By Neil Taylor, www.strikethreekayakfishing.com

Let there be light. At night.

Those who have spent enough time around the fishing world eventually realize that violence happens at night, probably as much as it does when the sun is shining.    Tactics and decisions change with night fishing over the daytime outings.

Options for nighttime fishing changed the minute someone put a light on the dock in their back yard.    When they decided to shine a light in the water even more so.   I have successfully fished dock lights for a long time now and I can tell you that this is a place where baitfish are attracted and henceforth predators.   A common misconception “Lights attract big fish.”  Lights attract small fish.  Small fish attract big fish.  This is the real key here.   Bring the fish right to you, whether it is at your dock or right to your boat.

Using light as a tool is not brand new.   LED technology is more recent but it is much better than previous options and easily more energy efficient.   I have seen on both coasts where lanterns hung above the water were used as tools.  Long dip nets from bridges to scoop up shrimp (or crabs) on the Atlantic side of Florida and big fish caught from under these lanterns on the Gulf side.  In the past few years, underwater lights have become more popular, mounted to dock pilings or the sea bottom.

Marine grade fishing lights are something that already exist but not extremely prevalent overall in the fishing world.     My lure sponsor, 12 Fathom designed this light because of the need for a lower cost option for attracting shrimp on the Atlantic side of Florida.    Craig Bayhi went through all the design and testing phases, working out a design and components that would create a first rate, bright portable fishing light.

The end result is something that is very interesting.   For anyone who wants to do anything at night on the water, this is something you should probably invest in.   I have actually never gone shrimping.   The way shrimping is done on my side of the state is somewhat different.    I first saw the product, attached it to a battery and I was instantly convinced:   It has different uses based on where you are.   This is a great “shrimping light” for sure for the venues where deep water shrimp are lured up by the light.   This is a great all-purpose light in general.    To me, the vast appeal of this in general is for the dock owner, particularly on Florida’s Gulf coast.

The mobility a great feature, it doesn’t have to be one thing or the other, you can use it for a variety of things including illuminating a party or a huge area during power loss.    Mounted on a dock, this is a solid option for a dock light for homeowners.   Dropped in the water from a pier, dock, bridge or watercraft this is a first rate choice for an attracting light.  Above water?   I would say this:  This is an option for a great above water light but would be best if placed under the dock.   This light is so bright, above water, it will blind you.

Built to float, Craig had a ring attached to the bottom to make it easy to add some weight to put the light at the right depth.   I believe that same ring is good for the dock owner who wants to keep the light above water and cuts down the amount of bouncing around by the wind and the waves, either tethered or also weighted.  Craig got feedback from others and used the product himself which gave him some great ideas I would have never thought of on my own.     For example, use a cable tie to attach the light to you anchor rope.    For certain activities, like shrimping, this will put the light down to the right depth.   The lengthy power cable allows for plenty of slack for proper depth placement.

Longevity, the lights hold up and powering 42 LED lights by battery is something that will take an extraordinary amount of time to sap the strength out of a battery.   It is eight inches in length top to bottom.

Cost and value, the bottom line in every evaluation I make.    I have studied the market.  The business plan they set up was to have a high-quality fishing light at a price that is under the market for any other light offered.     They won on both counts.     I know that my biggest complaint with lanterns and other lights in my past has been burning through fuel or batteries.    Not with this light.    Mine was run continuously for a week on the same battery before requiring a change.      You do not need the full car battery to power this light.   You can also convert the clamps to run on electricity if you desire.

You can be into a fishing light for under $75 depending on the retail price in your area.   Most other light options start at $100 and I couldn’t comment on their quality.

These fishing lights are available in both white and green.

They may be available in shops near you.  If not, inquire directly at 12 Fathom.

Owner and guide:  www.strikethreekayakfishing.com
(Cell) 727-692-6345  LivelyBaits@aol.com
Owner and site administrator:  www.capmel.com
Co-host: Outdoor Fishing Adventures, 8 to 9AM Sundays on 1040 “The Team”

Neil Taylor
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