Night Time Wade Fishing

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.

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

* Make sure that someone back on the mainland knows where and when you will be fishing.

* Plan out your trip, including your first several fishing spots.

HOW: Once you have arrived at your first location safely, make sure that your anchor light stays on. This will also give you some bearing and help getting back to the boat. Strap on a L.E.D. head lamp, they are a must. L.E.D. head lamps are readily available and allow hands-free, much-needed light.

Also, grab a chem-stick (glow stick), they activate and emit light when the internal ampule is broken and then shaken. Take a piece of monofilament leader material and tie it to the chem stick and hang it around your neck, behind you! What this does is allows your fishing buddy to see you when your back is turned to him, top-waters can be ugly at night. This also makes a great back up if you should lose your battery power and they will last long enough (6 to 8hrs) to get you back to the boat. Don't stray too far from each other, stay within talking or yelling distance! You will need have have some top-waters that will silhouette themselves (dark colors). I like throwing Mirrolure's she pup and she dog in black with a chartreuse head.

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).

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.

Solunar tables can be another useful tool. What I try to do is fish two hours before through 2 hours after what the tables call a "major feeding period". This tends to have the best results for me, but isn't a guarantee by any means.

WHERE: There are many places in South Texas to go for Trophy Trout. I fish all around Baffin Bay, including Alazan Bay and East Kleberg point. Hopefully these tips work well for you, TIGHT LINES!