I agree with KC, if your not in a navigable channel or fishing a spot in the middle of the lake, like say up in a bay or creek and close to shore, I dont see the problem with having your lights out. When I'm on the lake at night I am fully aware of whats going on around me out there. I can see and and hear boats coming and if the boat looks like they are coming in my direction I will flip my lights on for a minute or keep them on until they pass me. If I'm fishing a navigable channel well off the bank, fishing a ledge, hump or flat out in the middle of the lake I keep my lights on, same if I am moving.
However, I never run my boat WOT at night, ever! I have put it up on a low plane if there is enough moonlight to see fairly well (some full moon nights it's as bright as daylight out there) and if the situation arises (severe thunderstorm moves in) that I have to get to the ramp in a hurry. Otherwise I will keep the boat around 2000-2500 rpms or at the lake speed limit (10 mph on some Indiana lakes) if it exists.
Common sense goes a long ways on the water, daytime or nighttime.



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