IN THE DARK

Saltwater Kayak Fishing
21

I fished docks at high tide under bright dock lights

Bragging may not bring happiness,
but no man having caught a large fish,
goes home through the alley.
-Anonymous

22

LIGHTING LAWS

Finding the regulations for kayaks can be difficult and confusing. I believe DNR follows Coast Guard regulations for navigation.

This is (to the best of my knowledge), the exact location of the regulation, pulled from Coast Guard COMDTINST M16672.2C:

RULE 25: SAILING VESSELS UNDERWAY AND VESSELS UNDER OARS
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=Rule25

“A vessel under oars may exhibit the lights prescribed in this rule for sailing vessels, but if she does not, she shall have ready at hand an electric torch or lighted lantern showing a white light which shall be exhibited in sufficient time to prevent collision.”

You can download the full PDF of COMDTINST M16672.2C here (November 2011 version):
http://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/navRules/CIM16672_2D_NavRules_111123.pdf

This is the language (above) frequently quoted on many different websites for different states and local governments regarding kayak lighting.

SCDNR posted a clarification regarding lighting requirements on their website here, updated on June 29, 2011:
http://www.dnr.sc.gov/news/yr2011/june30/june30_paddle.html

“These safety requirements are applicable to paddle boats, canoes and kayaks on all public waterways in the state of South Carolina. In addition, a flashlight or lantern must be available for use if participating in these activities between official sunset to official sunrise.” Notice this paraphrase also contains a reference to a lantern, as in Rule 25 above.

Based on this language, a flashlight fulfills the legal lighting requirement. However, like many previous posts point out, a light with a visibility of 360 degrees would probably protect you more effectively, especially in heavy traffic. And in any busy waters, nav lights would be even better. I’ve seen several references (but can’t find any actual sourced articles) on a study that showed standard nav-style lights provided the best visibility (recognition?) for kayaks (as opposed to flashing or other non-standard

23

You need to be carefull when asking a DNR person a question

Some of them have opions that they belive to be correct + some know the law

Read the regulations on there web site

one allaround light on the bow is required - now if is lower than your are it is partly blocked by your body

There is a distance required how far it is visible also but I don’t know what that is

Capt Dave

24
quote:
Originally posted by dlwhite001

You need to be carefull when asking a DNR person a question

Some of them have opions that they belive to be correct + some know the law

Read the regulations on there web site

one allaround light on the bow is required - now if is lower than your are it is partly blocked by your body

There is a distance required how far it is visible also but I don’t know what that is

Capt Dave

Dave,

I looked high and low on their website and have not been able to find this. Can you post a link?

Thanks,
Mick

Tidewater 196DC
Yamaha F115

Pungo 120
25

I’d have to see that in print too. An all around light on the bow would be blinding to the paddler.

26

Whenever I’m out on mine past dark I use a headlamp. Mine has a bright white bulb and red so you don’t ruin your nightvision once your eyes adjust to the darkness. If I hear a boat coming I make sure I click it on. I fish after dark quite often. It’s a pain in the butt to see where the fish is when you hook it and a even bigger pain to re rig in the dark but its quiet , relaxing and the fish bite like crazy.

27
quote:
Originally posted by dlwhite001

You need to be carefull when asking a DNR person a question

Some of them have opions that they belive to be correct + some know the law

Read the regulations on there web site

one allaround light on the bow is required - now if is lower than your are it is partly blocked by your body

There is a distance required how far it is visible also but I don’t know what that is

Capt Dave

The DNR Officer I spoke to is a Corporal, I will just keep him on speed dial in my phone haha

Bragging may not bring happiness,
but no man having caught a large fish,
goes home through the alley.
-Anonymous

28

Whenever I’m out on mine past dark I use a headlamp. Mine has a bright white bulb and red so you don’t ruin your nightvision once your eyes adjust to the darkness. If I hear a boat coming I make sure I click it on. I fish after dark quite often. It’s a pain in the butt to see where the fish is when you hook it and a even bigger pain to re rig in the dark but its quiet , relaxing and the fish bite like crazy.

29

Front or back bow or stern

I don’t even know the differance

My mistake it is light on the stern or back of the kayak

Capt dave

30

Hey guys, I know this is a discussion about the LAW but if you want to be SEEN, please consider using a strobe light as well as the one required for the law. I have been out at night in the powerboat, and a bunch of yakkers came by with their legal lights on and these things just completely blend into the shore lights. You can’t be seen with the constant 360 deg white lights. I dang near ran a yak over and I consider myself to be a very careful power boater (I am a yakker too). And! My eyes are still good… Just something to consider. Please be careful at night!!!

2000 SeaPro 180CC w/ Yammy 115 2 stroke
1966 13’ Boston Whaler w/ Merc 25 4 stroke “Flatty”
www.ralphphillipsinshore.com | www.summervillesaltwateranglers.com

31

Are those topwater lures you have in your picture the ones you use to fish in the dark? If so I have some that look like that but I’ve never use because I thought they were for freshwater.

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. -Wayne Gretsky