Rod handling when you are fishing in the evening or morning hours is key for one reason:

Fish sense food at night using "sense" rather than sight.

This is why it is so important to "pump" your rod to keep your bait kicking and create "motion" in the water.  Game fish will sense this, and it will stimulate more bites.  I guarantee it.

Seriously, never let your bait stand still for more than 30 seconds at a time.

One effective technique of doing this is to start with your bait about 15 feet down.  Lower it 5 feet at a time by first raising the pole high above your head, and then let that bait flutter down.

If you are fishing with lures.  Cast a surface lure to a promising  spot; let it float, then pop it gently.  If this doesn't immediately bring a strike, reel it along for several feet or pop it steadily to create a commotion on the surface.

Then slow your retrieve and bring the lure along.  You see, by causing a commotion early you may peak the interest of a game fish that will hone in on your position.  By slowing down later, you give the fish an
opportunity to locate and strike...
 

Gone Fishin',

quikfishing