Originally Posted by
ptn
I doubt you would get any information on spots but any beach that has fish during the day will produce at night too. I think the most effective bait would be anything with a scent like soaking macs/squid, or gulp products. I've caught fish at night with lures with action like big hammers, drop shot flukes, and hard baits. They can seem to feel the vibration coming from the lure and chase after them.
If you aren't comfortable fishing the surf during the day, then I wouldn't recommend going at night. It can be frustrating at night since it is more difficult to see. If you do go, definitely bring a flash light. You don't want to get knocked down and pulled in by a wave you can't see so I recommend to fish at a beach that has a breakwall or jetty protecting it since the waves will be a lot smaller. There will still be those sneaker, rogue waves that catch you during the day, so you will get caught off it at night.
Another con going at night to a spot you haven't checked out beforehand, is not being able to see the structure. It's hard/impossible to recognize it at night unless you already know it's there. Check out the sticky in the surf, harbor, bay section to learn how to surf fish. It is a great guide, and I suggest you get comfortable during the day before getting out at night. Check out old reports and research on this forum. If you do decide to go still, I hope you stay safe. It's pretty safe if you "long rod" it and soak macs/squid since you can just toss it out real quick and sit back in a safe area.
Good luck and I hope this helps. I'm not in anyway trying to discourage you from going but just letting you know that it can be dangerous at night and nature can be scary.
-Peter