My night fishing takes place on one lake. The reasons are safety and success. It is advisable to fish after dark, only on a body of water that you know well. This not only cuts down on time searching for productive areas but the aforementioned reason of safety. A lake at night, even a familiar one, takes on a new appearance.
Shorelines appear more distant and waters seem deeper.
To motor on a dark night, it is essential to know the area thoroughly. For most anglers on their home body of water this is not a problem. Explore new lakes in daylight, before making a night launch. It also pays to know the area in case of a sudden storm. To have to look for shelter in the eve of a thunderstorm is neither fun nor wise.