonlight
Kayak night fishing can be enjoyed in a variety of locations, but the most popular options are in lakes and slow-moving rivers. All you need is your kayak, some basic gear, and an appreciation for the serenity of being outside after dark. Not to mention some must have safety equipment which we’ll cover later.
Visibility is key when it comes to nighttime kayaking, so ensure that you bring a reliable headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries. You will also need to make sure your kayak is visible to other boats and riders in the area. Consider adding reflective tape or lights to your boat before heading out for the night.
You should have some sort of marking lights on your kayak as well. These lights should be red and green and located at both the front and rear of your kayak (stern and bow). There are several models on Amazon that you can use. Here are a few:
Benefits of night fishing from a kayak
Night fishing from a kayak has many benefits. For one, it gives you the opportunity to experience nature after dark and see wildlife that might not be active during the day. You will also find that due to the low light conditions, fish are more likely to bite – making night fishing an ideal time for anglers looking to increase their catch. A species most targetted at night is catfish.
Safety Tips for Kayak Night Fishing
As with any type of outdoor activity, safety should always be your top priority. Make sure to take all the necessary precautions before going out on the water at night. Here are some important tips:
- Let someone know where you plan to go and when you expect to return
- Bring a life jacket or floatation device and actually wear it
- Wear bright clothing or reflective material. Think of those work shirts with reflective stripes
- Carry a whistle or flare
- Bring along a first aid kit just in case
Personal safety precautions aside, you should also familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations before fishing in the dark. In some areas, there may be restrictions or even bans on night fishing from a kayak. Catching fish in low light conditions can make it difficult to use lures or bait but it doesn’t mean you won’t have success.
Techniques for night fishing from a kayak
To make the most of your time on the water at night, you will need to adjust some of your fishing techniques. Here are some tips:
- Use an LED light or glow in the dark lure to attract fish (Bass, Catfish and Crappie are bite good at night)
- Work the edges of structure or weed beds, where there is plenty of cover for baitfish
- Cast your lures close to shore and around points
- Troll slowly and use a jigging action with your rod tip to bring fish up from deeper waters
- Make sure to have plenty of lures or bait on hand, as the bite rate tends to be slow
- Use clear lure colors that are visible in low light conditions. White and green are popular choices
Equipment and gear to bring along
When night fishing from a kayak, there are some essential pieces of equipment and gear that you should bring along. Here is the list:
- A reliable headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
- Life jacket or floatation device
- Rod and tackle box (with plenty of lures)
- Minnow bucket or live bait
- Reel with plenty of line
- Anchor and rope to tie off your kayak
- Reflective tape or lights on the kayak
- Safety whistle or flare
- First aid kit Insect repellent (if necessary)
Preparation for Kayak Night Fishing
Once you have all your gear and supplies together, it’s time to make sure that you are prepared for a successful night fishing trip. Here are some tips:
Choosing your kayak and water body
Select the right kayak for your night fishing trip – one that is stable, comfortable and equipped with features such as rod holders, storage compartments and adjustable footpegs. Make sure to choose a water body that is large enough to accommodate a kayak and where you can access deeper waters (15-20ft).
Gathering navigation tools and supplies
Make sure you have all the necessary navigation tools and supplies before night fishing. Bring along a map of the area, a compass, GPS or fish finder (if available), buoys and flares. Carry additional food, water, sunscreen and clothing to keep you comfortable in case of changing conditions. It’s also important to bring along a good first aid kit for safety.
Understanding weather and tides
Finally, make sure to pay attention to the weather forecast of the area and check for any changes in the tide tables. Make sure you are aware of potential thunderstorms or high winds that may affect your trip. It’s always best to plan ahead so that you can avoid adverse conditions while on the water.
Techniques for Kayak Night Fishing Successfully
Once you have all your gear and supplies together, it’s time to hit the water. When night fishing from a kayak, you need to adjust some of your techniques. Here are some tips:
Casting and retrieving lures in the dark waters
When night fishing, it’s important to cast your lures close to structure and weed beds, as baitfish tend to gather in these areas. Use a slow trolling speed and use a jigging action with your rod tip to bring fish up from deeper waters. You can also try using brightly colored or glow-in-the-dark lures to attract fish in the dark.
Using live bait and chumming
If you are using live bait, try to use a variety of different baits. You can also try chumming in order to attract more fish into your area. Use small pieces of cut-up baitfish or other attractants such as bread and corn.
Keeping safety in mind
Finally, it’s important to keep safety in mind when night fishing from a kayak. Make sure you are wearing a life jacket or floatation device at all times and have reflective tape or lights attached to your kayak so that other boats can see you.
Understand common fish behavior at night
To ensure success, it is important to understand the common behavior of fish when night fishing. Most fish feed at night and can be attracted to light or activity in their area. Larger predator species are often more active during the nighttime hours. Additionally, baitfish tend to congregate around structure and weed beds so these areas can be great spots to target.
By following the tips listed above, you can ensure a successful and safe night fishing trip from your kayak. With the right gear, supplies and preparation, you’ll be sure to enjoy your time out on the
