Comparing Floating Fishing Lights with Submersible Fishing Lights

While fishing lights are available in a variety of brand names, configurations and styles, they are usually classified in one of two categories – floating or submersible.  Whether in a boat or on land, most serious anglers who enjoy fishing between dusk and dawn are well aware of the importance of having these types of lights.  Fishing lights are not only functional and practical, they are extremely versatile as well.  In addition to lighting up the water and attracting plankton, baitfish, and the larger predator fish, they provide light for hooking bait, tying fishing line, and unhooking your catch.

Floating Fishing Lights

As the name implies, these lights stay on the surface of the water but provide lighting down to varying depths as well as above the surface.  Ironically, the first floating fishing lights were rudimentary and consisted of a styrofoam floating ring that surrounded a sealed white light that was similar in design to the headlights on a vehicle.  Most of these are powered by 12-volt batteries and are connected to the floating light with alligator clips attached to the terminals.

If you’re fishing in a boat, you can place one or more of these next to it by pointing the light beam downward so it penetrates the water and eventually attracts baitfish and hopefully, a larger predator.  If on the other hand, you’re fishing from a dock or land, you’ll need to secure them using cord, rope, or some type of weight so they don’t drift out of reach.  Remember, you can use white colored light but green would be a better choice because it isn’t absorbed so quickly and penetrates further into the water.

Submersible Fishing Lights

For many years, floating fishing lights were the only style that were available and were pretty much the standard for individuals who enjoyed fishing at night.  Unfortunately, they had to contend with aggravating swarms of insects and pests that were attracted to the light along with the plankton, baitfish, and larger fish.  Because of this and a number of other reasons, submersible floating lights came into being.  These lights are placed beneath the surface in order to light up the water above and below them.

Today, you can purchase submersible fishing lights that are available in 12-volt, battery powered, or LED varieties.  They are manufactured to sink immediately when you place them in the water.  In fact, many models are made with an internal weight so they sink quickly.  Conversely, there are other models that won’t sink until they’ve been attached to a weighted swivel clip on one of the ends of the fishing light.  Because these models will float unless they are weighted down, you have more versatility when using them.