1/2 Nights Spoiled or Just Best Time

[SM]

I read the reports here and it sounds like most guys just fish from sundown to 11 or midnight. Is there something to this? Is that the best time? Does the tide factor into it, or does the current override all that? Are you guys just spoiled ?

Out here in Socal, I'm trolling at night. I want to be out there in the zone on the slack high or low tide (1.5 hours either side) as that is when most action occurs on our big predator fish. I fish all night. So far it hasn't made a difference. I wish I could rack a couple in a half nighter, come home and get some sleep with a big on my face!

[FinalPoint]

It really depends who you ask. I don't know anybody that only fishes until 11 without a fish, that is early. Some people love staying out all night. In my opinion, if you can get some sleep and you already have a fish, why not go in? Also, people often fish on weeknights and have work the next day. The only way they will stay out late on those nights is if they are hooked into a fish for a long time. I must say though, swordfishing in southeast florida is pretty convenient, and a lot of fun.

[Captain Joe McGivern]

Steve on the charters as u know,i go in at 2.usually when i am fishing with no charter depending on what i have in the box i usually go home by 12 if i have one,and if not at least stay till 2. i have gone out at 12 and fished till sunup and caught fish.

[SM]

I porbably, no definitely phrased my question incorrectly. I'm really interested whether there was significance in the timing of when you guys depart on your trips, other than the obvious fish them during the dark thing. Is there a certain amount of time after darkness before the fish bite? Does the sun need to be fully down and the skies dark? Is there any correlation between the tides and when the fish bite? Is there a better moon phase?

Believe me, there is a lot of envy here with regard to your fishery
If we had your results out here in SoCal, it would get pounded. As it is, I can't buy a person to go with me and I'll cover all the costs. Right now the Humboldt squid is floating at night in the middle of the channel (Between the Coast and Catalina) which means old Xiphias must be around. Hope the weather is good this weekend. Better load up on No Doz and coffee. I am due!

[FinalPoint]

I understand now. For us it seems that moon is most important. I have only been doing this since april, but I have seen bites because of moon location multiple nights. Just before the moon breaks the bite seems to turn on. Some nights for an hour or more. Also when the moon gets straight overhead. I have never had success on a moonset, though, maybe others have. We of course like to get maximum fishing time so we are normally set up right at sunset regardless of moon. As for tides, I am not the one to give an answer. Get out there now though, especially if you see the squid in big numbers. The swords are definitely out there so give it a nightime shot, you could get lucky.