Next-Level Night Fishing Tactics

Moving from New York to Connecticut forced Matt Stone to learn new ways to catch striped bass. “I had to learn the Long Island Sound fishery, the species, tactics, spots and patterns,” he says. Luckily, Stone manages one of the area’s largest tackle shops, so he has access to the best intel and gear and has plenty of time to go fishing. “I completely immersed myself in local fishing, spending thousands of hours on the water,” he says. Stone’s effort paid off when he won the On the Water Striper Cup Kayak Division tournament with a 10-fish release stringer measuring 484 inches.

Next-Level Night Fishing Tactics

Take it to the next level

Chasing striped bass in New England requires Stone to fish inlets, passes and the open ocean under threat of strong current, big waves and dangerous weather. “I take it one step further by fishing at night,” he says.

Striped bass are nocturnal feeders, but facing coastal fishing hazards in the dark is no joke. Stone admits, “Conquering this tactic was 100 percent scary as hell.” The challenge forces Stone to prioritize safety. “If I don’t feel safe, I can’t fish well,” he explains.

Stone has raised his comfort level to become accustomed to fishing at night. “I do most of my striper fishing at night,” he says, “The ocean is beautiful in the dark and I have it all to myself.”

Tip for Success

“I know it seems counterintuitive, but I minimize the lights on my kayak,” Stone says. He only uses the legally required white safety light and a waterproof headlamp for illumination. “Less light improves my night vision so I can see current seams and structure,” he explains.

Fish Tale

It did not take long for Stone to realize night fishing’s big payoff. “The first time I felt a big fish thump my lure, I was addicted to night fishing.” He often fishes alone, so most of his best catches have no witnesses. “Despite the fish I post on my social media, there are many trips when I don’t catch anything,” he admits. The experience chasing big bass in pitch black keeps him coming back. “I love the stars, quiet and the slowly rising sun melting away the dark. I feel like the whole ocean belongs to me.” Stone says night fishing is worth feeling like a zombie the next day, “especially when the bite is good.”

How-to

Before attempting night fishing for striped bass, Stone recommends hours of daytime fishing. “During the day, I learn every boulder, current rip, danger zone and fishy location,” he says. After he’s mapped the area during day, he pushes his launch time earlier and earlier in the morning. “I feel more confident when I fish before sunrise,” he explains.

“I put safety first,” Stone adds. He prefers to fish with calm winds and seas. “Unlike during the day, striped bass feed in calm conditions after dark,” he explains. He leaves a float plan and carries a long list of safety equipment.

Stone claims, “There’s no magic button for finding fish at night, just get out there and learn a ton.” He looks for structure and current seams to find striped bass. “The fish move into shallow water in the dark,” he adds.

“I use big lures and baits at night,” he says. Fish look for a large target in the dark, so Stone makes it easy.

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The only difference between day and night is the light. | Feature photo: Matt Stone