During the day, my floating rod pod is very quick to set up with a very small footprint while allowing me to access inaccessible areas. I invite you to consult two articles dedicated to this subject: A different approach to carp fishing from a boat thanks to the floating rod pod and How to make a floating rod pod?
This practice has however a very frustrating side because I don't count anymore the nights when I would have liked to stay. However, with this organization it is not possible and would be dangerous at night! My challenge consisted in finding a compromise between this approach so little constraining and the fishing in classic boat with all its logistical inconveniences which require to stay a long time if we do not want to be disgusted to use so much equipment!
The constraints
My first constraint is space. I might as well say that by my choice of boat (2m70), the space to spend a night is really limited. You have to sleep there, put your rods and have a little space to put one or two bags of necessities as well as some essential elements. On paper, it always seems simple but in action, you quickly realize the challenge that it represents!
This space constraint also concerns the volume available in the car. I also insist on the fact that everything has to be done on the spot (inflating the two boatsâeuros¦).
Places and approach
For my tests, I will practice on two places with very different topography. One has a very varied bottom with many obstacles. The other one is more uniform in depth with a lot of weeds. The first place has a very dense stock with few fish that stand out. The second has a rather restricted stock but the average weight is much higher. On the other hand they are both not very accessible from the shore. Fishing from a boat is a real plus. As for the approach, like this practice, I will practice an opportunistic fishing. No baiting in the short, medium or long term (too far from my home anyway). I will only use 20 and 24 mm boilies arranged in spots and sometimes associated with pop-ups for baiting. Here again, the limited space on board forces me to go to the essential and to make choices!
Safety in 8 points
Boat fishing, especially at night, should not be taken lightly.
- It must be practiced in places that allow it. The small size of the boats used makes this practice dangerous on large areas or on rivers with large flows.
- The weather should always be consulted before setting up to avoid getting into perilous conditions.
- The life jacket should not leave your side even when you sleep!
- Always let someone know your location.
- Always carry your phone with you (in a waterproof, floating case!). In case of vital need, it can save your life!
- I often repeat, you can wear neoprene waders. They will even help you to float! Boots are to be avoided completely!
- Be careful also with the handling of the fish! Indeed, the space is restricted I already said. Some gestures become delicate. So be careful and do not take a hook in the finger (or elsewhere) by unhooking the fish! There again on the water, by playing the balancing act, it can turn to drama!
- Don't forget to have at least one oar in the dinghy to get back to shore in case of emergency or engine damage.
Material organization
It must be irreproachable not only so that fishing does not become an ordeal but also for safety reasons. A bad organization would make this fishing of a few hours ineffective and totally prohibitive. Everything must be planned point by point. At night from the shore, a negligence is not very serious! In the middle of the water, the consequences could be quite different. It is not a question of scaring you, but prudence is required.
Sleep
For sleeping, I don't bother with a bedchair. I sleep in a "doggy style" on the honeycomb floor of my Partner 270. I add a self-inflating child's mattress to enhance the sleeping experience. Ideal! Then to compensate for the humidity, the possible cold or a little rain, I bring with me a tarpaulin and a blanket. I also protect myself with a Sensas umbrella placed in the bow. No question of putting a biwy in it! Too bulky, too long and too tedious to set up in such a small space! My engine mount is only used to install my rod pod (parallel position to save space). This way, I still have some space for one or two small luggage (waterproof is better!) and for the storage bags.
My Freeway 180 is equipped with a motor. It is used for fishing and for towing/positioning my 270. Inside are my echo, a box "small gear", baits, a plastic gaff (I will come back to this), a two strand landing net, a small anchor and the landing mat that I put on a board. Ah this board !? It makes me proud. I block it on my rod pod and when I catch a fish, I come to moor at the back of my 2,70m. I then put it on the back of my Freeway 180 to put my landing mat. In the bow of the boat, I handle the fish easily! Otherwise what a pain! The top, sincerely.
Oh, I forgot. I always install a small light on my 2.70m that I turn on before jumping into the 180. In case of fog and/or a very dark night, I can find my HQ very quickly! I also record my "Home" GPS point to make sure of it! Note that to navigate to the different spots, the "Go to" function of my Humminbird Helix 7 is simply brilliant!
And what about the Autochart (explanations in a future article).
The first tests
Arrived on the spot, I have to implement for the first time this device a little spartan let's admit it. Watch in hand, I am operational in 35 minutes which is quite correct.
I only have to anchor (in 3 points) where I want and fish ! I stretch my three lines and go back to my Partner 270. My night will be very agitated. I will catch 10 carps ! Frankly, it is sporting and rather exhausting! It is at the end of this first outing that I will bring some modifications. First of all, it is impossible to handle correctly the fish just with a landing mat. I had put it on the back of the Freeway 180 but without rigidity and at night, it's a real pain with a real risk for the fish but also for me (a hook in the finger and it's the drama!). It is here that my mobile board intervenes. Then, this last night was very wet. I had not planned a shelter over my head. I had to find a compact and quick system to set up. The Sensas umbrella attached to the bow with two/three bungee cords will do the trick. Let's not forget that this is fast boat fishing and not camping on the water.
And finally, there was one last problem to solve. The approach around the Partner 270 with my small boat was too uncertain and sometimes difficult to achieve and too long. This is where the plastic boat hook comes into play. At about one meter from the boat, it is then easy to hang on to any side in a very short time. A real guarantee of comfort and efficiency. Note that it is quite possible to take pictures from the boat by fixing the camera with a ball stand for example. On the other hand, in order to have correct photos, and when I will be alone, I will carry out the photos in the early morning once the edge regained!
Some changes
The few adjustments I made during the first session are a real plus. I will touch several more fish! I let you admire this nice mirror.
On the other hand, my material organization corresponds perfectly to my needs and requirements!
Last night on this first playground
During this night, I will finally touch a bigger fish in the middle of others much smaller.
This allows me to decide to move to the second place.
To another destination
Change of scene for a magical night! I will touch five fish among which a common and a mirror exceeding more than 15 kg.
What a joy! Note that even on big fish, my landing system with the board is perfect! It is easy to unhook such fish to perform all the usual manipulations. It was for me the real black point to solve.
Compactness, lightness and speed
I took an extraordinary pleasure to practice this opportunistic fishing on board my inflatable, at night. I succeeded in appropriating a concept which allows me to combine compactness, lightness and speed of implementation like my floating rod pod made by me. With this material organization, I am far away from the constraints generated by the classic fishing in boat that I also practice but which does not allow me to link short night sessions. I will finish on an important point for me. Only mild and pleasant weather conditions allow this kind of approach. And always be careful about the security aspect!
