Q: Does spinning work at night?

[Mark Davies]

I was wondering how best to deploy my light telescopic rod at night off Deal pier. My beach caster will rigged with a Pennel, loaded with lug, squid and peeler - to try for cod.

My plan is to use the beach caster with 6oz to play the distance, whilst using the smaller rod a bit closer. However, I'm not sure if spinning would work at night as it might be too dark for the fish to see the lure. I like spinning though

Any advice much appreciated.

[fishypaul]

hello mate,i must admit i havn't heard of anyone spinning for cod at night,i think you might cause a few problems amongst other anglers on the pier,a spinner will very quickly get swept round other lines on the pier.
having said that,during slack tide,why not give it a go,i have heard it said that black spinners work well at night ,if you don't get a cod,you might just get a bass or even a pollack.
be warned though,its snaggy there at deal,don't use your best valued spinners.
best of luck if you try it,let us know how you get on.

[Greenheart]

Give it a go mate. I do a lot of fly fishing & the fishing always gets better as it gets dark. I have fished a tiny fly in pitch darkness & caught loads of fish p especially wild browns. Many Sea trout fishermen will only fish at night & moonless ones at that!! It,s a great feeling when you get that tug.

[Woodsman]

Try shallow diving body baits (ie: larger floating rapalas) The fish below can see the shape outlined by the moon/star light. Very popular technique for walleye (simular to zander) in Canada.

Good Luck

[lucky]

Originally Posted by Greenheart

I do a lot of fly fishing & the fishing always gets better as it gets dark. I have fished a tiny fly in pitch darkness & caught loads of fish especially wild browns.

It's probably not very relevant to compare the behaviour of brown trout with sea fish in general. Trout have no eyelids and must stay deep in the water when it is sunny to protect their eyes from the sun. As the light decreases they will rise towards the surface in search of food - this could explain your increase in catches in the evening especially if you are using a floating line. This is not to say that you can't spin for sea fish after dark. Many bass have been caught on spinners after dark and Yo-zuri actually make a range of lures called Crystal Minnows which are very reflective in moonlight and are especially designed for this situation.