light sticks & offsore

[Sunshine]

I've been using 4 inch light sticks on my offsore planer boards for a few years now by attaching it to the flag with tie downs. However, I purchased 6" sticks in bulk for this year and have also found the perfect size stool caps to hold these stcks in place. Now I'd like suggestions on placement of the light stick. I think my two options are on the top edge in front of the flag or on the bracket that holds the line clip. What are your thoughts? Will putting the light stick on the bracket cause any problems with the balance and performance of the borad?

What am I forgetting?

[Someday]

Put them on the front clip bracket. I think they might be too top heavy on the board itself. I use 4" ones on the bracket so I can't say from experience how the 6" will ride.
Stephen

[Sunshine]

Thank You,

Any other experienced knowledge out there?

[Jess]

Where did you find the stool caps ?

[Someday]

True Value hardware stores have them

[Sunshine]

Yep,

True Value, They had two different kinds..........plastic and rubber. I went with the rubber because it had more support and a tighter fit. I attached them to the bracket as suggested and will go out tomorrow and try it. I'll let you know how it worked.

[Sunshine]

I tried the new caps attached to the bracket yeaterday. The board appeared to ride a little lower in the water, but I'm not sure if this was just my imagination. Everything seemed to work fine, now the real big test will be next weekend on Little Bay de Noc and big waves. It'll be interesting to see it operate in 2-3 footers if we encounter any. Chairman of the board, if you read this, please let me know if I'm on the right track. I'm sure that you have had experience with lights or others have reported to you on what they have done. Thanks

[Skeeter]

I have run flags with the blinker lites on off shore and Roach boards. I have found that they do tip and run deeper in
the water. The think I found that works MUCH better than
the blinker lites is a 3" red or green light stick. YOu
can buy these sticks for about 44 to 50 cents each. You can ;
slide the stick in the same slots cut for the flasher.
They DO NOT TIP OR MAKE BOARD RIDE LOWER IN WATER. In fact you
will find they are much easier to see. The 3 inch is big enough
no need at all to go any bigger. YOu can see them perfect! Just my 2 cents worth. I bet if you try it you WILL throw you flashers
away!

[Chkairman]

I tried several of the lighted sticks and most of them worked. We came up with the lights because they fitted the flags well and would last. As long as the board floats and still goes out to the side you are ok. Good luck and all you guys out there doing different things is what has made the Off Shore board what it is today. Keep playing with it please.
Bruce
(Chairman of the Boards) NPAA #6

[Sunshine]

Thanks Bruce,
That's what I thought but I feel better hearing it from you. See you at Saginaw Bay.

[John Balla]

Sunshine,

I have been using light sticks on boards in Bay de Noc for over five years now and have a few ideas that have worked for me. I attach the sticks on the top edge of the board for two reasons: one is to distribute the weight evenly as possible, and the second reason is to allow viewing from both sides of the board. This will allow other boats to see your boards as well. I attach them with rubber bands which is quick, lightweight and easy to remove. Also, freezing the sticks after the first use will extend the life of the glow if you run short on glow sticks. I find the green ones provide the easiest viewing over long periods of time. Hope this helps and if you need info on hotspots, I don't know if you've been there before or not, please e-mail me a request.

Good luck,

John "JB" Balla

[Den]

Skeeter, everybody to their own thing. the light sticks definately work. but if you use them as much as we do, that can get very expensive. we run 4 to 5 boards on each side, and fish 4 to 6 days (nights) a week during April and May. the lights cost around 5 dollars each, including batteries, and we may go through 1 set every year thats another 2 dollars. if we used light sticks it would definately cost more to use. Most nights when things go right(lol) we may not be on the water more than 2 or 3 hours, and we can shut the lights off, but the stick is done either way.Regardless, either way works, but this is just a thought. good luck and good fishin.
Den

[skeeter]

I know exactly what your saying about the cost factor but
what I was finding with the lights is the board would flip
over and dive. The light was heavy the light stick weighs
hardly anything. I started using the stick because of
the flipping problem. Haven't had the problem since. One more
thing I might add is, reading the other post below something
I have not tried is freezing them guess they will last longer
this way, cutting cost a bit. Sounds good to me. I see Ace
Hardware sells the lights for 2.50 you still use them, save some
money.ha

[Sunshine]

Here's a web page where you can buy light sticks in bulk and save some money. They're the same sticks that we have bought at retail stores. My buddies and I split an order and they last us all season and then some.

http://www.qlight.com/Products/products-ls.htm

We also freeze the sticks in an attempt to get 2 nights out of them. It works but the lights are not as bright as they are when you first start using them.

I have also tried the battery-operated lights but didn't like them because:

1. The flashing got on my nerves.
2. They get wet inside eventually.
3. They make the board top heavy and the board flops over too easily. I have also had the board dive w/ the light on.
4. Did I mention that they get on my nerves?

[Skeeter]

My feelings and many other guys feelings also Sunshine. I even
tried putting the light down the shaft of the flag. Still
didn't run right. So we started using the sticks. I have a
web site other than the one you posted that gives a discount
on larger orders. I took orders from about 35 of the walleye
fisherman I fish with and order in quanity so we get a much
better price.

[Sunshine]

Skeeter,
Please post the email address you have for sticks and I'll compare prices. Thanks

[Skeeter]

I have it here someplace. Can you send me your email address
and when I find it I'll let you know. I already did compare
course your set on bigger sticks. I paid 42 cents thats
ordering 1,000 of the 3 in which is just right. That size seems
to work for all us guys. Be sure to send email.