Fishing Headlamps Compared

Advantages of Using a Fishing Headlamp

Almost everyone has a flashlight in their home. A flashlight is trustworthy, useful, and flexible, so why would anyone want to spend money on a headlamp for fishing adventures? Some advantages of using a fishing headlamp include:

Headlamp Buying Guide For Fishermen

Brightness

When floating in the dark, having a bright headlight around can really help. Headlamp and flashlight brightness is measured in lumens. A headlamp can be between 200 and 6000 lumens, depending on its design. How many lumens are good for a headlamp? For most average night fishers, you will only need between 200 and 800 lumens - anything above that is incredibly bright.

Location Of Fishing/Usage

Before spending any money on a headlamp, you should consider where you want to conduct your night fishing activities. Is the area particularly bright from streetlights or dock lights? Are you one for secluded lake fishing or dark coastal night fishing? Do you require any special features for your headlamp e.g., red light or an adjustable beam? Answering these questions beforehand will help you decide what it is you need.

Type of Light

In most headlamps, you can often find at least two different functions that control your headlamp’s color. A red light helps your eyes adjust to the dark and reduces eyestrain while white light helps you see well and can draw line baitfish towards your boat.

Water Resistance

Since you are spending time on the water in the dark, it is essential to get waterproof or water-resistant equipment should an accident happen. Three different levels measure headlamp water resistance; IPX6, IPX5, IPX4.

These levels mean that rain will not affect your headlamp, but IPX6 can take a little more water. However, having an IPX6 rating does not mean that the headlamp is completely waterproof or able to survive submersion. A product’s description will usually tell you if it is a waterproof headlamp – read carefully.

Beam Distance

Being able to control your light’s beam can be incredibly helpful in the water. A narrow beam can help you focus on specific spots and see further into the distance while a wide beam enables you to see more of your immediate area.

Some headlamps also have strobe or SOS functions that can help you be seen in an emergency. Another thing to note is how easy it is to reach each function quickly to avoid unnecessary fumbling.

Modes Available

Carefully consider what you like to do on your fishing trips. Modern headlamps have a variety of modes and functions to help you in your everyday life, typically between three and five or so per product. As a general rule, we recommend having as few as possible to avoid losing your catch because you were fiddling with your headlamp.

Convenience

While headlamps are theoretically convenient, they need to be functional and convenient in practice. This means having comfortable and adjustable head straps, a slim and non-bulky lamp design, a lightweight body that will not droop or cause neck strain, and a simple system to put on and remove the headlamp from your head.

If a headlamp is fiddly or uncomfortable, it will not be used and therefore is a waste of money. Look at its functions and read customer reviews to get a good idea of its comfort and convenience level.

Rechargeable vs. Regular Batteries

Typically, there are two different power modes for headlamps – rechargeable or solar and battery power. Rechargeable headlamps are economical in that you only need to buy the headlamp and remember to charge it before you leave on trips.

However, rechargeable headlamps may take anywhere from one to six hours to charge and lose their brightness over time. Battery-powered headlamps will always be at full brightness, but they require you to carry backup batteries and are more costly over time.

Price & Warranty

In terms of budget, we would argue that it is not always necessary to spend a lot of money on a headlamp. Instead, choosing a solid and reliable model that fulfills your needs for the best price or buying your desired higher model on sale can be just as good.

Decide how much you want to spend and then find a suitable model in that bracket or on sale to get the best value for money. Most headlamp warranties cover 90 days to 5 years depending on the model and brand; read the product manual and description carefully for more details.

1. Vont 'Spark' LED Headlamp Flashlight

From its design to features, its materials, construction to its multi-function, there’s no surprise the Vont Spark Headlamp will almost always come up as a top pick and most recommended headlamp for fishing.

Function wise, the Vont Spark Headlamps is power-packed with 200 lumens of LED lights ergonomically designed with a 45-degree light throw. That translates to an efficient and reliable light source bright enough so you are able to confidently and safely make your way around especially in the darker parts of the water and lure baitfish to you.

It’s also built with a one-touch switch so you can easily toggle through its low to medium to high or strobe modes depending on the amount and type of light you need for the task on hand.

Thanks to its military-grade materials and construction, the Vont Spark Headlamp has been rigorously tested to prove its indestructibility in extreme conditions. Passing quality evaluations with flying colors, this monster of a headlamp has earned waterproof and drop-resistant certifications based on international standards.

Convenience and comfortability were also largely considered with its design. The Vont Spark Headlamp has an easily adjustable band with a sturdy stretch, you don’t have to worry about constantly making adjustments or won’t even notice you’re wearing it while you’re out fishing.

As with the rest of its product line, this Vont innovation likewise takes pride in the lifetime warranty it carries, that if for some reason your order does not meet your expectations, you can immediately request for a full refund or replacement—no questions asked. How’s that for getting the best value for your money?

2. HeroBeam

Our runner up for best headlamp for fishing, the HeroBeam is an excellent fishing headlight for veterans and newbies. A 168 lumens beam ensures that you can see exactly what you are doing for a maximum of 30 hours due to the powerful LED light bulbs.

Two separate mode buttons take you through each of the modes; super spot, broad red, soft white, strobe flash, and SOS flash are all ready to turn on and off with a wave of your hand. This HeroBeam’s body can be tilted from 0 to 45 degrees and is rechargeable via the USB port. It takes around four hours to charge the HeroBeam from zero charges to full, but that is a small price to pay for great battery life. 

If you drop your headlamp, there is no need to worry; the HeroBeam is shockproof enough to survive a five-foot drop onto a hard surface. The three-year warranty and 30-day satisfaction guarantee have your back should you change your mind or if an accident should happen.

While we do love the HeroBeam, we would love it if it came in a wider variety of color options or patterns in the future.

3. VITCHELO V800

The best light for night fishing, we know that customers just cannot get enough of the Vitchelo V800. This forehead flashlight has six different lighting levels to choose from with two separate buttons for the white and red light. Compact, comfortable, and lightweight, the Vitchelo V800 strap is soft and adjustable with extra width for increased comfort.

The back of the headlamp’s body has a small pad for added forehead comfort. Available in a variety of colors, this durable and reliable model comes with everything you need to get started and can be tilted to 45 degrees for added utility. In terms of power, this 168 lumens headlamp can be used for 120 hours on low light with full batteries.

The IPX6 rating means that this model is very water-resistant, but be sure to avoid putting it underwater for more than a few moments. The lifetime limited warranty has you covered in case the unexpected happens, which can be very reassuring for night fishers.

If you pick up the Vitchelo V800 and decide that it is not for you, then you can send it back within 60 days for a no questions asked money-back guarantee. While we do like this product, it is worth noting that it is not waterproof or dustproof.

4 .Foxelli MX20B

One of the most purchased online is the the Foxelli MX20B. It is a great option for night fishermen thanks to its quality and variety. There are over five color options and multiple handy modes to choose from, and you can be sure to have an excellent trip with this headlamp in your arsenal.

Lightweight and comfortable, this fishing headlamp has a 200-foot beam feature to help you make your way around in the dark or lure baitfish towards you. The ergonomic and adjustable headband stays comfortable for long hours out on the water. The 45-degree tiltable body makes sure that you can see no matter what you’re doing.

This particular model requires three triple A batteries, which are included in your purchase. At full capacity, this headlamp can be turned on for 45 hours straight, but a built-in timer prevents you from wasting any power.

The Foxelli MX20B has an IPX5 rating, meaning that it is decently water resistant but do not go dunking it into the water if possible. The lifetime limited warranty on this model and the affordable price mean that you can get a lot of bang for your buck from a company that has confidence in its product.

5. MsForce Rechargeable

The best and brightest headlamp on this list, the MsForce Rechargeable headlamp is perfect for those looking to do fishing under cover of extreme darkness.

Developed in the USA, five different bulbs work together to produce 6000 lumens of brightness for a maximum of 15 hours at their lowest and 8 hours at their very brightest. It is possible to adjust the brightness, adjust the beam size and length to a max of 700 feet, and 'zoom' into specific spots if necessary. 

Five different modes are built into the MsForce Rechargeable, including battery saver mode and strobe mode. The headlamp body can be tilted from 0 to 90 degrees to make working in the dark a breeze while the comfortable and adjustable head strap can fit over most hardhats and heads.

This brightest rechargeable headlamp comes with everything you need to get started and charges to full in a few hours. In terms of water resistance, this headlamp has a rating of IPX5, making it perfect for dry and rainy fishing conditions.

While we love this MsForce Rechargeable headlamp, it does take seven hours to charge from zero, and the warranty is on the short side for a fishing headlamp.

6. Black Diamond Storm

The best headlamp for sea fishing, the Black Diamond Storm Headlamp is a powerful and sturdy piece of equipment that can really come in handy on an evening fishing trip. Waterproof and dustproof, the powerful LED lights can produce a beam with a range of up to 85 meters.

There are three different modes that can be changed with just a tap thanks to its Power Tap technology; there are even dimming and strobe options as well as red, white, blue, and green lighting options for those who need them. A variety of colors to choose from mean that you can combine fashion with function even on a night trip.

This Black Diamond flashlight is capable of surviving submersion of one meter for up to 30 minutes, meaning that accidents are not the end of the world. In terms of power, this model requires four triple-A batteries to function, and a three-year warranty has you covered in case of an accident.

We love the power of this product, it is on the bulky and more expensive side of the sea fishing headlamp spectrum. With all of this in mind, we hope you will agree that this is the best headlamp for sea fishing.

7. Energizer LED

Our value for money option, the Energiser LED Headlamp Flashlight is perfect for those looking to get a good deal on an LED fishing headlight. With a brightness of 315 lumens, this particular model has five different modes to choose from, including high, low, full flood, full spot, and red.

The beam can reach up to 85 meters long, and the headlamp body is tiltable for those tricky jobs. At maximum brightness, this headlamp can run undisturbed for around six hours before needing new batteries.

An IPX4 rating has been given, meaning that this headlamp is water-resistant but is not waterproof. The Energiser LED Headlamp Flashlight can survive a one-meter high drop onto a solid surface, making it a durable option for your arsenal.

Compact and durable, this model is not waterproof, and the triple-A batteries are not rechargeable, meaning that having extras on hand would be a great idea. We do love this product but wish it came in more color and pattern options and hope that a wider range comes in the near future.

Of all the cheap headlamps on the market, the Energiser LED Headlamp Flashlight is a great option for fishers on a budget.

8. PETZL - NAO+ Headlamp

Our top of the range pick for this list, the Petzl NAO+ Headlamp if perfect for those looking to splash out or make a major upgrade to their fishing equipment. Three different bulbs work together to produce a brightness of 750 lumens of white light that automatically reacts to the darkness around you to provide the perfect lighting level every time.

Adjusting the luminosity of the light beams is easy thanks to the smart tech and smartphone application MyPetzl Light that uses Bluetooth to connect to your headlamp. MyPetzl Light can be downloaded on various app stores, including Google Play and the App Store. The battery in the Petzl Nao+ Headlamp is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that charges in a few hours.

Customer reviews note that the Nao+ is a definitive upgrade from the Nao model, noting that the comfort and brightness level has improved a great deal. While this model is popular, its price tag is on the higher end of the spectrum, making it a less likely choice for some customers.

Some customer reviews have also noted that while the Nao+ is powerful, it is also heavy; please bear these things in mind before purchasing one for yourself.

9. SLONIK

If you are looking for the best LED lights for fishing at night, the SLONIK 1000 Lumen is a powerful and handy tool to add to your fishing gear. With a 48 month limited warranty, this lightweight and adjustable headlamp take around two hours to fully charge and produces 1000 lumens of light at full power using two CREE LED bulbs.

A beam of up to 600 feet can be produced, and five different light modes are available to help you get the best catch of the night. The body of the SLONIK 1000 Lumen can be tilted up to 90 degrees and uses a 2200 mAh rechargeable battery.

Waterproof and dustproof, this headlamp is hardhat and kid-friendly and has a 100,000-hour lifespan. According to the seller, this headlamp can run undisturbed for 8 hours on low and around 3.5 hours on high.

The SLONIK 1000 Lumens has a shorter runtime than others on this list, and there are no red light options, meaning that you may strain your eyes when using this product for too long; a dimming feature is available to help ease and prevent eye strain.

10. Hurkins Orbit

The best waterproof headlamp on this list, the Hurkins Orbit 1000 Lumens, is a little different from standard night fishing headlamps. This 180-degree wide-angle strip light has a visible distance of 30 meters and has a dimmer dial to adjust the brightness.

A soft elastic band helps keep you comfortable while out and about and comes with an extension belt to put around your waist if you would prefer. This waterproof headband has eye protectors, 100 hours of continuous light, and recharges in just three hours. For those in construction or cave fishing circles, this headlamp is hardhat friendly, making it perfect for dark and dangerous places. 

Amazon’s fast delivery and regular sales mean that you can get this pocket-sized and lightweight headlamp for a steal and have it on your next fishing trip within only a couple of days.

While we do love the Hurkins Orbit 100 Lumens’ wide bright light and its convenient design, we do wish that it had a variety of lighting colors or cone adjust features to make it even more convenient. While we do love this product, we do recommend getting a dimmer headlamp for most everyday night fishers.

11. Nitecore NU25 360

The best rechargeable headlamp on this list, the Nitecore NU25 360 is a 360 lumens headlamp that is an Amazon’s Choice product. Compact and lightweight, this headlamp produces beams that are 88 yards in length. There are three different color options available, and both white and red light options.

The Nitecore NU25 360 can run for 16 hours before needing to recharge, and a USB cable and adapter are both included in your purchase. A battery power indicator is built into the headlamp, with a red light blinking at various intervals to let you know how much battery is left.

Three blinks mean that the battery is above 50 percent, two blinks mean less than 50 percent, and one blink means less than 10 percent battery is remaining. This small but powerful headlamp is also very shockproof and has 1.5-meter impact resistance.

It is worth noting that the 360 lumens of full power only lasts for around 30 seconds at a time and the battery life is rather short – it is these two factors that some would consider drawbacks in an otherwise good quality product. As with the other entrants on this list, we think that the Nitecore NU25 360 is a great option for any night fisher’s kit.

Night Fishing Tips & Techniques

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How is brightness measured in a fishing headlamp?

Fishing headlamp brightness is measured in lumens or the total amount of light produced by each bulb at the same time.

Why are LED lights more advisable for fishing headlights?

LED lights are better than standard lights as they last longer and are of higher quality.

What should my budget for a fishing headlamp be?

Your budget will depend entirely on you, but many headlamps are between $5 and $100 or so.

What color light is best for night fishing?

We would recommend choosing a headlamp that has both red and white light functions to protect your eyes and your safety. Red light helps your eyes adjust to the darkness and reduces strain, while bright white lights help you see or perform tasks in the dark.

What other accessories do I need for night fishing aside from a headlamp?

Along with a headlamp, we would recommend picking up the following accessories:

Where is the best place to buy fishing headlamps?

The best place to get a night fishing headlamp is Amazon due to their regular sales, fast shipping, and easy access to customer reviews and product information.

Conclusion

Although all of the entries on our list would be great additions to your fishing arsenal, we would recommend the Vont Spark as the best headlamp for fishing at night.