Are you looking for the best headlamp for fishing? Being able to go fishing at night effectively doubles the time you can try to catch fish! Once you have the confidence to walk back down the river in the dark you can be fishing that perfect pool just on dusk.
They so much easier to use than a flashlight when fishing as you have both hands free (seems like a no brainer right?). But there are so many types on the market that it can be tricky to know which to choose. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight headlamp or a super bright one, we’ve rounded up the best ones out there.
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| Image | Product | Details | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Best Profesional HeadlampBlack Diamond Icon 700 Headlamp |
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| Best Everyday HeadlampEnergizer Vision Rechargeable Headlamp |
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| Best Low-Cost HeadlampVont Spark LED Headlamp |
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| Best Fishing HeadlampBlack Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp |
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| Headlamp with the Most LEDsFoxdott Rechargeable Headlamp |
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| Best Single LED HeadlampOdear Super Bright Headlamp |
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Best Headlamps for Fishing Reviews
Black Diamond Icon 700 Headlamp – Best Profesional Headlamp
Key Features:
- Weight: 8.3 ounces
- Battery Type: 4 x AA batteries (but an optional rechargeable battery is available)
- Claimed brightness: 700 lumens
- Waterproof: IP67 protected against temporary submersion at 3 feet for 30 minutes
- Battery life: 7 hours on full power
Pros
- Good battery life
- Excellent weather protection
- Works with rechargeable and normal batteries
Cons
- Expensive
The Icon 700 headlamp is the most powerful lighting option available from Black Diamond. The light comprises three LEDs. The main bulb positioned in the center with two auxiliary lights to the side. A button on the side of the light allows for quick access to the maximum power output, which comes in handy at night. The auxiliary light can be toggled between red, green, and blue.
The Icon 700 is IP67 rated, which means that it can be submerged in 3 feet of water for up to 30 minutes with the power on. This feature is one of the reasons I recommend the light to anglers looking for the beast headlamp for fishing.
Another great feature is the ability to run the light from either standard AA batteries (which are included) or a rechargeable lithium-ion power bank. Unfortunately, the power bank is quite expensive ($49.95), which would bring the cost of the headlamp to just under $150.
For an in-depth analysis, be sure to check out the video review here.
The headlamp is on the heavy side but has an adjustable side and top straps for a snug fit. The long power cable means that the battery pack can be removed from the headlamp and stowed in either a backpack or jacket pocket.
Energizer Vision Rechargeable Headlamp
Key Features:
- Weight: Not disclosed
- Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery
- Claimed brightness: 400 lumens
- Waterproof: IPX4 offering protection against water splashing from any angle
- Battery life: 4 hours in the brightest setting
Pros
- Rechargeable
Cons
- Not compatible with other batteries
- User has to wait for the light to charge before using
Be sure to check out the short video review here.
Petzl Tikka Headlamp
Key Features:
- Weight: 2.9 ounces
- Battery Type: 3 x AAA batteries or Petzl Core rechargeable battery
- Claimed brightness: 200 lumens
- Waterproof: IPX4
- Battery life: 3 – 4 hours on the brightest setting
Pros
- Very light making it comfortable to wear
- Having the option to power the light from 3 AAA batteries or the Petzl Core rechargeable battery
Cons
- Not very bright
Petzl has been making headlamps since 1981 and has since then become an industry standard. The Tikka isn’t their most advanced headlamp, but rather an affordable model for the normal outdoor enthusiast. Brightness settings can be selected between proximity, movement, and distance. The red light can be used to preserve night vision and when in a group.
The standard Tikka comes with three AAA batteries. It is compatible with the Petzl Core lithium-ion rechargeable battery. I like that the light can be used with both power options, as this gives it more flexibility and means that the light can be used on extended trips.
For an in-depth analysis, be sure to check out the video review here.
The light is only IPX4 rated, which means that is not suitable for heavy rain and will not survive accidental water submersion. The Petzl Tikka is a good choice for the outdoor enthusiast looking for a light from the best in the business but won’t break the bank.
Vont Spark LED Headlamp – Best Low-Cost Headlamp
Key Features:
- Weight: 1.83 ounces
- Battery Type: 3 x AAA batteries (not included)
- Claimed brightness: 200 lumens
- Waterproof: IPX5 protected against water jets from any angle
- Battery life: 3 hours in high power mode
Pros
- Lightweight
- Incredible value at $13.99 for two headlamps
Cons
- Low light output
- Low battery life
The Vont Spark headlamp offers incredible value. What other headlamps can you buy for under $7 apiece? The light is very light making it comfortable to wear for long fishing for trout at night trips. It runs off three standard AAA batteries that are housed behind the LED.
At 200 lumens, it will not win the brightest light of the year competition. However, it provides ample lighting when working with your hands. It also features a red light to prevent night blindness to other anglers.
For an in-depth analysis, be sure to check out the video review here.
The light is IPX5 rated, making it more weather resistant than many other lights on our list. Unfortunately, the light only has 3 hours of battery life on its maximum power setting. This gear is perfect for the best weather for fishing.
Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp – Best Fishing Headlamp
Key Features:
- Weight: 4.2 ounces
- Battery Type: 4 AAA batteries (included)
- Claimed brightness: 400 lumens
- Waterproof: IP67 protected against temporary submersion at 3 feet for 30 minutes
- Battery life: 5 hours at the maximum power setting
Pros
- Fully waterproof
- Three night-vision colors
Cons
- No rechargeable battery options available
The Black Diamond Storm 400 is cheaper and smaller than its big brother, the Icon 700. However, it has many of the same functionality and features. Three different night vision colors are available, red, blue, and green. A button on the side of the lamp allows the user to access maximum light power instantly.
What makes the light such a good headlamp for fishing is the IP67 rating. The light can be submerged at 3 feet for 30 minutes, while it is on, without any issues. At 400 lumens, it offers ample light for close and working distances.
For an in-depth analysis, be sure to check out the video review here.
The Black Diamond Storm 400 is the ideal choice for the angler looking for a durable and high-quality headlamp.
Foxdott Rechargeable Headlamp – Headlamp with the Most LEDs
Key Features:
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
- Battery Type: 2 x 1500 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (included)
- Claimed brightness: 18 000 lumens
- Waterproof: IPX4 offering protection from water splashes from any angle
- Battery life: Not disclosed
Pros
- Good value
- Rechargeable batteries
- Comes with a protective case
- Adjustable to 90-degree downward
Cons
- Heavy
The Foxdott is a very unique looking headlight. Featuring 8 LEDs, it packs a punch at a claimed 18 000 lumens. The downside to this is that it weighs 11.2 ounces. The adjustable side and top straps secure the headlamp to the user’s head well.
The weather sealing on the light is only rated at IPX4, making it suitable for light rain. It is the only light on our list that has a rear, red safety light that can be turned on and off with a button. Having 8 LEDs, you have up to 8 work modes to choose from. From a high powered single beam to an SOS flashing red light.
The light is shipped in a hard protective case with two lithium-ion batteries and a USB charging cable. As the battery life is not disclosed by the manufacturer, I would recommend carrying a backup power bank on trips longer than a day.
Odear Super Bright Headlamp – Best Single LED Headlamp
Key Features:
- Weight: 10 ounces
- Battery Type: 3 x rechargeable lithium-ion batteries which are included
- Claimed brightness: 5000 lumens
- Waterproof: IPX4 offering protection from water splashes from any angle
- Battery life: 6 hours at high power mode
Pros
- Very bright headlamp
- Good battery life
- Rechargeable battery
Cons
- Heavy
- No auxiliary colored lights for preserving night vision
The Odear is a single LED, high powered headlamp. The lamp and batteries are both mounted on top of the user’s forehead, making it uncomfortable if worn for extended periods. The adjustable side and top straps do help to a certain degree.
The three rechargeable lithium-ion batteries power the light on it’s brightest setting for up to 6 hours. This makes it perfect for up to a weekend of normal use. On longer trips, I would suggest carrying a power bank to charge the light. The light can be dimmed to preserve battery power. The batteries can be charged from any USB device, including a vehicle charger, computer, and power bank.
For an in-depth analysis, be sure to check out the video review here.
The weather sealing is IPX4, making it safely usable only in light rain.
When and how should you use a headlamp?
The best fishing is often to be had early in the morning [1] before the sun comes up, or late at night. It can be tricky (or dangerous) finding your way through the undergrowth, setting up your gear or getting into a kayak in low light or complete dark, so it’s is an essential piece of fishing gear.
You can use your headlamp to get your kit set up, for brightening your surroundings and even for searching the water for those elusive fish! It also allows you to keep your hands free for better fishing. You’ll find that some of these are also useful as fly tying lights.
What to consider?
There are a few different factors to consider when you’re shopping for a head torch. We’ve summed them up here, so you can check off your specific needs. From brightness to comfort, here’s what to look for before purchasing:
Brightness
Brightness is a vital feature when it comes to fishing. You want to be safe when you’re travelling to the fishing spot in the pitch black at night.
Brightness is measured in Lumens [2], and for a super bright product, you’ll want one with at least 1,000 Lumens. If you tend to fish in a well-lit area, brightness might not be such a critical factor, and you might not need such a bright light.
White and Red Lights
You can get red light head lights, as well as the normal white light. Some anglers prefer to use red lights at night, as it allows your eyes to better adjust to the dark and see more sharply. If this is important for you, check to see whether the headlamp you’re buying has a red light mode.
Comfort
You’re probably going to be wearing your lamp for several hours while fishing. It can feel strange to have something attached to your head when you’re not used to it, so you definitely don’t want it to be heavy and bulky. The best headlamps are well balanced in terms of weight, comfortable for long periods, and offer a secure fit to prevent slipping.
Ease of selecting settings
When you’re fishing at night, you want a model that is easy and intuitive to use. You definitely don’t want to turn the light off by accident and be plunged into darkness, or get stuck on a strobe light setting.
Durable Product
One of the most important factors is picking out a light that will be durable, and hence, good value for money. A durable lamp will be able to withstand scratches, bumps, and drops without breaking.
Modes
Different headlamps feature a variety of modes, often including high, low, strobe lighting and sometimes different colour lights like red or even blue or green. Being able to adjust the intensity of the light, and zoom in and out can be a great feature for getting the perfect lighting for your fishing trip.
Water Resistance or Waterproof
You’re going to be using your headlamp on or near the water, so being water-resistant or waterproof is an important factor to consider. It would be a pain if your lamp got wrecked after just a few uses due to an accidental submersion. Most headlamps can stand up to light rain or a splash of water, but some waterproof headlamps can even be submerged in water with no damage.
Battery life
The battery life is important, because you don’t want your lamp to die halfway through a fishing trip. Take a look at how long the headlamp will last on the highest settings.
When it comes to the type of battery, you can choose between rechargeable headlamps or one that takes normal AA or AAA batteries. The best rechargeable headlamps will save you money in the long run, but you need to have the patience to wait for the battery to recharge.
Wrap Up
When you’re searching for the best headlamps for fishing, you’ll do well with any of the great models we’ve recommended. Remember, they should be lightweight, comfortable to wear, with a bright light and adjustable settings.
Whatever your budget and whether you’re looking for a red light or a rechargeable battery, we’ve made it easy for you to choose the best one for your specific needs.
Having a good headlamp out there will allow you to get more out of your night fishing and make sure you remain safe! So go get yourself a headlamp from your local fly shop or Amazon and hit the water!
References
[1] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/active/10870807/10-things-no-one-tells-you-before-you-take-up-fishing.html
[2] https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/save-electricity-and-fuel/lighting-choices-save-you-money/lumens-and-lighting-facts
When I read reviews from guides about fly fishing headlamps, I really wonder just how much fishing in the dark they do? Your review is typical. After more than 20 years night fishing, often wading to waist deep and beyond, my experience tells me you have very littel appreciateion of the function of night lights in fishing. White lights are a definite no, no for any actual night fishing as no matter how short the use or low powered the light, they wreck night vision. They may be fine moving to and from a fishing spot, but I have experienced even approaching a fishing spot, the light movement spooks fish. Some may consider a red light is of benefit however, when walking to and from spots there is little three dimensional definition on the ground making tripping or stumbling a constant danger. You will appreciate a sudden splash caused by a stumble can scare fish. There is relatively little penetration through water, remember red is filtered out first making it even harder to see obstacles on the lake or river bed. I find green light the best. Above the water it has better definition of your path making it safer to traverse uneven ground. It has better water penetration to see obstacles on the lake floor. It does not wreck your night vision when used. Finally it does not seem to scare fish as white light does. This 3D ability allows easier knot tying and hook threading in the dark. After hooking a fish, I will turn on my green light to be able to see my fly line making fighting the fish easier. Fish do not seem to baulk at the green as they do with white light so they can be brought close for netting as easy as without a light. I have even had several occasions wading out to favorite spots such as the “Picket Line” on Ruatao Bay on Lake Tarawera in New Zealand, a spot that requires wading about 100m from shore to reach a drop off, where I have encountered trout rummaging amongst the intermittent weed beds. The fish are unperturbed by the green light and have taken flies cast to them in the torch light. It can be difficult to find a green light with sufficient power and battery life for night fishing, so I use a head torch with a green filter. This ensures another fault of many “night vision” torches where the white light is the default and comes on first, forcing one to cycle through options before the desired green. At the moment my torch of preference is the Led Lenser MH-10 with a green filter. IT is not perfect as I would much prefer better waterproof ratings to survive a New Zealand downpour our submersion. It is surprising to note the greater fishing community does not appreciate how good green light is for night fishing, but everyone I have persuaded to try have not gone back to red or white.