What color light is best for night fishing-Unlocking the Secrets

If you are an avid angler who loves fishing at night, you might wonder what color light is best for attracting fish to your line. In this blog post, I will show you how different light colors behave underwater and why green and white are the most popular choices for night fishing. I will also give you some tips on how to set up your fishing lights and what types of fish you can catch with them.

How Light Colors Affect Fish Behavior

Different light colors have different wavelengths and can penetrate water to different depths. Some colors are more visible to fish than others, and some colors can attract plankton, which is the primary food source for many baitfish. Baitfish, in turn, attract larger predatory fish that you want to catch.

According to various sources, the best color light for night fishing that can penetrate around 70 to 75 feet deep underwater is green or a mixture of green and white. Greenlight attracts zooplankton to the surface, attracting baitfish like minnows and herring, which attracts predatory fish like bass, walleye, crappie, catfish, and more.

Other colors of light are less effective for night fishing. Red light disappears at around 15 feet, orange at about 25 feet, and yellow at anywhere between 35 to 45 feet. Blue light can penetrate up to 160 feet but loses brightness as it goes deeper, producing only around 30 lumens per watt. Blue light is also less attractive to plankton and baitfish than green light.

How to Set Up Your Fishing Lights

There are 3 main types of fishing lights that you can use for night fishing: floating, underwater, and above-water lights. Each type has advantages and disadvantages, depending on your fishing style and location.

Floating Lights

Floating lights are portable, low-voltage ones that float on the water’s surface. They are ideal for fishing in different spots, as you can easily retrieve and move them around. They are also less likely to scare away fish than underwater lights, as they create a natural-looking moonlight effect on the water.

However, floating lights also have some drawbacks. They tend to move with the waves and currents, making it hard to keep track of them. They can also be a hazard for other boats or anglers if they are in the way. Moreover, they can degrade quickly if exposed to the sun for long periods.

Underwater Lights

Underwater lights are the most common and effective type of fishing light for night fishing. They are submerged in the water and emit light from below, creating a cone-shaped area of illumination that attracts fish from deeper depths. They are also safer for other boats and anglers, as they are not visible from above.

The main disadvantage of underwater lights is that they require more power and wiring than floating lights. They can also scare away some fish sensitive to bright lights or vibrations. Additionally, they can be challenging to install or remove if you are fishing from a boat or a dock.

Above-Water Lights

Above-water lights are mounted on your boat or dock and shine the light into the water. They are similar to floating lights in terms of portability and convenience, but they have more power and brightness than floating lights. They can also cover a more extensive water area than floating or underwater lights.

The downside of above-water lights is that they can create glare or reflection on the water surface, reducing visibility and making it harder to see your line or lure. They can also attract insects or other unwanted creatures that interfere with your fishing experience.

Fishing lights can help you catch various fish species at night, depending on the color, type, and location of your light source. Here are some examples of fish that you can catch with green or white fishing lights:

 Bass: Bass is active predators that feed on smaller fish like shad, minnows, or bluegill. They are attracted to green or white light that mimics their natural prey. You can catch bass with underwater or above-water lights near structures like docks, bridges, or weed beds.

 Walleye: Walleye are nocturnal fish that hunt for baitfish like perch or shiners in low-light conditions. They are drawn to green or white light, which creates contrast and visibility in the dark. You can catch walleye with underwater or floating lights near drop-offs, ledges, or rocky areas.

 Crappie: Crappies are schooling fish that feed on plankton, insects, and small fish like minnows or shiners. They are lured by green or white light that attracts their food source. You can catch crappie with underwater or floating lights near brush piles, stumps, or submerged trees.

 Catfish: Catfish are bottom-feeders that scavenge for dead or decaying matter, worms, crustaceans, and small fish. They are curious and opportunistic fish that will investigate any light source that might indicate food. You can catch catfish with underwater or floating lights near muddy or sandy bottoms, river bends, or dams.

 Trout: Trout are cold-water fish that prefer clear and oxygen-rich water. They feed on insects, crustaceans, and small fish like minnows or shiners. They are attracted to green or white light that simulates their natural prey. You can catch trout with underwater or floating lights near riffles, pools, or rapids.

Conclusion

Night fishing can be a fun and rewarding activity, but it also requires some preparation and equipment to succeed. One of the most important things you need for night fishing is a good light source that can attract fish to your line.

The best color light for night fishing is green or a mixture of green and white, as these colors can penetrate deep into the water and attract plankton, baitfish, and predatory fish. Depending on your fishing style and location, you can choose from different fishing lights, such as floating, underwater, or above-water lights.

This post taught you which color light is best for night fishing and how to use it. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy fishing!