The 5 Best Headlamps for Fishing in 2024 – Buyers Guide

If you're serious about fishing you need to have a headlamp in your backpack. We run through the best headlamp for fishing and teach you exactly what you need to know before you make your purchase.
best headlamp for fishing

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If you are looking for the best headlamps for fishing then you’re in the right place. We tested the top 5 fishing headlamps for brightness, battery life, waterproof levels, and durability and determined the Black Diamond Icon 700 is the best headlamp for fishing.

The Black Diamond Icon had around 7 hours of battery life (at full power) off 4 AA Batteries. It has an IPX4 water rating so is stormproof and has RGB colors with memory of light power at each color. 

Image Product Details  
flyfisherpro-table__imageBest Profesional HeadlampBlack Diamond Icon 700 Headlamp
  • Excellent Weather Protection
  • Good Battery Life
  • Versatile
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest Everyday HeadlampEnergizer Vision Rechargeable Headlamp
  • Rechargeable
  • IPX4 Weather Protection
  • 4-Hour Battery Life
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest Low-Cost HeadlampVont Spark LED Headlamp
  • Incredible Value
  • Lightweight
  • Weather Resistant
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest Fishing HeadlampBlack Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp
  • Fully Waterproof
  • Three Night-Vision Colors
  • IP67 Rating
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flyfisherpro-table__imageHeadlamp with the Most LEDsFoxdott Rechargeable Headlamp
  • Rechargeable Batteries
  • Good Value
  • Adjustable to 90-Degree Downward
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest Single LED HeadlampOdear Super Bright Headlamp
  • Very Bright Headlamp
  • Good Battery Life
  • Rechargeable Battery
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Best Headlamps for Fishing Reviews

Here is our roundup of the best headlamps for night fishing whether you’re looking for an efficient headlamp or a super bright one, we’ve rounded up the best headlamps here:

Black Diamond Icon 700 Headlamp – Best Profesional Headlamp

Black Diamond Icon 700 Headlamp - Best Profesional Headlamp

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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

Why we recommend this product:

  • Good battery life
  • Excellent weather protection
  • Works with rechargeable and normal batteries

Cons

  • Expensive

The Icon 700 headlamp is one of the best headlamps for fishing available from Black Diamond. The light comprises three LEDs. The main bulb is 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.

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

Energizer Vision Rechargeable Headlamp

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Key Features:

  • Weight: Not disclosed
  • Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery
  • Claimed brightness: 400 lumens
  • Waterproof: IPX4 offers protection against water splashing from any angle
  • Battery life: 4 hours in the brightest setting

Why we recommend this product:

  • Rechargeable

Cons

  • Not compatible with other batteries
  • The user has to wait for the light to charge before using

Petzl Tikka Headlamp

Petzl Tikka Headlamp

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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

Why we recommend this product:

  • 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 some of the best headlamps for fishing 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 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.

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

Vont Spark LED Headlamp – Best Low-Cost Headlamp

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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

Why we recommend this product:

  • 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.

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

Black Diamond Storm 400 Headlamp - Best Fishing Headlamp

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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

Why we recommend this product:

  • 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.

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

Foxdott Rechargeable Headlamp - Headlamp with the Most LEDs

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Key Features:

  • Weight: 11.2 ounces
  • Battery Type: 2 x 1500 mAh rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (included)
  • Claimed brightness: 18 000 lumens
  • Waterproof: IPX4 offers protection from water splashes from any angle
  • Battery life: Not disclosed

Why we recommend this product:

  • 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

Odear Super Bright Headlamp

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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

Why we recommend this product:

  • 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 its 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.

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 is an essential piece of fishing gear.

You can use your headlamp to get your kit set up, brighten your surroundings, and even search the water for those elusive fish! It also allows you to keep your hands free for better fishing. 

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 traveling 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 headlights, 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

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, and strobe lighting, and sometimes different color 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. 

best headlamps for fishing

Wrap Up

After testing the best fishing headlamps for brightness, battery life, waterproof levels, and durability, and determined the Black Diamond Icon 700 is the best headlamp for fishing.

The Black Diamond Icon had around 7 hours of battery life (at full power) off 4 AA Batteries. It has an IPX4 water rating so is stormproof and has RGB colors with memory of light power at each color. 

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

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