It's a fact. Night provides the best fishing opportunities for Striped Bass. So if you intend to go out into the night here are some helpful hints.

Let There Be Light...sometimes

The Mini Mag Light at the left is customized. Use red electrical tape to cushion the barrel so your teeth don't take a beating. The color is to find it easier in the truck in the dark. It also secures the green soft fish tank tubing neck strap. A word of caution. Stripers ARE spooked by sudden flashes of light. Turn your back to the surf (if your on the beach) or shield the light from the surf if you're in the water.

The In's and Out's

If you enter the surf at night or enter any land mass on the way to the surf be sure to note land marks. Towers, buildings, street lights. As it gets darker so does the way back. Try to use marks or lights that you know you'll be able to see ALL night. If you're really braving the wilderness bring some "glow sticks" to mark your path.

Glow Sticks

Like electrical tape they have hundreds of uses. If I'm traveling heavy and set some gear down on the beach I'll pop a light stick and stick it in my bag. It makes finding the bag much easier and anyone who has fished a long outgoing will attest to how easy it is to loose your belongings when the tide changes what you thought the beach looked like earlier.

C Stobe

If I think I may be in a precarious area I'll attach a C Strobe (pictured upper left) to the top strap of my waders. They are feather light and will allow you to be found in the darkest of nights if you get in trouble.

Walk Softly

As discussed in Walk The Walk don't go charging in anywhere. Everything changes in the surf every six hours. slip along don't take strides. The fish will be less spooked and you'll be much safer.

Things That Go Bump in the Dark

Usually do just that. Bump and drift on. In any case stay calm and if you really think it's a man-eater ease on out nice and slow. Probability is it's nothing and the risk of high tailing it is far more dangerous.

Plan and Tell

Goin out late. tell the wife, a friend, your buddy, next door neighbor where you'll be. Don't worry. They won't steal your favorite spot. Letting them know approximately what time you'll be getting back is also a pretty good thing.

First Time=Daytime

Don't be a hero. Check out any new night spot in the daytime (hopefully at low tide) before you take a step at night. You'll see more structure. Be far more safe. And if you get in trouble chances of getting help are far greater in daytime.

Buddy

Join a club. Make a friend. Go online and find someone who wants to fish your area at your times. You'll enjoy it more. I never met a fisherman I did not have something in common with.

More Goodies

I also never go out without my Cell phone (poly bagged if I remember) and a bottle of water. As small gulp of water will save your life if you find youirself choking, dehydrated or just plain thirsty. I also keep a pack of Trident. It helps me focus.

That's it. I don't doubt I left a half dozen important points out so please chime in at our discussion boards. I'm also interested to hear if anyone uses those automatic inflatable PFD's. I have to admit that I've thought about it but have not gone for it. Any stories???? Thanks and Tight lines!