Become a neat freak and stow away all but the essential equipment and gear before heading out to your first spot. As a last tip, make sure that you have packed the Deep Woods. The after dark bug bite can be as ferocious as the bass bite. A final note involves etiquette and the image we project as anglers. If you fish shorelines on populated lakes and rivers after dark, be prepared to field some pointed questions from cottagers and permanent residents.
Thieves often take advantage of darkness to steal everything from water skis to boats and motors.
When fishing after dark, I have been challenged innumerable times by very concerned property owners. Understandingly wanting to know who I was and what was I doing around their shoreline in the wee small hours. Bite your tongue and be polite. Cottagers and residents have every right to check out boats that are close to their docks and property, the same way you or I would check out a vehicle that pulls into our driveway after dark. Fishing bass on the night shift isn't for the faint of heart.