I fished Dale this past weekend and just about ran over a jon boat with 2 guys in it. I was on full plane, pitch dark in front of Trooper Island when all of a sudden out of the dark a white light appears within 20 YARDS in front of me. I made a massive turn to the right and off the throttle, SCARED ME TO DEATH. After I stopped and cleaned myself off, I asked what in the hell was he doing with no lights on. He said that he forgot his lights in the truck and was mad at me for almost swamping them. I asked him why did he not have a light on of any sorts and he said he could not find the flashlight until the last second. He could easily see me coming from a mile away. I told him he was **** lucky that I did not run over them. My deep v on full plane versus his little jon boat means bad news for both of us but I have to think they would probably be dead and maybe me to. This is my 4th year night fishing and I have seen more stupid people doing stupid things after dark this year than all the other 3 combined. Jet Ski's after dark (especially at Ky Lake), Big Idiot Boats flying down the lake well after dark, sailboats and houseboats anchored in the middle of coves with no lights on, unbelievable. No wonder so many have gotten killed this year and if it does not improve many more will loose their lives. I told my wife that for the first time, I am not 100% confident that it is safe to fish after dark due to all the other idiots on the water. With me fishing 90% of the time by myself makes it worse.

Dave Stewart carries a sock and puts it over the back light that keeps the bugs down but still makes it legal and it can be seen from 360 degrees as the law states. I personally don't keep any lights on when fishing but keep a bright spotlight or flashlight right next to me and keep close ear on incoming traffic to let them know.

Be Safe