im planning on going night fishing on my boat and it will be my first time out night fishing ever..... im pretty clueless as to where to fish and what to use. i was thinking of using topwater, colorado blade spinner, and big worms....... probably in black/blue colors..... any other advice?

Know the body of water your fishing

Have a quality Q-Beam

Be completely organized & stay organized

Fish the same locations & lures you would during the day

Know the body of water your fishing

Have a quality Q-Beam

Be completely organized & stay organized

Fish the same locations & lures you would during the day

I'd also recommend one of those cap/bill-light or one of those slip-on LED rigs (like http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_55794____SearchResults).  Be sure it has a RED LED.  The red LED allows you to see what you're doing (knots, backlashes, unhooking fish, etc.) without ruining your "night-vision".

Insect repellent!!!

Your at-night senses will be 10x of that during the day.

Depending on the conditions/structure, I LOVE top-waters at night!   

Know the body of water your fishing

Have a quality Q-Beam

Be completely organized & stay organized

Fish the same locations & lures you would during the day

Great advice !!!!!!!!!!!

I love night fishing for bass. As Catt mentioned organization is important to success. During the day I have many rods and an assortment of other stuff out for quick access. At night two rods max, and everything in its place.

While it sure isn't necessary to catch fish, fishing during a full moon will make things a lot easier. For your first time out, a little moonlight is a good thing.

Know the body of water your fishing

Have a quality Q-Beam

Be completely organized & stay organized

Fish the same locations & lures you would during the day

I couldn't agree more, and being organized has got to be #1. You don't want to be banging around looking for tackle or falling over things in the boat. Although I put it at #2, quality lighting could be swapped for most important. Not only a good Q-beam, but LED visor lights are a must. Also, If your planning to make night fishing a regular event, install interior lights in your boat.

My home lake from mid. june till sept. i fish night time tournament. I have fished them for more than 10 years. here are some things i have learned. less is more, only have enough rods out that you will use. i have broke many $$$$ rods at night. A spot light is a good idea also some kind of cap light. I use a flor. night light use this with clear/blue flor. line and you can see your line (i would not fish without one). as for lures, Bigger is better, bass key in on vibration at night. 10" worms, large jigs, large colorado blade spinnerbait (slow-role) crankbaits.  color selection is easy, black, black/blue, blue flake.

As summer temps here are normally 110 or higher, I've become a night time only fisherman during summer. Big plastic worms Carolina rigged, a big tube bait with 1/2 an Alka Seltzer in it to make bubbles, black Jitterbugs, shallow crank baits, and slow rolling spinnerbaits are good choices.  I have mounted rod storage tubes to keep rods from getting stepped on. A headband light is a must! Happy fishing.

7-10" black power worms

popper

buzzbait

jig

bug repellent

head light flashlight

limit the # of rods and clutter on the deck. Make sure the directional light on the trolling motor works (this helps alot)

Fish the same areas you would during the day, only check all depths. The other night I thought the fish would be shallow, but we had them in 12' all night on worms and jigs.

if you do not know the area you are fishing like the back of your hand, then you better take some one with you that does.  Pick a full moon night for your first night out on the lake. You will be glad you did.

Definitely listen to the advice of a quality Q-Beam.  You can get them fairly inexpensive now.  There is absolutely no replacement for a bright light to see ahead of you when you are moving around.  Please, for God's sake, make sure you have nav lights that actually work.

Night fishing ROCKS !

Its the only time when you can almost bet for sure that you will catch fish.

Long Sleves

Insect Repellent

Headband Light

Keep Gear Organized

Stay Alert

Watch for Snakes

Snapswivels for cranks/topwater stuff its hard to tie in the dark. 

Organize your tackle boxes.

Organize your scents if you use them.

I use a light that goes on the top of my hat so i'm hands free.  I also have multiple flashlites too.

Watch for snakes were the motor is in the well and in the trees if there close overhead.

If your out at dawn(dusk) look out for freshwater otters.

Safety first.  Wear a PFD (lifejacket), especially in a canoe or kayak, or alone in a boat. 

Watch for snakes?  That's something I don't have to worry about fishing in MI.

Here ya go!

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/night_fishing.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/night_bass_fishing_tips.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fish/nightfishing.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/night_lunkers.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/nightfishing1.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/night_bass_fishing.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/night_fishing_preparation.html

http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/hot_weather_fishing.html