night fishing on Bay in small boat

[justacanoe]

what precautions and safety measures should a kayaker or canoeist take when on Bay at night? Of course, any boat can get hit by another at-fault boater. Once I night fished the Georgian Bay in guides 17' Lund Mr Pikie. The guy had two high powered spotlight and alway had one or two anglers light up the water next to boat oncoming boat from a distance to alert them.

I worry that in my canoe I am much less visible than a 17 ft boat, moreover, any collision would be much more dangerous as I would basically just get run over and maybe chopped by the prop like this guy who got a broken neck and lacerations to his neck and back while/before dying. (driver of offender boat only charged with misdeamor and released -wtf?! eventually charges dropped altogether - kayak was not considered a "sailing" vessel under state law, so Peltier was not required to yield the right of way to it.)
http://www.coastandkayak.com/1999/am99dangers.html
also famouse Musky row troller Mr. Ellis tragically perished in his small boat after being run over - the guys that hit him thought they hit a log (?!)
http://host.madison.com/sports/recre...9bb2963f4.html


of course PFD in case you get run over by a power boat and knocked unconcious and drowned like this woman who could have survived with PFD
http://www.coastandkayak.com/1999/am99dangers.html

first aid kit to tend to normal fishing stuff like hook pokes and minor cuts, include nylon cord that could be used a tourniquet in case of serious laceration. These surfers used a board leash on a surfer hit by powerboat.
http://www.surfermag.com/features/co...5yItkRHQMbW.99

avoid fishing alone as your buddies might save you in the event of collision, like this kayaker hit on the Susq. and rescued by her mates.
http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/ind...torboat_c.html
although these two experienced kayakers both perished together after being hit on the Delaware
http://accidentdatacenter.com/us/new...h-bulls-island

I understand boating is dangerous in any boat. Fishing also. Pulling batteries out of Subaru after fishing also dangerous (I got 9 or 11 staples in scalp after severe laceration hitting head on hatchback). I also got three fingertips crushed in a gararge door accident the day I was to take my skiff to the marina for work. I can't get out the driveway without a visit to emergency care much less hit the Bay at night in a small boat.

what else do I need for safety besides PFD, spotlight, tourniquet, friend?

[Mark]

what else do I need for safety besides PFD, spotlight, tourniquet, friend?

I'd suggest you send out resumes for a job on the night shift so that you have daytimes free to fish.

[yakscientist]

Honestly I think you've got a good handle on the dangers, but I would also maybe a few lighted buoys to drop around your boat just to improve visibility. And also, I don't know if its possible to run it on such a small vessel, but a good radar system is invaluable in fog, rain, and darkness. I used to work as a mate on a rockfish charter, and riding back sometimes during a storm or a long trip when it gets dark on our way back, radar sees what you can't. Night vision scope too maybe, and maybe a small radio or something, it might disturb the fish, but it also might just let people know you're there.

[archeryrob]

360° white light - to mark your a Not at power boat.

[kuljc]

360° white light - to mark your a Not at power boat.

there are a few things required by law while fishing on the bay. this being one of them. flares being another. Someone has posted previously on this site about coast guard regulations. You'd have to look up the ones specifically for non-powered vessels, less than some odd feet, at night.

But I think you got most of the safety points. I used to fish at night, but always had a buddy close by.

[Redfish12]

Add a compass. It can be disorienting at night especially once the lights from shore dim after bedtime and the fog rolls in. Sure you can use a GPS... but batteries die. I'd also add some spare dry clothes in a dry bag when it's cold. Maybe a firestarter with some dryer lint to make a warmup fire if you're fishing somewhere remote and alone.