5 REASONS WHY NIGHT FISHING ROCKS!

1: IT’S AN ADVENTURE

Let’s face it; although some anglers might take it for granted, going night fishing is a bit of an adventure, right? I don’t know about you but I still get a buzz from setting off with all my night kit, knowing that I’m going to be spending the night beneath my brolly or, even better, under the stars.

Being suddenly and abruptly woken up by a bite in the middle of the night is also a great adrenaline rush, more so than a daytime bite, and this adds to the adventure and excitement of it all.

2: THE SOCIAL

Although the majority of my fishing now is done alone, I still love the social element of fishing at night with a mate or two. This is even more enjoyable at this time of year when it’s not dark till late and is then light nice and early. It certainly beats the 16 hours of darkness in the depths of winter.

To be honest, you can keep night fishing in the winter, I’d much rather stick to day-only sessions in the colder months. However, the summer, and the socials that go with it, are what night fishing is all about for me.

3: BEST BITE TIMES

There is no doubting that first and last light are the best parts of the day to get a bite, the former being as early as 4am at this time of year.

What better way to take advantage of these bite times than by already being there on the bank. Far better that than setting your alarm for silly o’clock and having to drive to the lake bleary eyed. No, give me a night on the bank any time, so I am there and ready for that action as the light begins to increase.

4: NICE KIT

We’re all guilty of being tackle tarts in some form or other and night fishing opens up an entirely new world for buying extra gadgets and gizmos. I’m not just talking bedchairs, sleeping bags and headtorches – the more obvious stuff – but all the other little bits and bobs like remote-control bivvy lights, night sticks and all manner of goodies.

Going night fishing is what separates carp anglers from the rest and adding to your growing armoury of tackle and stuff is an added bonus.

5: JUST BEING THERE

For me, the most enjoyable aspect of night fishing is just being there, on the bank, during the most stunning and peaceful times of day, or night. Being alone on the bank as the sun disappears over the horizon for the last time, or creeps back up again and the lake comes to life is a great experience. I love it, and the longer I am there the more the surrounding flora and fauna accepts my presence.

Loads of my mates have never spent a night outdoors and I pity them for that. It can be exhilarating and extremely rewarding, especially if you switch off your phone and truly leave the rat race behind.