Written By - Jerry Labella - 05/14/2007
Link to Original Article here

While fishing lighted rigs at night is as old as the rigs themselves, a relatively new breed of fishing is being discovered: Anglers supplying their own lighting source with the use of compact generators or 12 volt battery operated lighting systems. Yes, the term B.Y.O.L. has taken on a new meaning among the angling world: Bring Your Own Light. Avid night anglers are finding many advantage, especially when fishing areas of submerged structure or other productive spots, in both outside and inside waters.

For example, one summer night while fishing at one of the Kerr-McGee rigs off the ship channel in Breton Sound, (Louisiana) a boat tied up on the opposite side of the rig from us. We were fishing for specks with the aid of a 12 volt clamp lamp with a 50-watt, Edison-based bulb, when we could not help but notice what was taking place just across from us. With close scrutiny we observed a small Honda generator and a single quartz floodlight being setup and aimed at the water's surface. It didn't take long before one speck after another was boated; while our light became dim and useless. Their powerful light drew minnows to the subsurface, turning it into an endless reservoir of bait which was at their disposal with the use of a dip net. The water was illuminated with such intensity that it looked as though an UFO was about to emerge. The light acted as a magnet drawing predators to their quarry.

The Breton Sound area during the spring and summer seasons is very productive with specks, particularly around the oil production rigs and wellheads. This fact makes the area highly recommended for night-time trout fishing-BYOL.

Reaching this area can be accomplished from Venice via Baptiste Collette. While Venice is the closest way by launch to the Breton rigs, it is also the longest way by vehicle if you are coming from the New Orleans area or further. On the other hand, Hopedale is closest by vehicle from the aforesaid area, but you'll have a much longer ride by boat to reach Breton Sound. It's a matter of which you would rather take: the longer drive by boat or vehicle?

If planning a trip to this area, be it day or night, one should be very cautious in this large body of water which is known to kick up quickly. Checking the weather forecast and planning ahead cannot be over emphasized.

Another thing about this area that you want to keep in mind, is the location of Gosier and Breton Islands in relation to the rigs you will be fishing. These islands will offer some safe protection during a thunderstorm, if you utilize them properly and fish at locations nearest them.

The Kerr-McGee rigs, located to the west of Gosier are the ones to highly consider when "B.Y.O.L." fishing, but don't overlook the numerous wellheads in the area either. The average depths for the aforementioned areas are 14-20 ft.

Now that some of the preliminaries have been covered, the first question is: What type of lighting system should one use?

                              
Over the years there's been different ideas as to what's the best lighting system to use when night fishing. Some say green light, because it gives the appearance of a full moon. Others say white light, because this is what bait fish are naturally drawn to at lighted structures on or near the water. Though all of this is debatable, I might add that in my over 30 years experience night fishing I've caught fish with ever kind of lighting available. It all boils down to personal preference and what works for you.

There are basically two categories of lighting systems you can use: Generator and 12 volt systems. Each has it's own advantages and disadvantages. Note: I won't address color preferences. I'll leave that for you to experiment with. All I'll say is that I prefer white light such as produced by clear element type bulbs.

With generator type systems-even the quietest ones-you are going to have noise which can hamper the fishing if the trout are in a skittish mood. Besides that, you have to add gasoline to it and carrying it to and from the boat (if it's not already part of the boat's built-in equipment). However, this doesn't mean generator lighting systems don't work well for night fishing.

Safety is perhaps one of the most important factors to consider when using a generator around water. Remember, this is at least 110 volt system that if not handled and setup properly can cause electrocution- not to mention a fire hazard. Thus, it is important to consider where the generator will be located-if using a portable unit-so that the exhaust can be properly directed away from people and objects. 

Most anglers use one or two 500 watt Halogen lamps for lighting, and this is aimed down toward the water just over the gunnel-don't projected it out. When fishing waters 10 ft. and deeper, it's best to concentrate the light in one spot so that the bait and specks gang up close to the boat and below.

If you project the light it will cause the fish to scatter over a larger area away from the boat, making it harder to catch them and the bait. The object is to bring the fish and the bait to you. To aid in this, try keeping any lighting aboard the vessel off if possible. This keeps the fishing light system more effective and concentrated. If you have to use lighting aboard the vessel, keep it below the gunnel area and close to the deck.

As a rule of thumb: fishing deeper water (over 10 ft.), concentrate the light; fishing shallower water (below 10 ft.), project the light.

There are several types of 12 volt lighting systems available for night fishing: submergible light systems that utilize Halogen lamps, light systems that utilize green, black, or white light florescent tubes, and surface floater lamps that utilize car seal beams inside Styrofoam. While all of these work, I prefer the Brinkmann Starfire II submergible light that utilizes a 250,000 cp Halogen bulb enclosed inside a Pyrex tube.

This particular light is very effective and can easily illuminate the entire area around the boat. There's no need to lower the light any more than 1 ft. below the transom as this will inevitably obstruct fishing lines when a hookup occurs.

Though seeming made of fragile construction, the Starfire II can last for years if properly used. For example, certain precautions must be taken so the Pyrex tube doesn't break. Besides not dropping it on the deck, forgetting to retrieve it before taking off, or knocking it against the hull, the light must stay submerged any time the element is glowing or the Pyrex tube will explode from overheating. Always carry an extra battery just for the lighting system-don't use the boat's cranking battery for  obvious reasons. For added insurance-just in case the inevitable strikes-bring along an extra Starfire II. There's nothing more painful than having one break during a feeding frenzy. The Starfire II isn't easily found here lately, but you can buy one on-line by searching Google: Starfire II fishing light. 

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