Bart from Texas hit it on the nose. Just about the time you think nothing is out there in the dark water...WHAM!!!
I picked up a beautiful bucketmouth out at Chapman Lake fishing a popper on a flyrod. It was completely dark, except for the starlight. I couldn't see the strike, but my rod sure reacted fast! He vaulted out of the water three times and I had to land him by flashlight. Bass cruise the shoreline in the evening looking for frogs, injured fish, ducklings, etc. They are ferocious hunters. The noise thing is really the key. Random twitches and pauses are important.
If you want to raise the excitement level a bit, find a lake that has Northern Pike in it and follow the same tactics. You may want to have an extra pair of shorts with you though.
Have fun and let us know how you made out.