Why is nighttime electrofishing sometimes preferred?

Nighttime electrofishing is often preferred because fish are usually less active and more concentrated in specific areas during the night. As daylight fades, many fish species tend to reduce their activity levels. This behavior makes them easier to capture since they are less likely to swim away quickly when exposed to an electrofishing stimulus. Additionally, at night, certain species may congregate in specific habitats or areas for feeding or shelter, further increasing the likelihood of successful captures.

The other options, while they may have some relevance in certain contexts, do not capture the primary reason for choosing nighttime electrofishing. For example, while lower water temperatures can affect fish behavior, they are not the main factor for the choice of timing during fishing. Similarly, although safety is always a concern, the risk of electric shock is not uniquely diminished at night compared to daytime operations. Thus, the concentration and reduced activity of fish at night fundamentally explain why this method is often favored in electrofishing practices.