bass at night

Tips For Night Fishing For Bass | Know Before You Go

Written by N1 Outdoors on . Posted in Blog, Fishing

When it comes to fishing, the tug on the other end of that line can be a rush like no other.

It’s also a great way to find some much-needed solitude.

But, maybe you want to take the challenge of fishing to a whole new level and of solitude?

Well, then there’s night fishing.

lake at dusk

Looking for a new challenge to bass fishing? The sun going down doesn’t have to be the end of the bass fishing…. How about trying fishing for them at night!

Night fishing can be a great way to get away from the crowds and find and even more peaceful setting than daytime fishing offers.

And, what better freshwater species to night fish for than America’s most popular freshwater species… bass!

Night fishing for bass can be difficult for inexperienced and beginner anglers. Let’s cover several tips to help you make the most of your night fishing trips for bass.  

Bring The Right Equipment 

Bass can be a challenging fish to catch, and especially at night. That’s why it’s so important to make sure you bring the right fishing tools when you head out for a night fishing trip.

Get a good-quality fishing rod and reel. Bass are known for being strong fighters, so you’ll need a rod to handle their weight and power. 

man holding bass at night

Whether day or night, you want to land the fish! Having a smooth drag on your bass fishing rod is helpful in avoiding line breaks from things you may not be able to see as well when casting/reeling. (photo credit: Blake Jackson)

Since you’ll be fishing in low light conditions, you’ll want a reel with a smooth drag system to avoid any line breaks.

A baitcasting reel can be a good option for night fishing, as it will give you more accuracy when casting. Spinning reels can also be used, but your casting accuracy may be decreased.

It may seem obvious, but lighting is a must for doing bass night fighting. For starters, a high-quality rechargeable flashlight is essential for seeing your lure and line and spotting any fish that may be lurking in the shadows. Another good lighting option is a headlamp as it frees up your hands and allows you to move around more easily. 

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There are a few other helpful tools you can take on your night fishing adventure. A pair of pliers or sharp utility knives is another must-have, as they come in handy for removing hooks from fish mouths and cutting lines.

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Pick An Optimal Fishing Spot 

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of reeling in a big one under the stars. However, finding the right spot to fish at night can also be challenging. Here are a few tips to help you choose an optimal fishing spot when night fishing for bass:

  • Look for areas with lots of structure, such as docks, piers, and submerged logs or rocks. Bass love to hide in these areas.
  • Scout for areas with plenty of baitfish. Bass are predators, so they’ll be inclined to spend time in areas where there’s plenty of food.
  • Avoid locations with high boat traffic, as the noise can scare fish away.
  • In windy conditions, bass may chase baitfish into calmer, protected areas. However always use extreme caution if fishing in windy conditions from a boat, especially in the dark. If there are high winds, it may be best to stay home.
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Choose The Right Light 

Suppose you want to increase your chances of success when night fishing for bass. It’s essential to pick the appropriate light device. Many anglers use a powerful spotlight to illuminate the water, but this can have a negative effect on your catch rate. The bright light can scare off fish, making it difficult to see your line. 

A better option is to use a dim red light. This will allow you to see just enough to keep track of your line without disturbing the fish.

night fishing boat with red and green leds

Night fishing LED lights can help your line/lure glow (photo credit: Bill Walker)

You can also try using a black lights or night fishing LEDs for your boat, which will cause your lure as well as monofilament line to glow in the dark, helping you attract fish without a bright light.

Whichever light you choose, make sure you keep it on a low illumination setting, so as not to scare away the fish. 

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Fish Under The “Right” Weather Conditions 

Night fishing for bass can be incredibly productive if the conditions are right.

Fish are notoriously sensitive to changes in barometric pressure. They tend to bite best when the pressure is falling. So, just before a front moves through can really get the fish feeding.

storm on lake

A falling barometer often puts fish into feeding mode. So, the “right” weather for your night fishing trip could be right before a front moves in.

Stable barometric pressure can also produce good results, while high barometric pressure is less desirable.

High winds can create waves that make it challenging to keep your boat stable. Low light/darkness compounds the risk. So, if there are high winds, consider staying at home.

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Use The Correct Kind Of Lure 

When it comes to night fishing for bass, it’s essential to use the right kind of lure. Of course, live bait like shad are always a good option.

Artificial lures that mimic the appearance and movement of small fish or insects can be effective as well.  

One type of lure that can be particularly effective for night fishing is a jigging spoon. Jigging spoons are designed for swimming in a jerky motion that imitates the movements of a wounded baitfish.

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buzzbait topwater bass lure

Buzz baits, large plastic worms and jigging spoons can all be good options to try when night fishing for bass.

Another good option is a swimming minnow lure, which can be worked similarly to create a lifelike presentation. 

Darker lures can create a more defined outline against the light of a night sky. Also, lures with glitter or reflective material can be beneficial in giving a lure a life-like reflection from a moonlit sky.

Large plastic worms and buzz baits can also be a good choice for night fishing as well.

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Stay Focused 

With the darkness of the night adding another challenging component to bass fishing, it’s a must to always have a good head on your shoulders. So, avoid distractions and stay focused and safe from the minute the boat goes in the water until you get home.

boat ramp at night

Darkness can create a whole new set of challenges when navigating the waters. Always stay focused!

Don’t let your mind wander while you’re waiting for that next bite. Keep a laser-target focus on your line to spot signs that a bass has taken bait/lure so you can put a hook N1!

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Final Thoughts On Nighttime Bass Fishing 

Night fishing for bass can be a great way to catch big bass. By following the tips above, you can increase your chances of success.

Fishing is also about learning, so be sure to check with anglers in your area to get any tips you can regarding fishing local waters. Advice from locals can be invaluable and save you tons of time figuring out what someone with experience in that area may be able to tell you.

We hope you put a hook N1!  

e-bike vs regular bike

E-Bikes vs. Regular Bikes: What’s The Difference And Which Is Better?

Written by N1 Outdoors on . Posted in Biking, Blog

Are you planning to buy a bike? When purchasing a new bike, you’ll have two main categories to choose from: an electric bike or a regular bike.

An electric bike, also known as an e-bike, works similarly to a motorcycle, but it doesn’t run on gas. Instead, as the name suggests, its primary power source is electricity, which makes it more sustainable and eco-friendly.

rambo electric hunting bike

So, what’s the difference between an electric bike like this and a regular bike? Well, keep reading!

On the other hand, a regular bike is the traditional pedal-assisted bike that has been rolling on for a couple of centuries. It has two built-in pedals that require continuous forward rotation to move. It’s popular for use in fitness goals, sporting events, and recreational riding.

Price is not the only factor to consider when choosing between a regular bike and an e-bike. This article will guide you to help you decide which bike is better for you and your riding purposes. 

When choosing between an electric or regular pedal-assisted bike, price is probably one of the first things you’ll consider.

Electric bikes are more expensive than regular bikes, but that doesn’t mean you have to be rich to pay for them. You can check out out your local bike stores for an affordable electric bike fit for your budget.

What Are The Differences Between Electric Bikes And Regular Bikes?

Aside from the price, there are many things you should consider before deciding which one is better. We’ll cover these below…

Bike Parts

The most common difference you’ll probably notice between an electric and regular bike is their parts and mechanisms.

Unlike regular bikes, electric bikes have more complex parts and features, including a motor, battery, controls, sensors, and display.

  • Motor: This part provides additional power to boost your pedaling.
  • Battery: This is the main power source of an electric bike. If it drains, its features won’t work. Luckily, it’s easy to charge. All you need to do is remove the battery from its casing and charge it using the socket.
  • Controls: These may include small buttons usually found on the handlebars that enable you to adjust your bike’s power levels and functions.
  • Sensors: These provide instructions to the motor if you need assistance when pedaling.
  • Display: This shows important details regarding your electric bike, including the battery levels, distance traveled, speed, etc.  
buzz centris electronic controller

An example of an e-bike display.

buzz centris thumb throttle

An example of an e-bike thumb throttle.

buzz centris rear hub motor

An example of an e-bike hub motor.

Some parts and features may be different, depending on the brand and type of electric bike you choose. For example, on some advanced electric bikes, the controls can be integrated into the display bar.

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Bike Maintenance And Repairs

Some of the maintenance and repairs that may apply to e-bikes is the same for traditional bikes. Components such as handlebars, body, chains, wheels, bike seat, and brakes tend to be similar, if not the same on both electric bicycles and traditional bikes. Also, the cost of maintaining and repairing these parts may be the same.

bicycle chain

Certain components of both e-bikes and regular bikes are similar or the same, such as the chain.

However, when it comes to maintenance and repairs, an electric bike may yield more issues than a regular bike. It has multiple mechanisms and complex components needed to maintain and repair (if necessary), unlike most traditional bikes. 

bike handlebars

While items such as handlebars are similar and fairly easy to maintain and repair on both e-bikes and regular bikes, screen displays and other electronic components can be costly to replace/repair and may require the expertise of a professional.

If there’s something wrong with the electric motor system of your e-bike, you’ll need a professional e-bike specialist to fix the damage, which can be expensive. But, as long as you take good care of an electric bike, you’ll be able to prevent most of these types of headaches.

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Riding Experience

Now, you may be wondering, how is riding an electric bike different from a regular bike, and how does it feel?

Well, using an electric bike is almost the same as your ordinary bike. However, many believe that it’s more fun to ride one than any other bike and that fun starts when you get that pedal moving!

man riding e-bike

Pedaling is the same on an e-bike as on a traditional bike… just much easier!

When you start pedaling an e-bike, the sensors and motor system will begin functioning. At first, you wouldn’t notice any change until everything seems to become a bit relaxed.

Also, electric bikes don’t change how biking works. Instead, it makes the process of pedaling much easier to perform. 

An electric bike allows you to move along without exerting much effort and force on the pedals. This limits the amount of exertion needed to get to your destination. You’ll be able to reach the tops of the hills without feeling excessively tired, exhausted, or out of breath.

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man on electric bike on mountain top

The pedal assistance provided by electric bikes reduces the amount of exertion it can take to reach your destination.

Electric bikes also have adjustable pedal assistance. If you change the support to low, pedaling may require more effort. It’ll be more tiring and exhausting than usual. But if you set the settings to maximum, the pedaling will be much quicker and easier, and you’ll never be tired.

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Speed

Because of the e-bikes’ powerful pedal assistance, does it mean that they can go much faster you’re your traditional bikes? The answer depends on the type of electric bike you’ll use. 

The average maximum speed of most electric bikes is 25 km per hour (15.5 mi per hour).

man riding e-bike in sand

The top speed of an e-bike is dependent on motor power, rider weight and riding surface.

Some electric bikes, depending on the makeup and steepness of the riding surface, can reach speeds of 20+ MPH.

Going faster than this on most e-bikes will make the internal motor system stop functioning, and you’ll have no choice but to rely on pedaling alone to make it run. But, it doesn’t mean it’s broken.

The electric motor system of an e-bike is programmed to stop once it senses that you’re going too fast.

Nevertheless, an electric bike may provide more speed in normal circumstances, such as riding a bike to work or for leisure and quality time. Also, it helps you get back to your speed once you stop, making your travel time shorter.

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Which Is Better? E-Bike or Regular Bike?

The better option between electric and regular bikes is the one that suits your needs most.

If you plan on using a bike for your daily work commute, an electric bike may be the better option. With its pedal assistance, you’ll be able to maintain a constant speed even after making numerous brakes and stops. 

man on mountain with bike

If you’re looking for higher intensity riding and typically a lower price tag, a regular bike will be the way to go.

But, if your goal is to pump your adrenaline and get a good work out, a regular bike may be best for you. It doesn’t have any support and will only rely on pure pedal power to work, which means you’ll be working harder. 

Also, if you’re tight on budget, it’d be best to go for a regular bike instead. It doesn’t have an electrical system, which may help you save tons of money in the long run. And you can likely make basic repairs yourself without the need for a professional bike specialist.

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Final Thoughts On E-Bikes vs. Regular Bikes

When choosing a bike, you’re often left with two options; electric and regular bikes.

As mentioned above, the right choice highly depends on your needs. If you don’t have to enter or participate in any fitness event, an electric bike may be a good option.

If fitness is your primary objective, a regular bike might be the best choice.

Regardless of which one you choose, get out there and bike and enjoy creation!

man skiing in snow with hunting gun

Don’t Let The Cold Win! | How To Layer Clothing For Winter

There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing for the conditions.

While you might think you only need a warm jacket when venturing into the great outdoors to go hunting or fishing during the cooler months, there can be much more involved in keeping yourself warm and comfortable. 

man drilling hole for ice fishing

Hunting, fishing or camping in the cold weather requires a knowledge of how to best layer clothing so that you can stay warm.

When the time comes to plan your next hunting trip into the wilderness, take a moment to consider the following information, so that you can learn all about how to layer winter clothing to feel comfortable enough to explore all that nature has to offer. 

How to Remain Warm in the Great Outdoors

When you put on warm clothing to head outside, your goal should always be to manage moisture, maintain your heat level for comfort, and create a barrier between the elements and your skin. 

man walking to box stand in snow

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Not all cold-winter clothing is created equal. So, purchasing high-quality outdoor garments from well-known companies like Kryptek and others is a critical component of remaining warm in the great outdoors, but it’s also helpful to understand the science behind retaining your body heat to know how to wear your clothing appropriately. 

mule deer standing in the snow

You may not have the anatomy of a deer to keep you warm in cold conditions, but you can learn to layer clothing in a manner that protects you from the elements.

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A deer has many interesting aspects of its anatomy

During winter, you’re often faced with many challenging elements, such as wind, rain, and cold temperatures. Heat is easily transferred from your body into the environment, and it’s easier to lose heat than it is to retain it. 

So, whether you’re ice fishing or hunting, you need to have knowledge of how sweat affects your body and heat levels. Body heat can be pulled away from your body much faster when it’s wet with perspiration than if it were dry. 

Prevent Moisture to Stay Warm

One of the best ways to stay warm, regardless of how you layer your clothing, is by being cold before you begin your hunting trip in earnest. If you add all your winter layers and then stand in front of a heater before venturing outside, you might start sweating and lose much-needed body heat.   

moisture

Moisture is the enemy when it comes to staying warm in colder weather, as it robs you of body heat.

So, as challenging as it might be to immediately venture outside to start hiking once you’ve put on your multiple layers, it can be essential for giving your body the best chance of retaining its heat. 

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Layer Your Winter Hunting Clothing Strategically

When you’re trying to dress warmly in cold weather, it can sometimes feel like you have to pack an entire closet full of clothing when you go on a winter hunting adventure or that you have to wear multiple layers until you’re no longer comfortable.

However, if you apply the right layering strategy, you might be surprised at how easy it can be to prepare for an outdoor trip. 

Before heading out, read up on the weather conditions you can expect. This allows you to take all necessary precautions with supplies and provides insight into the type of clothing you need to take with you and what to wear when you set off. 

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You’ll need to continually layer up and down on most hunting trips. Take note of how your body is feeling, and when you’re feeling too warm, take off a layer before you start sweating. 

If weather conditions change and rain or snow sets in, you can add more layers from your hunting backpack, including a waterproof jacket to keep your mid layers warm and retain your body heat. Weather conditions can change rapidly, so you may be layering up and down throughout your hunting trip. 

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Adopt the W.I.S.E System

If you’re new to hunting, it may not be immediately apparent which clothing you should buy to remain warm, dry, and comfortable.

However, you might have a much easier shopping experience when you familiarize yourself with the W.I.S.E system. This system involves:

  • Wicking – Next-to-skin base layers
  • Insulating – Mid layers, such as fleece or a down jacket
  • Sheltering – Rain jacket and rain pants
  • Extra – Additional layers in case of an emergency, such as an unexpected snowstorm  
layering WISE system

The W.I.S.E system will give you a fundamental understanding of the basic garments to purchase, but don’t forget to buy wool socks, waterproof boots, hats, and gloves. 

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Choose Your Base Layer

Now that you’re aware of the garments you require for the W.I.S.E system, you can learn more about each layer and how it contributes to your overall warmth, dryness, and comfort.

A base layer is a snug-fitting set of garments designed to wick sweat away from your skin to keep you dry. 

base layer

When choosing a base layer, go with wool, silk or synthetics, rather than cotton (photo credit: Wikihow.com)

While cotton can be a preference for everyday wear, it’s less suitable for outdoor activities like hunting.

Instead, opt for base layers featuring wool, silk, or synthetic fabrics. Your top base layer can be a long or short-sleeve shirt and leggings with these materials, paired with a high-quality pair of synthetic or wool socks. 

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Choose Your Insulating Layer

Equally as important as your base layer is your insulating layer. This layer prevents the outdoor environment from taking your much-needed body heat.

insualting layer

The insulating layer will help maintain valuable body heat while in the cold weather. (photo credit Wikihow.com)

Typically, you would wear a wool or microfleece top, a puffer jacket, and fleece leggings. You can also pair your insulating layer with a wool or fleece hat and neck gaiter, glove liners, and insulating socks. 

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Choose Your Sheltering Layer

If you are going on a hunting or fishing trip, you certainly like to see favorable weather conditions. However, weather conditions can certainly change, and sometimes rapidly.

sheltering layer

Wearing a sheltering layer is critical in protecting the insulating layer underneath. (photo credit: Wikihow.com)

You might be caught out in the rain or snow when you least expect it, and you need to protect your insulating layer at all costs.

Pack a sheltering layer, and you can be prepared for any eventuality. Typically, this layer consists of a pair of rain pants and a rain jacket, both of which need to be waterproof to remain effective. 

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Best Materials for Winter Outdoor Clothing

When there are so many different types of outdoor and hunting clothing for sale, it can be hard to know what will be the most comfortable and practical. While there are many desirable options, some stand out more than others. 

For example, merino wool, a natural fiber sourced from sheep, is a moisture-wicking base layer that is odor-resistant and temperature regulating.

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snow on evergreen trees

When adventuring outdoors in colder weather, merino wool is a great moisture wicking base layer that is also odor resistant.

You might also consider synthetic fleece as a mid layer option, which is both affordable and warm. Although, it’s not an ideal wind-resistant layer. 

Synthetic and down jackets can be an effective insulating mid layer, while nylon is ideal for keeping you dry. Some manufacturers create special membranes for nylon to form waterproof jackets for winter use. 

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Final Thoughts On Layer Clothing For Cold Weather

Layering winter clothing is an integral part of preparing for any outdoor adventure or hunting trip.

so, before you begin planning your next trip, take the time to make sure you’ve got a full closet of winter options to keep you warm, dry, and protected from the elements.

Remember the W.I.S.E. system and have fun outdoors!