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

[@ralphpearson5420]

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

[@KayakhacksFishing]

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

[@redladyfish4201]

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!

[@appslg3phone]

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]

Glad it was helpful!

[@speedee7508]

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]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jamesireland9188]

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

[@KayakhacksFishing]

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

[@OCOutdoorsman]

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

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sailingandiamoamerica6214]

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

[@ghostdog7306]

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

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Appreciate that point - you can add a track easily. Here is a cheap option - kzbin.info/www/bejne/ppyQYXeQYsijfbM

[@francoisl7663]

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

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I think this is what you are looking for - kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoG2pKOko9mgbsU

[@bobbybass1944]

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

[@waynebazemore3148]

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]

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

[@jerryebner7582]

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

[@thatonebeone]

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]

Glad it helped

[@tydang9330]

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]

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

[@BassManStrikes]

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]

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.

[@mikeetc9335]

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]

Sounds great!

[@ratherbfishing455]

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.

[@davidlewis9572]

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

[@terrancejones8192]

Great seamanship for an Army Guy!!

[@KayakhacksFishing]

lol!

[@retnav92]

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]

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]

@@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]

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]

@@KayakhacksFishing 👍😎

[@kevinrosing-clapp2881]

@@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.

[@vatolocooperations6111]

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]

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]

@@KayakhacksFishing dam

[@KayakhacksFishing]

@@vatolocooperations6111 Sorry

[@vatolocooperations6111]

@@KayakhacksFishing its ok

[@12Bravojeepstuff]

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

[@KayakhacksFishing]

I think that would work. Just avoid the colors!

[@adventureswithken1983]

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

[@KayakhacksFishing]

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.

[@aftech7268]

Makes so much sense ! To have only 360 whitelight

[@simonemidy4259]

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

[@KayakhacksFishing]

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

[@rickgividen4318]

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]

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]

@@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]

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

[@kevinrosing-clapp2881]

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]

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.

[@KevinSmith-dx2nf]

Great information!!!!

[@b4billions_]

Thank you

[@bradleyrussell1973]

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]

Yes, this video only addressed USCG rules.

[@alejandroopencommvideomiam958]

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.

[@jerry-381]

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]

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

[@ratherbfishing455]

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:(

[@jerry-381]

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

[@ratherbfishing455]

@@jerry-381 It seems like their really drunk and agressive. I didn't have a problem until recently :(

[@jerry-381]

@@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.

[@kepler240]

Super video

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Thanks

[@peterlenhardt235]

Thanks for your info . As usual, great idea.

[@brianbell2101]

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

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Interesting. Thanks for that input.

[@cammi9948]

What’s the light on the back?

[@KayakhacksFishing]

they are both from the same company. The one next to me is one that has red and green. The one attached to the long pole is just white.

[@cammi9948]

@ Im not sure if Im understanding you right. Im referring to the one hanging off the pole. Is that the same? It looks different

[@KayakhacksFishing]

@@cammi9948 It is the same light but a different version. They have the white and then another model with the color

[@cammi9948]

@@KayakhacksFishing gotcha I now see that I’m looking at a reflection I thought you had a circular bulb on the back but its just an effect

[@NobodyWhatsoever]

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]

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.

[@Fenwick_Ales]

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]

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]

@@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]

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]

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

[@KayakhacksFishing]

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

[@vagabond-yj8pn]

That’s a 💡 idea.

[@FSDraconis]

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]

Thanks for the link

[@outdoorcory6645]

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]

Thanks for adding that!

[@kwleong63]

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.

[@ligmaballs5536]

I have a flash light

[@KayakhacksFishing]

That works

[@arcturusbbqsausagemaking2435]

$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

[@MYNAMEISNUMBER2]

if only those awesome guardian angel lights weren't 140$

[@KayakhacksFishing]

True

[@гольф2бравобраво]

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]

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

[@JS-ej7zv]

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]

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]

What are some better alternatives?

[@one.of.two1969]

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

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Interesting

[@sompasongs]

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

[@KayakhacksFishing]

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

[@adventureswithfrodo2721]

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

[@KayakhacksFishing]

Wow... prices went up since publication

[@paulmaguire8720]

Great info. Thanks, once again.