Preparation is the Key To Successful Night Fishing, You Better Have These...

Night fishing requires quite a bit more preparation than daytime fishing does. Even if you "think" you know the waters pretty well, you need to take extra precautions when fishing at night.

If you are night fishing from a boat, you have even more to think about. Make sure you have enough flotation devices onboard and that they are easily accessible. If someone falls overboard, it is much more difficult to see them at night, so you need to be able to throw a flotation device out to them quickly.

Proper lighting on your boat is also essential. Enough flashlights and batteries should be an obvious commodity, but you would be surprised how many times those batteries that you "thought" were new, die off within minutes of the trip.

You should have a GPS monitor at all times (good compasses are better than nothing if you can't afford a GPS). However, don't go out and buy a GPS right before your first night-fishing voyage. Buy one in advance and learn how to use it first! Trust me, it is no fun trying to read the manual when it's pitch dark and you're lost.

Not only are the tree stumps harder to see at night, so are the shallow waters. It definitely pays to learn the waters well before heading out at night.

Before you venture out into the darkness, make sure you let someone know (back onshore) where you are going or are planning to go. If you aren't back home at a specific time you suggest, at least others will know where to start looking for you.

It's also a good idea to pack your insect repellant. Night fishing not only brings out the best fish, but also the meanest bugs. It's prime feeding time for many insects, and to them, you look pretty tasty on that open water.

Prepare your rods, reels and lures BEFORE you hit the water. There is nothing worse than getting out in the water and realizing you forgot to bring your favorite lure.

A little nap during the afternoon before you head out is also a good idea. Of course, if you are catching a lot, I doubt you will be tempted to doze off.

And remember, safety always comes first. I am yet to see a fish worth getting seriously injured or killed over.

Daniel Eggertsen is a long time fishermen, as well as President and Founder of Evening Secret Fishing (http://www.eveningsecretfishing.com/specialsecret/night-preparation.php)