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Best Underwater Fishing Lights Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Weather Resistance
For obvious reasons, if an underwater fishing light is not water resistant, it’s basically useless. That said, not all lamps are created equal in this respect. Some lamps are sealed much more tightly and securely than others, and are therefore effective when submerged at greater depths, and for longer periods of time. Water resistance is also important for safety reasons. If water is able to enter the unit, it poses a huge safety risk and electrical hazard. Best case scenario - the lights short out. Worst case? An electrical shock is created.
Visibility
The ability to illuminate the water is, of course, paramount. This allows you to fish at any time of day or night, and to see the fish clearly, even in murky, cloudy water. In addition, visibility is an important safety consideration. If it is dark out, it is important that other fishermen can see you. Also, underwater fishing lights can be used to illuminate your path and keep track of where you’ve already been. There is not a minimum lumen requirement to look for, and white, green, yellow and blue bulbs are reported to be equally effective in terms of visibility.
Effectiveness
Of course, you want to get a fishing lamp that works well. This encompasses more than just how well a lamp lights up an area. Does the lamp sink easily when submerged? Does it last for many continuous hours without needing to be recharged? Does it attract just baitfish? Does it have a reputation for shorting out easily? Is it resistant to corrosion? These are all factors that determine how effective a fishing lamp is.
Battery Life
Part of the fun of owning an underwater fishing lamp is being able to stay out all night on the water. This fun is cut considerably short if you have to stop to recharge your lamp’s battery. Several of the models reviewed in this article boast 50,000 hours of continuous use on a full charge. How long a battery’s charge lasts is largely determined by the amount of power that a lamp draws from its battery source. The more efficient a battery, the longer the charge typically lasts.
Durability
A fishing lamp that can’t take a good beating is virtually useless. If the lamp is delicate, it certainly will not stand the test of time. Fishing lamps are submerged into deep, sometimes murky water for extended periods of time. They are accidentally banged against the side of your boat, tangled in the weeds, exposed to saltwater and other potentially damaging elements. They need to be able to take serious abuse and still work.
10 Best Underwater Fishing Lights
1. Lightingsky Submersible
The Lightingsky Submersible is an affordable, popular, reliable and generally well-received kit that does a nice job without breaking the bank. The lamp is offered in three different colors, with each option based on the type of fish you are hoping to catch. This particular model offers superb battery life; over 50,000 continuous hours of use.
Ultra-Efficient
The light itself is extremely efficient, long-lasting and long-lasting. It uses minimal battery power while operating for 50,000 hours, giving you an amazing charge length. The bright, 900-lumen LED lights last eight times longer than halogen bulbs. The lamp, which comes with a five-meter cord, is extremely powerful underwater and can be seen from a good distance away.
Three Colors
The lamp’s bulbs are offered in green, blue or white. What color should you choose? It depends on what you are trying to catch. Smaller baitfish like phytoplankton and krill are attracted to blue lights, whereas squid prefer green. White lights serve as an all-purpose attractor. Green lamps are a popular choice among fishermen because they are easy on the eyes, especially in dark water. The price is low enough that you can try the different color lamps to see what you like best without spending too much.
Cost and Value
In terms of price, this is one of the least expensive options reviewed in this article. The customer reviews are generally good, earning an average of four out of five stars. Overall, considering the Lightingsky’s low price tag, solid reputation, and overall impressive performance, it presents a great value.
2. Firewatermarine Maxx
The Firewatermarine 12V Maxx Underwater product is a relatively low-cost option that is highly popular among customers, earning an average of four and a half out of five stars. The ultra-bright green LED light does a great job of attracting bait fish followed by larger, predatory species in virtually no time. The lamp has a special sealant which allows it to be safely used in fresh or saltwater.
Saltwater Resistant Sealant
This includes a saltwater resistant sealant, allowing it to be safely used in salt or freshwater without damage or corrosion. The lamp is weighed internally and sinks easily when submerged. The lamp comes with a 15-foot long black marine cable. The lamp itself is 23” in length. Visibility is fantastic; the green bulb shows up remarkably well, even when submerged in murky, cloudy water in the darkest of nights. The lamp is well-built and withstands tough, choppy water.
Warranty
The lamp comes with a 60-day unlimited warranty. Take advantage of this two month period and immediately notify the company if you have any problems with the light. The company is noted for its excellent customer service and fast response time. If any problems with the lamp are reported, the lamp is either repaired or replaced (depending on whether the issue is reported within 60 days of purchase), no questions asked. All of the seller’s products are manufactured in the US.
Cost and Value
The lamp is sold at a relatively low price and has earned some of the highest praise from customers for its performance. The reviews are enthusiastic and people seem to genuinely enjoy night fishing with the lamp, even if it’s just watching the fish dart around the light. With a warranty, solid reputation and a fair price, Firewatermarine has created a product that is truly a cut above the rest.
3. Amarine-made
Amarine offers a great option with the Deep-Drop Underwater Light. With a built-in lead weight, the lamp sinks rapidly through the depths when submerged. The powerful LED bulbs do a fantastic job of illuminating the water with a bright green halo, instantly attracting baitfish, followed by larger fish. The lamp is durable, strong, well-built and made to be enjoyed.
Lead Weight
A built-in lead weight allows the lamp to sink rapidly when submerged, hence the term “deep drop.” This makes the lamp ideal for fishing in deep, dark water. It also comes with a heavy-duty power cord that is built to withstand heavy use. The bright LED bulb does an excellent job of lighting up the water; even when deeply submerged, you will still be able to see.
Attracts Baitfish
This particular product, with its powerful green halo of light, does a good job of attracting schools of baitfish. Small fish can be seen circling and darting around the lamp almost instantly after it is dropped into the water. The baitfish in turn attract the larger species, resulting in consistent, action-packed fishing, with very few lulls.
Cost and Value
The Amarine-made Submersible Deep-Drop lamp is one of the least expensive models reviewed in this article. It consistently earns above-average reviews from customers, averaging four out of five stars. Few problems are reported with the lamp, and the comments are largely positive. All in all, the manufacturer has done a good job with this lamp with careful construction and clever design, and the price is right.
4. LinkStyle
The Bait Finder is one of the best-performing and yet least expensive models reviewed here. It performs just as well (if not better) than some of its competitors offered at literally five times the cost. It’s affordable enough to pick up a few lamps at once, and more than worth it.
Bright Green
The lights do a great job of illuminating dark, cloudy water, even when submerged at considerable depths. This is great not only for attracting fish but also for safety purposes when fishing at night, keeping you safe and visible to other fishermen. The only drawback with the incredibly light bulb is that it attracts a lot of insects, but this is a small price to pay considering the amount of fish you will draw in.
Portable
The lamp is lightweight and compact, making it portable and a breeze to transport. Of course, its lightness presents a potential drawback when it’s time to submerge the lamp. To combat this, it may need to be weighed down in order to keep it from floating to the surface. This is easy enough to do by attaching a few weights to the lamp. However, when it comes to movement and storage, the Bait Finder is a stand-out option.
Value
This lamp is sold at a very inexpensive price and performs quite well. It is bright, durable, easy to store, and does its job nicely. Overall, it’s a great lamp that is extremely budget-friendly. It is ideal for bait fishing, and also scores highly in the safety category for the way it easily illuminates large areas thanks to its bright green LED bulbs. Don’t let the pricetag fool you -- this is a fantastic lamp.
5. Goture12V 180 LEDs
This lamp is a moderately priced, reliable workhorse that is built to last. It is sufficiently weighed down as is and will not float to the surface. The lamp is eco-friendly and does not consume a lot of energy. The lamp is composed of 180 LED bulbs, resulting in ultra penetrative light. It is super-waterproof with a strong seal to ensure high-quality performance again and again.
Ultra-Waterproof
The lamp is sealed with high-quality rubber to ensure that it is completely waterproof. It is also impact and corrosion resistant. The Goture is one of the most durable options reviewed here. It is made to withstand heavy use, wear and tear and dents and dings. The rubber reinforcement proves to be an invaluable asset, keeping the lamp free of fog, water damage, corrosion and breakage. Water intrusion causes the wiring to rapidly short out and presents a hazard.
Chain Reaction
The Goture does a great job of setting off the perfect chain reaction. Once the lamp is submerged, almost instantly, small fish and krill are attracted to the light. As the baitfish circle around the lamp, larger fish, such as bass, are immediately interested. The action is non-stop as fish are continuously attracted to the white, green or blue glow of the lamp.
Value
In terms of cost, this is a moderately-priced option which offers a good value for the pricetag. It is generally well-received by customers, earning an average of four out of five stars. The lamp is noted for its durability, strength and reliability, even when used for an extended period of time. While it is slightly more expensive than its competitors, it performs well and has earned an above-average reputation.
6. Samdo IP68
The Samdo IP68 Underwater Fishing Lamp is one of the most versatile lamps reviewed here. It can be used in fresh or saltwater, for net fishing, bait fishing, and is suitable for lake, pond and sea fishing. The Samdo attracts a vast array of fish, is easy to use, has a reliable reputation and is fairly priced.
Four Colors
The lamp is available with blue, white, green or yellow bulbs. As previously mentioned, typically, different light colors attract different species. White serves as a general purpose bulb. Blue attracts shrimp and smaller fish. Green attracts squid and smaller species. Yellow attracts larger species of fish and marine life.
Versatile
This particular lamp is noted for its versatility. It can be used for a wide variety of purposes and in a number of different environments. It also performs well in cold and warm temperatures, at deep and shallow depths. In general, it is highly effective, whether you are looking for squid or stocking up on baitfish. The Samdo’s versatility makes it an excellent choice for any fisherman.
Value
The Samdo is extremely fairly priced. For a small amount, your dollar goes very far; you will receive a well-built, highly versatile, easy to use and overall impressive lamp that will not disappoint you. It consistently receives high praise from customers. With its small pricetag and great reputation, it makes a great gift.
7. Apollointech 5000 Lumens IP68
The Apollointech is a fairly priced, incredibly bright lamp that performs well. It gets high marks for battery life, brightness, durability and overall value. It is fully submersible and completely waterproof. The Apollointech is easy to submerge and does not require any added weight in order to drop down into the water.
5000 Lumen
The lamp boasts an impressive 5000 lumen, offering exceptional brightness. The lamp emits a powerful green glow while drawing a relatively low amount of power (just over three amps per hour) from a 12V battery. The lamp easily attracts a wide variety of fish with its powerful bulbs.
Customer Service
Several reviewers reported having a positive customer service experience when dealing with the Apollointech team. The customer service representatives are reportedly knowledgeable, friendly and fair, answering questions accurately and quickly. A few customers reported having issues with their lamps, and noted that the seller promptly replaced their lamps, making its customer service a cut above the rest and a rare find.
Value
The light is mid-ranged in price. Considering how well it performs, how durable it is, how efficiently it runs, and the great customer service offered by the seller, it is an excellent investment available at a fair price. The Apollointech is a smart investment for any fisherman. All in all, it’s a good value, and you will get a lot of bang for your buck.
8. Green Glow Dock Light
The Green Glow UW Dock Fish Attracting Light Kit is sold at over 10 times the price of some of the other models reviewed here. For that kind of price, the kit needs to be exceptional. Is the high cost justified? In many respects, the answer is yes; however, the kit is intended for heavy-duty use by serious fishermen. Otherwise, if the light is only going to be used occasionally, you might be better off with a less expensive option.
State-of-the-Art
The kit boasts state-of-the-art innovation, technology, design and engineering. It is barnacle-resistant, unlike LED lights. The lamp can be used in cold or warm temperatures, in fresh or saltwater, shallow or deep depths, and is ready to go within minutes of being unboxed. The kit includes everything you need and you will not need to purchase any additional equipment.
Years of Use
The lamps are rated to withstand four to five years of regular underwater use. This is considerably longer than the other lamps reviewed here and should be taken into consideration in terms of being a long-term investment. Instead of purchasing a new lamp every season, you will have a reliable lamp for years to come.
Value
As previously mentioned, the kit is much more expensive than the competition. That said, it includes all necessary components and no additional purchases are needed. The lamp typically lasts for four to five years, and offers superb performance and the highest safety marks, with low risks of electrical problems and a GFCI cable. Overall, the price cannot be justified for everyone. For a casual fisherman, a less expensive model is a more sensible choice. But for a serious fisherman who is comfortable spending several hundred dollars on a lamp kit, the Green Glow is second to none.
9. Green Blob Outdoors DOCK-7500
The Green Blob is the second most expensive lamp kit reviewed here. With a pricetag commanding several hundred dollars, the Blob needs to be extra special. The question is - is the kit’s hefty cost justified? With excellent reviews, advanced features, exceptional ingenuity, great customer service and high durability, it’s a great lamp that makes sense for hardcore fishermen to invest in.
15,000 Lumen
The light the lamp emits is exceptionally bright, boasting 15,000 lumen. The amazing brightness attracts all kinds of fish, big and small. The incredible brightness also increases your visibility in the water, an important safety consideration. The lamp lasts for 50,000 hours of continuous use.
Saltwater or Freshwater Use
The lamp is suitable for saltwater or freshwater use. It is treated and reinforced to avoid corrosion and damage, and can be safely submerged at virtually any depth. The LED lights use very little power to avoid overheating. The lamp can be used in a wide variety of environments, making it one of the most versatile options reviewed here.
Value
The kit costs several hundred dollars and is therefore not for everyone. For serious fishermen who intend to use the lamp on a regular basis and in a variety of environments, however, the Green Blob makes sense. If you want to be able to go fishing at any time of day or night, in cold or warm weather, in a pond or in the ocean, and you have a considerable budget, then the kit is something to consider. For the casual fisherman, however, it’s not quite justified.
10. VGEBY LED UW
The VGEBY is a well-built, inexpensive lamp with high marks across the board. It’s a reliable, easy to use option that is small, compact and lightweight. The lamp is easy to transport and store. If you are looking for an affordable lamp that is fun, easy and reliable, look no further than VGEBY.
360 Degrees
The lamp has a round design which offers 360 degrees of luminance. Light is emitted from all angles for optimal brightness. The lamp is small but mighty, energy efficient, and attracts a good amount of fish and bait.
Lightweight
The lamp weighs in at five ounces. It’s small, lightweight and easy to transport. Storage is no problem with such a small lamp. That said, it does not sink to the bottom as effectively as other, heavier models.
Value
The light offers a great value for a small price. It’s affordable but not cheap in its construction or design. It’s surprisingly effective at illuminating the water, it’s long-lasting and it’s durable. It’s not intended for hardcore fishermen, but for casual users, it’s ideal. The VGEBY would make a great stocking stuffer, with its solid reputation, small size and low cost.
