Night fishing from a boat can be very productive and safe if you
have the right equipment, you are organized, stick to a set plan,
and are confident about the area you intend to fish.
1. If you are going out on a boat, make sure it is in good working
order! This goes without saying, but it is so important I will
say it anyway You don’t want to get stuck out there at night.
Really, you should always check your boat no matter what time
you go out fishing. However, you want to be especially sure to
double, triple, and quadruple check everything if you are going
on an evening trip!
2. Know the layout on the boat; it is important to avoid accidents.
In your artificial lighting your reaction time to problems and
unmanned rods bending is going to be at least double. Take some
time to place your gear appropriately, and take note of where
everything is before the sun goes down. Everything takes twice
as long at night as it is.
3. Bow and stern lights are required and essential equipment
on your boat and they must be lit when visibility is reduced.
Striking unseen objects at night is the most often reported nighttime
accident and unlit boats lead as those unseen objects. The temptation
to venture forth without proper lighting is not only illegal,
but also extremely foolish.
4. A proper and fully functional warning device (horn) becomes
a vital piece of equipment in the darkness. It can be used to
warn approaching craft as to your presence and also can be used
to draw attention in the event of problems arising. Although not
required unless off shore, visual distress signals (flares) should
be on board.
5. An approved type fire extinguisher that is currently dated
should be onboard and in a convenient and ready location. During
a fire is no time to find out that the extinguisher will not function
because it is out of date.
6. A paddle is required (for smallish boats), not optional equipment,
and again should be in a convenient and accessible location.
7. An anchoring device with adequate line in both size and length
for your boat. Deployment of the anchor should occur at the first
sign of trouble to keep your boat in its present safe location.
Too often then anchor is the last thing thought of and boats end
up drifting into dangerous situations.
