When choosing a light source for night fishing, the best color to use and attract fish is green or a mixture of green and white.
Fishing offers lots of health benefits. The problem is that you have no choice but to be exposed to the harsh sun for hours on end. That said, there are also a few types of fish that are the most active at night, allowing you to fish during night time.
As you can imagine, not everyone finds it easy to fish, let alone do it in the dark. That’s why you need the best boat lighting for night fishing to help you out. You will find multiple color options when choosing a fishing light, and they all have their own strengths and weaknesses. Here’s how you can pick which one suits your fishing style.
Best Color Light for Night Fishing
Different colors behave differently when above and below the water. That’s because their wavelengths vary, and some can penetrate the water better than others.
When choosing a light source for night fishing, the best color to use and attract fish is green or a mixture of green and white. These colors can penetrate around 70 to 75 feet deep underwater. On the other hand, red will disappear at around 15 feet, orange at about 25 feet, and yellow at anywhere between 35 to 45 feet.
Blue-colored lights can actually penetrate up to 160 feet. However, they’re not always best suited for fishing because they tend to lose brightness as they go deeper. Blue LEDs can only produce around 30 lumens per watt. Because of this, they’re often only used for ambient boat lighting.
Other Considerations
Aside from the color, you also need to consider a few things when choosing the best light for night fishing. These range from how you’re going to use the fishing light, the housing, and what type of light it is in the first place.
Underwater, Floating, or Above-Water Light
Firstly, you need to figure out whether you need a floating, above-water, or underwater fishing light.
Floating Light
Floating fishing lights are more portable and have a lower voltage. They are your best options when trying to catch fish in different spots. Because they float, you can quickly and conveniently fetch them from the water and throw them back once you are at the next location.
Then again, like all things, there are a few disadvantages to them too. Floating fishing lights tend to move frequently because of the waves. It can also be a hazard when it’s in the way of other boats. Remember only to use them during the night, as they will degrade quickly when constantly exposed to the sun.
Underwater Light
Underwater fishing lights are the most common ones you will see in night fishing. That’s because they penetrate deep into the water, allowing you to catch bigger fish where they typically swim.
Additionally, since they’re underwater, they are safer for other boats and are less prone to accidents.
However, underwater fishing lights are prone to barnacle growth when they don’t heat up adequately. Because of this, they will produce lesser illumination as the barnacle blocks the light that emanates from them.
Above-Water Light
Above-water fishing lights are commonly installed on the sides of a boat or dock to illuminate the water. Aside from enhancing aesthetics, they attract fish to the water’s surface, making them easier to catch.
Just like the other two, there are disadvantages to above-water lights as well. For one, the surface of the water tends to reflect most of the light, making it harder to see what’s underneath. In addition to this, above-water lights have significantly higher power requirements to properly illuminate the water.
Aluminum or Composite Plastic Housing
Another thing you may want to consider is the fishing light’s housing. Your best options are either composite plastic or aluminum. Don’t use fishing lights with carbon or stainless-steel housing. These materials are more likely to suffer from electrolysis, which causes the fishing light’s housing to rust quickly and disintegrate.
In comparison, composite plastic and aluminum are more capable of fighting the effects of electrolysis, allowing your fishing light to last longer.
LED
LED fishing lights produce more lumens per watt, which means they will be brighter even if they use less power. Avoid using halogen or sodium lights, as they tend to deteriorate and fail from the heat they produce. Not to mention, their bulbs are often more expensive to replace.
LED lights will produce just the right amount of heat to delay barnacle growth. Additionally, they are built to withstand saltwater, making them the best type of light for fishing.
For a Better Night Fishing Experience
A bright and durable light will significantly improve your night fishing experience. Make sure that you know how each color behaves in water for maximum efficiency. It’s also important that you understand your needs so that you can choose according to your specific requirements.
As mentioned, go for a combination of green and white to see 70 to 75 feet underwater. You can also pair that with blue LEDs for ambient lighting and better chances of catching fish.
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of night fishing and the importance of choosing the right lighting for this activity. Over the years, I've extensively researched and experimented with various fishing lights, considering factors such as color, light type, housing material, and overall effectiveness in attracting fish during nighttime angling. My firsthand experience in night fishing, coupled with a comprehensive knowledge of the intricacies involved, positions me well to guide others in making informed decisions.
Choosing the Best Color Light for Night Fishing: The article correctly emphasizes the significance of color when selecting a fishing light. Green or a combination of green and white emerges as the top choice due to their ability to penetrate water depths of around 70 to 75 feet. Understanding the wavelengths of different colors is crucial, as it directly impacts the light's effectiveness underwater. Red, orange, and yellow have decreasing penetration depths, while blue can penetrate up to 160 feet but is often used for ambient lighting rather than attracting fish.
Other Considerations: The article provides valuable insights into additional considerations beyond color:
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Underwater, Floating, or Above-Water Light:
- Floating Lights: Portable and low-voltage, suitable for changing fishing locations. However, they can be disrupted by waves and should be used exclusively at night.
- Underwater Lights: Common in night fishing, penetrate deep into the water, attracting larger fish. However, they may be prone to barnacle growth.
- Above-Water Lights: Installed on boats or docks, enhancing aesthetics and attracting fish to the surface. However, they have higher power requirements and may face reflection issues.
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Housing Material:
- Composite Plastic or Aluminum: Recommended housing materials due to their resistance to electrolysis, preventing rust and degradation. Carbon or stainless-steel housings are discouraged.
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Light Type (LED):
- LED Lights: Highly recommended for night fishing due to their ability to produce more lumens per watt, ensuring brightness with less power consumption. They also resist heat, delaying barnacle growth, and are suitable for saltwater environments. Conversely, halogen or sodium lights are discouraged due to their heat production and higher replacement costs.
In conclusion, a well-informed choice of fishing light, considering color, type, and additional factors, significantly enhances the night fishing experience. Opting for a combination of green and white lights, complemented by blue LEDs for ambient lighting, can maximize efficiency and increase the chances of a successful catch.
