I have a 19-foot Key West, and my favorite thing to do is to get close to the rocks on the south side of Fishers Island, and throw eels with 12-pound spinning gear. I typically launch my boat at 5:00 AM, and make my first cast by 5:30, when it's JUST starting to get light.

That has got to be a killer spot at night. I've been thinking about going out some evening, maybe around 6:00 PM or so, and staying out all night. My question is, how dark does it get out there, if it's a clear night with a decent moon? Will I at least be able to see the island? My experience is, as long as I'm at least 100 feet off the island, I'm OK.

The thought of going out there at night for the first time is nerve-racking. Are there any light-tackle guides who run trips at night? I'd rather go out once with a pro before I make the leap.

I prefer fishing at night because most ying yangs are home in bed. That said, I would suggest to you that if you have a GPS and can record or track your courses then go in the daytime and save your courses. Go back at night, with the GPS dimmed, and dimmers on all your other unnessasery lights.
Night vision is ruined by any show of light, even a match to light a cigarette.
Most folks eyes will adapt to the darkness and you will be able to see an amazing amount, in the dark.
Striped Bass feed best at night and they hate eells so use them. They try to kill every eel they smell or see so go for it!
Good Luck and let us know how you do!

Typically this time of year the nights will be very dark. The things to watch for is anchor drift, if your gps has this alarm feature use it. Like the above said record your track in the daytime. If you have dual batteries switch over to the deep cycle to power your instruments. If you don't have a T-Top flood lamp carry a small battery powered lantern in case of line tangles, etc. It's tough to hold a flashlight while rocking in a boat and trying to undue tangles with only the small running lights. Bring more cloths than you ever dream of using. It gets cold out there at night especially if there is a breeze. Hmmmm that's all I can think of other than the normal safety stuff..

I fish at night as much as in the daytime, and the first thing I would recommend is that you start out in areas you know very well. Stay away from the boulder areas when running.

Having an accurate GPS with a track is important if you have to run. Remember to make your courses during LOW TIDE. I also keep a handheld chart plotter with NiMH batteries, just in case the main one goes out. Stay in the safe areas you scouted in the daytime, and if you go out of them- GO SLOW.

I would recommend you go to Sports Authority and get one of those L.E.D. headlamps. AWESOME tool that you will never regret! Well worth the $19. In LED mode, the AAA batteries have a 200 + hour burn time. The light has three settings, but you will quickly find that the lowest is generally bright enough for night use. Your friends will quickly become jealous and will soon have one of their own.

And I guess the last thing might be to bring a friend who is also a capable captain, just in case you get turned around, or need some assistance in some way. Your first moonless/foggy night will be a scare, but after a while, you will get used to the night thing.

Good luck, and be careful. Safe boating!

TH

I would say my biggest concern boating at night is first, hitting a small boat with no lights that is anchored in the channel and second, hitting an actual channel marker.

jamie as you know the south side of fishers is a beautiful boulder and boulder point strewn area. keep a track of where you were in the day and stay on that at night. that area has a lot a dangerous rock outcroppings that on some nights cannot be seen at all. when running at night keep all lights on board off except for crucial running lights this will help your night sight a bit. always keep running lights on, i fish that area daily and have had a few close encounters with smaller boats with no running lights almost cut them in two. oh yeah and theres no fish there ever so i wouldn't go back. ;)

One other thing I forgot to mention earlier:

If you are approached by another boat at night, do not shine your light at the other boat.
You could blind the operator and he could run you over.
Always shine your light on your own boat so as to show the other guy you are there but don't blind him with your light shining at him.
It is a violation of FEDERAL LAW to shine a light at the helm of another boat!

The other suggestions and advice are all sound.
Good Luck with the Big Mothuas that feed at night!

dont go any further out than what you can recognize.