Night fishing and boat lights....

[Americangirl]

You didn't open up anything Roba22....It simply got out of hand... People are gonna do whatever it is they want, right or wrong....You do whatever it is you feel is right........I for one am so over this thread, I am stepping off my pedestal and Moving on to better things....

[ʇuǝɹq™]

You have to wonder about all the law abiding citizens here that don't mind being a bit condescending, wonder if any of them  *ever* break the speed limit while driving their automobiles?

Beat me to it, I guess all these folks never speed (yes 1 mph over is breaking the law), always use blinkers, always come to a complete stop, and never take the ink pen from the bank.   
Congrats to you all!  Good citizen awards for everyone!   
I speed, and dont always use my blinker, dont always make a complete stop, and take the ink pen sometimes, and I dont always keep my lights on, SO SUE ME or judge me accordingly!  I know the situations when i need them on and when it wont hurt me or anyone!   

[Americangirl]

ok had to do it.....brent i Luv ya man.....Seriously.........and heck no i ain't perfect... But taking the pen at the bank, one mile over the speedlimit is more than likely not going to Kill anyone.............But hey, like i said I am over this thread and this time i mean it...

[ʇuǝɹq™]

ok had to do it.....brent i Luv ya man.....Seriously.........and heck no i ain't perfect... But taking the pen at the bank, one mile over the speedlimit is more than likely not going to Kill anyone.............But hey, like i said I am over this thread and this time i mean it...

I modified the last three words in my first post.  I do understand the safety part and when I'm in a situation that could be potentially harmful to others or myself my lights are on.     

I'm over this thread as well, I orginally posted here just to stir the pot, cause thats fun to me (see the college football thread) but there were no takers.  I kinda got in the argument to late!   

[Americangirl]

 

[Fshnbudy01]

Im surprised to see all the "WOT at night" posts.  Here in Indiana it is ILLEGAL to run faster than 10 MPH on any public lake at night.

Also in Indiana is states that "Navigation lights must be displayed When away from the dock from sunset to sunrise and During periods of restricted visibility such as fog or heavy rain.    a powerboat At anchor may display only your white anchor light.


CH4.  Examples of illegal and reckless operation are:  Operating a vessel at speeds of more than 10 miles per hour between the hours of sunset to sunrise.

To view the regulations for your State you can go here ( http://www.boat-ed.com/ )and choose the State regs. you want to view.

[getdanet1]

I am thinking that the idea of blacking out the part of your rear White light
that shine into your boat is a good idea.
You will avoid the glare and still be in conformance of the boating laws.
I notce that there has been no mention of a DNR agent "Shining" you from shore
and writing you a hefty citation.

[Solenn99]

I agree with all posters above. We use 12v driving lights on our Search And Rescue boat, they're 55 watts each. We have a couple of them, pointed in different directions for 360 degree lighting. I know they're not as bright as what you propose, but they are cheap ($16 a pair) and don't use much current. Our boat has a 45 horse outboard and the charging system won't handle much more.

[BOATS]

Blacking it out in the front would not keep you legal, coast guard regs say an all around white light while at anchor.

[Bigwrench]

I personally keep ALL my lights on when night fishing. On the rare occasion someone is fishing with me we cut a small drink bottle (like small gatorade bottles) in
Half and hang it on the stern light and we black out one side of it , black on boat side to keep the blinding glare out of our eyes. You can use black electrical tape or paint but tape works well and you can tape it to the light pole so it won't turn on ya if boat starts rocking and so it won't fall off in the lake! Also have headlights on our heads as needed for retying and interior lights on as well as black lights. Safety should always take precedence over anything else ESPECIALLY at night! JMO

Banjer Pickin and Bass Fishing !

[Stump bumper]

If you really want  just to get people to use their lights just pull up to them while night tournaments are going on, wright down their boat numbers and turn then in at weigh in. All tournaments have a line in the rules that State laws will be obeyed, after a couple people lose checks from breaking the law the word will spread. Who wants their club to publish their name for being disqualified for not obeying club rules or even listing them as cheaters.

If I have fish with my lights on and you feel you are above the rules then you are probably breaking other rules to win.GOT LIVE BAIT TOO???