Why Are Fish Attracted to Light at Night?

Why Do Fish Like Light at Night?

Why Some Creatures Move Toward Light?

How Light Behaves Underwater？

Fishing Lights – Product Introduction and Application Scenarios

If you have ever fished at night using artificial lights, you may have noticed a clear pattern: small fish are hooked first, followed by larger predators. This is not a random occurrence but it is a food chain reaction triggered by light.

This guide introduces the scientific principles of phototaxis, the characteristics of underwater light, and practical tips for choosing fishing lights in various water environments ranging from small ponds to deep-sea areas.

Why Do Fish Like Light at Night?

Fish may seem attracted to light, but the real reason is more complex. The real reason is a food chain reaction. Light triggers a food chain reaction rather than attracting fish directly.

Here's what happens when light hits the water:

Light attracts microscopic organisms like plankton, which draw small fish to feed, and larger predator fish then follow.

That is to say:

Light → Plankton → Small Fish → Predator Fish

Why Some Creatures Move Toward Light?

Many tiny organisms in water show a behavior called phototaxis, which means they naturally move toward light sources.

Plankton are strongly attracted to light. This is where the whole process begins. Without plankton gathering, fish would not follow.

How Light Behaves Underwater？

Light behaves differently underwater because water absorbs and scatters it. Shorter wavelengths, like blue and green, can travel deeper. Longer wavelengths, like red, fade quickly. That's why fishing lights usually use blue or green, and they reach deeper and attract fish more effectively. Red light, on the other hand, is preferred for aquariums when the goal is to minimize disturbance.

Want to learn more about light wavelengths? Read: LED Wavelength, Light Color & Application

To understand the relationship between different colors and emotions, you can read: How LED Strip Light Colors Affect Mood

Light Color	Wavelength	Penetration Depth	Effectiveness in Attracting Fish
Blue	450–495 nm	Deep	High
Green	495–570 nm	Medium	Very High
White	Mixed	Medium	Moderate
Red	620–750 nm	Very Shallow	Low

Fishing Lights – Product Introduction and Application Scenarios

Fishing lights are underwater lights used to attract fish by creating a bright light area. Small baitfish and plankton swim toward the light first, and larger fish follow, improving fishing success at night or in deep water.

①Applications of Fishing Lights

1. Boat fishing

When you place an underwater light on one side of the boat, its light will attract bait fish and large fish in the deep water, guiding them directly towards your boat.

2. Freshwater shore and dock fishing

In lakes and rivers, you can use floats or shore-based bait to gather fish in a specific area. This makes it easier to catch the fish.

3. Aquaculture

In ponds and fish farms, lighting helps to regulate the feeding time and activity level of fish. This is beneficial for the healthy growth of fish populations.

②Types of Fishing Lights 

1. By Installation

Underwater lights: The lights are placed directly in the water for deep attraction. 

Floating lights: The lights stay on the water's surface and are very simple to use.

Above-water lights:  The lights are fixed onto boats or docks and can light up a much larger area.

2. By Light Color  

Green: penetrates water well and attracts fish effectively.

Blue: travels deep and works well in clear water.

White: broad coverage and easy to use.

Red: low disturbance and good for observation.

③Common Fishing Lights 

Different power levels of fishing lights are designed for different environments. Choosing the right range improves efficiency and avoids wasted energy.

1. Low Power Lights (5–50W)

Low-power lamps are suitable for small ponds or shallow water bodies. These lamps enable you to clearly see the fish. They do not consume a large amount of electricity. However, the brightness is generally low and the coverage area is limited to the nearby area. Fish that are far away will not be attracted at all.

2. Medium Power Lights (50–200W)

Lakes, rivers, docks and coastal areas are suitable scenarios for medium-power equipment. Using such equipment can provide stable and reliable performance, and there is no need to worry about high energy consumption. However, its range of application is limited, and once it exceeds a certain depth, the effect will significantly weaken.

3. High Power Lights (200–1000W+)

When you are fishing in deep or near-sea areas, you need to use high-power equipment. These lights can attract fish from wide areas and deep sea regions. However, this leads to an increase in electricity costs, makes the equipment heavier, and the installation process also requires a lot of manpower and resources. Only when the value of the catch is sufficient to cover the costs, is this approach worthwhile.

If you are planning a long-term outdoor installation, understanding how to solve the LED heat dissipation problem can help you choose more reliable fishing lights.

As a general rule, the deeper the water, the higher the power you need. Use low power lights for shallow water and controlled environments, medium power for lakes and rivers, and high to very high power lights for deep water and offshore fishing to achieve the best attraction effect.

Established in 2008, SuntechLEDs is dedicated to providing high-quality lighting products.   If you need any assistance, please contact us at sales@suntechleds.com. We also offer a variety of light strips, including facade LED strips, neon LED strips, addressable LED strips and more.

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