Thread: Night Stalk set up for boat suggestions

If I'm going then I want security around my boat so no one will be getting my real secret super duper crappie catching technique. Well I'll make it easy for some of you that won't believe this anyway. I use number one Mustad circle hooks. Fish don't swallow them very often and when perch get in the mist they aren't getting away easy with just my minnow. Laugh all you want to but using gold number 2 and 4 hooks gets you more gut hook ups that my circle hooks. Don't believe me give it a try! Also, I use a split shot that is round and not with ears on it. Round prevent your line from twisting up when reeled in when fished in deeper water. Another thing I do sometimes is I'll mark my line at 15 foot with a marker to have a preset depth to start off with and then adjust when needed to a higher or lower. Sounds dumb but it helps !

One important thing (to me) that hasnt been mentioned is if you dont already have a graph with GPS then start saving for one. It doesnt have to be the biggest and most expensive one either. Just pick out one you can afford. It's like night and day once you have maps and can see where the creek channels are. I think alot of folks (most probably) are setting up along side the creek channels most of the time. Atleast I did when I night fished. It's a GREAT tool for getting back to the ramp safely in the middle of the night too. I'd hate to run the lake at night (or daytime) without one. Also, have more than one battery (your cranking battery) in your boat. I was set up with 4 rod holders per person with one submersible light. Nowadays you can get LED lights so one well charged battery would do for all your lighting IMO. For safety sake you can modify a regular drop cord and run it along the sides of your boat to each set of rod holders so you can "plug in" your submersibles and keeping all the cords off the floor of the boat (tripping hazards). Just use your imagination as you get into night stalking. After a couple trips I'm sure you will wanna change a few things. Good luck.

Check your water level in your batteries. Use distilled water to top off the levels. Check your PFD's for tears. Have a good light in the boat to see or find something. Anchor ropes rot so check them to make sure you don't lose your anchor in the mud or rocks. Don't take thing for granted take a good look at every little thing.