Night Fishing Advice

[shimanoguy]

Looking to go night fishing and was wondering what is a good light to have on the boat. I know they have some flashlights that are supposed to be super bright but its hard to tell if they really are. Anyone know of any good bright flashlights/spotlights? I am tired of scorching in the heat and want to see what all the fuss is about night fishing. Thanks in advance!

 

[31airborne]

Lots of inexpensive solutions out there for hi-intensity beams. Some of them mount onto the TM. very easy to install, operate. That said . . .

Be careful about what you use and how you use it. Boat drivers will be blinded by any strong source of light. It's not unlike driving down the highway head on w/ the dood who has his hi-beams on. This is more of a safety issue than it is a courtesy issue. The most important lighting you'll need to focus on IMHO is the running lights. Recommend going w/ LED. You want to do everything you can to ensure other boaters see you while you're fishing. A blacklight or two can be helpful w/ tracking, seeing your line. Blacklight is also visible for a fairly good way without blinding folks.

Lastly - and this has nothing to do w/ lights - stay alert, stay alive. The biggest challenge you'll have to contend with is other boaters. You're counting on everyone to be as proactively safe as you are. This isn't always the case. Keep an ear out for boat traffic. If a boat starts to get a lil close then would be an appropriate time to flash them w/ that hi-beam. Might wanna keep an air horn handy, too.

 

[shimanoguy]

31airborne - 7/31/2018 1:44 PM

Lots of inexpensive solutions out there for hi-intensity beams. Some of them mount onto the TM. very easy to install, operate. That said . . .

Be careful about what you use and how you use it. Boat drivers will be blinded by any strong source of light. It's not unlike driving down the highway head on w/ the dood who has his hi-beams on. This is more of a safety issue than it is a courtesy issue. The most important lighting you'll need to focus on IMHO is the running lights. Recommend going w/ LED. You want to do everything you can to ensure other boaters see you while you're fishing. A blacklight or two can be helpful w/ tracking, seeing your line. Blacklight is also visible for a fairly good way without blinding folks.

Lastly - and this has nothing to do w/ lights - stay alert, stay alive. The biggest challenge you'll have to contend with is other boaters. You're counting on everyone to be as proactively safe as you are. This isn't always the case. Keep an ear out for boat traffic. If a boat starts to get a lil close then would be an appropriate time to flash them w/ that hi-beam. Might wanna keep an air horn handy, too.

I guess I sounded like a newbie in that post. Wasn't looking for safety tips or how to boat, but I do appreciate you mentioning all of that as safety is a huge deal to me. Just looking for a bright light. I have enough common sense to know how and when to use it. I appreciate your input though!

 

[VolsFan24]

I have a cheap battery powered hand held spot light. I believe the brand is Stanley. Works great. Only turns on when holding the trigger

 

[Mr. S]

This is what I use.

https://www.amazon.com/Brand-Waypoi...&keywords=streamlight+recharable+LED+Waypoint

Stationary lights are OK, makes finding buoys a little more difficult. With a hand held you can search the area easily. Black lights help you see your line at night if your using a florescent blue line like Stren. For rigging, if you don't have compartment lighting, I just use a head lamp of choice.

 

[Hook1]

I use a handheld rechargeable spot light and only use it momentarily to spot buoys. I also keep a headlamp handy for tying and just getting around in the boat. As far as safety goes, all of the above advice was good. The thing I have a hard time with is when a boat is out in open water with a background like a marina or parking area that has several lights. You wouldn’t think so but a boat will blend right into the background so just stay focused and run a little slower.

 

[Thomn8r]

10-4 dat! Coming out of Piney River,running moderate speed,discovered that house light on the far bank of Watts Bar I was using to keep my bearings was actually a small houseboat going in the same direction. Just got a glimpse with my spotlight about 50 yards away. Moderate immediately became slower speed.??