Night fishing is an exciting experience, but without the proper equipment, it can prove virtually impossible. Some of the most important inclusions to night fishermen’s toolboxes are green night fishing lights, devices that help attract fish in the darkness of nighttime.
On that note, below is a detailed look at how night fishing with a light enhances the experience and the kinds of fishing lights available today.
The Science Behind Green Fishing Lights
Fish retinas have cells that detect light in the UV and blue-green range. Green light penetrates much deeper into water than light in other colors, even white.
But why is it that green light attracts fish? Plankton need light to photosynthesize and reproduce, and they are particularly attracted to green light. Baitfish eat those plankton, which then attracts larger fish. As such, a green light is often a sign of food.
The shade of green most attractive to fish is between 520 and 530 nanometers (nm), which LEDs excel at achieving. As such, most fishing night lights will use LED bulbs.
It’s worth mentioning that blue also works well if you’re fishing with a light in saltwater. However, the same cannot be said of freshwater fish.
Benefits of Using Green Lights for Night Fishing
While fishing with lights at night won’t cause fish to leap directly onto your boat, it will draw them in.
Some additional advantages of using green light for fishing include the following:
Less Bait
As opposed to needing to dangle a single piece of bait in the water or to draw in fish with lures, green lights attract an array of plankton and baitfish with no physical need on your part. Another way to save on bait is to use soft bait lures that can be reused repeatedly.
Improved Visibility
The extra light makes it easier to see where the fish and potential obstacles are.
Reduced Prep Time
Tasks like selecting or catching bait, stocking a tacklebox with every type of lure you may need, and baiting your hooks, among others, are drastically minimized or eliminated when using a green light for fishing.
Be Seen by Rescuers
If there’s a major problem, fishing lights will become emergency beacons. They’ll also help you navigate through fog and rain to help others.
Types of Fishing Lights Available
Night fishing lights can be mounted to a dock, home, or boat. Let’s compare the different kinds available today:
Above Water Fishing Flood Lights
A great option for shallow water fishing, above water fishing floodlights provide a large area of illumination with minimal maintenance. However, they don’t penetrate deeply into the water and can create light pollution for neighboring residents.
Above Water Fishing Spot Lights
Ideal for use on boats or docks, these lights penetrate deep into the water without producing excessive light pollution. They require little maintenance but have a narrow focus beam, limiting the area they can cover.
Floating Fishing Lights
These lights rest on the water’s surface, penetrating deep below and getting light closer to fish. However, they must be secured to prevent drifting and need more frequent replacement and maintenance due to water exposure.
Submersible Fishing Lights
Designed to sink and shine light as close to the fish as possible, submersible lights are effective for deep water. They can also be used as floating lights. While they don’t need mounting and are easy to deploy, they require significant maintenance, especially with barnacle growth, and battery-powered units often need frequent replacement.
Deep Drop Fishing Lights
Deep drop fishing lights are necessary for fish that live at or below 300 feet, such as swordfish, grouper, or escolar. You’ll attach these lights to your rig about 40 or 50 feet from where you drop your bait. The fish you intend to attract will see your vessel as bioluminescent prey, making bites more likely.
Green Fishing and Game Floodlights
Attaching a green floodlight to your dock or boat will penetrate murky waters to make night fishing a breeze. Additionally, you can spot darker fish and target them more easily. Photoelectric sensors also cause these lights to switch on at dusk and then off at dawn, making them less able to cause light pollution.
Best Practices for Using Fishing Lights
In shallow water, lights positioned close to the surface are best. Floodlights are often the best bet here, as they work well to create wide fields of green illumination. Submersible lights, placed five to ten feet below the surface, will work best for water 20 feet deep or greater.
Regardless of your chosen lights, remember that their effects aren’t instantaneous. You may have to wait 30 minutes or more for fish to react. And no matter what, fish activity will drop a few hours past sunset.
Another aspect to keep in mind is maintenance. While above-water lights need little to no upkeep beyond occasional cleaning, submersible lights need constant attention, as barnacles can begin growing on them within hours. After fishing, place your lights in a 5-to-1 solution of vinegar and water for about 30 minutes to loosen the barnacles. Then, scrape them off with a flathead screwdriver.
Among all these tips, the most important is to start with quality night fishing lights! Your initial investment will pay off with durability, reliability, and longevity. Purchasing from a reputable source such as Rite Angler ensures you get lights that will withstand years of use!
Frequently Asked Questions About Fishing Lights
Do Green Lights Help Night Fishing?
Green light is the most attractive to fish because it falls in the spectrum of light they see best. Plankton are attracted to green light for photosynthesis and reproduction, which draws in baitfish and larger fish. According to a study by the University of South Florida, green light works in fresh and saltwater, and blue light works equally in saltwater.
What Color Light Is Best for Night Fishing?
White light works in extremely shallow waters but can’t penetrate to lower depths. Blue light works a little better, but generally only in saltwater. Green is the overall winner because it shines the deepest and targets the shades that plankton, baitfish, and larger fish are attracted to.
