No white light allowed at night?

[Crunchyhippo]

Another detectorist told me the other day that when detecting at night, white lights aren't allowed, which seems absurd. Something to do with them interfering with sea turtles. He said that only red lights are allowed. I can't imagine trying to do anything in a red light, much less detecting. Besides, after the sun goes down, I see a fair number of people going along the surf with white lights from flashlights, looking for fish and whatnot. This guy said that if someone living on the beach sees my light, they could complain to the police. Has anyone run into this, or is it something I should worry about?

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

Another detectorist told me the other day that when detecting at night, white lights aren't allowed, which seems absurd. Something to do with them interfering with sea turtles. He said that only red lights are allowed. I can't imagine trying to do anything in a red light, much less detecting. Besides, after the sun goes down, I see a fair number of people going along the surf with white lights from flashlights, looking for fish and whatnot. This guy said that if someone living on the beach sees my light, they could complain to the police. Has anyone run into this, or is it something I should worry about?

They are correct, During sea turtle nesting season in Fl, May 1st thru October 31st, the lights confuse the turtle hatchlings, they navigate to the ocean by instinctively moving towards the brightest horizon.

Have you tried red lights, I use them with no problem?

 

[Sandinmypants]

Another detectorist told me the other day that when detecting at night, white lights aren't allowed, which seems absurd. Something to do with them interfering with sea turtles. He said that only red lights are allowed. I can't imagine trying to do anything in a red light, much less detecting. Besides, after the sun goes down, I see a fair number of people going along the surf with white lights from flashlights, looking for fish and whatnot. This guy said that if someone living on the beach sees my light, they could complain to the police. Has anyone run into this, or is it something I should worry about?

I have heard this also==the baby sea turtles after they hatch can get confused by the lights.
Here in West Palm they frown on Night Hunting. As far as the red light I only use them on occasion.

 

[Crunchyhippo]

They are correct, During sea turtle nesting season in Fl, May 1st thru October 31st, the lights confuse the turtle hatchlings, they navigate to the ocean by instinctively moving towards the brightest horizon.

Have you tried red lights, I use them with no problem?

No, never tried a red light. It seemed like it would be a surreal experience, but I'll have to try it first and see for myself.

 

[no2pencil]

Common in Florida on the Ocean. From my experience in both Central & Southern Florida. Property laws too. I got myself a head lamp with a red light, also have red illumination flash lights in our vehicles.

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

No, never tried a red light. It seemed like it would be a surreal experience, but I'll have to try it first and see for myself.

I have head lamp that has both white and red light so I can choose red during turtle season.

 

[LawrencetheMDer]

True about the white lights. Red lights do the trick and not usually a problem....In fact, ther is a lot to be said about hunting at night or very early morning w/o a light. I can usually see what I've found using the dim light from the detector screen.

 

[Crunchyhippo]

True about the white lights. Red lights do the trick and not usually a problem....In fact, ther is a lot to be said about hunting at night or very early morning w/o a light. I can usually see what I've found using the dim light from the detector screen.

Gotta be careful in the dark, though, even though I do it, too. I've heard of people getting mugged, since you're all by your lonesome out there without a soul around.

 

[pepperj]

Most animals can even sleep with a red light on, but not a white light. Even all heat lamps for chick's we use red.
The layers don't get confused with a red light. A night or 2 with a white light the laying cycle gets really messed up.
In boating and reading a chart at night the eyes don't get effected. White light blinds a person after it's turned off.

Red also is harder to see from a distance if pointing down.
White light is pick me as I'm alone.
Something to consider 🤔

 

[Carl-NC]

Red light also doesn't constrict the pupils, whereas white light does and is therefore constantly messing up your night vision.

 

[ARC]

I really cannot wrap my mind around why anyone would want to detect at night anyway...

The old guys that i followed in my youth had it down pat and they knew... Just get up early in A.M.
and i copied it from them early on... and they are / were right.
"The very best time to detect is just as the sun is beginning to rise and those hours after."

 

[Treasure_Hunter]

I have hunted many low tides at night. No people, no heat, no competition. I am also armed for my personal protection.

 

[ARC]

"No people, no heat, no competition."

This is also / applies to the early AM...
ONLY... You can SEE !
:P

Also TH... most of teh time,,, the water is calm like glass.
WHICH is not the case most of the time at night.

 

[ARC]

Early morning is quiet ... calm.... peaceful.... you can quietly hear and see everything.
Water is clear.... calm.... gently lapping...........ahhhhhhhhhh yes.....

Morning Zen.

The morning sun rise hours have an effect on the entire situation that cannot be matched.

 

[Crunchyhippo]

Early morning is quiet ... calm.... peaceful.... you can quietly hear and see everything.
Water is clear.... calm.... gently lapping...........ahhhhhhhhhh yes.....

Morning Zen.

The morning sun rise hours have an effect on the entire situation that cannot be matched.

There's also other detectorists out at sunrise, especially at a vacation destination like where I live.

 

[ARC]

is the best.

There's also other detectorists out at that time, especially at a vacation destination like where I live.

yep