This is the best time to get out your night lights, bug repellent and black lights (if you use them), and head for the lake. The night time temps are much lower and the fish seem to be much more cooperative. But there are several things to consider before you go.

First, what lake will you fish? To me, that's easy. But there are several lakes I wouldn't be caught on after dark. Grand is my favorite - more than likely because I have grown up fishing Grand and am familiar with the lights and shorelines, making it much easier to navigate after dark.

Next, consider your equipment. Is the boat ready for 12 hours after dark? Make sure your batteries are fully charged; make sure your lights work properly; have your compass or GPS ready and within your reach; pick a location on the lake that will allow you plenty of good fishing after dark so you won't have to run unnecessarily to catch fish.

How about your tackle? Making sure your tackle is organized and you know its location in the boat goes a long way towards a successful night on the water. One trick I would like to share with you is to take a tall pill bottle with a screw-lock cap and place your worm hooks inside. Along with your hooks, keep several different sizes of worm weights inside as well. This makes it very easy to find your hooks and weights after breaking off the "big one". Stow rods you won't use after dark. It's much easier to get them out again if the occasion arises and at least they won't have collapsed guides from being stepped on by you or your partner. A spotlight is a piece of tackle most people don't consider as such. But if you become disoriented at night, it can be a life saver. Just don't shine it in the eyes of other boaters.

Carry a small, flexible beamed flashlight, preferably with a clip attached, and use it only when retying. They can also be used to find where your blind partner has gotten hung up!

A safety tip is in order here as well. Always let someone know when you will return, what part of the lake you'll be fishing and if at all possible, carry the dreaded cell phone on your night time adventures. It could be a blessing (see tip number 2, reference batteries !). Above all, wear your PFD and leave your lights on when fishing near heavily trafficked areas.

Make the night spent on the water an enjoyable one. Take the time to prepare your boat, your tackle and yourself before you go. It will be a lot more fun!