Great question.
In my experience, the answer is, it depends…
I have found that light will sometimes attract fish at night and other times, it will deter them. Even in the same lake for the same species.
When I’m night fishing, I will often bring a Coleman lantern out with me so I can see what I’m doing. I also have a small headlamp I use as well.
Some nights, the fish will congregate in holes right below the lantern where the light is pouring in. Other nights, the fish will congregate at the holes just outside the lantern’s range.
My advice:
Drill a series of holes with some inside the cone of light and others beyond it and let the fish decide what they want. If they’re hitting below the light, use the light to draw fish in.
If they’re hitting in the holes that are outside the light, kill it and fish in the dark using only your headlamp when you need it.
Most headlamps have a red light feature that allow you to see somewhat without spooking fish and wildlife as much, so use that if the fish seem particularly light-shy.
As I noted before, every night can be different, so if the light drew them in yesterday, don’t automatically assume it will do the same tonight. Experiment each night and let the fish tell you what they want.
Good luck!
Butcher
