Why would anyone go fishing at night or early in the morning? Well, the shores tend to be calmer during those hours, and this gives significantly increases your chances of making some easy catches.
What’s more, fish tend to be attracted to light. And that’s precisely why it’s important to invest in the best fishing headlamps available.
Besides that, this source of light helps you to find your way around even in dimly lit conditions. Above all, you can turn to this light to send an SOS message or alert the emergency rescue teams of your whereabouts.
And today, we’d like to provide you with some examples of lamps you can fully bank on.
Top Fishing Headlamps: Comparison Guide
In this section, we have taken our time to analyze a sample of fishing headlamps, which we consider to be the best available.
The aim is to help you save time as you wouldn’t have to conduct another wholesome research, and you are likely to find your ideal choice somewhere on the list.
1. GRDE 18650 Zoomable Fishing Headlamp
Specs
Brightness: 1800 Lumens
Waterproof Rating: IPX4
Weight: 12.8 Ounces
Batteries: Not Included
Are you on a budget, and you want to acquire a top-notch fishing headlamp? In this case, the GRDE zoomable headlamp would be a reasonable pick.
It is quite affordable and you still get to enjoy a host of incredible features.
Product Description
To begin with, this headlamp is very easy to use and all you need to do is push a button to light it up. Then, it is weather-sealed which makes it appropriate for use in harsh weather conditions such as rain and fog.
Another feature is the three modes that you can choose from, including low, mid and strobe. To add to this, you can subject this lamp to three different uses such as a desk lamp, waist lamp or a headlamp.
And for durability, the lamp has a useful life of 100000 hours which is quite impressive.
As a zoomable lamp, you can focus on a particular area should the need arise.
Lastly, this is an adjustable headlamp that can swivel up to 90-degrees giving you much-needed flexibility for a fishing lamp.
Downsides
One thing that you may not like with this device is that the headlamp only has one light whereas some competitors have up to three.
Then, the unit is a bit bulky and this has the disadvantage of dragging you down during your fishing expedition unless you are a really strong or huge individual.
Pros
Comes in a complete package including batteries and chargers
Has a long lifespan
Comes with a user manual to get you going
Cons
The batteries can fall out of the unit easily
2. Foxelli Headlamp
Specs
Brightness: 165 Lumens
Waterproof Rating: IPX5
Weight: 3.2 Ounces
Batteries: Included
Another excellent option that would boost your night-fishing experience is the Foxelli headlamp. The unit is available in five different colors so you can easily find the one that suits your style.
Let’s check out other notable features.
Product Description
First, this light is rated at 165 lumens and gives out a 200ft beam and this should give you an easy time in maneuvering through the waters in the dark as you strive to make a catch.
Second, this is a lightweight unit which ensures you remain comfortable all-through as you use the lamp. On top of that, it features an ergonomic headband which also contributes to the unit’s comfort.
Another thing we liked is the adjustable body that can swivel up to 45-degrees for some level of flexibility.
We also liked the built-in timer that ensures you do not waste power and this helps in preserving the battery life.
Lastly, the limited lifetime warranty should serve as an assurance that the manufacturer has offered you a high-quality product.
Downsides
This headlamp could have easily taken our top slot if only it felt sturdier and hardier. Otherwise, we feel that the plastic used to make it is kind of cheap.
Don’t mind us though, it’s only that we tend to be overly picky with some of this stuff.
Pros
Comfortable to wear
Comes with a limited lifetime warranty
Adjustable up to 45-degrees
Cons
Its plastic components feel cheaply made
3. Black Diamond Storm Headlamp
Specs
Brightness: 350 Lumens
Waterproof Rating: IP67
Weight: 3.9 Ounces
Batteries: Not Included
If you are into fishing headlamps with fancy designs, the Black Diamond Storm could be what you are looking for.
However, it only has basic features and may not appeal to those who have been using fishing headlamps for long.
This does not make it an inferior product as the unit still packs several impressive features.
Product Description
Available in five different colors, the Black Diamond Storm features double LED whereby the main beam is bright white while the secondary ones include red, green, and blue.
There is also the power tap technology that allows you to switch between full and dim lights. Further, there is the lock mode that ensures the strength of the lighting does not change without your knowledge.
The entire unit is well-built and fully sealed to make it dust and waterproof. This robust construction means that you can use the lamp even in unfriendly surroundings such as mountains, and thick forests.
Lastly, the headlamp is backed by a 3-year limited warranty to give you peace of mind.
Downsides
Once you wear this headlamp, you realize that it is more bulky than it looks and nobody wants something that would drag their heads down.
Also, the unit gives out a rather annoying buzzing sound which may make some individuals uncomfortable with it.
Pros
Easy to operate
Attractive design
Has a 3-year limited warranty
Cons
The single button operation can be confusing for some
4. Vitchello V800 Headlamp
Specs
Brightness: 168 Lumens
Waterproof Rating: IPX6
Weight: 4 Ounces
Batteries: Included
This is another budget-friendly option that you ought to think about. It features both red and white lights, making it a multipurpose light.
Product Description
To kick us off, this headlamp is very easy to use and there are only two buttons that would help you operate the entire device.
Then, the two lights contribute to the overall effectiveness of the unit. The white one is going to help in attracting the bugs which would lure the fish. The red light on its part is vital in ensuring you have an easy time maneuvering through the dark.
Even better is that you can adjust both lights to your preferred brightness level.
The fact that the lamp can illuminate up to 110 meters ahead makes it useful if you have to walk some distance to get to your fishing spot.
In case of an emergency, you are going to appreciate the flashing lights that would enable the rescue teams pick you out easily.
Let’s not forget that the lamp is adjustable to 45-degrees and you can rotate it either upwards or downwards.
Downsides
The unit could have been better had it been fully waterproof as required of any device that is going to be used around water.
The fact that the batteries are not rechargeable could also put you at a disadvantage should you forget the replacements at home.
Pros
Features a comfortable elastic band
Has both red and white lights
Comes with 3 AAA batteries
Cons
The buttons are too sensitive
5. Luxolite LED Headlamp
Specs
Brightness: 168 Lumens
Waterproof Rating: IPX6
Weight: 3 Ounces
Batteries: Included
The Luxolite headlamp is available in seven different colors and this makes it the perfect option for you if you are sensitive on how your headlamp looks like.
Other than that, this product has several handy features that make it a worthy investment.
Product Description
A notable feature is that the Luxolite headlamp offers you two color options i.e. red and white. The latter is ideal for visibility and also helps in luring fish. The light has four different modes.
The red one on the other hands greatly boosts your visibility in the dark without hurting your eyes and it has two modes to choose from.
We also liked how the lamp is adjustable in five different positions either upwards or downwards.
The body is made to be impact-resistant and has an IPX6 rating to make it fully dust-resistant.
And for your comfort, the lamp features an elastic band to secure the unit around your head nicely without hurting you. To add to this, this is a lightweight unit that would not slip out of the position you secured it to.
You may also like the SOS light that would be of great help in case an emergency arises.
Downsides
Since the lamp is not entirely waterproof, it cannot withstand being underwater for long periods.
Another thing is that the on/off buttons are really small and this may be an inconvenience especially for those with big hands.
Pros
Easy to use
Lightweight with a comfortable elastic band
Has a lifetime guarantee
Cons
Drains the batteries even when not in use
6. Slonik 1000 Lumen Headlamp
Specs
Brightness: 1000 Lumens
Waterproof Rating: IPX8
Weight: 4.19 Ounces
Batteries: Included
If you are looking for a powerful headlamp that would enhance your night-fishing experience, the Slonik headlamp is a suitable option. It gives out about 1000 lumens of light although the runtime is somewhat disappointing.
Let’s check out some of its features.
Product Description
This headlamp offers five different light modes plus gives out a beam covering up to 600ft to gives you an easier time as you fish in the dark.
Then, the unit is lightweight and is adjustable so that you can get the appropriate size to fit around your head.
Another thing is that you can tilt the body up to 90-degrees and this allows the lamp to light up a wider area.
The Slonik lamp has an edge over its competitors in that it is powered by a rechargeable 2200mAh battery and this saves you from always buying batteries when the one in use dies down.
Further, the lamp only needs to hours to attain a full charge.
As for the construction, the unit is made to be water and dustproof and so can withstand being subjected to unfriendly conditions.
To top it all up, the lamp has a 2-year limited warranty to assure you of the durability of the product.
Downsides
One, this lamp does not have a red light. Therefore, you may struggle in when it comes to visibility in the dark.
We also felt that the 8-hour run time on low power is too short compared to other models in the market.
Pros
Allows for a 90-degree tilt
Water and dustproof
Comes with a 2-year limited warranty
Cons
Could have been better with a red light
7. Omeril Headlamp
Specs
Brightness: 150 Lumens
Waterproof Rating: IPX4
Weight: 2.9 Ounces
Batteries: Included
If you are looking for a versatile headlamp, the Omeril headlamp could be the answer to your question. Besides fishing, you could use the lamp for reading, hiking and camping as well.
On top of that, the headlamp is suitable for use by both adults and kids.
Product Description
At only 2.9oz, this is a very lightweight unit that won’t exert too much pressure on your head. Further, it features an elastic and anti-slip band for a secure and comfortable fit.
Let’s also touch on the adjustable straps that help you attain a nice fit with ease.
Then, the lamp offers you three lighting modes to choose from and is adjustable to 60-degrees to help you focus on your target.
We also liked the one-button control that makes the lamp very easy to operate. And in case you run into any trouble, there is the SOS light (flashing mode) that would help you out.
Lastly, the product comes with a 24-month warranty, within which you can ask for a full refund if you are not satisfied with the device.
Downsides
You are going to have a problem with the battery door which does not stay latched and this presents the risk of batteries falling out.
The lamp’s body is not that sturdy and in case of any impact with the ground, there is a high chance of it shattering completely into pieces.
Pros
Lightweight
Easy to use
Versatile
Cons
Flimsy construction
8. The Revenant LED Headlamp
Specs
Brightness: 5000 Lumens
Waterproof Rating: Not Provided
Weight: 13.4 Ounces
Batteries: Included
Why makes the Revenant LED Headlamp stand out from other products on our list? Well, for starters, it has three lights working as a unit and this makes it super bright. In fact, with a brightness of about 5000 lumens, this is one of the brightest lamps you may ever come across.
Let’s check out other notable features of this product.
Product Description
This headlamp is designed to be durable courtesy of the aluminum alloy and rubber materials used in the construction.
These materials also give this unit a stylish look that you would enjoy having in your possession.
Another feature is that the lamp can be tilted to 90-degrees and this allows you to reposition the lamp into whatever area you wish to focus on.
An outstanding quality of this lamp is that it is rechargeable by solar power and this comes in handy in case the battery dies down in the middle of nowhere.
When fully charged, the lamp can last up to 8-hours long.
Lastly, the lamp is easy to operate and there is one button to help you switch between the four modes available.
Downsides
The first issue is that the headlamp is too expensive and may be out of reach for most individuals who wish to acquire it.
Once you put the batteries in, the lamp becomes too heavy and this interferes with the portability that a headlamp should have.
Pros
Made out of top-notch materials
Has a stunning helmet design
Can be recharged by solar power
Cons
Too pricey
9. HeroBeam Fishing Headlamp
Specs
Brightness: 168 Lumens
Waterproof Rating: IPX5
Weight: 2.7 Ounces
Batteries: Included
Whether you are a pro or a beginner, this is one of the best fishing lamps you may ever find in the market. It may not give you a lot of color options to choose from but the other features that this device carries could easily make you overlook this minor flaw.
Product Description
This headlamp offers you four different modes to choose from, including soft white, super spot, broad red, strobe flash and SOS flash.
Then, the wave activation feature allows for easy operation even when you have gloves on.
The SOS flash in particular is going to be helpful in case of an emergency.
You may also like how the body can be tilted to 45-degrees and this allows you to focus on a relatively wider area.
Still on the body, it is well-made to be impact-resistant and would come out of a hard fall unscathed.
The battery life of 30-hours is quite decent although you have to wait for four hours to attain a full charge.
Finally, the 30-day satisfaction guarantee is designed to give you peace of mind as it allows you to claim a full refund if you are not pleased with the product within this period.
Downsides
The brightness of 168 lumens is a bit low for any headlamp to make a significant impact on your night fishing experience.
Some users like having several color options to choose from unlike this product which comes in only one color.
Pros
Has the convenient wave activation feature
Impact-resistant housing
Comes with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee
Cons
Not very bright
10. Goforwild Rechargeable Headlamp
Specs
Brightness: 1000 Lumens
Waterproof Rating: IP65
Weight: 2.3 Ounces
Batteries: Included
The last item on our list is by no means inferior as you shall soon see. For instance, it is not restricted to fishing alone and you could use it for other outdoor activities such as running and camping.
We have discussed other features below in detail.
Product Description
First, this lamp is very bright with a level of 1000 lumens and this is sufficient to light your way as you take part in any activity outdoors.
We also liked that the dual-power system whereby the unit is powered by either 18650 rechargeable battery or 3 AAA batteries. This allows you to switch to either source when the other runs out of power.
There is also the motion sensor that allows you to switch the lamp on/off by waving your hand over the sensor.
Therefore, you do not have to touch the lamp with wet or dirty hands.
Do not worry about the power running out abruptly as there are four indicator lights to alert you on the remaining power level.
When it comes to charging, you only need a USB cable to connect the lamp to a power bank or 5W charger.
Downsides
The USB power plug is a bit flimsy and you have to keep adjusting it for it to hold securely. Otherwise, the batteries are prone to falling out.
Then, we also thought that the lower light level is too weak and it is hard to determine what you could use it for.
Pros
The charge indicators are quite convenient
Motion sensor allows for hands-free operation
A dual-power unit
Cons
Battery life could have been better
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How To Choose A Good Fishing Headlamp for Your Money
When looking for the best fishing lamp, there are several things that you have to look out for. Once you get these aspects right, you would have significantly boosted your chances of landing the best product available.
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The Brightness Level
Note that we measure the brightness of a headlamp in lumens. In general, the higher the number of lumens, the brighter the lamp is.
For most fishers, a brighter option is most preferred and such headlamps lie in the category of 2000 lumens and beyond.
However, your fishing spot should also determine the brightness level of your ideal headlamp. If your spot is extremely dark, then going for a brighter unit makes sense.
Sometimes the full moon may be out and this may render the use of an overly bright lamp to be futile.
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The Modes
The modes are a means provided by the manufacturer to enable you customize the brightness according to what your situation requires.
In most cases, you have high, low and flashing modes which are handy in case of an emergency.
There is also the zoom mode which allows you to focus on a particular spot while the zoom out feature gives you a wider field of view.
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Presence of White and Red Lights
For the ordinary eye, it is easy to overlook the importance of having both the red and white lights in a fishing headlamp.
The red light allows your eyes to get used to the dark more effectively than the white light.
However, the white light does a better job of illuminating deeper waters plus is also crucial in luring fish due to its better penetration of the water.
Therefore, having both in the same unit would be a great advantage.
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Comfort
Anything that is wearable has to be comfortable, and so is a headlamp. How comfortable the lamp will be is influenced by several factors.
One, the material is crucial and the softer it is to your skin, the better. Also, the adjustability of the band is important as it help in attaining the perfect fit on your head.
The unit should also be lightweight so that it does not keep on sliding down your head.
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Water Resistance
To understand how your headlamp is water-resistant, check its IPX rating. There is a difference between water-resistance only and being waterproof.
A unit that is only water-resistant can withstand sprays of water but cannot withstand being submerged underwater.
Therefore, you should go for a fully waterproof lamp since there is a chance that it may slip out of your head into the water.
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The Battery Life
Whether your lamp runs on rechargeable or replaceable batteries, the intensity with which you use it will determine how long it lasts.
Also, if you use it on the brightest mode, it is likely to last for a shorter duration as compared to a lower mode.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Check out the brief Q&A session below and see whether you can pick up any new information from it.
Q: Are headlamps meant for fishing only?
A: No, they are not. You could also use it for other outdoor activities such as cycling, camping and hiking. Also, you could use it indoors while making repairs.
Q: Why use a headlamp instead of a flashlight?
A: There are many reasons for this. Although they both help in illuminating different areas, the headlamps have an edge over flashlights due to their multipurpose use.
Further, the headlamps allow for hands-free operations which enable you to focus on the task at hand.
Q: Why are LED lights preferred for fishing headlamps?
A: Well, LEDs generally consume lesser energy and therefore help in enhancing the battery’s lifespan. Also, these lights tend to be more eco-friendly plus they are brighter and you do not have to use it at the brightest setting all the time.
The Best Overall
None of the above headlamps we have reviewed are disappointing and are all capable of delivering a top-notch performance. However, we felt that the GRDE 18650 Zoomable Fishing Headlamp stood out from the rest of the lamps.
Besides all the impressive features that it carries, it is well-priced and would not dent your pockets when you acquire it.
Final Word
Fishing in the dark is a tricky affair and you have to do everything to make things easy for you. An appropriate headlamp would not only enhance visibility but it would also ensure that your catch does not slip back into the water.
This is because your hands would be free to focus on the fishing ahead of you.
Hopefully, our article has given you all the necessary information so that next time you head out searching for the ideal fishing headlamp, you would be in a better position to make the right decision.