Standing watch while your boat lies on anchor might sound easy, but try staying awake and alert to potential dangers all night on the hook. Unless there are fish biting under the boat in the dark, you’ll eventually fall asleep, at least momentarily. I know. I’ve been there. I have a solution for you, but first let’s talk about the importance of a lookout if your fishing takes you on a trip that involves anchoring for the evening. In this situation, an anchor watch is not only a good idea, it’s required, according to the U.S. Coast Guard’s interpretation of international maritime law. The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS) Rule 5 (known as the Look Out Rule), states: “Every vessel shall at all times maintain a proper lookout by sight and hearing as well by all available means appropriate in ...![Sport Fishing Mag]()
