Intro | Water Types | Tide & Wind | Tactics | Light or Night? | Gear

Light or Night?
The intensity of light plays an important role in saltwater fly fishing. Striped bass are wary by nature and therefore need a high degree of confidence before they feed. During the day wading fishermen often find bass in the turmoil created by crashing waves on barrier beaches, jetties, rock formations, or inshore sandbars. Boat fishermen prefer the deeper water of bays, estuaries, and tidal creeks. Still others sight cast to fish cruising the expansive flats systems around Brewster or Chatham. Yet despite vigorous daytime catches many fishermen adjust their game plan to include night fishing.

During April and May the migrating stripers feed nearly around the clock. At night massive schools move into skinny water to trap bait against the mussel beds, sandbars, and jetties or in the beachfront wash. As the water temperature warms later in the summer, the same fish spend their days in the colder temperatures found in deeper water.

Nighttime can also signal the arrival of the bigger, spookier fish, which return to shallower water and feed deliberately during the decreased light. First or last light as well as the middle of the night are the best times to catch these fish, especially when these times correspond with the proper tide.

Fishing techniques change as the available light fades. The nighttime fisherman is a tactile fisherman, relying more heavily on feel than on sight. When night fishing you must feel your rod loading, the fish striking, and the water or wind direction changing. Wear clear shooting glasses to protect your eyes. Confident fish move in close and often take flies 15 feet away. Then you must shorten your terminal rigging to three or four feet, which also decreases the chance of a fouled cast. Lights, a compass, and insect repellent are vital for a safe trip.

Scouting an area is crucial for night fishing. Fish an area in daylight before fishing it at night, unless you are with someone who is familiar with the area. Begin by frequenting a familiar area, one which you have seen in all phases of tides. Identify landmarks for orientation, but rely on compass headings to know your location. Fog can roll in during a high- or low-pressure change and obscure your reference points. It also helps to fish with a reliable buddy.

Fly selection can be confusing to neophyte night fishermen. Since bait takes on the characteristics of its environment and the cloud canopy is dark, fly choice tends toward black. Profiles vary according to what is in the water. Streamlined black Deceivers work well to imitate sand eels or silversides, while bulkier, more fully dressed patterns or poppers represent bigger bait like mackerel, menhaden, or herring. Sometimes a bright fly stands out from the schooled bait and is easier for a bass to spot; white or chartreuse is a good option.

Night fishing can also work out well for vacationing fishermen. If your social or family responsibilities occupy your day, you can find action at night while the rest of your group sleeps.

Night fishing offers a fishing bum an extra opportunity to extend his day. If you play your tides properly, you can fish higher tides from either a barrier beach or from a boat during the day and move on to wadeable flats, sandbars, or jetties at night. By frequenting a variety of spots, you can find excellent striper fishing in the short time you have available. The fishing can be diverse, including wade and boat fishing during all the tidal phases that occur in a day.

Tom Keer is a Fly Fisherman field editor. He lives in Boston, Massachusetts, and has a home on Cape Cod.

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