Fishing Forum

[red][size 3]I'm planning a trip to Lake Powell and wanted to try some night fishing there. R-U ready for a plethora of questions? The best options seem to be LED's, Fluorescent and Halogen sources. The variables seem to include the emitted spectrum, the Kelvin rating, the intensity, efficiency, filtering and color. Before we get off on the wrong foot let me tell you just how cheap and red-neck I really am. I would strip the headlight assembly out of a junked car and seal the bulb in a mason jar with a rock in the bottom on a string if I thought it would work. [/size][/red]
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[#ff0000][size 3]Color first - most folks seem to swear by green. Claims include it's a better attractant for aquatic critters but air borne critters (insects) are not drawn to it. Some say the whiter, hotter Kelvin the better. There are several black light products and one reported blue best as it penetrates water farther. Is a green fluorescence tube better than a high intensity Halogen bulb through a green filter? [/size][/#ff0000]
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[#ff0000][size 3]Intensity/Efficiency - How much of the pond do I need to light up to be effective and how long can I do it off one 12 volt battery? Which light will give me the best bang for the buck or Amp draw? Do I really need a 48" tube? Do I really need to spend $300.00 or even $30.00? [/size][/#ff0000]
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[#ff0000][size 3]Below are some products I've found of interest. I am leaning toward the Optronics products. What are your thoughts and experience?[/size][/#ff0000]
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[#000000]____LED_LIGHTS_______________________[/#000000]
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[#000000]Accent Light String[/#000000][#000000] [/#000000][/size][/#ff0000]
[#ff0000][size 3][#000000]LED Accent Light string - 12VDC Units consist of 8 [/#000000][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#000000]modules with 2 Green LEDs per module [/#000000][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#000000]Sealed Modules are separated by 3 inches of wire and [/#000000][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#000000]have a double sided tape backing (3M VHB Tape) [/#000000][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#000000]Module to module length is 28 inches, overall length is 39 inches $ 9.95[/#000000]
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[#000000]LED Tube - 12 inch[/#000000][/size][/#ff0000]
[#ff0000][size 3][#000000]Accent Tube with 12 Green LEDS - Brighter than Neon [/#000000][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#000000]12 VDC, Includes mounting clamps and lighter plug [/#000000][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#000000]12 inches long by 5/8 inch diameter with 5 foot cord [/#000000][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#000000]$24.95[/#000000]
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[#ff0000][size 3][#000000]HotSpot Special Order Custom 12 Volt LED[/#000000][/size][/#ff0000]
[#ff0000][size 3][#000000]4 Foot Light with 180 LEDs & 33 FT Cord [/#000000][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#000000]HotSpot 12 VOLT Green Corded Light [/#000000][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#000000]Price:$329.99[/#000000]
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[#ff0000][size 3][#333333]Optronics Fish-N-Lite® Modular LED Fishing Lights[/#333333][/size][/#ff0000]
[#ff0000][size 3][#333333]Put out more fish attracting light with less power. Unit [/#333333][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#333333]includes two modules with 16 total LEDs and a 20-ft. [/#333333][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#333333]power cord with battery clips. It can be used with or [/#333333][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#333333]without the second module. Additional modules are [/#333333][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#333333]available to extend the light up to a length of 6 feet. [/#333333][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#333333]The endcap provided with the second module includes [/#333333][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#333333]an eyelet for attachment of a weight to submerge the [/#333333][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#333333]light at the desired level. This modular approach [/#333333][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#333333]allows flexibility in the use of the light and also makes [/#333333][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#333333]storing the light easier 22" length$29.99. Extra [/#333333][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#333333]Modules are available per 2-pack $24.99.[/#333333]

[#000000]____FLUORESCENT_LIGHTS_________________[/#000000][/size][/#ff0000]
[#ff0000][size 3][#000000][size 2]UW-300G NightBlaster Magnum Submersible Green Fish-N-Lite [/size][/#000000][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#000000]18 inch fluorescent tube glows green when [/#000000][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#000000]illuminated, increasing the power and attraction for [/#000000][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#000000]deep lakes and ocean use. 12-volt unit includes [/#000000][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#000000]battery clips, 15-ft. cord, 20-ft. safety cord.[/#000000][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#000000]Operates both in and out of the water. [/#000000][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#000000]Draws only 1 amp $29.99[/#000000]
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[#ff0000][size 3][#000000]GreenLite Construction Overview.[/#000000][/size][/#ff0000]
[#ff0000][size 3][#000000]The complete [/#000000][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#000000]step-by-step instructions along with 8 pages of detail [/#000000][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#000000]illustrations are available for $19.00 [/#000000][/size][/#ff0000][#ff0000][size 3][#000000]Easy to follow step-by-step plans with detail [/#000000][#000000]illustrations. [/#000000][#000000]Extra long, 48 inch, 40 watt fluorescent bulb. [/#000000][#000000]Runs on 12 volts....Low battery draw with less that 2 amps [/#000000][#000000]Submersible (designed to submerse-no surface reflection). [/#000000][#000000]Can be made with clear acrylic or PVC tubing. [/#000000][#000000]Green flourescent light penetrates water better than any other color because green is the last color to fade in water on the color scale. [/#000000][#000000]Not affected by salt water due to all plastic construction, so you don't have to worry about rust. [/#000000][#000000]Why pay $160 to $185 for a greenlite when you can build it yourself for half that amount...This same size light sells for $189.00 at WalMart ! Plans + PVC + Ballast - $66.39[/#000000]
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[#ff0000][size 3][#000000]FirstLight is a sealed, fully-submersible, green [/#000000][#000000]fluorescent light system using a 24" bulb with an [/#000000][#000000]operating life of 10,000 hours. The housing is [/#000000][#000000]constructed of high-quality PVC. This versatile unit will [/#000000][#000000]float horizontally or can be fully submerged with the [/#000000][#000000]"Bobber" weight, or you can attach your own weights. [/#000000][#000000]It comes with a standard 15' power cord and a tie line [/#000000][#000000]to keep stress off the power cord. FirstLight 24” bulb [/#000000][#000000]12 VDC @ 1 Amp. $99.00. FirstLight 24” bulb 12 VDC 1 [/#000000][#000000]Amp with "Bobber" weight ( acts like a "Sinker" on [/#000000][#000000]this light). $114.00. The Pro48 using a 48" bulb 12 [/#000000][#000000]VDC @ 2 Amp. No Weight - 25' cord $184.00. "Bobber" [/#000000][#000000]weight - 25' cord $199.00.[/#000000]
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[#ff0000][size 3][#000000]____HALOGEN_LIGHTS_____________[/#000000]
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[#ff0000][size 3][#000000]Fishing Lights Etc.[/#000000][/size][/#ff0000]
[#ff0000][size 3][#000000]Halogen fishing lights that [/#000000][#000000]generate up to 1.2 Million Candle-Power of deep [/#000000][#000000]penetrating White Light, Blue Light or Green Light. [/#000000][#000000]Polycarbonate tube guards help protect the[/#000000][#000000] light from [/#000000][#000000]easily being broken and allows [/#000000][#000000]you to easily change [/#000000][#000000]from White Light to Green Light to Blue Light. [/#000000][#000000]Replaceable Halogen Bulbs and Inner Globe. Use one bulb or two to adjust brightness or [/#000000][#000000]save [/#000000][#000000]power. 12 VDC - 15' heavy-duty power-cord with clips. [/#000000][#000000]15" long, Internally weighted (no added weight required). [/#000000][#000000]1 50-Watt bulb, 300,00 Candle Power, 950 Lumens, [/#000000][#000000]3.5 Amp draw - $25.00 [/#000000][#000000]2 75-Watt bulbs, 900,00 Candle Power, 2,650 Lumens, [/#000000][#000000]11 Amp draw $36.00 [/#000000][#000000]2 100-Watt bulbs 1.2 Million Candle Power, 4,000 [/#000000][#000000]Lumens, 15 Amp draw - $38.00[/#000000][/size][/#ff0000]

[#ff0000][size 3][#333333]_____Fluorescent_Halogen_Combo__________[/#333333][/size][/#ff0000]
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[#ff0000][size 3][#333333]Optronics Green Fish-N-Lite®/Spotlight Combo [/#333333][#333333]Green lights attract fish in both freshwater and [/#333333][#333333]saltwater. The 12-volt fluorescent tube glows green [/#333333][#333333]and attracts microorganisms, which in turn attract [/#333333][#333333]baitfish. And by adding various size weights, you can [/#333333][#333333]float the tube or fully submerge it. The light draws [/#333333][#333333]little power so it is easy on your battery. And now, [/#333333][#333333]this lineup includes a green Fish-N-Light Spotlight [/#333333][#333333]combo. This powerful attractor has a 9" fluorescent [/#333333][#333333]green tube, plus a powerful sealed beam Halogen [/#333333][#333333]spotlight to illuminate a wide bottom area. It comes [/#333333][#333333]with battery clips and a 20-foot cord. 2,500-hour bulb [/#333333][#333333]life. $24.99[/#333333]
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[font "Comic Sans MS"][size 2] Man NOS, looks like you have really done your homework on this topic.

I am quite surprised that there has been so much time, effort, and money spent on underwater fishing lights. I would think that one of the best and cheapest ways to get a green fluorescent like light in the water would be to dangle one of those chemically activated light sticks that trick-or-treaters use on Halloween.[/font][/size]
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I own two underwater lights. They are:

1. UW-300G NightBlaster Magnum Submersible Green Fish-N-Lite [#ff0000][size 3][#000000]18 inch fluorescent tube.[/#000000][/size][/#ff0000]
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[size 3]2. 1 million candle power white [/size]Halogen fishing light.

I have only used them while fishing for trout at night. They definetely work to attract bait fish/bugs and therefore attract more and bigger fish to catch. There were several lakes in California that we used them at and would catch insane amount of fish all night long. I have also used it at Strawberry with good results. We certainly catch more fish while using them. I tend to use the white light more because its what I had first and it has always worked. It illuminates a very large underwater area. I have not used the green flouro one much just cause the white works so well. I would like to try the green flouro one this year ice fishing though only because it draws significantly less power and wouldn't drain my extra 700 Ma ice fishing battery as fast. When I'm on the boat I don't so much care as long as the light stays on for most the night and then I can recharge the bigger battery in the morning. You mentioned aquatic critters....it definetely attracts those. Airborn critters....I'd prefer if it didn't attract those...ie mosquitos and gnats. Unless they actually land on the water the fish can't get to those anyway.

When we use the light or lights we drop it about two feet under the hull of the boat. The white hull acts as a reflector and really illuminates the water. We have had best luck fishing directly under the boat jigging and usually not any deeper than about 20-30 feet or you are getting out of the light range. I guess you could drop the light deeper in the water with the longer cord but you increase the risk of fish getting tangled up in it and you loose the reflective nature of the boat hull. The hallogen lights burn very hot and then need to be in the water to cool them before turning them on. Let them cool a while before removing them from the water. My friend had a fish get tangled up in the cord once and when he netted the fish the light got pulled out of the water and immediately burst.

The fish will often times come up and stare at the bright light and sometimes even try to eat it. Kinda weird....

I would like to check out the new LED ones cause they hardly use any battery power. The [#333333]Optronics Green Fish-N-Lite®/Spotlight Combo looks like a good idea too. [/#333333]

Hope that helps some. Let me know if you have any specific questions.
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I have a green tube lite that I use. I run it right off the main boat battery. The plankton cloud that gets attracted to it is pretty impressive [] As BC does we keep it right under the boat to help reflect the light and keep fish from tangling up in it. Cutts on strawberry and big rainbows in Fishlake seem to like it well. We jig under the light but sight casting to big fish that cruise thru can be exciting []
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[red][size 3]Hiya Coot. It looked like most of the chemlights were sold as position markers or line attachments. I noticed you could even get some mini's that will attach to a fishhook. My assumption was that they didn't put out enough light to be very effective as a plankton and baitfish attractor, which then in turn attracts the big predators. From what I can gather you set your lights out, chum some anchovies, then have a sandwich yourself while it attracts plankton and small aquatic bugs, which in turn attracts baitfish, which brings the Stripers knocking about the time you are finishing up with your sandwich. It's like turning up the heat and pouring in a can of "create-a-boil" - in theory. [/size][/red]
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[#ff0000][size 3]Bigcat and Extex, thanx for the insight and experience. That's a great idea to use my 18 1/2 feet of aluminum hull as a giant reflector and to keep the hardware out of the way of fishing lines. I was thinking of attaching two lines to whatever I decide to get, to allow me to pull it directly under the boat with one line on each side to help position and secure it that way. If you can sight cast to the big trout that cruise through, it may be a rush giving it a try for some of those Willard Wipers as well! I was thinking in those two pole waters it might be worth putting a baited line on the bottom to see what you could dredge up as well. [/size][/#ff0000]
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[#ff0000][size 3]How important is it to be stationary? I imagine a little drift would be acceptable or even beneficial. Perhaps even a little moving around with the electric if you weren't seeing fish on the screen. [/size][/#ff0000]
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I normally just drift if there is a slight breeze especially on Fishlake. You can drift to fast if there is to much wind. I have just set up off of the weed line and have done well also. The wind will determine what ya can do most of the time.
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