Table Rock Night Regs?

[Wayne SW/MO]

I would suggest that you ignore the light law, not on your boat, but on others. The last time I was there only about half the boats and the annoying little jet skis had them on. Comically one boat who was pulling skiers at dusk was waving their orange flag, apparently they thought it more important than lights.

[Sam]

You guys are making me feel bad. With my rig (17' Tracker, 50 hp 4-stroke), 30 mph is flat-out top speed - and that's in the daytime with a tail wind. I think I'm really hauling at 30, and I can't imagine doing it at night.

As far as running lights at night, I can't fish with 'em on. They're on when my boat's moving, and if I'm sitting still I turn them on when I hear another boat coming.

[bassman1308]

I've been given a warning a couple times for running slightly over the 30 mph night limit but been cautioned 3 times about fishing to far off shore without lights. I understand the reason for a night speed limit but having to leave your lights on while fishing over 50 ft from the bank is a pain and completely useless law, IMO. My 19.8 ranger has no problem planeing at 30 mph, usually with an empty livewell though. : - ).

[nwaoutdoorsman]

I didnt have any trouble keeping my boat on plane at 30. In fact, I could keep it there about 27 or so. It was just fine. I fish on Beaver alot and there is no speed limit. I dont have any problem with it at all. Great idea!

We caught a few fish on a spinnerbait, but most and better came on a jig. Had a 3 1/2-4lber wrap me up in a cedar and we played tug a war for awhile, but I won the battle eventually.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I understand the reason for a night speed limit but having to leave your lights on while fishing over 50 ft from the bank is a pain and completely useless law

Until some drunk runs over you.

[J.E.]

Contact the local Waterpatrol Officers for any clarification you may need concerning speed limits and the required lighting while either underpower or stationary.

Ignoring the law is foolish it endangers not only yourself but others. If you don't want to run your battery for lighting while using your TM buy a clip on light from walmart and place it on your motor. If you're unable to run your rig at 30MPH on plane either re-prop for night fishing or learn to drive at slow speeds.

[bassman1308]

Until some drunk runs over you.

Wayne: This is why I don't care for the 'lights on 50 ft from the bank law'. I've had boats almost hit me at least three different times while fishing off the bank with my lights on so I don't think that law is a cure all. All it does is increase the number of bugs around your boat. The last time was a small runabout that came so close I could see the expressions on their faces, and I don't think they ever saw me, even though I was flashing my lights. I believe all 3 times this happened to me, it was because there were lit docks behind me and my boat lights blended in with them. Kind of a depth perception problem I think. I now keep a very high powered light on my front deck and I don't hesitate to use it when I see boats getting to close.

[ozarkgunner]

Wayne: This is why I don't care for the 'lights on 50 ft from the bank law'. I've had boats almost hit me at least three different times while fishing off the bank with my lights on so I don't think that law is a cure all. All it does is increase the number of bugs around your boat. The last time was a small runabout that came so close I could see the expressions on their faces, and I don't think they ever saw me, even though I was flashing my lights. I believe all 3 times this happened to me, it was because there were lit docks behind me and my boat lights blended in with them. Kind of a depth perception problem I think. I now keep a very high powered light on my front deck and I don't hesitate to use it when I see boats getting to close.

I do the same thing. I have a surefire 120 lumen flashlight in my pocket. It has a small clip on it like most knives do now. A couple flashes always gets their attention.

[mclothier1]

I always keep one of those 1Million candle power handheld spotlights, comes in real handy when its one of those dark nights when the water blends in with the land. Also saved my butt a couple years back when we came across a houseboat just west of the KC bridge with NO lights on at all. probably came within 50 feet (way too close by my standards... even in the daylight) of slamming into it, Im just glad I was only running 20-25 mph. If I was running any faster I probably wouldnt have seen it in time.

Im sure I get laughed at by the "regulars" who could probably run up and down TR all night doing 60mph while blindfolded, but I dont roll that way, so laugh all you want.

[Whack'emGood]

Well...

Everybody seems to have the perfect boat for going 30 mph except me and all of the guys that fish in the tourney series I fish.

At least 80% of the guys I know can't run 30 mph and stay on plane with two guys, all of their tackle, and a livewell full of water and fish.

I spend countless hours on the lake at night every year and I'm telling you this-- MY BOAT WON'T STAY ON PLANE AT 30MPH PERIOD.

It ain't the driver either as some of you have insinuated (like you know how every bass rig runs)... MOST of the big bass rigs aren't designed to run 30 mph fully loaded and WILL NOT stay on plane at 30... period. Not only that, but the motor over-revs at these midrange speeds and is not good for the motor. They are not made for this.

Whoever made this law has not put it to the test (as usual) to see if it is practical and needs to get a clue.

That is the last I will say about it.

Have fun out there.

P.S. I will not fish with my running lights on... It attracts bugs, repels fish, and any serious nighttime bass fisherman will not do it. You need to watch out for other boats to come near and be ready to flip them on at all times though.