Wadefishing at night with Topwaters
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.
First of all, NEVER go out alone! Many things can happen while navigating waterways after dark and or while wade fishing! Here are a few safety tips:
* 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.
* Make sure that someone back on the mainland knows where and when you will be fishing.
* Go ahead and plan ahead of time where you want to fish, preferably up to 3 spots just in case!
HOW: Once you are settled in at the first point, lighting is your next thing to focus on. Your boat should have an anchor light, which you need to turn on now. This alerts other boaters in the area, and acts as a guide for you in the dark. You will also want to pick up some LED headlamps from your local sporting goods store (don’t forget batteries!) to give you hands free light while wade fishing.
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).
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: 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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