It’s the middle of summer, and the waves look perfect for a night surf fishing excursion. You’ve seen all of your friends posting about their great catches on social media, so you decide to try it. But what should you know before hitting the open water? Surf fishing at night can be an enriching experience, but it’s not without challenges.
Please keep reading for our beginners tips to help make your next surf fishing trip a success!
Quick Jump
ToggleIs Surf Fishing Good at Night?
If you’re new to surf fishing, you might be wondering if it’s a good idea to venture out into the waves at night. The answer is a resounding yes!
Many anglers believe that night fishing is when the big fish come out to play. All the commotion does not as easily spook them during the Day.
So if you’re looking for a trophy catch, night fishing is worth considering.

What Equipment Do You Need for Surf Fishing at Night?
Now that you know that night surf fishing can be incredibly productive, it’s time to start thinking about the equipment you’ll need to make your trip a success.
- First and foremost, you’ll need a good surf fishing rod and spinning reel. You don’t definitely need to break the bank on this purchase, but you’ll want something durable and can handle the demands of saltwater fishing.
- Next, you’ll need to choose the right bait. This will largely depend on the fish you’re hoping to catch. Standard bait options include live or frozen shrimp, sand crabs, mole crabs, cut bait, and blood worms.
- Last but not least, don’t forget to pack a headlamp or flashlight. This is an important piece of equipment for night fishing, as it will help you see what you’re doing in the dark.
Can You Surf Fish with Lures at Night?
While bait is always a solid option for night surf fishing, you might be wondering if lures will work just as well. The answer is yes! Many anglers believe that lure fishing can be even more effective at night.
This is because lures offer a more natural presentation in the water, which can be incredibly enticing to fish wary of bait.
If you decide to go the lure route, we recommend using soft plastic swimbaits, metal jigs, or topwater lures.
Best Night Time Surf Fishing Lures
Night-time Surf Fishing can be a very productive way to catch fish, but it can also be challenging to know which lures are best for the job.
With all of the different lures on the market, it can be hard to know which ones will work best for you when fishing at night.
Check out our list of the top-rated nighttime surf fishing lures and find the perfect one for your next trip.
- PERFORMANCE: Weight transfer system permits long distance cast....
- ACTION: Imitate the natural swimming action of a real fish. The...
- LITTMA QUALITY: Razor-sharp BKK 4x Power treble hooks (saltwater...
- SPECS: Length: 4.5" Weight: 5/8 oz. Class: Suspending Action:...
- 【SIMULATED DESIGN】All saltwater fishing lures are designed...
- 【GRAVITY BALLS INSIDE】Surf fishing lures have steel rattle...
- 【PREMIUM MATERIAL】The fishing lures are made of durable ABS,...
- 【APPLICATION】These Jerkbait Lures for Fishing work great for...
- 【Surf Fishing Kit】Includes almost everything you need for...
- 【158pcs Tackle Kit】Surf Bait*1, Bucktail Jig*1, Casting...
- 【Reliable & Lasting】All the fishing terminal tackles are made...
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- Dr.Fish 6 Pieces fishing plugs with brilliant holographic laser...
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- Equipped with Strong Mustad plated treble sharp hooks. Much...
- Strictly selected colors and designs for covering various...
- ULTRA SOFT LIFE-LIKE FISHING LURES: Soft plastic shrimp fishing...
- LUMINOUS SALTWATER FISHING LURES SET: The inner hooks are covered...
- FOR SALTWATER AND FRESHWATER: The shrimp baits set can be used...
- 2PCS EACH COLOR: You will get 5 colors shrimp soft baits, 2PCS...
How to Set Up Your Surf Fishing Rig for Night Fishing
Once you’ve decided what kind of bait you’re going to use, you need to set up your surf fishing rig. You’ll need a few things:
- rod and reel
- fishing line
- leader
- sinker
- Bait
- bait runners
In this video, we’ll show you how to set up your surf fishing rig so that you can start catching fish right away. We’ll cover everything from the basics, like choosing the right surf rod and reel, to more advanced techniques like using bait and lures.
What is the most excellent Time of Day for surfing Fishing? (Secrets of Surf Fishing at Night)
Now that you know all about the equipment you’ll need and the best lures to use, it’s time to start thinking about when to fish.
The best times to surf fish at night vary depending on the tides and the season. In general, though, you’ll want to fish during high tide and summer months.
This is because fish are more active during these times, which increases your chances of making a catch.
What Are the Risks of Surf Fishing at Night?
While night fishing can be a gratifying experience, it’s essential to be aware of its risks.
- The most dangerous risk of night fishing is getting swept away by a giant wave. This can happen quickly, and without warning, so it’s essential to be vigilant.
- Another risk to consider is getting bitten by a shark. While this is relatively rare, it’s still something to be aware of if you’re fishing in shark-infested waters.
- Lastly, always let somebody knows where you’re going and when you’ll be back. This is important in case something happens and you need to be rescued.
With all of that being said, night fishing can be an enjoyable and productive way to spend an evening. Just be sure to take the necessary protections, and you’ll have a great time.
Is It Better to Go surf Fishing at Night or during the Day?
The direct answer to this question largely depends on your personal preferences. Some anglers believe that night fishing is more productive because fish are more active during this time.
Others prefer daytime fishing because they enjoy fishing and the experience of being out in the daylight. Ultimately, the best time to go fishing is whenever you can fit it into your schedule.
Do Saltwater Fish Bite at Night?
The quick answer is yes, saltwater fish bite at night. Nighttime is the best time to catch some fish! So if you’re out at sea and see a lot of Saltwater Fish feeding patterns in one area, don’t be surprised.
It may have been more active after dark – especially snappers who seem very eager when it comes down right then, and their food isn’t always easy to come by, so I think these guys are hungry.
Not only that, but their color makes them look delicious, too, which makes us humans want to take up residence near any place where lots can quickly get into our nets or onto our hooks.
Best Bait for Night Fishing Saltwater
If you’re fishing for saltwater fish at night, the best bait is live bait. Many fish kinds are more likely to bite at live bait than artificial lures.
Some of the best live baits for saltwater fishing include shrimp, crabs, and minnows. You can purchase live bait at most bait and tackle shops.
If you’re having trouble finding live bait, you can also try using frozen bait. This is not as effective as live bait, but it can still be successful in some cases.
What Do You Fish for at Night in the Ocean?
Some of the best fish to target at night in the ocean include snapper, grouper, and flounder. These fish are all relatively easy to catch and make for delicious eating.
Other fish caught at night in the ocean include tuna, swordfish, and marlin. These fish are more challenging to catch, but they’re worth the effort if you’re up for a challenge.
What’s the Better Way to Light Up a Night Fishing Trip?
The best way to light up a night fishing trip is with a lantern. Lanterns provide ample light for you to see what you’re doing, and they also help attract fish to your area.
You can purchase lanterns at most bait and tackle shops. Get a lantern designed explicitly for use on boats, as these lanterns are usually the brightest and most durable.
Do Lights Attract Fish When Night Fishing?
Lights attract fish when night fishing, but they don’t necessarily attract all types of fish. For example, most bottom-dwelling fish are attracted to lights, while pelagic fish are typically not.
It’s important to know what kind of fish you’re targeting before you start using lights. Otherwise, you may attract the wrong kind of fish to your area.
Surf Fishing Lights
Fishing at night can be especially tricky, as it’s hard to see what you’re doing and where the fish are. You might not even know what kind of fish you’re trying to catch!
Bring a surf fishing light with you and make your trip easier. Our top-rated fishing lights will help you see where the fish are so that you can cast your line in their direction.
- 【Perfect For Night Fishing】Made of plastic clip and dual...
- 【Sensitive Bell】Just clip the bell to your fishing rod, Once...
- 【Use Alone Or in Combo】The clip is solid and enduring,...
- 【Important Remind】The method of using fishing lights is as...
- Package Includes: you will receive 9 pieces of fishing glow...
- Easy to Use: you only need to install a battery on the glow stick...
- Reliable and Safe: fishing lights are suitable for fishing rods...
- Long Lasting Light: night fishing lights can light for 10-12...
- Package Includes: You will receive 8 fishing glow sticks,...
- Long lasting Light: LED electronic glow sticks last longer than...
- Highly Visiblity: The small glow sticks shine intensely and...
- Clip-on Design: The LED light stick has a buckle to lock it...
- Energy save system gives battery extra long life
- Visible up to 100m ; Waterproof design; Intelligent motion sensor
- Automatically turns on when attached to rod tip
- Supplied with two attachment clips 3mm and 5mm so it will fit on...
- High-Performance: This deep drop fishing light flashes brightly...
- Durable PC Material Shell: Constructed with a high-quality...
- Water-Activated LED: With auto-on LED lights, these diamond...
- 360 Hours Long-Lasting: The underwater light can last up to 360...
- BACK IN STOCK!!
- Bill Varney Jr. (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
- 179 Pages - 01/01/2015 (Publication Date) - Bill Varney...
- Because of its brightness and small mass of material, it is easy...
- Due to the unique chimeric design, the fluorescent rod is not...
- There is a certain gap between the buckle and the rod, which will...
- The lighting time is 30 hours, which can meet all night fishing
- Green Steady-On LIGHT - LED fishing light shines light 360...
- DURABLE - Waterproof fish light is made of ABS material,...
- EASY TO USE - Underwater fishing light would bright when put into...
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- 【Super Bright】This 18w underwater fishing light has 72 pcs...
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- SAMDO Fishing Lights Wide application range: It can be used for...
- SAMDO Underwater Fishing Light can be used for light cover net,...
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Surf Fishing at Night Gulf Shores
Gulf Shores is a popular destination for surf fishing, and there are plenty of places to do it. The best time to go surfing fishing is at night when the fish are more active.
Bring a surf fishing light with you to see where the fish are and what they’re biting.
Surf Fishing at Night California
California is another popular destination for surf fishing. The best time to go surfing fishing in California is at night when the fish are more active.
As with Gulf Shores, be sure to bring a surf fishing light so you can see where the catch is and what they’re biting.
Can You Fish Florida Beaches at Night? (Surf Fishing at Night, Florida)
The answer is yes! Florida is an excellent place for surf fishing; You can fish at night. The ability to catch different fish species in cooler weather and among a quieter crowd are just two good reasons you might want to try it out soon.
Before you go out, you should check the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission’s website for current rules and regulations.
What Is the Best Bait for Surf Fishing?
Sand fleas are a typical food for fish in the surf. They have been said to be “the best bait” and can easily match anything you’re looking to catch with their irresistible taste!
According to your preferences, other things that make great alternatives include live shrimp, fiddler crabs, or freshly peeled shrimps. When it comes down right here, what will work at any time of year-round is an essential part of being prepared; shouldn’t one expect this from themselves?
Best Bait for Night Surf Fishing
The best bait for night surf fishing is live shrimp. Shrimp is a common food for fish in the surf, and they’re relatively easy to catch. You can also use fiddler crabs or freshly peeled shrimp as bait.
Fishing at night can be fun, but it’s hard to know what bait to use. There are so many kinds of bait that it can be hard to know which one is best for the type of fishing you want.
We’ve got you covered. Check out our best bait for night surf fishing list and start reeling in those fish!
- WARNING - Do not mix any truscend shrimp lures with other...
- REALISTIC ACTION - TRUSCEND shrimp features a segmented body that...
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- Made of high quality soft PVC , 5 Pcs/3 Colors , can be used both...
- BKK Hook , Built-in Lead Blocks , Can swim slowly like real crab...
- Simulated Crab design , 3D simulation crab shape,looks like a...
- Lifelike appearance . Top saltwater colors , Air filled claws for...
- This floating pinched crawler bait is great for trout and panfish
- Smaller presentation when fish are less likely to bite a larger...
- Curved profile provides lifelike action when twitched or shaken
- Available in nightcrawler color
- 【Premium Fishing Tackle Kit】- PLUSINNO high-quality fishing...
- 【Variety of Lures Combination】- The 302 pieces fishing baits...
- 【High Quality Material】- The lifelike design minnow, popper,...
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Do Surf Perch Eat at Night?
Surfperch are nocturnal feeders, so they’ll look for food at night. The best bait to use for surf perch is live shrimp. You can also use fiddler crabs or freshly peeled shrimp as bait.
What Weight Should I Use for Surf Fishing?
The best weight to use for surf fishing is 8-12 ounces. This will help keep your bait in the water and prevent it from blowing away by the wind.
It is always greater to err on the side of awareness when casting. Minimum weight, as anything lighter, will fail in strong waves unless there’s no wind or current movement!
Lighter leads can still give great results if you don’t have any problems with your line staying steady and nothing moving at all.
Make sure not to get too light-weighted so that it begins spinning around before getting into position ready for release (which means spending more time worrying about setting up).
- Pyramid fishing weights are triangular in shape and are excellent...
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- When chasing for catfish, or holding your live baits for bass,...
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- Fine Workmanship: the sputnik sinker is die cast at low...
- Considerate Design: with the design of 4 stainless steel legs,...
What Is the Main Difference Between Surf Fishing and Pier Fishing?
Pier fishing is a type of fishing that is done from the pier. Surf fishing is a kind of fishing that is done from the shore.
Pier fishing is a great idea to fish if you don’t have a boat. You can fish from the pier and still catch a lot of fish. Surf people fishing is also a great way to fish with family and friends.
Can You Fish at Night in the Outer Banks?
Yes, you can fish at night in the Outer Banks. The best time to fish is during the summer months when the water is warm, and the fish are active.
Conclusion
Surf fishing at night can be a blast, but it’s essential to do it right. Make sure you have the proper gear, know what you’re doing, and are aware of the dangers. With some preparation, you can make the best out of your next surf fishing trip under the stars!
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