The same thing happens every year. By mid-summer people are complaining about the heat and don't want to fish. Most people are ready to stop this time of year before noon. That's why I am here, to share a secret with you about fishing in South Texas at night. At night, it is of course cooler outside, but also the water cools down and those big speckled trout start to really move and feed. There is nothing like catching one of these big fish at night, when you can't even see them explode on your lure. Here I will show you how to fish, where to go, and when to do it.
Rule #1 - Do NOT go fishing at night alone! There are too many bad things that can happen at night that are out of your control. Follow these tips to stay safe:
* Your fishing partner should be aware of the aware of the area you are fishing in and your surrounds.
* Always wear your life jacket while motoring the boat.
* Leave a float plan (where you are going) with a buddy.
* Plan out your trip, including your first several fishing spots.
HOW: Once you are settled in at the first point, lighting is your next thing to focus on. Your boat should have an anchor light, which you need to turn on now. This alerts other boaters in the area, and acts as a guide for you in the dark. You will also want to pick up some LED headlamps from your local sporting goods store (don't forget batteries!) to give you hands free light while wade fishing.
In addition to the headlamps, get some glow sticks as well. These are the type that activate and light up when you bend/crack/shake them. What you do is tie the glow stick to some string and hang it like a necklace, draping down over your back. This will also help to prevent boaters from coming too close, and keep your fishing partner from hitting you with a lure. Worst case scenario, it can also be a good emergency backup light to get to the boat. While wading, don't get too far apart.
WHEN: I prefer to fish in the time before, during and after a full moon because of the extra light it provides. If you are using a dark topwater lure it will stand out that much better to those predator fish. The key is to use what I call the "Donk's Tangler". What you do is tie about a foot of line to the front ring on a top water lure, and then attach a dark-colored soft plastic lure on the back end with a very light fishing hook.
It's a bit unusual, but it works surprisingly well. The action you need to work the rig is the same as any other topwater lure, but now you have the added benefit of fish striking the extra plastic lure. For me, braided line works the best in this situation because you can feel every bump and nibble on that second lure.
Major feeding times, according to Solunar tables, are a great time to fish. I use a 5 hour time-frame around what the tables call these prime times. It's no guarantee but has worked for me in the past.
WHERE: White Bluff, Black Bluff, East Kleberg Point, Alazan bay and the Tide Gauge Bar have produced numerous, night time wall hangers. This method has been very effective for me, as I am sure it will be for you. Remember keep just what you will eat! Until next time, SEE YOU ON THE WATER! - 16887
Rule #1 - Do NOT go fishing at night alone! There are too many bad things that can happen at night that are out of your control. Follow these tips to stay safe:
* Your fishing partner should be aware of the aware of the area you are fishing in and your surrounds.
* Always wear your life jacket while motoring the boat.
* Leave a float plan (where you are going) with a buddy.
* Plan out your trip, including your first several fishing spots.
HOW: Once you are settled in at the first point, lighting is your next thing to focus on. Your boat should have an anchor light, which you need to turn on now. This alerts other boaters in the area, and acts as a guide for you in the dark. You will also want to pick up some LED headlamps from your local sporting goods store (don't forget batteries!) to give you hands free light while wade fishing.
In addition to the headlamps, get some glow sticks as well. These are the type that activate and light up when you bend/crack/shake them. What you do is tie the glow stick to some string and hang it like a necklace, draping down over your back. This will also help to prevent boaters from coming too close, and keep your fishing partner from hitting you with a lure. Worst case scenario, it can also be a good emergency backup light to get to the boat. While wading, don't get too far apart.
WHEN: I prefer to fish in the time before, during and after a full moon because of the extra light it provides. If you are using a dark topwater lure it will stand out that much better to those predator fish. The key is to use what I call the "Donk's Tangler". What you do is tie about a foot of line to the front ring on a top water lure, and then attach a dark-colored soft plastic lure on the back end with a very light fishing hook.
It's a bit unusual, but it works surprisingly well. The action you need to work the rig is the same as any other topwater lure, but now you have the added benefit of fish striking the extra plastic lure. For me, braided line works the best in this situation because you can feel every bump and nibble on that second lure.
Major feeding times, according to Solunar tables, are a great time to fish. I use a 5 hour time-frame around what the tables call these prime times. It's no guarantee but has worked for me in the past.
WHERE: White Bluff, Black Bluff, East Kleberg Point, Alazan bay and the Tide Gauge Bar have produced numerous, night time wall hangers. This method has been very effective for me, as I am sure it will be for you. Remember keep just what you will eat! Until next time, SEE YOU ON THE WATER! - 16887
About the Author:
Captain Jim Onderdonk is a professional fishing guide who specializes in wadefishing for big speckled trout and redfish in Texas, and uses Brown Lures' salt water fishing lures. "Donk" suggests you try out some from Brown Lures for your next fishing trip.
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