5 Best Underwater Fishing Lights: Buyer Guide

Ever wondered what secrets the deep holds after the sun dips below the horizon? Imagine casting your line into dark water, hoping for a bite, but feeling like you’re fishing blind. That’s the reality for many anglers exploring the nighttime waters. Choosing the right underwater fishing light can feel overwhelming. Should you pick green, white, or maybe blue? How bright does it really need to be? These lights promise to bring the action right to your boat, but picking the wrong one means wasted time and fewer fish in the cooler.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down everything you need to know about underwater fishing lights. You will learn which colors attract different types of fish and how to match the light’s power to your fishing spot. By the end, you will confidently choose the perfect gear to illuminate the dark and dramatically increase your nighttime success. Get ready to turn those shadowy waters into your personal fishing hotspot!

Top Underwater Fishing Lights Recommendations

Bestseller No. 1

Tendelux Underwater Fishing Light, 110V & 12V Super Bright Green LED Submersible Light Attractants for Docks, Boats or Kayaks, IP68 Rated for Fresh & Salt Water (30ft Cable)

Class-leading Performance - Designed by balancing the brightness and consumption, the FG20H green fishing light provides 2300 lumens of illumination by consuming only 23 watts. Unlike many fishing lamps that are integrated with resistors (which will dramatically bring down the power efficiency), we used a 95% efficiency rating power transformer and massively improved the output.
Fishing with Efficiency - Simply drop the light into your fishing spots and wait for a great outcome. The lights will create a food chain of small phytoplankton, baitfish and predatory fish which will make it a lot easier to catch your favorite fish.
Improved in Every Aspect - Comes with all-around better materials and premium quality accessories. We also made a big upgrade on heat transferring, the lamp contains 6 separated light bars to make sure it doesn't get over-heated and so massively ensures durability and performance.
Versatile Applications - Comes with 110 Volt AC power supply, 12V DC battery clamps and cigarette lighter adapter, you may power the lamp with common 12V batteries, portable power stations as well as boat and home outlets, perfect for dock lighting as well as boat fishing.
Keep Away from Marine Fouling Organisms - If you need to use the fishing light under the sea on a long-term basis, we would suggest taking it out every 15 days to clean the surface and wait for it to dry out before placing it underwater again - this can effectively prevent unwanted biofouling, especially the barnacles which are hard to clean and will strongly affect the light performance.

Bestseller No. 2

SAMDO Underwater Fishing Light Fish Light IP68 12V 180 SMD LED 1080 Lumens Fishing Boat Night Light 10.8W (Green)

SAMDO Fishing Lights Wide application range: It can be used for rivers and lakes all fishing, night fishing, wild fish.
SAMDO Underwater Fishing Light can be used for light cover net, sea fishing, cage, small fishing nets.
SAMDO Led Fishing Lights can be used in a fish pond to lure small fish for feeding big fish.
SAMDO Fishing Led Lights can be used for whitebait nets, fishermen network modification
SAMDO Fish Attracting Light also can be used for fish ponds, lakes fishing under the first fish lamp for fish, freshwater fish, most fish, crucian carp, phototaxis: black carp, snakehead, catfish, tilapia, grass carp. Catfish, walleye, crappie, snapper.

Bestseller No. 3

Green Blob Outdoors Underwater Fishing Lights, American Made, Docks and Boats, Brightest Fish Attractor for Snook, Bass, Crappie, Striper, Bait, Catfish and More (Green, 110V 15000 30ft)

MADE- IN- TEXAS - HIGH POWER- Incredible 15000 Lumens of glowing green light at just 16 inches in length. Includes Alligator Clips and 30ft Cord. Perfect for both boats and fishing docks,
DURABLE & VERSATILE: This heavy-duty light can be used in freshwater or saltwater, in a pool or a pond. Use this tool on your boat, on your kayak, or in your aquarium tank. It will provide a pleasant glow and act as a night light for summer fishing under the stars. With 15000 lumens, these powerful LED bulbs are strong enough to illuminate any body of water.
ENERGY EFFICIENT: With alligator clips and a 30-foot power cord and rated for 50,000 hours of continuous use, our light doesn't need an annoying extension cord or extra adapters. Our fishing lights use very little electricity and will not overheat — you can keep the pond or boat dock lit up 24/7. Flood your lake with fish-attracting and aesthetically pleasing light.
PORTABLE BOAT LIGHTS: Because this light rig features alligator clips and a cigarette lighter plug, you can take it on your houseboat, speedboat, or fishing boat. Simply attach the alligator clips to a 12-volt battery. Because this waterproof light uses little energy, it can operate for days on a fully charged marine battery. Keep it in your dock or ice fishing house for convenient use.
ATTRACTS ALL FISH: Whether you're fishing for trout, largemouth or smallmouth bass, crappies, catfish, or redfish, this light lure pole can help you get more fish bites and catches. Place this light fixture under your boat or near your dock for more fish variety near you! Lighted night fishing will help you create wonderful memories with your family and friends for years to come.

Bestseller No. 4

Tendelux Ultra-Bright Underwater Fishing Light with Controller, 110V & 12V Green LED Submersible Light Attractants for Docks, Boats or Kayaks, IP68 Rated for Fresh & Salt Water (30ft Cable)

New with Advanced Controller - Taking the advice from our valued customers, Tendelux made this special controller and wireless remote for our favored ultrabright fishing lights. You may now adjust the brightness from 20% to 100% (5 levels) and set the timer from 1 hour to 10 hours (6 modes), making the light a lot more efficient and versatile to meet your unique needs.
Class-leading Performance - Designed by balancing brightness and consumption, the FG50 green fishing light provides up to 6000 lumens of illumination by consuming only 50 watts. Unlike many fishing lamps that are integrated with resistors (which will dramatically lower the power efficiency), we used a 95% efficiency rating power transformer and massively improved the output.
Fishing with Efficiency - Simply drop the light into your fishing spots and wait for a great outcome. The lights will create a food chain of small phytoplankton, baitfish and predatory fish which will make it a lot easier to catch your favorite fish.
Keep Away from Marine Fouling Organisms - If you need to use the fishing light under the sea on a long-term basis, we would suggest taking it out every 15 days to clean the surface and wait for it to dry out before placing it underwater again - this can effectively prevent unwanted biofouling, especially the barnacles which are hard to clean and will strongly affect the light performance.
Versatile Applications - Comes with 110 Volt AC power supply, 12V DC battery clamps and cigarette lighter adapter, you may power the lamp with common 12V batteries, portable power stations as well as boat and home outlets. Thanks to the outstanding structure, it could also be used as an alternative camp lamp (not every fishing light could work above water).

SaleBestseller No. 5

LED Underwater Green Fishing Light Compatible for Milwaukee M18 Battery, 13W 1300 Lumens IP68 Rated Submersible Fishing Light Attractants for Night Fishing, Docks, Boats, Kayaks(No Battery)

Note: Battery not included! For optimal performance, immerse the fishing light completely in water before turning on the power. Avoid dry operation exceeding 10 minutes to prevent overheating. Keep the battery assembly dry to ensure safety.
Compatible with MilWaukee M18 Battery: OLIBUY underwater fishing light is designed for seamless compatibility with MilWaukee M18 18V Battery (battery not included), equipped with 16.4 FT/5 M cable. Plug and play, instant lighting.
1300 Lumens Brightness & 360° Omnidirectional Lighting: This underwater green fishing light is equipped with 126 LED beads, which provides a high brightness output of 1300 lumen while consuming only 13W of power, maximizing visibility while saving energy. The LED lamp beads are evenly distributed 360 degrees, forming a full 360-degree light beam.
IP68 Waterproof: This fishing lights LED underwater features an IP68 waterproof rating, with both ends coated in epoxy resin to effectively prevent water vapor and air ingress. It withstands humidity in both freshwater and saltwater environments, making it a reliable companion for night fishing and other water activities.
Universal Fish Attraction: The green light is designed to attract a wide variety of fish species, including salmon, bass (including largemouth and smallmouth bass), catfish, trout, and most phototaxial fish. It is your key to significantly increasing hook rate and successful capture.

Bestseller No. 6

LOSTCAT 18W DC 12V Green IP68 Waterproof Aluminum Super Bright LED Fish Bait Submersible Dock Underwater Fishing Light Attractants for at Night Snook Crappie with Battery Clamps

【Super Bright】This 18w underwater fishing light has 72 pcs SMD LEDs, 0.2w per LED bulb, DC 12V input, totally 1296 Lumens, wider and higher brightness attracts more fishes. LED bulbs are arrayed at 4 sides of the light, providing 360 degrees beam. Continuous working life time is about 50,000 hours. Many kinds of fishes can be attracted using our LED fishing light, such as snook, squid, crappie, bass, catfish, red fish, shrimp, flounder...
【Never Leak】Solid epoxy is filled on the surface and inside of the fishing light, 100% IP68 (The highest degrees for dust and liquid resistance). Prevent circuit board rusting and burned out, operating is safe. This submersible fishing light can be placed in freshwater or saltwater.
【Cooling Fast】Circuit board and frame are made of high strength and fast heat dissipation material: Aluminium alloy. The temperature affects the LED working life. Lower temperature, longer working life the fishing light has.
【Solid & Tough】LED bulbs are coated and two ends are filled with epoxy glue, no water fog or air goes inside. Aluminum Frame has a high hardness. The underwater fishing light is shatterproof, even run over by a car. You can place the led fishing lure lights to your favorite fishing spots, like dock, pier, pontoon, houseboat, yacht, skiff, dinghy, ice fishing shelter.
【Multifunctions】Two holes on the top of the underwater fishing light, which can hang a rope, then guide and direct the light in the water. Another hole is at the bottom of the led light, which can hang a lead weight to stabilize the light in the flowing water. Battery clips and optional cigarette lighter adapter are convenient to connect the power source.

Bestseller No. 7

Underwater Fishing Light,Green Light for Fishing 150W High Brightness 20000 Lumens Green Fishing Light 110V&12V LED Submersible Fish Light for Boats,Docks or Kayaks,IP68 Fishing Lamp 30ft Power Cord

Powerful Fishing Lights-This fishing light is designed with an integrated body made of PC and aluminum alloy material (PC shell, both ends made of aluminum alloy), a hollow inner core, and 360 ° LED beam angle on 6 sides, which has good heat dissipation performance; High quality light beads combined with excellent thermal conductivity of aluminum greatly reduce the power consumption of the light.
All Features--Attract fishes,High Power, High Brightness, High Heat Dissipation, Green Light,Self Sinking, IP68 Waterproof, Rust proof, Anti Fogging, Durable, Easy to Place and Recycle, UL Safety Certified,Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection，Widely Used.
High Brightness And Waterproof--The rated power is 150W and 20000 LM, and the PC casing has good light transmittance. It has 324 pcs high-quality lamp cores and 360 ° all-round illumination on 6 sides. The diameter of the strong light irradiation area exceeds 25 meters; IP68 waterproof, with an integrated aluminum alloy design for the lamp body, anti-corrosion and rust proof. The two ports are equipped with waterproof silicone to prevent water ingress and fogging.
UL Certified Power Cord--AC 110V-240V power adapter(include 12V battery clamps and cigarette lighter adapter), 30ft ultra long power cord; They are UL Certification, tested and certified for safety. It goes through 15000+ connector bending tests, every cable need to be strict checked before shipped out. Ensure that the power cable arrive in good condition and provide long service life.
Perfect Fishing Work Partner--This LED fishing light can perfectly adapt to fishing environments such as large fishing boats, docks, fishing grounds, reservoirs,etc; And its lighting has an extraordinary attraction to all phototactic fish such as bass, pike, squid, salmon, catfish, carp, and snapper, red fish, cuttlefish, etc. LED fishing lights will definitely be your good companion for fishing work.

Bestseller No. 8

Krythonix Underwater Green Fishing Light Compatible with Dewalt 20V Battery,Fishing Lights LED Underwater for Crappie and Squid Attracting,13W,1512 lumens,Green Dock Light(No Battery)

Note: Battery not included! Only tools and lamps!
【New Design】 The fishing light adopts a DC interface with a 16.4ft cable and comes with a battery adapter compatible with Dewalt 20V battery (battery not included). Our exquisitely crafted battery adapter can power any DC charger products.Equipped with additional wire.
【Super Bright】 This 13W underwater fishing light features 126 LED beads (totaling 1512 lumens) arranged on all four sides, providing a 360-degree beam. It consumes minimal electricity and will not overheat, allowing 24/7 illumination for ponds or boat docks.Can used for kayaking lighting
【Attracts All Fish】 Whether you're fishing for trout, crappie, largemouth/smallmouth bass, catfish, or redfish, this underwater fishing light can help you get more fish bites and catches.
【Durable & Sturdy】 The LED fishing light is epoxy-coated at both end spreventing water mist and air from entering. 100% waterproofing (IP68 rated), resisting moisture in freshwater/saltwater environments. Use on boats, kayaks, or aquariums.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Underwater Fishing Lights

Underwater fishing lights can change how you fish. They bring fish closer to your boat or dock, especially at night. Choosing the right light needs a little know-how. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

Good lights have features that make fishing better and the light last longer. Always check these things before you buy.

Brightness (Lumens)

Lumens Matter: This number tells you how bright the light is. More lumens usually mean more fish attraction, especially in murky water.
Consider Water Clarity: Clear water needs less bright lights. Murky or stained water needs very bright lights to penetrate the darkness.

Color Spectrum (Light Color)

Green Lights: Green is often the top choice. Many baitfish and game fish react strongly to green light.
White Lights: White lights look natural but might not attract as many fish as green. They are great for seeing your immediate surroundings.
Mixed Colors: Some lights switch between colors. This lets you test what works best on any given night.

Power Source and Battery Life

Voltage: Most lights run on 12V DC, connecting directly to your boat battery. Check the voltage requirement carefully.
Battery Options: Some portable units use rechargeable batteries. Look at how long the battery lasts on a single charge.

Important Materials and Durability

Since these lights live underwater, the materials they use are very important. Good materials keep water out and handle tough use.

Housing Material

Aluminum: High-quality, anodized aluminum housings offer excellent heat dissipation and strength. They resist corrosion well.
Plastic/Polycarbonate: Lighter and often cheaper, these materials must be UV-stabilized so sunlight doesn’t make them brittle when the light is out of the water.

Sealing and Waterproofing

IP Rating: Look for an IP68 rating. This rating means the light is fully protected against dust and continuous immersion in water. This rating is crucial for long life.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Quality isn’t just about the brand name. Specific design choices make a light work better or fail sooner.

Heat Management (Improves Quality)

LEDs get hot. High-quality lights have built-in heat sinks, usually metal casings, to pull heat away from the LEDs. Overheating shortens the lifespan of the light dramatically.

Corrosion Resistance (Improves Quality)

Saltwater is harsh. Stainless steel components and specialized coatings prevent rust and corrosion. Cheap hardware will fail quickly near the ocean.

Beam Angle (Affects Use)

A wider beam angle spreads light over a bigger area near the boat. A narrower angle shoots light deeper. Think about whether you are fishing shallow flats or deep water.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you plan to use the light changes what you should buy.

Boat Mounting vs. Dock Mounting

Boat Lights: These need to be rugged and often submersible (for transom mounting) or portable. They usually connect straight to the boat’s 12V system.
Dock Lights: These often use simple AC power or solar/battery setups. They need easy installation above or just below the waterline.

Portability

If you fish from different piers or borrow boats, choose a compact, battery-powered model. These setups offer great flexibility.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Underwater Fishing Lights

Q: Why do fish come to underwater lights?

A: The lights attract tiny organisms, like plankton. Small baitfish eat the plankton. Larger game fish then come to eat the baitfish. It creates a feeding frenzy.

Q: Is it legal to use underwater lights everywhere?

A: Not always. Some states or local regulations limit the color or intensity of lights you can use while fishing. Always check your local fishing rules.

Q: Do green lights attract more fish than blue lights?

A: Generally, yes. Green light travels well through water and mimics the natural light spectrum that many saltwater and freshwater species see best.

Q: Can I leave my underwater light on all night?

A: You can, provided the light is rated for continuous use and your battery can handle the drain. High-quality lights manage heat well enough for long runs.

Q: What is the difference between surface and submersible lights?

A: Surface lights sit on top of the water or just below the surface. Submersible lights are fully sealed units designed to be lowered deep into the water column.

Q: How far away from the boat should I place the light?

A: Placing the light a few feet away from the boat hull often works best. This avoids shining light directly onto your gear and keeps the concentrated light pattern where the fish gather.

Q: What voltage do most boat lights use?

A: Most permanent boat installations run on 12 Volts DC to connect easily to standard marine batteries.

Q: How long should a good LED fishing light last?

A: Quality LED assemblies are rated for 50,000 hours or more of use. If the heat management is poor, the lifespan drops sharply.

Q: Should I buy a light with a wide or narrow beam angle?

A: Buy a wide beam for shallow water or when fishing directly under the boat. Choose a narrow beam if you need to penetrate deep, clear water columns.

Q: Are cheap lights worth the risk?

A: Usually, no. Cheap lights often use poor seals, leading to water intrusion and early failure. Investing in a well-sealed, heat-managed light saves money in the long run.