Lighting solutions for night fishing

[CHOC]

Due to life and work, I would like to set my kayak up for more night fishing. What have you all done to address this? I’d prefer something easy to set up that doesn’t create clutter.

Thanks in advance!

[rwh]

Yakattak Visipole II with Scotty base mounted on the side of my milk crate, a good headlamp and a bright small maglite that fits into a sheath that attaches to my pfd.

I also have a strip of the Yakattack Nite Stripe going the full length of both sides of the kayak.

IMAG0144_zps25536cd8(2).jpg

https://www.paddlerscove.com/yak-attack-visipole-ii/

[silasvirus82]

SuperNova LEDs are what I opted for, and I'm really happy with them. They don't meet your criteria for easy setup, but they definitely create zero clutter. Concerning visibility and safety on the water, I think they are one of the better options. Since I rarely get to see myself, I'm basing that on others observations. I've fished with others that have light poles, and they are hard to spot unless you are very close. Reflective tape is really visible, but only if someone is shinning a light at you, which is not a safe bet. A headlamp and flashlight is a good suggestion, since they are directional. It's good to have multiple solutions, don't just count on one. I use my LEDs and keep a headlamp on just in case.

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[yakscientist]

SuperNova LEDs are what I opted for, and I'm really happy with them. They don't meet your criteria for easy setup, but they definitely create zero clutter. Concerning visibility and safety on the water, I think they are one of the better options. Since I rarely get to see myself, I'm basing that on others observations. I've fished with others that have light poles, and they are hard to spot unless you are very close. Reflective tape is really visible, but only if someone is shinning a light at you, which is not a safe bet. A headlamp and flashlight is a good suggestion, since they are directional. It's good to have multiple solutions, don't just count on one. I use my LEDs and keep a headlamp on just in case.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]23285[/ATTACH]

Yeah I always have my headlamp on when I'm fishing in the pre-sunrise hours. It's good to keep close by on foggy days as well, if nothing else for signaling purposes. I got a cheap suction cup mounted battery-powered red/green nav light, and a battery powered 360 light for last year's jbay tournament. They both worked fine though I haven't used them since.

[kuljc]

Are you fishing the bay? lakes, rivers?

if you're night fishing in the bays and ocean coast guard states you'll need a 360 white light and flares.

[manlystanley]

Are you fishing the bay? lakes, rivers?

if you're night fishing in the bays and ocean coast guard states you'll need a 360 white light and flares.

If I launch before dawn, do I need flares besides the 360 light????


Thanks,
Stan

[manlystanley]

I found out that with my Wilderness Ride, a 1 inch CPVC pipe (the PVC pipe is a little to small), is a perect fit. I put a 360 light on top of the pipe, and works like a champ.


Best Regards,
Stan

[Slough Sleigher]

I found out that with my Wilderness Ride, a 1 inch CPVC pipe (the PVC pipe is a little to small), is a perect fit. I put a 360 light on top of the pipe, and works like a champ.


Best Regards,
Stan

My cobbed together Home Depot/West Marine solution. Light is the Atwood LED (bright!). It plunks in any open rod holder and stows below deck. It plugs into extra connectors on the 12v battery when I want "on" and unplugs for "off". Sturdy enough to club a fish too
Kayak light base.jpg20180515_181511.jpg20180515_181503.jpg

[Oldbayrunner]

If I launch before dawn, do I need flares besides the 360 light????


Thanks,
Stan

No you do not need flares but they are good to have on board, a whistle will suffice. I suggest having a floating vhf kept on your vest also.

[Yak Fish]

I do some night fishing and opt for a LED flood light in addition to the 360 light. It's honestly kinda creepy out there on the bay at night. It's also very disorienting. Try to make note of a lighted landmark in the distance in case your fish finder goes out. I mount the LED floodlight on a PVC pole and put it in a rod holder such that the flood light illuminates the whole cabin of the kayak. It feels like fishing in daylight other than you can't see much beyond the halo it creates. It's also very visible. They're cheap ebay floodlights that run on 12v.

[manlystanley]

My cobbed together Home Depot/West Marine solution. Light is the Atwood LED (bright!). It plunks in any open rod holder and stows below deck. It plugs into extra connectors on the 12v battery when I want "on" and unplugs for "off". Sturdy enough to club a fish too

Wow... So much more professional then mine. As my grown kids would say: "Looks sweet".

Best Regards,
Stan

[Slough Sleigher]

Thanks Stan! Putting it to use in the morning. Low tide down on the Strand tomorrow is just before sunrise and I need to be ready to fish. BTW, seeing your base location, small world. I'm D-town class of '77. Happy hunting. Joe