Making night lights for a fishing kayak

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Stealthily pursuing bass after dark from your kayak is one of the most peaceful yet exciting experiences an angler can have. Here’s a simple project using “tap lights” to illuminate your outing. One red light helps preserve night vision when changing lures, while a white light is available when you want to put a bass on your measuring board. Ours cost about $12 to make. <br><br> <em>All captions: Dave Mull</em>
Stealthily pursuing bass after dark from your kayak is one of the most peaceful yet exciting experiences an angler can have. Here’s a simple project using “tap lights” to illuminate your outing. One red light helps preserve night vision when changing lures, while a white light is available when you want to put a bass on your measuring board. Ours cost about $12 to make.
All captions: Dave Mull
The main components are two Ecolight LED Tap Puck Lights (goodearthlighting.com), available at major hardware chains and Amazon. A sheet of stick-on red vinyl cost $2 at a hobby store and made one light red. Cardboard backing, Velcro, double-sided tape and a pint-size resealable bag to weatherproof the lights are the other materials you’ll need.
The main components are two Ecolight LED Tap Puck Lights (goodearthlighting.com), available at major hardware chains and Amazon. A sheet of stick-on red vinyl cost $2 at a hobby store and made one light red. Cardboard backing, Velcro, double-sided tape and a pint-size resealable bag to weatherproof the lights are the other materials you’ll need.
Cut a square to cover one of the light’s lenses and apply.
Cut a square to cover one of the light’s lenses and apply.
With a sharp knife, cut around the circular edge of the lens.
With a sharp knife, cut around the circular edge of the lens.
Cut your cardboard to fit loosely inside the resealable bag. With double-sided tape, stick the pucks to the backing.
Cut your cardboard to fit loosely inside the resealable bag. With double-sided tape, stick the pucks to the backing.
Slide the lights and backing into the bag and apply the Velcro to the bag. Mount the Velcro and bag on the side of your kayak, where it will help you look through lure trays, find your pliers, etc.
Slide the lights and backing into the bag and apply the Velcro to the bag. Mount the Velcro and bag on the side of your kayak, where it will help you look through lure trays, find your pliers, etc.