Summer Fishing Guide
There’s no better time to enjoy dock fishing than summer—and no better way to do it than with an Underwater Fish Light. Long evenings, warm water, and hungry fish create the perfect conditions to turn your dock into a fishing hot spot. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just tossing a line for fun, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make the most of your summer fishing adventures with your Underwater Fish Light.
Why Summer Is Prime Time
Fish are more active in warmer water, which makes summer an exciting time to fish around your underwater light. The heat increases metabolism and feeding behavior, meaning more fish are attracted to light sources looking for an easy meal. Pair that with the extended daylight and warm evenings, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for a great night of fishing off the dock.
Let the Light Do the Work
Once the sun goes down, your Underwater Fish Light comes to life. The design is meant to do more than just glow—it attracts a whole aquatic food chain. First come the microscopic organisms, then the baitfish, and finally the predators. By giving the ecosystem a reliable, illuminated feeding area, you’re creating a natural fish magnet. And it just gets better the longer your light is in the water.
When’s the Best Time to Fish?
While you can technically fish at any time your light is on, the best window is typically about 30 minutes after sunset to around midnight. This is when baitfish activity picks up, and the big guys come in for the feast. Some anglers even find success in the pre-dawn hours, especially if your light has been glowing all night.
Pro Tip: Want even more action? Fish on a moving tide. Tidal changes keep baitfish flowing and get predators fired up. Combine that with the light, and you’ll have a fish frenzy in no time.
What Kind of Fish Can You Catch?
This varies depending on where you’re located, but here are some of the most common species that love hanging around our Underwater Fish Lights:
- Snook – These guys are summer regulars and love ambushing baitfish in the glow.
- Tarpon – Especially around South Florida, these silver kings are suckers for dock lights.
- Redfish & Trout – Along the Gulf Coast, these inshore favorites often cruise the lights for shrimp and mullet.
- Snapper – Small mangrove snapper are a dock light classic.
- Bass and Crappie – Inland dock owners aren’t left out—freshwater fish love the light just as much.
What’s the Best Bait?
When fishing around your light, try to “match the hatch.” That means using bait that looks like what’s already swimming in the light. Here are some top performers:
- Live Shrimp – An all-around favorite. Just toss one out and hold on.
- Small Mullet or Pilchards – Great for larger game fish like snook and tarpon.
- Soft Plastic Jigs – Paddle tails and shrimp imitations work well when you want to skip the live bait mess.
- Topwater Lures – Perfect if you see fish breaking the surface.
And remember: fish near the edge of the light. Predators usually hang just outside the glow, waiting to ambush.
Keep It Quiet and Subtle
Loud noises and bright dock lights can spook the fish. Try to stay quiet and keep your movements smooth and minimal. Use light spinning tackle to keep your presentation delicate. Fish have been known to hang out in the shadows, so a quiet cast to the edge of the light can often be more effective than plunking your bait right into the center.
Want More Fish? Add a Second Light
If you’re looking to really ramp things up this summer, consider adding another light to your dock. Spacing two lights about 8–10 feet apart creates a wider feeding area and can attract even more fish. It also gives you more coverage for casting and increases your chances of hooking up with multiple species in one night.
Final Cast: Make Summer Fishing Unforgettable
With the right setup and a little patience, your Underwater Fish Light can turn your dock into a nighttime fishing paradise all summer long. Whether you’re reeling in snook, showing the kids how to bait a hook, or just soaking in the sounds of the water, there’s no better way to spend a warm summer night.
So get out there, cast a line, and let your dock light do the hard work. Tight lines!
