Thread: Lights

ive been using green lights. What matters more the color of the lights or the spot you're fishing? Last few times I've been out I haven't seen that many minnows in the lights

I've always used green lights. Some see it differently. The spot is the most important and the moon phase is the next most important. If you're fishing during full moon or close phases..... there is too much competition for the light. Dark nights are best. Either via new moon phase or clouds. Full moon is fine if the cycle keeps it low in the sky or up during most of the day.

Spots with the most fish traffic this time of year are the best. I usually fish deeper water with a rise coming off a main creek or river channel. Structure is good too. Bridges over deep water are great. Inner pillings closes to the creek or river flow are the best. Just my penny.

Also, submerge your light. I weight mine till its about a foot under water. Keeps the bugs away better but some swear the bugs help. I don't care for the bugs. The minnows and shad are in there for the zooplankton. The light works best in lakes that have plenty of zooplankton.

I normally fish alone at night. I've been just using lights at the front of the boat but I should use the lights at the back of the boat as well?

Originally Posted by Jdnelson07

I normally fish alone at night. I've been just using lights at the front of the boat but I should use the lights at the back of the boat as well?

I'll tell you my secret...

I never use more than one light unless its to suspend them virtually in the same spot. I "think" more than one area of light causes the fish to bait and zooplankton to run between the lights and they never form a good sized bait ball. Just my penny. I suspend my lights away from the boat with a metal telescoping poll in a rod holder and then fish around the bait ball. It seems the edges work the best for me. I've had bait ball close to 20 feet in diameter at times. Again, just my penny. Everyone does things a little differently.

I just told ofish.. Saturday night we should shut off one of the lights. I use to do that along time ago and it does work good. Some time when the bait gets to thick we would shut all lights off and then turn them back on a short time later. I'm glad you said it first because I would get the ribbing for that statement.

Another secret..... If you catch any white perch.... rig you up a catchfish downline away from the light. Flatheads love to come in and check out what's going on but they will not come too close to the light. I usually rig one on the opposite side of the boat and pray a big flathead won't get hung in my anchor lines. You need a good rod and good drag that you get them up quick to keep them out of the anchors. It can't hurt anything and a white perch will live close to an hour on the line. You might get a nice size catfish out of it.

I like what sundance is saying. I usually cut some white perch or chicken livers and cast a pole or two. I also throw five or six jugs out in the same cove for fun. Love some catfishin'.

Where are the catfish hanging out, near the bottom or will they come up to the light area? I've only caught a few at Jordan and they were usually caught before it got dark and were near the bottom.

It depends on the water conditions. Heavy stain and I'll put it on the bottom. Otherwise, 2 to 3 foot off.

Night fishing for catfish tends to be a time of day thing. I know flathead fishermen that will not fish after dark. They spend a few hours chasing them evening till dark. I tend to catch the most around a light after around 12am.