Boating at night

[johnnycjay]

Hi all.

With my little boat all serviced and ready to go I was toying with the idea of a night fish (with the wind down).

Does anyone think it's unsafe or unwise taking the boat out at night (possibly by myself). I mean nothing is really different except the darkness.

[barra mick]

If there is little wind and you dont venture out to far im sure its ok.

Take good safety gear and be carefull.

[yepi'mon]

Just do a bit of study on the area before hand via google searches and looking at google maps. Make sure you know what dangers there are and make sure you avoid them.

I.e if you launch at Hastings and don't follow the channel in and out (which is poorly marked) you might find yourself waiting for high tide to come back.

Other than that have your safety gear, GPS, sounder etc and you should be right!

[johnnycjay]

I launch ar Patterson lakes. Do they stay open at night?

[Mattblack]

Pretty sure all ramps are open 24 hours (except Elwood Boat Ramp-North Rd Brighton)

[drew 2]

Let someone know where you are going and what time you expect to be back.

[Trumpeter]

The main worries are other boats not seeing you and if going solo, falling overboard. Have bright, all-round lighting and wear a harness/lanyard.

[rb85]

Nothing like fishing solo in the evening. Just make sure your set up to do so and no **** on the boat.

[Wolly Bugger]

I launch ar Patterson lakes. Do they stay open at night?

Patterson is open 24 seven, You can fish all you like, at night, you must wear a life jacket and as long as you have lights, go for it.

In the coming months, I might be doing some all nighters. Besides I can sleep in a cabin. It is reasonably comfortable, if not cold or hot depending on the the weather.

[cobby]

And a GPS with maps to get back in. That whole area at night looks identical to itself. Few times had to stop and find the rail bridge before hitting the beach pre gps days