Backcountry fishing in Islamorada during the day can be unbearable due to the intense summer heat. It’s no surprise, then, that some anglers choose to schedule fishing during the night. The benefits are obvious: no sunburns, no sticky sunscreens, no hats, and no sunglasses amid the more relaxing nighttime air. Another reason you should try night fishing is that fish species that remain aloof during the day become more aggressive at night, giving you a better chance of scoring a good catch.
Coral reefs that run parallel with the Florida Keys shore are teeming with all kinds of fish, and this is usually where anglers go night fishing for yellowtails and other prized species. The more daring individuals go about five miles offshore to enter the Florida Keys deep sea fishing zone. Regardless of where you choose to fish during the night, here are some safety precautions to bear in mind:
Weather
Observe the weather during the day and watch out for certain indicators that it might rain later at night (e.g. thunder and lightning, high humidity levels, and heavy dark clouds). Bring a weather radio with you to keep yourself updated and get back to shore as soon as inclement weather is confirmed. Pack warm clothes because it can get cold at night, even during the hottest months.
Visibility
It’s certainly hard to see objects at night unless they come close. You have to look out for other boaters and floating debris. You can keep your torch on when anchored and your lights on as you move through so other boaters can see you. Be aware, however, that too much light can dim your night vision. In the dark, your eyes become more sensitive to low light, so excessive onboard illumination will make it difficult for you to see far. Sport Fishing Mag suggested using light amplification scopes or binoculars instead.
Additional safety reminders
Always ensure that you bring first aid kits. You never know when that fighter fish may prove it’s worthy of its name. Bring a bug spray or lotion to keep you protected against bloodsucking critters that may be on the boat with you. See to it that your boat is equipped with an operational fire extinguisher and a paddle, and that these are easily accessible. Most importantly, ensure that the boat’s motor and all other equipment are in a perfect working condition; it’s more difficult to fix a breakdown in the dark and it may take long before you get found, after all. Check out sites like IslamoradaFishingSource.com to find an Islamorada fishing charter you can lease a good boat from.
Sources:
Safety Tips for Night Time Fishing, World Fishing Network
Top Tips for Night Boating, Sport Fishing Mag
