Hey guys, I'm thinking of doing an all nighter soon and was wondering if you all had any tips. I've heard that fishing can be better at night because the fish come in closer.
Is a harbour just as good as a beach, or will a beach be better?
I've got some two dollar shop 'finger lights' that work really well as rod tip lights.
Do certain baits work better at night? And what fish are most likely to catch at night?
Cheers for your advice in advance.
Re: Night fishing tips
Posted by Hangler on 6/6/2013, 10:58 pm, in reply to "Night fishing tips"
The surfcasting in and around Wellington is very different to that of Hawke's Bay. You are likely to fish over foul ground, whereas in the bay we mostly fish over sand.
I know in and around Wellington there are some pretty good spots to target Moki, these fish are very happy feeding at night therefore a shellfish bait, preferably fresh mussels, would be high on my list. I would also be carrying an oily bait such as bonito, fresh if possible rather than salted, and I would go nowhere without a supply of anchovies.
Gurnard feed quite freely after dark as do snapper. You may have a variety of small sharks or even a nice smooth hound for company, not forgetting the ever popular red cod. Rays feed contentedly during the dark so really the possibilities are endless.
If I were in your position I would first do a little research in local tackle shops. I would be carrying two rods one baited and cast the distance for a set target fish, I would suggest moki. The second rod I would cast full noise with a good general bait. If in the harbour I wouldn't be surprised to have a nice eel or two in the session, these fish always seem to be attracted by harbours.
I hope this helps.
Re: Night fishing tips
Posted by racepics on 7/6/2013, 5:42 am, in reply to "Night fishing tips"
All nighter in winter: Lots of warm clothing (double beanies) Bottle of Rum. Camp fire. Bottle of Rum. Good company. Bottle of Rum. Wire traces for sharks. Bottle of Rum. Big gaff for sharks/rays. Bottle of Rum. Liberal dose of insanity/keeness (whichever applies) http://www.paniasurfcasting.org http://www.surfcaster.co.nz
Hey Wellyfisher, I've done a fair few all-nighters around Wellington in the past, both in the harbour and both coasts and here's a couple of things from experience. I've never used those $2 shop light tip things, but I would suggest getting some reflector tape from a hardware shop and wrapping loops around the top half of your rods. Much easier to see with the sweep of a headlamp as they light up really well. I have also put it on my bait knife handle and rod stands as it's amazing how easily things disappear at 2am only 4 feet from where your standing. A quick check with a torch usually locates them. If you have a decent lamp (coleman etc)it's a big advantage especially if you are fishing away from your vehicle. Try not to have it shining directly on the water as some think it can put fish off or make them wary. Put it behind your pack. Moki might be getting a bit thin on the ground now but the big southern beaches would be a great chance for a big Grot shark (Smoothhound) if you have cray or crab baits available. Red cod, possibly a Gurnard, spiny dogs would be more common around now. What about Makara Beach for a bid late Autumn Trevally?? Watch out for the big Conger eels. The great thing about Wellington is there is always a spot of fish to suit the conditions, plenty of north facing beaches if a screaming southerly comes through. I'd pack plenty of warm clothing and wet weather gear + hot drinks(or rum if you prefer). If the fish aren't playing ball you could just head to Blanket Bay (home). Hope this helps
Thanks guys, much appreciated. Is it a whole different ball game in summer? As in, are the odds of landing a snapper for example better at night, or at the change of light in summer?
Big snapper happen anytime my wife Sue caught a 25lber at 2.30pm in the surf and I caught a 25 1/2lber Just before dark the same season.I have caught others over twenty both day and night, always more enjoyable in the daylight.
The snapper don't know where the car park is! Sometimes it is better to travel than to arrive.
I find the biggest problem with attempting all-nighters is boredom... Especially if its just you sitting there waiting for some action. Wouldn't be so bad if there was constant action, or even a few good bites. But many times I've fished for hours in the dark and its been absolutely dead. So you sit there and think about how cold it is, and start to question your own sanity http://www.paniasurfcasting.org http://www.surfcaster.co.nz
Tell ya what be very interested if any of you are out there tonight and tomorrow night, good nights for a horse. As for me I'm off back offshore tomorrow dam it all been so long without a fish.
on 6/6/2013, 8:53 pm
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