The biggest benefit of fishing at night is that the water isn’t crowded, which means that you can have the best fishing spots all for yourself. In addition, some species of fish are more active during nighttime, so you can have a great catch too. However, if you want to see in the dark, you’ll need an LED headlamp. Not only will it shine a bright light on everything surrounding you, but it will also leave your hands free to hold your rod.
But how do you choose the best LED headlamp for fishing? Well, the model you pick should be bright, comfortable, and have a good runtime. To help you make a decision, this article will take a look at the best fishing headlamps on the market and discuss the most important considerations when buying.
OUR TOP PICK
Lighting EVER 150LM
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Works with rechargeable Lithium-Polymer batteries
- Micro USB charging cable included in the package
- Up to 25 hours of runtime on a single charge
- Adjustable headband fits kids and adults equally well
- Fully resistant to shocks, drops, and low temperatures
Best For: All Outdoor Activities
Lumen Output: 150 lumens
Beam Distance: 150 feet
Light Settings: 5 (3 white + 2 red)
LED(s): White, Red
Battery: 3 x Li-Po (rechargeable, included)
Runtime: 25 hours on low, 4 hours on high
Waterproof Rating: IPX4
Tilt: 45°
Weight: 2.86 ounces
BEST VALUE
Foxelli Super Bright
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Easily adjustable headband prevents it from slipping
- IPX5 waterproof rating makes it safe to use in the rain
- Timer function turns the light off without switching modes
- Extra-bright Cree LED delivers 165 lumens on high
- Full money-back guarantee from the manufacturer
Best For: Low Temperatures
Lumen Output: 165 lumens
Beam Distance: 50 meters
Light Settings: 5 (low, mid, high, strobe, red)
LED(s): White, Red
Battery: 3 x AAA (included)
Runtime: 45 hours (on low)
Waterproof Rating: IPX5
Tilt: 45°
Weight: 3.5 ounces (with batteries)
EverBrite Lightweight
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Two high-quality headlamps included in the package
- Full 90-degree rotation for improved field of visibility
- Durable LEDs with over 100,000 hours of runtime
- Simple one-button toggling between light modes
- High-end materials increase durability outdoors
Best For: Adjusting Beam Angle
Lumen Output: 30 lumens
Beam Distance: 20 meters
Light Settings: 4 (low, mid, high, strobe)
LED(s): White
Battery: 3 x AAA (included)
Runtime: 5 hours
Water-Resistant: Yes
Tilt: 90°
Weight: 2.5 ounces
Vitchelo V800 Waterproof
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Separate buttons for red and white light make use easier
- Foam padding in the forehead area for additional comfort
- Three AAA batteries provide up to 120 hours of runtime
- IPX6 waterproof rating guarantees splash and rain protection
- Two-month money-back guarantee if you don’t like the headlamp
Best For: Wearing Comfort
Lumen Output: 168 lumens
Beam Distance: 360 feet
Light Settings: 6
LED(s): White (Cree XP-E), Red
Battery: 3 x AAA (included)
Runtime: 120 hours (on low)
Waterproof Rating: IPX6
Tilt: Yes
Weight: 4 ounces (with batteries)
IKAAMA IK01 USB Rechargeable
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Six buckles for securing to a kayak helmet or hardhat
- Three powerful Cree T6 LEDs create impressive brightness
- Trinuclear Matrix LED position provides a wide beam
- Adjustable strap system make the light very comfortable
- USB-rechargeable battery with up to 9 hours of runtime
Best For: Helmets and Hardhats
Lumen Output: 6000 lumens (advertised)
Beam Distance: 500 meters
Light Settings: 4 (high, low, all bright, strobe)
LED(s): 3 x Cree T6
Battery: 2 x 18650 rechargeable (3000mAh, included)
Waterproof Rating: IPX5
Tilt: 90°
Weight: 12 ounces
Outerdo LED Rechargeable
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Combination of 8 LEDs for an impressive light output
- 90-degree beam adjustment improves the light versatility
- Red safety light in the back makes you visible at night
- Rear-mounted battery bin improves the weight distribution
- Two high-capacity rechargeable batteries with a USB cable
Best For: Maximum Brightness
Lumen Output: 13,000 lumens (advertised)
Beam Distance: 600 meters
Light Settings: 8 (6 white + 2 red)
LED(s): White, Red
Battery: 2 x Lithium Rechargeable (Included)
Waterproof Rating: IPX4
Tilt: 90°
Weight: 11.3 ounces
Blitzu Super Bright Cree
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Available in several different great-looking colors
- Non-toxic materials used for the headband and casing
- Excellent range when used on high (up to 300 feet)
- Weighs only 2.2 ounces with batteries inside
- Lifetime warranty with 100% satisfaction guarantee
Best For: Kids and Youth
Lumen Output: 165 lumens
Beam Distance: 300 feet
Light Settings: 7 (4 white + 3 red)
LED(s): White (3W Cree), Red
Battery: 3 x AAA (included)
Waterproof Rating: IPX5
Tilt: 45°
Weight: 2.2 ounces
HeroBeam USB Rechargeable
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- Hands-free operation (waving your hand turns it on and off)
- Up to 30 hours of runtime with a single battery charge
- Comfortable and adjustable elastic headband fits kids and adults
- One of the lightest headlights on the market (2.7 ounces)
- Generous 3-year warranty with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Best For: Hands-Free Operation
Lumen Output: 168 lumens
Light Settings: 5
LED(s): XP-E White LED, 3W Wide Beam Red LED
Battery: 1200mAh Rechargeable
Waterproof Rating: IPX5
Tilt: 45°
Weight: 2.7 ounces
Outdoor Pro Gear Lighthouse Beacon
- Stand Out Features - Why We Love It
- XL magnifying lens provides more power and better distribution
- Easily-zoomable design for switching between spot and flood
- High-quality Osram P8 LED for top-level power and durability
- Three adjustable head straps ensure that it sits perfectly on the head
- 1-year replacement warranty if something is wrong with the light
Best For: High Light Output
Light Output: 9,500 lux
Beam Distance: 200 yards
Light Settings: 3 (Low, Medium, High)
LED(s): Osram P8 White LED
Battery: 3 x AA
Waterproof Rating: IP44
Tilt: 90°
Weight: 6.4 ounces
Tip 1:
When looking for a good fishing headlamp, I highly recommend ensuring to purchase an LED headlamp. The LED bulbs emit a much brighter light in comparison to regular headlamps. Walking around at night and knowing where you’re going, it’s a big advantage on the water because it’s vital to know your surroundings, especially at night. I’d also ensure the headlamp has multiple different settings to ensure you don’t spook fish as well as can dim the light if needed to be more stealthy.
Tip 2:
Concerning Lumens, which is a rating for how bright and powerful the light of a headlamp is; if you want to purchase a good fishing headlamp 300 to 400 lumens are more than enough to be useful on the water at night. The lower the lumen rate is, the lower the price tends to be. However, depending on where you’re fishing, you might want to purchase a headlamp that’s much brighter than 300 to 400 lumens.
Tip 3:
I currently own a headlamp that rather than runs on disposable batteries charges through a rechargeable battery. This has saved me a lot of money and makes it super convenient to use and can always guarantee it’s charged as long as I place it on the charger shortly after fishing. If you like to fish at night a lot and need a headlamp that’s always dependable, going with one you can recharge similar to your smartphone is the easiest way to go, so you never run into situations where your headlamp dies in the middle of the dark and can’t see.
Fishing Expert
How To Choose The Best Fishing Headlamp – Buying Guide
Lumens
When choosing a headlight, you should know that the number of lumens represents the amount of visible light that a light source emits. For fishing purposes, an output of up to 200 lumens will usually be more than enough. However, many of the best fishing headlamps go over 1000 lumens.
Modes
To make using them more convenient, sea fishing headlights typically come with several different light modes. Sometimes you won’t need the brightest output, and being able to switch to a lower setting makes the headlamp more pleasant. In addition, some models even feature strobe and SOS modes for emergencies.
Comfort
Since you’ll likely be on the water for several hours, headlamp flashlight comfort is an important consideration. All of the models in our fishing headlamp reviews are adjustable, but we would argue that harness designs (with a strap over the top) are generally more comfortable than headbands.
You might also like: Perfect Fish Scales
Water-Resistance
Whether you’re kayak fishing or sticking to the shore, you are likely to get a few splashes on your headlamp. Because of this, you should get a model with at least an IPX4 waterproof rating. Of course, it’s even better if this rating is higher.
Battery Life
Depending on the model, headlamp fish models can use rechargeable or disposable batteries. In terms of battery life, disposables last significantly longer. However, when they run out, you’ll need to throw them away and buy new ones. On the other hand, most rechargeables last around 10 hours, but can be charged countless times which saves you money.
FAQs
Q: What Is A Fishing Headlamp And What Is It Used For?
As its name suggests, a fishing headlamp is a light used for nighttime fishing. It usually features a harness and a light bulb attached to it that illuminates everything around you.
Q: How Is Brightness Measured In A Fishing Headlamp?
Like any type of light, the brightness of a headlamp is measured in lumens. It represents the amount of visible light emitted by a light source. While it’s a good indicator of the headlamp’s power, other factors should be considered too.
Q: What Is A Good Fishing Headlamp Light Color?
If we’re talking about visibility only, white light illuminates the largest area and is easiest for the eyes to adapt. On the other hand, red light attracts significantly fewer bugs, so it’s best if the headlamp flashlight has both white and red.
Q: What Is The Power Source Of A Fishing Headlamp?
This depends on the particular model – both disposable and rechargeable batteries can be used. Disposables have a longer lifespan, while rechargeables are more convenient and more cost-effective.
Q: How Many Lumens Do Most Fishing Headlamps Have?
This is hard to say because this number varies greatly. Most fishing headlamps fall between 100 to 200 lumens which is enough to see well on the water. Of course, models with a higher lumen output also exist, but they often cost more and require more power.
Q: Why Are LED Lights More Advisable For Fishing Headlights?
Because of their brightness, energy-efficiency, and durability. LEDs can be incredibly bright with very low power consumption, and they have a significantly longer lifespan compared to classic lights.
Q: Why Use Headlamp Over Flashlight?
The main advantage when you fish with headlight is that it leaves your hands free, unlike a traditional flashlight. In addition, the light is attached to your head so the beam is always pointed in the direction in which you’re looking.
Globo Surf Overview
Having a reliable flashlight is necessary for nighttime fishing. If you fish with headlights instead of a traditional flashlight, you’ll have light anywhere you look while having free hands. Hopefully, these reviews have helped you find the best fishing headlamp so you can enjoy your night fishing trip even more.
More Fishing Accessories Reviews:
- Underwater Fishing Lights In
- Underwater Fishing Cameras
- Wading Staff
- Reel Cleaning Kits
- Fishing Reel Grease And Oil
- Fishing Knot Tying Tools
- Fish Lip Grippers
- Fishing Line Spoolers
- Fishing Carts
- Insulated Fish Bags
- Fishing Rod Holders
- Fishing Rod Holders
- Fishing Watches
- Fly Fishing Sling Packs
- Fishing Chairs
- GoPros For Fishing
- Fishing Coolers
- Rain Gear For Fishing
- Gifts For Fishermen
- Fishing Sunglasses
- Fishing Drone
Have you ever tried using one of the head lamps that made it onto our list? Tell us about how you liked it in the comment section below.