Night Boating/fishing

[bugger]

I am new to boating. I've familiarized myself with the local fishing spots during daylight hours but I am interested in going out during the nightime hours. I am comfortable navigating during the day but don't know what to expect at night out on the water.

Any opinions about going for it albeit slowly?

[Blackjack]

It is kind of spooky until you get used to it. All the waves seem bigger and the rocks seem more threatening (and they are, since no one will see you if you need to be rescued).

It's a lot more enjoyable if you go with a partner - one person can concentrate on driving while the other guy handles all the other duties.

Make sure you tell someone where you plan on going and when you will be home too...and most important - wear some type of PFD!!

[Slappy]

Make sure you know the terrain at the lowest tides. I was standing on shore when a sailboat cut to the inside of DI light at dead low. The crunch was so hard I could feel it! Ouch, I'm sure that one wasn't free!

[mansfieldsign]

We carefully pick our times/tides. Plan and be prepared for anything. Colored lens gels on low output console lights help keep your eyes adjusted.
Have your launch/haul out routine down pat and simple if you trailer.
Keep calm if something happens. Illuminated signal source & vhf standard equipment. :)

[Bob Parsons]

Before you thumb that monster bass, double check that it is not a big blue --123-3

[FireFly]

I boat/fish mostly at night and IMHO the tides are the most important factor. I never venture out to an area I have not navigated during the day either- nothing like simply not knowing if there is a rock structure and hitting it because you had no idea it was there.

Even at night you'll be able to see quite a bit so don't think that it will be pitch black out there. And when there is a full moon just remember to bring your shades :) The glare off the water is pretty intense.

Good luck and happy boating.
-Joe

[bugger]

What are colored gels?

good advice about thumbing with caution at night?

[AlderBrookFarm]

Make sure you are comfortable navigating with a chart and compass. I grew up having to plot courses the old fashioned way...good ol' parallel rulers, compass, dividers and an Eldridge's...never thought a thing of it until we were out with friends and their GPS failed and they were clueless. Kind of the old do the math without a calculator thing...people just don't learn it anymore.

[rs29wt]

I can honestly say that I have never been so (not having a position on the planet) as I do if i'm on the water,in a boat as the operator,and with no visual's.As I do in unfamiliar water @ night.

[mansfieldsign]

Gels, Nothing more than a tinted red or some other color lens over the console lamp.
Just helps so you can tie knots or look at a chart without your eyes having to re-adjust at night. I think they sell them for the head lamp units also, that way you don't blind your fishing partner. Certainly not a must have requirement. Have fun