Monday, January 26, 2009

Wadefishing at night with Topwaters

By Captain Jim Onderdonk

Don't let the summer-time heat ruin your fishing. By June or July it starts to really heat up, making most people want to call it quits early in the day. I think this is unfortunate, because some of the best fishing around is available, if you just go a little bit later. At night everything cools down to make for a much more comfortable and exciting experience. This is one of my favorite insider secrets, and I'm here to tell you how to do.

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:

* Check that your night navigation equipment works properly, and that you and/or your fishing buddy know the area well.

* While navigating, wear your P.D.F.'s.

* Leave a float plan (where you are going) with a buddy.

* Go ahead and plan ahead of time where you want to fish, preferably up to 3 spots just in case!

HOW: When you get to the first fishing spot, anchor up and turn the boat light on. This can keep other watercraft from running into it, as well as giving you a sense of direction while walking around in the dark. Next, you need a LED headlamp to wear. These are a must-have piece of fishing equipment, and are available pretty cheaply in most sporting goods stores.

A glo-stick is another useful item to have while out on the water. Drape one of these around your neck and let it hang off your back to keep boaters (and hopefully your buddy's lure) away. In case of an emergency or dead batteries you can also use this as a backup light to make your way back to the boat. Don't get too far apart from your partner, you need to stay within talking distance at all times.

WHEN: I have had my best luck around a full moon. The moon light helps silhouette your baits, thus making for any easy target for a hungry trout out on the prowl! Try tying a 10 to 12 inch leader to the first snap ring, next to the treble hook. Rig a 1/6th oz jig head with a plum or morning glory colored plastic (dark colors) and tie it on the leader (called Donk's tangler).

I know what you're thinking, but just try it and you will be surprised. Work it the same way you would the top water. The fish will hit the soft plastic every time! I like to fish with braided line (Power Pro), it allows you to feel what you can't see. You will know when you have a hook up!

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: When pursuing big speckled trout I roam around White & Black Bluff. This has worked well for me in the past and hopefully will help you bring in some big speckled trout as well. TIGHT LINES!

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