Best Bowfishing Lights (2018) – Buyer’s Guide

Every bowfishing rig is incomplete without supplemental lighting, of any kind. Without one, making the most of your experience on water is impossible. And that’s because the best bowfishing lights are very useful during nighttime.

We now live in a world where bowfishing methods and equipment have evolved. So it’s only logical to assume that the right kind of gear can make the process of spotting fish much easier.

This leads to the core section of the article!

The 10 Best Bowfishing Lights Reviews in 2018

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What you see below is a comparison table for some basic understanding. For more information and details, scroll down further to get to know each product’s best and worst features.

Ever thought of buying the best bowfishing lights that are energy efficient? Especially when compared to traditional tungsten halogen-bulb lamps! If what I’m saying here matters to you, then you should pick the LE 100W Super Bright Outdoor LED Flood Lights. These help in lowering energy cost as much as 60 percent.

Moving on, the lights offer a brightness of 10150 lumens. That means it has a luminous efficiency of 100 lumens per watt. So you know that this particular model has the ability to meet your requirements.

What’s even better is the combination of excellent light with zero shadow. On top of that, the column angle, which delivers a broad brightness range, is 120 degrees.

How about the construction of these best bowfishing lights? They come in an aluminum alloy material die-casting body. Such a design provides optimal temperature dissipation. And that, in turn, does a great job at prolonging lifespan effectively.

Now let’s talk about flexibility. Especially during installation! The product includes an invaluable metal bracket. This particular component allows you to set up the lights however you like. And by that, I mean mounting them on the ground, wall, or ceiling.

In all, they are the best energy-efficient LED flood lights. And that too with a wide enough beam angle! So performance is a factor that won’t fail to surprise you.

The only drawback is the heaviness of the lights. And this might be a problem if you want to install the equipment up high.

Let me introduce you to one of the highest rated warm white LED bowfishing lights. Since the GLW 50w is an outdoor LED flood light, it’s 100% waterproof. But that’s not the only striking quality of the product.

The 50 Watt output power capacity and 5150 daylight white lumens are factors responsible for efficiency. Did you know that these best bowfishing lights with such an LED bulb are like using a tungsten 300-Watt halogen lamp? Isn’t that impressive? (Lumens vs. watts)

So trust me when I say this that the lights are perfect for outdoor applications. They feature an arm with a practical yoke-style design. This makes it possible for you to install the equipment vertically and horizontally. And if you wish to regulate the angle of the beam, that’s pretty easy too!

And here’s something that might stick. The GLW 50w Outdoor LED Flood Lights are FCC and CE-certified. So you need not worry about aspects of safety, flexibility, and power capacity. Am I right?

Now here’s something that you might not be so crazy about. Unfortunately, the manufacturer failed to equip the product with a long enough power cord.

3. Ustellar 2 Pack 60W LED Flood Light – The Most Affordable Bowfishing Lights

Usteller is a company driven by its mission: “Make smart lighting technology enjoyable to every family.” They manufacture a wide variety of different lighting setups for different applications. To make lighting easy and enjoyable, they pioneer making them smart by integrating wireless control and voice command configuration through Alexa or Google Assistant.

Product Features

This floodlight comes in packs of two. Each unit has 70 counts of energy saving LED that emits 4,800 lumens. The light it projects is characterized by a bluish-white hue that can illuminate your outdoor setup beautifully. The light this 60W LED floodlight emits is equivalent to 300W conventional halogen lamp. This means you save roughly 80% energy.

This product prides itself with its ultra slim design at 1.85 inches! You can easily insert it anywhere you want! This device is 9.84 inches long and 6.69 inches high. The back plate is fitted with a ribbed heatsink allowing you to use it efficiently for long periods.

You won’t have to worry about rain and other weather exposure because this floodlight has a waterproof rating of IP66. The pivoting bracket it comes with can be mounted with screws and allows you to rotate the light up to 180 degrees angle.

My biggest complaint with the product is associated with durability. Unfortunately, the lights don’t work for a long time without blinking. So long term use is not a part of the picture here.

4. Morsen 200W LED Flood Lights – The Most Durable LED Bowfishing Lights

If there’s any flood light specifically crafted for bowfishing, it’s this one right here. The Morsen 200W LED Flood Lights are equipped with the most suitable features. And to make things even better, these components are long-lasting. So durability is a factor that doesn’t let you down in this case.

Let me begin by pointing out that these best bowfishing lights have a yoke-designed arm. This makes way for both vertical and horizontal mounting. Another praiseworthy characteristic is the 1200-wide illumination angle.

And do you know what makes them perfect for outdoor usage? The waterproof construction! So don’t think twice before using the Morsen 200W LED Flood Lights even in rainy weather.

But the biggest benefit comes in the form of energy efficiency. So the next time you’re looking for an excellent halogen light replacement, you know what to buy!

It’s the short power cord that ranks as the only major flaw. But if you can look past that, there’s nothing else you might find disappointing.

5. LLT 50W LED Flood Light with Knuckle – The Best Bowfishing Lights for All Kinds of Weather Conditions

solutions. The company is quite new in the market, but they have proven their worth in a short period. Aside from manufacturing LEDs, they can also be commissioned to retrofit LEDs and improve existing lighting setup.

Product Features - remove

This floodlight by LLT is fitted with 75 energy efficient LEDs that is rated to give you 4000 lumens for whatever application you need. This model is one of the slimmest floodlights in the market that you can have. It measures 2.4 inches in width including the knuckle mount. The enclosure measures 5.6 inches high and 8.74 inches long.

The back of the enclosure is designed with a ribbed heatsink to dissipate heat so you don’t have to worry about overheating. This allows you to use this product safely for extended periods. It beams a bright white lite that can illuminate your garage, garden, or playing field without a problem.

This floodlight has a waterproof rating of IP66 which makes it a good outdoor light that you can rely on even during the rainy season. The manufacturer backs this floodlight with a 5-year limited warranty. LLT is confident that this floodlight would last for at least 20,000 hours. 

When equipped with as many as 4000 lumens, any bowfishing light can be used in semi-clear and clear water. And that is the very reason I chose to review the LEDMO 50W LED Flood Lights. So let’s find out how they fared during testing.

The model has the ability to illuminate an area of at least 120 degrees. The tough die-cast structure is what brings tons of durability into the picture. And also allow me to add that these are excellent, super-bright flood lights. Plus, they’re energy efficient too!

A simple design means easy installation. So you don’t need to think twice before replacing those halogen bulb lights! They come with a universal mounting stainless steel bracket. One that is adjustable up to 150 degrees! This means the LEDMO 50W LED Flood Lights are flexible enough to fit your demands.

If that wasn’t enough, the manufacturer has made them waterproof too. So both outdoor and indoor spaces can be lit using these lights. Overall, they do an excellent job at brightly illuminating just about anything. Including semi-clear water!

But the part that’s disappointing is the absence of a plug. So if you’re a first-time user, I’d advise you to pick another model.

7. GLW 10w 12v Ac or Dc Warm White LED Flood Light – The Best 12V Bowfishing Lights

It’s time for me to introduce you to the GLW 10w 12v Ac or Dc Warm White LED Flood Lights. These are the best 12V bowfishing lights! They are well equipped to suit your needs without creating shadow effects.

Compared to their halogen counterparts, these are more efficient. At least as far as power requirements are concerned! You can adjust the lamp to at least 120 degrees. And this is how it offers tons of versatility.

Furthermore, they are the warm white LED bowfishing lights. So you can use them over stained waters. Even with a large density of debris! As for the useful waterproofing rating, the GLW light is good enough for the activity of bowfishing.

So to sum it up, they provide bright illumination without producing big numbers on the electric bill.

So what does the negative side have to offer? I feel saddened but obliged to bring to your notice that the frames, the ones that hold the equipment, are not immune to early damage.

8. Glotech LED Light Bar 48W 12V Square Flood Beam Light – The Best Shake-Proof LED Bowfishing Lights

When buying the best bowfishing lights, we often tend to leave out an important aspect. And no, it’s not the waterproof or water resistance capacity. Instead what I’m talking about is the light being shake-proof.

So that’s what you get with the Glotech LED Light Bar 48W 12V Square Flood Beam Lights. Plus, anti-corrosion and waterproofing ability as well! So what does that mean? It implies that these lights can withstand rain and harsh environments.

Moving on, they deliver stable performance and a long shelf life. I have another piece of great news to offer. The Glotechlights consume minimal energy. At the same time, they have the ability to work for as long as 30,000 hours. Isn’t that impressive!

But why do you think this particular model is perfect for bowfishing? It’s because the lights provide 5280 lumens. And that’s more than enough brightness for the task at hand.

What’s more is that you can install the Glotechlights on SUVs, trucks, ships, cars, and so on. And in my opinion, nothing beats this kind of workability!

Only for the sake of listing a drawback, I’m going to say that the product doesn’t come with wire relays. Not that something like this even begins to rank as a negative!

9. 6K LED 427S Square LED Work Light – The Best LED Bowfishing Lights for First-Time Users

Why is the 6K LED 427S Square LED Work Light an ideal choice for beginners? It’s because the equipment is easy to work with. Plus, the lights are suitable for all forms of water. So you don’t need to be an expert to use this particular model.

What’s more is that the 6K LED 427S Square LED Work Lights are high-intensity fixtures. They offer 2150 lumens brightness. But it’s the water-resistant properties that you might value the most. Because nothing beats the fact that the lights can withstand rain or extreme weather conditions!

The long-lasting value is another notable characteristic. You’ll also be quite thrilled to know that these LED lights perform way better than their halogen counterparts. Even wiring them up and bolting them on don’t require you to make much of an effort.

So the manufacturer has done everything in its power to deliver high performance. At every level!

After testing many units, I realized the importance of the invaluable mounting bracket. Some lights come with strong brackets that don’t budge. No matter the weight or weather conditions. But, unfortunately, that’s not the case here.

10. YITAMOTOR LED Light Bar 27W Round LED Light – The Bonus Pick

I can give you so many reasons as to why I chose to list the YITAMOTOR LED Lights as the bonus pick. For one, they are packed in a sturdy casing. The durable aluminum housing is the perfect structure to withstand the task of bowfishing.

I also found the polycarbonate lens of the gear to be highly valuable. So you can rest assured knowing that the inner parts are well protected from outside elements. Along the same vein, the internal heatsink is responsible for nothing but heat dissipation. Such a function also contributes to boosting lifespan, am I right?

Now, how about those mounting brackets? Well, in the case of the YITAMOTOR lights, these are plenty adjustable to simplify installation. And lastly, the 600k color temperature is what makes the lights apt for stained and clear water.

So what’s the problem here? The manufacturer has done an excellent job at providing a top quality, high-performing product. But not so much when it comes to including proper mounting hardware! Some pieces might be missing or are not designed correctly.

Photo credit: southernliteled.com

Whether your bowfishing expedition is going to be a success or failure depends on the equipment you use. Especially bowfishing lights!

Tracking fish during daytime is not that difficult. And it becomes even easier when you have access to clear water. But it’s mostly during nighttime and when the water is shallow that the activity requires special lights.

So with that in mind, it’s time to get to know a little more about the equipment. This way, you can make a better decision. And not end up wasting your money, time, and effort!

Best Bowfishing Lights: Choosing the Right Bulb

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When shopping for bowfishing lights, you’ll be exposed to a variety of options. The three most important ones are as follows:

1. LED

This type of bowfishing light is considered to be quite common. You should know that LED lights are expensive. But that doesn’t matter as long as they perform exceptionally well.

The thing about LED is that it has the ability to penetrate fresh water. This is true of the bright version of LED. On the other hand, warm white LED is more suitable for stained water.

And what about the source of power? In the case of LED lights, they run on 1 or 2 batteries.

2. Halogen

If there’s any easily accessible light source, it’s this one right here. Halogen lights are not that difficult to find. You can get them at the majority of hardware stores.

You’ll be thrilled to know that halogen offers a lot of light. The only downside is that it also demands the use of excessive energy. But you can opt for different bulb wattage with the same model. On top of that, halogen lights are not heavyweight, thus easy to handle and carry.

So if you want lights suitable for all kinds of water conditions, this is the one to choose.

3. High Pressure Sodium

The last option is ranked as the most powerful. When dealing with murky water, the orange/yellow light of high pressure sodium (HPS) provides appropriate illumination.

The good part is that these too are light in weight. While the disappointing aspect is that they also require more electricity.

Best Bowfishing Lights: Understanding Power Source

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It goes without saying that different lights and their capacities need different sources of energy. Some bowfishing lights demand a light source while the others require heavy power. The latter comes in the form of generators. And the former is achieved with the help of batteries.

So let’s find out the power source of the three most common types of bowfishing lights.

• LED

These types of lights work on Direct Current. And this is something that batteries are excellent at providing. Now you should know that LED lights are available with multiple wattage and options. So you can select a model based on your personal preferences and requirements.

Just remember that LED lights are a perfect pick for small-sized boats.

• Halogen

A large power source is what halogen lights need to power up. Unfortunately, at the same time, they don’t offer a long bulb life. This means you might have to think twice before buying halogen bowfishing lights.

So consider these as your last option. The first best option is LED, followed by high pressure sodium. And then comes the halogen version!

• High Pressure Sodium

For the purpose of powering high pressure sodium bowfishing lights, here’s what you require. Flashlights and heavy generators!

More often than not, people use gasoline electric generators. And that’s the primary issue in this case. The thing about involving such generators is that they are bulky, heavy, and noise-making units. Even hazardous sometimes!

So my advice to you would be to opt for high pressure sodium only if you’re dealing with a large, spacious boat.

Best Bowfishing Lights: Choosing Voltage

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If you don’t want to work with noisy generators, then I have a solution for you. You can instead choose a light system. So at such times, how do you decide the amount of voltage for the light source? Here’s what you need to know about this particular aspect.

• 12 Volt DC

Setting up the wiring of 12V bowfishing lights is the same as dealing with an amplifier or any other accessory. But remember that more light uses more power. So don’t overburden your small boat with excessive bulbs. It just doesn’t sound like a feasible idea! In that case, you can always switch to 24 voltage systems.

• 24 Volt DC

Adding a 24V DC battery to a system that already contains a 12V is not difficult at all. The task involves the using the same terminals, switches, lugs, and wiring. (Converting to LED lights)

In these scenarios, the performance level increases to a great extent. At the same time, you don’t even have to worry about installing any extra cables.

• 120 Volt DC

The 120V DC battery is created for professional applications. This particular voltage system works the most efficiently. And it makes a sea of a difference when bowfishing for extended hours.

The only concern here is that 120V calls for careful use and maintenance. Even if there’s a single wrong connection, it can cause a fire.

Bowfishing Lights Setup

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The best bowfishing lights in your kit tend to last a lifetime. So all the more reason to make a well-informed decision, right! Once you decide the type of light and voltage you prefer, the next thing to take into consideration is power values.

Power consumption is something that you can determine using Ohm’s law. The calculation is pretty straightforward. One that helps in the long run as well!

The three prerequisites involved are Amperage in Amps, Power in Watts, and circuit Voltage. The last value is E, the middle is P, and first is I. So here’s the equation: P equals I x E. So if you’re using 24 Volts and 500 Watts, the power is 20.83 Amps.

That means 10 best bowfishing lights with 50 Watts capacity use 20.83 Amps. This is the total power needed to run the lights. Once you have that in place, you can begin wiring the equipment with nothing but safety in mind.

Also, note that all wiring components should have a 20% more rating than your calculation as per your Ohms requirement.

Let's build a Bowfishing rig part 3. LET THERE BE LIGHT!

The End

My Choice: LE 100W Super Bright Outdoor LED Flood Lights

Here, in the conclusion section, all I’m going to do is reveal the pick that matters the most. Not only does it have the highest rating. But these best bowfishing lights also exceeded my expectations during testing and research. It’s the LE 100W Super Bright Outdoor LED Flood Lights.

They offer 10150 daylight white lumens. In simple words, the LE lights are bright enough for the activity of bowfishing. On top of that, they offer zero glare and shadow. Just what you need, right? And as for installation, the adjustable body along with metal bracket takes care of that.

With solid aluminum housing and the much-needed heat dissipation, even durability is top-notch. And let’s not forget about the waterproof rating! That means these best 100 Watt LED bowfishing lights are quite versatile in nature. So place them wherever you like!