Night operations on a kayak

The safety guideline on kayaking provided by MPA do state that kayaking should be carried out during the day. However there are increasing number of people trying out kayak fishing at night. So what do we need to pay attention to when kayak fishing at night?

1) LIGHTS

Propped up beacon lights (non-blinking white light only) placed on either ends of your kayak can reveal the length of your kayak and your location amidst the darkness. The further you paddle away from shore, the darker it gets so you need to be visible to other boats or ships & also to your fellow kaykers to avoid collision at sea. You will also need some light on board for you to tie your gear, unhook fish etc...

2) BUDDY
There is a Chinese saying that implies that "water found in a far away place cannot be of any help to put out the fire infront of you." It's always better to have a buddy to fish with you because of the many pertinent dangers when you fish at night.

3) SECURED GEAR
 With poor lighting condition it is vital that every piece of equipment is properly kept within reach to avoid you having to search around the kayak. Its much harder to carry out a salvage & recovery operation if any of your equipment accidentally drop into the sea as compared to in the day. Even if it floats (like your slippers) you may want to secure it as well. Lastly, tangled lines are the worst nightmare on night fishing. Having to untangle your line in darkness on a moving kayak will take your attention off your surroundings and makes you vulnerable to possible dangers and of course cause you to be sea-sick in the process. So having said that, bring minimal fishing equipment so that you don't have to manage so many things at night. If you are on an inflatable kayak, best to keep all the sharp objects away.

4) COMMUNICATION
Have you encountered casting your rod at Bedok jetty at night only to realize that your line have crossed another person's line while casting or because the line drifted? Well, it's probably much worse out here. You can't see where the lines are and the kayak is moving at the same time. This can be avoided if you only start fishing after you have anchor off and you attached the kayaks together so that your buddy is beside you all the time.

5) TIDE, WEATHER, LOCATION
Only fish at a location where you are familiar with and that you have fished there regularly in the day. Check to ensure that it's a calm night before you launch your kayak. It will be great if you can remember the tide direction of the current flow during high & low tide so that you have an idea of the direction where your line & anchor line is drifting towards, where to return to should the weather take a turn for the worst. Avoid crossing the shipping channels at night and fish within the more sheltered waters.

6) UNEXPECTED SURPRISES
The weather isn't as unpredictable as wild animals. The kayaking committee has encountered close calls with crocodiles & snakes while fishing in Singapore waters. Bear in mind that these reptiles hunt in the night & will be much more active. You are probably intruding into their hunting territory & competing with them for food. Mangrove areas are definitely more dangerous as compared to the open shores in this aspect. Other wild animals include the fish at the end of the line! Poisonous fish or a huge ray have to be carefully handled if you are landing the fish on the kayak.



Although the chance of landing a big fish might be higher for night fishing, not to mention it's cooler and less tiring, the risks involved are profound. Hope this posting made you aware of how to take care of yourself if you decide to try night kayak fishing. Be safe, a fish ain't worth your life.