Beat The Heat: Fish At Night

Editor's note: This blog installment comes from Fishhound pro staffer Capt. Mike Gore.

Do the hot summer days of August have you second-guessing opportunities to get out on the water? This is the month to think outside of the box, because the heat, humidity and afternoon showers can be enough to detour even the best of inshore anglers.

So you love to fish but you just can't take the heat or get out of work? Here's a solution most people never think of. It's nightfishing. This is one of the most overlooked options and one of the best times to catch a fish of a lifetime. I've also found it to be one of the easiest ways to catch fish. There's not much scouting involved and you'll usually be fishing within 10 minutes of leaving the ramp.

In my area, which is Tampa, Fla., it seems like almost every residential canal I go into has green underwater lights. This is a natural fish haven. The light attracts smaller baitfish, and in return the bigger fish follow. The shadowline of the docks makes a perfect ambush point for snook, redfish, tarpon and trout.

You'll want to use the lightest tackle you can. Although you'd think that fish won't be able to see your line at night, the green lights really make fishing line stand out. So start light and if you continue to get broken off, then slowly increase your leader size, but stay with a No. 1 circle hook.

Live bait usually works the best in this situation. Scaled sardines are what we use, but even scaled sardines can be refused at times. If your bait's too much bigger than the bait that's on the light, you'll have a tough time getting the fish to eat. So you'll always want to do your best to match the hatch, but that's also why I'll always have some live shrimp with me. I have yet to find a fish that can refuse a perfectly placed shrimp.

Capt. Mike Gore, a 30-year fishing veteran, was born and raised in Tampa, Fla. and currently owns and operates Tampa Fishing Charters. He's widely known for his ability to find feeding fish and will always work his hardest to put customers on the hot bite. Also known for his patience and courtesy, he's always willing to help children and beginners improve their skills. Connect with him at his site, CaptainMikeGore.com, or send him an email at Fishing@CaptainMikeGore.com.

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