Night Carp Fishing: Techniques and Tactics

Carp fishing at night may seem intimidating if you’ve never done it before, but with some preparation and the right gear, it can be an exciting new way to enjoy your fishing and spend even more time on the bank.

First, it’s crucial to distinguish between the occasional angler who plans to go night fishing once or twice a year and the weekend warrior who wants to do it every chance he gets. In the long run, it’s worth investing in items built to last and made specifically for the task at hand, but if you only plan on doing it occasionally, it’s not worth spending a lot of money on something that will sit in storage.

You should seek protection from the weather as a priority. A bivvy tent is explicitly created for fishing that can accommodate you, your bed chair (which we’ll discuss in more detail later), and your food, gear, and equipment. Countless varieties are available, ranging in price from £50.00 to £500.00. Some are small, while others are large and could fit a car. The smaller ones are ideal for one-night fishermen who don’t need to bring much gear. The larger ones are for long-stay sessions, such as a vacation overseas when two people might remain in one bivvy for two weeks, while the medium-sized ones are ideal for anglers who tend to fish for a couple of days/nights at a time. While it’s true that you get what you pay for, it’s still a good idea to shop around for the finest model for your needs and budget. After all, you never know if you’ll develop a fear of the dark and need something more powerful.

Then, a chair for use in bed is required. This more substantial variety of camping beds folds neatly and can be set up in under a minute. They may be put up on various surfaces thanks to their freely adjustable legs. The number of legs typically differentiates the broad types available. A four-legged chair is best for an angler with a leaner body, while a six-legged chair is preferable for someone needing more support and stability.

Then, you’ll want to invest in a quality sleeping bag. If you’re a serious angler, you can find loads that work for all four seasons by starting with a bulky one that’s ideal for the winter and then removing layers as the evenings get warmer in the summer. Again, these can be pretty expensive; however, a simple solution is to purchase a standard summer sleeping bag and pack a cheap camping sleeping bag from a website like eBay or a military surplus store inside to create additional heat layers.

For this task, you’ll also require illumination. I believe the fewer resources you have, the better your chances of success. Carp will avoid your part of the lake like the plague if it is lit up like Blackpool at night, and you might not win over the hearts and minds of the other anglers if they see your swim. Those that fish short overnighters like me typically only bring a handheld or headlamp torch for reading, building rigs, and cooking in the dark.

That’s about it; you need the standard carp equipment. If you plan on staying for an extended period, you’ll need to bring cooking equipment or a large quantity of food that can be eaten raw. When going for a night swim, the more gear you get, the more hassle it is to transport everything there and back again. A five-course dinner complete with a cheeseboard may sound like a great idea at home, but it’s a different story when you’re on the riverbank and must bring all the necessary cooking equipment. You may also find a great mess and KFS (knife, fork, and spoon) kits with everything you need in army surplus stores.

Clothing comes last but certainly isn’t the least. Always pack a few extra items of clothing in case you need them. Even if it’s a warm summer day when you leave the house for dinner, you’ll likely need a hoodie or coat to keep you warm, and in the winter, you’ll need a solid set of thermals. I also keep a clean change of clothes in the van for protection. Never again will I get caught in a rainstorm or, God forbid, fall headfirst into a body of water; it’s the worst feeling in the world to be drenched and forced to wait out the storm while shivering.

Finally, plan for how you’ll feel swimming in the dark. The enormous hole near the pool’s edge, or the uneven ground immediately before your rods, may not be as apparent as you come steaming out of your bivvy in the middle of the night to do a run. Also, when playing fish along the shore, ensure that your landing net and mats aren’t in the way but are still easily accessible. Always put your safety first, so look around your swim area before dusk to identify any potential problems you may have once it gets dark.

If you’ve never been night fishing before, it’s best to go with someone who has done it back so that they can aid and advise you as the session progresses. What are you waiting for? If you want to increase your chances of catching the fish of a lifetime, why not try night fishing? Please try it out.

A. Julian Grattidge

Carp fishing expert Julian Grattidge regularly shares his knowledge on anglersnet.co.uk. He enjoys various types of freshwater fishing, but carp fishing is his specialty. He resides in the United Kingdom.

His no-nonsense approach to carp fishing is well-received by both novice and seasoned carp anglers, and Julian is a significant contributor to the website.

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