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Kayak lights?

Discussion in 'Boating & Fishing' started by 5nahalf, Sep 22, 2020.

  1. Sep 22, 2020 at 10:50 AM
    #1
    5nahalf

    5nahalf [OP] I build dumb things

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    Fall is here and the sun is going to going down real early. I still want to get out and kayak fish for a little bit of time before its too dark out.

    So, Im thinking of installing lights in my kayak. I was going to get some simple strip lights to go in the kayak to light up what I am doing, and that got me thinking about underwater lights.

    The lake I fish on is crystal clear spring fed, so I was thinking of putting some green light strips to put under the kayak to light up the water. Anyone have any experience with this?
     
  2. Sep 22, 2020 at 10:53 AM
    #2
    Hobbs

    Hobbs Anti-Lander from way back…

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    Yep…
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    I would check your local fishing regulations before you proceed.
     
    Rock Lobster and 5nahalf[OP] like this.
  3. Sep 22, 2020 at 10:56 AM
    #3
    5nahalf

    5nahalf [OP] I build dumb things

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    Thanks for pointing that out. I just checked and it looks like its illegal in MN to use lights.

    Well that makes my choice clear, im going to not deal with any of it and just use a headlamp to see my tackle box and when I unhook fish.
     
    Hobbs[QUOTED] and SouthernYoder like this.
  4. Sep 22, 2020 at 11:04 AM
    #4
    Rock Lobster

    Rock Lobster Thread Derailer

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  5. Sep 22, 2020 at 11:10 AM
    #5
    SouthernYoder

    SouthernYoder If you skarred, say you skarred.

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    All of this. Here in TN we gotta have those. But I don’t use them anyways. I like lurking quietly picking apart all the structure :anonymous:
     
  6. Sep 22, 2020 at 11:13 AM
    #6
    5nahalf

    5nahalf [OP] I build dumb things

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    I stay out of lakes with power boats in it, I can't swim well enough or move fast enough to compete with boats and wake, so I stick to the "no motorized vehicles" lakes. I might get a pole light though just to show people that I am out in the water.
     
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  7. Sep 22, 2020 at 11:37 AM
    #7
    Hobbs

    Hobbs Anti-Lander from way back…

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    Yep…
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    You prolly don't want to run into trouble when you are out having fun.
     
    5nahalf[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  8. Sep 22, 2020 at 11:42 AM
    #8
    5nahalf

    5nahalf [OP] I build dumb things

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    I do think it would be pretty cool though, the crystal clear water would look pretty amazing with some high powered lights under there.
     
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  9. Sep 22, 2020 at 11:49 AM
    #9
    Hobbs

    Hobbs Anti-Lander from way back…

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    Yep…
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    It would look cool! Especially if you changed up the colors.
     
  10. Sep 22, 2020 at 1:22 PM
    #10
    5nahalf

    5nahalf [OP] I build dumb things

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    So I tweeted to the MN DNR to get their take on it. Im thinking that using the lights for obstacle avoidance might be a little more legal. Since I would be casting out a fair ways past my kayak, I wouldnt be using them to attract fish.

    Being handicapped and as a result not able to swim might give me a little more leverage.... hitting a sunken tree at night and rolling would be not so great for me (yes I wear a pfd every time im even near the water)
     
  11. Sep 22, 2020 at 7:20 PM
    #11
    Tallgrass05

    Tallgrass05 Well-Known Member

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    You don't want the red and green bow lights on a kayak, other vessels will think you're motorized. Most states that I know of just require unpowered craft like kayaks to have a single white light that is visible for 360 degrees. I use a Railblaza i360 light on one kayak and a YakAttack VisiCarbon Pro light on my other kayak.
     
  12. Sep 22, 2020 at 7:41 PM
    #12
    5nahalf

    5nahalf [OP] I build dumb things

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    In MN, I just need to have a white flashlight while not powered (paddling only) Im looking more for lights for me to see than for others to see me as the lake I fish bans powered boats, so its only kayaks and paddle boards. But there are usually only maybe 1 or 2 others on the lake at a time.
     
  13. Sep 25, 2020 at 10:11 AM
    #13
    aficianado

    aficianado Well-Known Member

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    back to bone stock.
    i seem to remember we still need that green and red light up front to show someone our direction of travel. then a single light up on a post?

    weird..the internet gods have a link to kayak lights popped up in window right now!!
     
  14. Sep 25, 2020 at 10:13 AM
    #14
    5nahalf

    5nahalf [OP] I build dumb things

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    Those lights are only needed while under power (motorized) while under paddle (just paddling) you only need a white light (flash light will work)

    At least this is what it is in MN.
     
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  15. Sep 25, 2020 at 10:52 AM
    #15
    aficianado

    aficianado Well-Known Member

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    back to bone stock.
    oh..i misunderstood. you want illumination. roger.
    i hate complications..i would wear a headlamp. :)
     
  16. Sep 25, 2020 at 10:57 AM
    #16
    5nahalf

    5nahalf [OP] I build dumb things

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    Yeah, I cant swim (physical limitations) and cant paddle very fast. So I stay out of lakes with powered boats and waves. I just need to see what Im doing inside the kayak when it gets dark.

    I threw a headlamp into my crate, we will see how it goes next time I go out.
     
  17. Sep 25, 2020 at 11:20 AM
    #17
    aficianado

    aficianado Well-Known Member

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    back to bone stock.
    i'm gonna come fish your great state one day.

    you have it all. a musky from a kayak would be exhilarating.
     
    5nahalf[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  18. Sep 25, 2020 at 11:25 AM
    #18
    5nahalf

    5nahalf [OP] I build dumb things

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    Let me know when you come up! I got a spare kayak and spare rods and tackle.

    I personally dont ever want to pull something with teeth on my kayak :) If I got a northern or muskie, it would be netted, then paddled back to the bank to unhook and release. But I have no problem pulling bass, catfish, or giant carp onboard.
     
  19. Oct 7, 2020 at 1:18 PM
    #19
    Lgeekdws

    Lgeekdws Well-Known Member

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    Grew up in Minnesota, now on the coast. Northern and muskies are kittens compared to salt water fish, Everything here has teeth and or spines... sharks are fun, stingrays are not.
     
  20. Oct 7, 2020 at 1:27 PM
    #20
    5nahalf

    5nahalf [OP] I build dumb things

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    Yeah, my dads down in florida, the neighbors kid (hes like 7 years old) pulls in sharks off my dads dock all the time(with his dads help).... makes me feel like a sissy not wanting to land a northern on my kayak.

    Im trying to convince my wife and kids that the drive down to florida is not that bad so I can bring my kayak and my bigger rods with, though Im not too sure how well my 7 foot heavy rod and 50 series reel will hold up to some of those monsters... I usually only use it for cat fishing.
     

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