Kayak Lights For Night Fishing - Rules and DIY Kayak Light Pole / Sidelights

Спорт

You need kayak lights for night fishing, and the USCG regulations are simple. Before you make a DIY kayak light pole or mounting kayak sidelights, you need to understand the rules. I cover what you need to know for fishing kayak lights and show how to make a good set of kayak navigation lights using the Guardian Angel Elite Series Safety Lights.
Link to Guardian Angel lights on Amazon: amzn.to/2IGWE2N
The USCG updated their navigation rules FAQ page to include kayaks - see FAQ 13 and 14 at this link: FAQ: www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=...
More kayak "on the water" tips at: • Kayak Safety - Situati...
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Guardian Angel provided me sample lights for free for use in this video.
The Kayak Hacks Fishing channel covers kayak, wading, shoreline, spin and fly fishing. It features gear mods to make kayak fishing more comfortable, efficient and enjoyable. Also, I share many tips, tricks and "how to's" for both spin and fly fishing regardless of whether you are fishing from a boat or on your feet. Please subscribe! Thanks!
Steve's CatchGuide series of fishing books are available on Amazon. The books cover where to fish in Maryland and Virginia as well as tips for Fly Fishing. Just search for "Steve Moore Fishing."
Affiliate Disclaimer:
I do not have an affiliate relationship with Cadence Fishing.
Any product link to Amazon is an affiliate link. Other product links may be as well as I develop relationships with sellers. I appreciate your support in using those links since the small commission generated offsets the cost of the stuff I test for the channel. Thanks!
In short, you accept all risk of using any ideas presented in this video.
Do not apply any suggestion if it will ruin the appearance, function or structural integrity of your kayak.
Nothing in this video creates any expressed or implied warranty or guarantees a result. I shall not be held liable in any way or manner for errors, misleading or incorrect information. If you find an error, please notify me right away using the contact form for the channel.
The bottom line is that you must make a judgment and not rely on the opinions expressed here.

Пікірлер: 104

  • @redladyfish4201
    @redladyfish42015 жыл бұрын

    I just recently registered my kayak because I’m going to use a bixpy jet, so I purchased a removable navigation light for the front of my kayak. I also have a 360 white light with a flag on the back , so I think I’m set. Great explanation!

  • @sailingandiamoamerica6214
    @sailingandiamoamerica62145 жыл бұрын

    Thank you so much for this education video! Blessings from Above :)

  • @jamesireland9188
    @jamesireland91885 жыл бұрын

    Another cool video never disappointed always helpful info. Have a good day and a Happy Easter Jimmy from Massachusetts

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    5 жыл бұрын

    I really appreciate that! I'll work even harder!

  • @paulmaguire8720
    @paulmaguire87205 жыл бұрын

    Great info. Thanks, once again.

  • @ralphpearson5420
    @ralphpearson5420 Жыл бұрын

    Always enjoy your content. Thanks for being willing to take the time to help us enjoy our beloved hobby.

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    Жыл бұрын

    I really appreciate that! I'll work even harder!

  • @bobbybass1944
    @bobbybass19443 жыл бұрын

    Great video!! Guardian light is a amazing product , well worth the money .

  • @OCOutdoorsman
    @OCOutdoorsman3 жыл бұрын

    Great recommendation! I've been researching these lights for my yak and came across your video - many thanks!

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @KevinSmith-dx2nf
    @KevinSmith-dx2nf5 жыл бұрын

    Great information!!!!

  • @jerryebner7582
    @jerryebner75825 жыл бұрын

    Interesting project. I like the portable option even for the price it isn't too bad.

  • @davidlewis9572
    @davidlewis95725 жыл бұрын

    Cool ideas for sure , stay safe , set the hook brother

  • @appslg3phone
    @appslg3phone11 ай бұрын

    Thanks for the info! I'm making a 360 degree white light mast for my kayak. Something to sit above my head and behind me. That's the light I want for myself. I was going to add red and green navigation lights to be compliant. After watching this I'm glad I don't need them. I agree that they are not a good idea if they give the impression that you have a motor. On a kayak what you want is for other craft to see very clearly that you're a kayak. Hence the tall, bright, 360 light.

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    11 ай бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @ghostdog7306
    @ghostdog73063 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing all the legalities of lighting for kayaks. PS some of us don't have utility tracks

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    3 жыл бұрын

    Appreciate that point - you can add a track easily. Here is a cheap option - kzread.info/dash/bejne/op9hkqaTXcbWd7Q.html

  • @speedee7508
    @speedee7508 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the education, I am new to kayaking and sometimes I come in after dark, I thought I needed red and green lights but white makes total sense. thanks

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad it was helpful!

  • @thatonebeone
    @thatonebeone3 жыл бұрын

    simple easy to understand .. thanks.. i will make a white light 12v so i can connect it to my battery for my fish finder..

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad it helped

  • @mikeetc9335
    @mikeetc93353 жыл бұрын

    I used a Magellan kayak safety flag with light from academy sporting goods store,3/4 inch PVC pipe and gear head adapter and track I already had, everything fit great went together nicely, cost to me was around 30 dollars for the light

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    3 жыл бұрын

    Sounds great!

  • @francoisl7663
    @francoisl766310 ай бұрын

    That PVC Gear head thing is pretty neat. Looking for the track now in your videos.

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    10 ай бұрын

    I think this is what you are looking for - kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZoSH1dKnntfTaMY.html

  • @peterlenhardt235
    @peterlenhardt2354 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for your info . As usual, great idea.

  • @b4billions_
    @b4billions_2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you

  • @kepler240
    @kepler2404 жыл бұрын

    Super video

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks

  • @ratherbfishing455
    @ratherbfishing4555 жыл бұрын

    I didn't realize that the pole had to be a meter long. Thanks. I'm going to have to save money for the light.

  • @terrancejones8192
    @terrancejones81925 жыл бұрын

    Great seamanship for an Army Guy!!

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    5 жыл бұрын

    lol!

  • @vagabond-yj8pn
    @vagabond-yj8pn5 жыл бұрын

    That’s a 💡 idea.

  • @aftech7268
    @aftech72682 жыл бұрын

    Makes so much sense ! To have only 360 whitelight

  • @BassManStrikes
    @BassManStrikes3 жыл бұрын

    A lot of the DIY ones are indeed legal(if they meet height requirements), I just bought a USCG certified 360 white light from Atwood and all it has is a standard 12 watt #1004 bulb and that is visible from 2 miles, it takes very little white light to be seen from 2 miles away...

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes, as I noted in the video, pretty much anything is legal now as long as it meets a very basic requirement. This was a big change from a few years ago.

  • @kevinrosing-clapp2881
    @kevinrosing-clapp28815 жыл бұрын

    Thank you for the informative video! Seems to be a great product with multiple applications - whether I use it as a 360 kayak light, on my bike, or while walking my dogs! But, I'm going to have to come up with at least *10 different uses*, to divide up that $99 cost into an affordable $9 per activity I would use it for. Otherwise, on my limited fixed-income Disability, it's far beyond my price range! I got started in kayaking last year, with a Pelican Argo 10' sit-in - most inexpensive one I could find. I had hoped that DIY would allow me to create a good fishing kayak 'on the cheap'... but jet-drive engines, $500 fish finders, and solid gold champagne glass holders seem to be the new norm in DIY, and a level I simply can't reach.

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    5 жыл бұрын

    You could take the bottom off the red lantern I was showing and screw that to the pole. The lantern would then mount back to its base. I think the lantern cost 5 or 6 bucks at Walmart. Of course, there was no assertion of USCG compliance with the lantern and I wanted to stick with that. I was making the point against the YakAttack Visicarbon Pro light that is only single use for $90. And... the final point is all you need is a flashlight or lantern you can wave and there are no standards for it.

  • @alejandroopencommvideomiam958
    @alejandroopencommvideomiam958 Жыл бұрын

    When you have a Sailboat, you need to have side lights, and you don't have power, only sails, if you are using a motor with a sailboat you need a White light in your mast, Port sidelights are red, starboard sidelights are green and both shine from dead ahead to 112.5° aft on either side. Stern lights are white and shine aft and 67.5° forward on each side. (Thus, the sidelights and stern light create a full circle of light.) All-round lights are white and shine through 360°. Masthead lights are white and shine from 112.5° on the port side through dead ahead to 112.5° on the starboard side for a total of 225° forward. They must be above the sidelights. Sailboats under power are considered powerboats.

  • @waynebazemore3148
    @waynebazemore31482 жыл бұрын

    I watched another DIY video of a stern light made with a led tail light bulb. (Fishin Stuff). The light was considerably brighter that a store bought light and it didn't attract bugs. Do you know if the Guardian light would attract bugs. This would be a big deal, when using as fishing light.

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    2 жыл бұрын

    We do not have any bug problem where I fish. Even though it is in the marsh, the salt water prevents mosquitos Sorry, I can't help

  • @bradleyrussell1973
    @bradleyrussell19733 жыл бұрын

    Careful, some states have different lighting laws than USGS. In Ky, a pole light has to be the highest point in a boat visible 360 degrees. And yes, running lights must be on when running, but in Ky, the pole light must be on when in normal navigation lanes.

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    3 жыл бұрын

    Yes, this video only addressed USCG rules.

  • @12Bravojeepstuff
    @12Bravojeepstuff3 жыл бұрын

    Thought about buying a Nilight led whip light like for a jeep and make it my 360° white light for my Yak.

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    3 жыл бұрын

    I think that would work. Just avoid the colors!

  • @retnav92
    @retnav925 жыл бұрын

    Good info, Steve. The local waters I fish make it easy on us (and them).........no boats on the water at dark. Where's your kayak cart?

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    5 жыл бұрын

    The kayak is sitting on top of it! Every time I load the boat on my truck, I mentally thank you for motivating me to build it!

  • @retnav92

    @retnav92

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@KayakhacksFishing: I got confused. The end of the video I see the nav lights installed and lit, but the kayak is sitting on tbe garage floor. Stock footage? :)

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    5 жыл бұрын

    Funny! I could not get a shot of the stern light on the cart. It was sticking up into the ceiling fan. So, I took it off the cart to do the last few seconds of the video to show both lights.

  • @retnav92

    @retnav92

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@KayakhacksFishing 👍😎

  • @kevinrosing-clapp2881

    @kevinrosing-clapp2881

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@retnav92 - I went through your posted videos to find a video for this kayak cart that you motivated Steve to build. Am I just overlooking it, somehow? Also, "RetNav"... Sub? Surface? SpecOps? Inquiring minds want to know! Submarines here, Jan. 77 - May 87.

  • @tydang9330
    @tydang9330 Жыл бұрын

    So I just bought a motored canoe, n so a 360 white light is good? Or do I need the green or red light ? Please help . Thank you

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    Жыл бұрын

    The Inland specification for Rule 23(d) says any power driven vessel less than 12 meters must have the 360 white light and sidelights. Page 49 on the version at this link if you want to look it up. www.navcen.uscg.gov/sites/default/files/pdf/navRules/navrules.pdf

  • @fishingthe910
    @fishingthe9105 жыл бұрын

    Do any of the dollar tree stores have a version of these?!?!

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    5 жыл бұрын

    No, but you can buy a lantern like the red one I showed at Walmart for a few bucks and attach it to the pole the same way.

  • @FSDraconis
    @FSDraconis5 жыл бұрын

    I live in one of those areas where we only need to run the red and green colors if it is practical. If not, a lantern or flash light should be used. I would also like to add that there are a lot more affordable options. Yes, Guardian Angel Devices make a light weight device that is portable. But at 100 dollars there are tons more affordable options on amazon with a little know how. All you need is to be able to wire up a switch and battery with the right voltage and you can have a much more affordable running and anchored light. Here is one from Amazon. www.amazon.com/dp/B07N1HNHHF/

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the link

  • @simonemidy4259
    @simonemidy42593 жыл бұрын

    How long will the light stay on with a full charged battery. 8-10 hours?

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    3 жыл бұрын

    The Guardian Angel will run anywhere from 1.5 hours on the most severe mode, to over 150 hours on the lower power modes. The most commonly used modes typically last between 8-20 hours continuous. The recharge time from dead to full is under 2 hours

  • @jerrykrobby
    @jerrykrobby5 жыл бұрын

    Good information! I won't put a red/green navigation light on my kayak even if I do add an electric motor. I strongly disagree with the law and agree with you that it is dangerous. I know Texas is reviewing this law but changing laws here seems to take decades.

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    5 жыл бұрын

    Inland rules can be different from USCG - just do what Texas requires

  • @ratherbfishing455

    @ratherbfishing455

    5 жыл бұрын

    Yes! I want them to know that I'm a slow moving vessel. Might be my imagination, but it seems like the last couple of years that motor boats hate kayaks! Maybe they aren't paying attention:(

  • @jerrykrobby

    @jerrykrobby

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@ratherbfishing455 it's a well known fact along the Texas coast power boaters don't like kayakers.

  • @ratherbfishing455

    @ratherbfishing455

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@jerrykrobby It seems like their really drunk and agressive. I didn't have a problem until recently :(

  • @jerrykrobby

    @jerrykrobby

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@ratherbfishing455 I'm sure that makes it worse. I noticed it last year. It was obvious they were getting close to us on purpose. Now I try to fish where most of then can't go.

  • @kwleong63
    @kwleong633 жыл бұрын

    The light is costly. I use fairy lights from Diaso and put it in a plastic screw box for 360 angle view. I still improving on my setup. Thank you for sharing.

  • @NobodyWhatsoever
    @NobodyWhatsoever5 жыл бұрын

    My only frustration with the requirements for the all-around light is that the description is too vague. That minimum visible distance requirement is extremely variable, relative to so many factors. In extremely dark situations (no, I'm not using this as an excuse for using something very dim), a cigarette's ember can be seen for very long distances. The match or lighter used to light it, even more so. That would cover things about as bright as the lamp in a night light. But in very busy places, even a light as bright as a headlight will be lost in the clutter of traffic. An issue, however, with using a very bright light at all times, is that using it in moderately dark areas means it's more likely to inhibit night vision, even shining from behind the person in the small craft. My opinion is that at the least, this requirement must be updated with a lumens rating, or other such measurement which can be used to find an appropriately bright light, to avoid a ticket. As thing stand now, if someone's opinion is that the light is not bright enough, that's enough to warrant an infraction. Some conservation officers where I live behave this way: There are bait fish which do not have a minimum size to keep, as they're used for bait fish. But some officers will check the fish relative to their hand, and cite people for keeping them too small -- successfully, when the people try to fight the citation to keep their fishing license. Apply that same non-logic to such vague verbiage for boat lighting.

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    5 жыл бұрын

    I feel your pain. The rules do specify brightness using a formula specified in section 84.14. The calculation makes an assumption on the atmosphere... but that's not really helpful when the CO questions whether your light is bright enough.

  • @vatolocooperations6111
    @vatolocooperations61113 жыл бұрын

    Is there a limit of lights I can put once I am in compliance fir being underway. Like if I wanted to use spot lights yo own the night on the water lol

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    3 жыл бұрын

    It looks like the USCG discourages that - read rule 14 and make a call based on what you want to do - www.navcen.uscg.gov/?pageName=navRulesFAQ

  • @vatolocooperations6111

    @vatolocooperations6111

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@KayakhacksFishing dam

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@vatolocooperations6111 Sorry

  • @vatolocooperations6111

    @vatolocooperations6111

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@KayakhacksFishing its ok

  • @outdoorcory6645
    @outdoorcory66455 жыл бұрын

    Yes sidelights are actually illegal where I live, in Washington state. For kayaks, here all we need is a 360 degree white "anchor" light. I have a small led lantern flashlight for that purpose. Anything more here is actually illegal.

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    5 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for adding that!

  • @Fenwick_Ales
    @Fenwick_Ales5 жыл бұрын

    Make sure that if you choose to use the fore mounted red (port) & green (starboard) running lights (while underway) that you are not using the all round 360 deg white light. This is a clear rule violation and makes a small kayak potentially appear (bow on) as a much larger vessel and much further away than you actually are. This is a great way to get run over by a larger vessel who may think you are over 50 ft long and over a mile away, if not paying attention.

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    5 жыл бұрын

    First, I strongly agree a paddled kayak should not have sidelights. Can you point us to the section that causes the issue you mention? USCG in Rule 25, Section 83.25 specifically says sidelight and stern light for a sailing vessel and the USCG FAQ says kayak can display those types of lights. Rule 23 (83.23(d), for powered craft, also specifies a sternlight plus sidelights for vessels less than 12 meters in length.

  • @Fenwick_Ales

    @Fenwick_Ales

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@KayakhacksFishing I stand corrected....my error, is too much experience in international waters. Reviewing my "A Mariner's Guide to the Rules of the Road," (Plebe Year USNA text book) The "stern light" of a sail boat is a 135 degree arc (12 points) while the side lights are a 112.5 degree arcs ( 10 points). From ahead, the all around light (32 points) could appear as a masthead light of a seagoing vessel, but is in fact acceptable for a powered vessel within Inland Rules. So the all round actually provides the appearance (when accompanied by side lights) of a powered vessel. Also of note, a single all round white light is appropriate for an anchored vessel.

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    5 жыл бұрын

    uh oh.. Beat Navy! Lol... I am USMA 75, my Dad was USMA 45, brother was USMA 84. My two brothers in law were USMA 70 and 74.

  • @Fenwick_Ales

    @Fenwick_Ales

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@KayakhacksFishing Appears there may be a shallow end of the gene pool issue with your family. ;) Brothers in Arms!

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    5 жыл бұрын

    😁 We probably resemble that remark. Too many infantrymen, paratroopers, and rangers in the group!

  • @rickgividen4318
    @rickgividen43183 жыл бұрын

    I just don’t feel I’m visible enough with just a white light. You’ve said the front red/green lights are a bad idea. How do we increase our visibility?

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    3 жыл бұрын

    I recommend just getting a really bright light. Yes, red/green is a bad idea unless you are a powered kayak. For sure, do not strobe... that is a distress signal.

  • @rickgividen4318

    @rickgividen4318

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@KayakhacksFishing In Alabama, all non-powered craft under 20 meters is required to have red/green side lights and a white 360 deg stern light. Under 7 meters is the same as under 20, where practical, at a minimum a white flashlight. It is practical to have red/green sides lights on a kayak, as I have seen many, even though it is thought to be a bad idea. I may be in violation if I don’t have them. I think it would be more of a judgement call on the part of the water patrol officer as to the practicality.

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@rickgividen4318 Yes, freshwater rules are set by the state. I guess "practical" is in the eye of the beholder.

  • @brianbell2101
    @brianbell210111 ай бұрын

    Unfortunately, I found that the 5/16 did not work in my Kaku Kayak tracks.

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    11 ай бұрын

    Interesting. Thanks for that input.

  • @ligmaballs5536
    @ligmaballs55364 жыл бұрын

    I have a flash light

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    That works

  • @arcturusbbqsausagemaking2435
    @arcturusbbqsausagemaking24353 жыл бұрын

    $100 for a 360 flashlight Naaa! I can buy 12 of them from the best buy for that price been using the same one for four years now for less than $12 , its water proof 800 lumens

  • @sompasongs
    @sompasongs4 жыл бұрын

    Great info, but $100 for a light, no thanks!

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    4 жыл бұрын

    It is pricey.. but you can apply the concept to a must less expensive light

  • @user-xq3kg8hk5q
    @user-xq3kg8hk5q7 ай бұрын

    Милый мой друг. Я уже устал писать, по международному своду правил! На малые суда до 10 метров, 33 фута... Огни не ставятся! Круговой, клотиковый только по желанию, сплав, движение ночью малым судам не рекомендовано, только в вынужденном случае. Удачи вам и простите что умничал

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    7 ай бұрын

    You make a good point. However, the US Coast Guard has modifications to the International rules for “Inland” waters claimed by the US. Here is a link to the explanation of how the USCG wants kayaks and canoes to use lights. www.navcen.uscg.gov/navigation-rules-faqs#0.3_13

  • @one.of.two1969
    @one.of.two19692 жыл бұрын

    In the UK we do not have any law. That you have to have safety equipment on your kayak

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    2 жыл бұрын

    Interesting

  • @jaypw321

    @jaypw321

    5 ай бұрын

    That’s incorrect. In the uk vessels such as sail boats and vessels under 7m powered by oars have to have a torch or similar at hand so that it can be illuminated in time to avoid a collision. Safest practice is to use an all round white light rather than gamble

  • @JS-ej7zv
    @JS-ej7zv5 жыл бұрын

    DIY is supposed to save money. Not spend 5 bucks on some pvc and over 100 bucks on a light. Way better alternatives than this.

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    5 жыл бұрын

    The key advantage of this light is it is not a single purpose light. But you are correct, if you only want a kayak light, there are inexpensive alternatives.

  • @jimbeauxjimenez1850

    @jimbeauxjimenez1850

    5 жыл бұрын

    What are some better alternatives?

  • @adventureswithfrodo2721
    @adventureswithfrodo272111 ай бұрын

    Light cost over 100$ so this is just a shameless ad.

  • @KayakhacksFishing

    @KayakhacksFishing

    11 ай бұрын

    Wow... prices went up since publication

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