11 Best Kayak Lights for Night Fishing & Paddling 2023 Guide

If you paddle at night, you should have lights on your kayak. It may be a legal necessity in some regions, as lights can help other water users notice you and prevent a collision. Kayak lights will come in handy for any cause. Kayak light requirements vary by region, but if you’re kayaking in the dark, you’ll need some type of light.

We have put together this guide to some of the best kayak lights so you can check out the features and types that might suit your needs the most. Others prefer paddling in the dark just for the sake of having fun. Alternatively, perhaps your day on the water lasted a little longer than you anticipated. Even during the day, depending on the lighting circumstances, it’s sometimes a good idea to have a light on the kayak.

Buying Guide

What’s the point of having lights on your kayak or canoe? A good kayak light will increase your visibility on the water, potentially reducing collisions with other vessels.

On the water, navigation:

It can be difficult to see where you’re going or what obstacles may be in your way if you’re paddling at night with minimal light from the moon or sky. When you’re out in the center of a lake, this isn’t a big deal, but what if you’re near the shore or heading downstream?

Kayak lights are quite essential for seeing where you’re going and avoiding any obstacles or dangers that could endanger you or your kayak.

Safety

Kayaks are small boats that usually do not have a motor. This makes them difficult to see and even more difficult to hear. Kayak lights will make you visible to other watercraft (boats, kayakers, paddleboarders, ships, and so forth) so that collisions can be avoided. 

Kayak lights, like your PFD or bailing kit, are primarily a safety device. When you’re out on the water, they’re a good way to make sure you’re safe from other boats.

Types Of Kayak Lights

There are four primary types of kayak lights.

1- Lights for Handheld Use

Anglers and boaters are familiar with handheld flashlights and spotlights. Today’s market offers an astonishing selection of boat spotlights and ultra-bright LED flashlights. You must hold the flashlight, which means you cannot paddle and shine the light at the same time.

2- Headlamps and Helmet Lights

They’re tiny, portable, and completely hands-free. A headlamp is quite useful for kayak fishing in poor light. Some are worn directly on the head (with an elastic band to keep it in place).

Headlamps and helmet-mounted spotlights have a few drawbacks: they’re not usually waterproof, If you capsize, they may fall off your head/helmet. They aren’t the brightest source of light.

3- Clip-on-light

Clip-on lights are little flashlights that may be attached to your PFD with a carabiner or clip. They’re also gorgeous, hands-free, and that simple to use. They’re so little, that they won’t produce much light, making them significantly less noticeable than other lighting solutions.

4- Deck-Mount Light

Boats generally have navigation lights installed on their decks and hulls. These lights have usually attached to the deck and run on their battery power.

How to mount kayak lights

Kayak lights come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be installed in a variety of ways. We’ll go over the many sorts of mounts available for your application. Choose a kayak light that is compatible with your kayak.

Cups with suction

Suction cup kayak light mounts are simple to use, inexpensive, and adaptable. They are easy to install on your kayak. Suction cups are very easy to use and may adhere to a variety of surfaces.

These attachments are adaptable and do not necessitate drilling holes in your valuable kayak.

Suction cup mounts have the disadvantage of losing suction over time and not adhering well to porous or uneven surfaces. This is an inexpensive and simple method to go if you can use a suction cup mount.

Clamp mount

Kayak lights that are clamped on are quite secure, but they might be large. They are quite durable.

Clamps have the disadvantage of being heavier and bulkier than other solutions, such as suction cups. When moving and storing your kayak, they can get in the way.

A clamp mount kayak light is a wonderful option if you have the space and are looking for a sturdy solution that can withstand abuse.

Track Mounts

Gear tracks are a safe and adaptable way to personalize the outfitting of your kayak, allowing you to put up your attachments as you like.

The advantage of a tack-mounted kayak light is that you can remove it from the mount when transporting or storing your kayak. You can also move the light on the track to the desired location.

Mount a drill

If you want to permanently attach a kayak light to your boat, you can use a tried-and-true method of screwing it in. Drilling into your kayak should be done with caution since once a hole is drilled, it cannot be undone.

 Additionally, if you screw a lighting mount to your boat, it is permanently attached to that location.

Installing a track on your kayak is a terrific choice if you’re comfortable drilling holes in it. The light can then be mounted to the track.

Tension Cable

Tension cables are installed in some kayaks. A D-ring or an eyelet can be used to attach a kayak light to the cable. This is a good option since if you have a collision, the light will flex rather than break.

Things Should Know When Purchasing Kayak Lights

Here are a few more points to consider:

Compact and Lightweight Design

No matter how well organized you are, you will run out of onboard space. Look for lights that are small and light, and that can be stored when not in use. However, make sure they’re approved by the US Coast Guard.

Marine-Grade Durability

In addition to the waterproof certification, look for things like corrosion-resistant materials and a shatter-proof lens in the actual construction.

Battery Life and Power Source

The majority of kayak lights will be battery-powered. Check to see if the batteries are included, if they are rechargeable, and how long they will last.

Types of Kayak Lights

Two types of lights are ideal for kayaks: handheld and deck-mounted lights. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, which we’ll go over today.

The weight and small design of a handheld kayak light are its key advantages. This style of light is simple to install to your selected spot and will not obstruct your paddling.

Handheld

On average, hand-held kayak lights are substantially smaller than deck-mounted kayak lights. Despite their names, the majority of them come with a cord or clip to attach them to your kayak or PFD.

Deck-Mount

A variety of techniques are used to attach deck-mounted kayak lights to the deck of your kayak. The ability to provide 360-degree visibility is a major benefit of a deck-mounted kayak light. Most handheld kayak lights just do not have this capability.

Top-Rated 11 Best Kayak Lights for Night Fishing & Paddling 2023

When it comes to kayak lights, Kayalu is the industry leader. Two LEDs are used in the brilliant white light, which is diffused by a titanium-infused diffusion lens. On three AAA batteries, this light is claimed to last up to 100 hours. You can paddle in the dark for a long period before the batteries need to be replaced.

The light is simple to see and intended for the water, standing 18 inches tall. It’s IXP8 rated and submersible. The light is rated for 1,000 feet of water resistance. Let’s hope you’ll never have to go that far to get it. A steel clip and a bungee cable are included. Kayalu is simple to use and can be attached to any eyelet or pad eye on your kayak deck. It can also be clipped to the deck rigging or the carrying handle of your kayak.

This is one of the best kayak lights available, and it works with both hardshell and inflatable kayaks. Kayalu Kayalite complies with US Coast Guard Rule 25. The Kayalu Kayalite is also simple to install on your kayak and may be secured to one of the eyelets. The steel clip and nylon-coated bungee can then be used to secure it.

Features:

• Up to 1,000 feet of water resistance
• IPX8 rated bright white
• 3 AAA batteries are required.
• Mount Type: Tension strap.

If you don’t have an eyelet where you want your light on your kayak, the Kayalite can be connected with Kayalu’s Stainless Steel Eyebolt Kit or Kayalite/Eyebolt combo pack. You’ll be able to strap it to your kayak for your next nocturnal adventure. Kayalu Kayalite Kayak Light is waterproof, stain-resistant, and exceeds the competition in every way!

The RAILBLAZA Visibility Kit was created with kayaks in mind. For a leisure paddler, this equipment is a must-have. The Visibility Kit has everything you’ll need to stay visible on the lake at any time of day or night.

This kit has a three-piece pole, which is one of its best features. This implies that you can change the height of your light by adding or deleting pole parts. A height of 15 inches can be achieved with one portion of the pole, 27 inches with two sections, and 38.5 inches with three sections.

A neon orange flag, and an i360 light (for added daytime visibility). This all-in-one kit is simple to assemble. Other mounting ports can be utilized with the StarPort HD mount, but you’ll have to order them separately.

The 360-degree light is waterproof up to 3 feet and is meant to float. It runs on three AA batteries (not included) and can last up to 25 hours at full brightness for navigation and 160 hours at low brightness. In addition, it offers a low-power emergency flashing mode.

Features:

• There are three different ways of operation.
• Waterproof to a depth of one meter.
• 3 AAA batteries are required.
• Sze from 15 to 38.5 inches.
• Time to complete: up to 160 hours (low brightness).
• Mount Type: Drill-mounted.

Any kayak angler or leisure paddler should have this equipment in their kit as a must-have safety essential. You get everything you need for your kayak or canoe to be spotted on the water day and night in one simple, cost-effective bag.

The Attwood Water-Resistant Deck Mount LED Light is a full system that includes a white LED stern light as well as red and green bow lights for nighttime visibility on the water. Both lights can be mounted on the deck of your kayak in one of two different ways. You may either screw the bases into the deck of your kayak or use the adhesive pads that come with the lights to mount them.

This kayak light system is truly all-in-one. The mounts, the stern light pole, and the hardware are all included. The light is impervious to water. The lights can be mounted in one of two ways. You may either screw the lights in place or use the adhesive pad that comes with them. If you don’t want to drill holes in your kayak or don’t feel comfortable doing so, the adhesive alternative is ideal.

The glue works well on smooth surfaces but struggles on porous or textured surfaces. For increased stability, most users recommend utilizing the screws that come with the package for connecting the light to your kayak.

Features:

• 3 AAA batteries are required.
• Resistant to water
• Installed on the deck
• Bow lights in red and green are provided.
• Camouflage pattern
• Mount Type: Drill-mounted or adhesive

This kayak light is extremely long-lasting. The Attwood Light is a lightweight and versatile answer to the problem of low visibility when paddling in the dark. Overall, the Attwood Clamp-On light is an excellent kayak light that you should consider.

The VISICarbon Pro from YakAttack combines a 360-degree white light with a high-visibility orange flag. It’s one of the most durable lights you can get while remaining ultralight, thanks to the use of carbon fiber for added strength and stiffness.

The light is an LED powered by three AA batteries (included) and can last up to 100 hours. On the other hand, the bulb has a lifespan of up to 10,000 hours… That’s a total of 416 days of continuous use. The 48-inch pole is tough, but it’s also super-thin and light. It folds down to 14 inches and fits within the flag’s storage pouch.

It also works with YakAttack’s MightyMount and most other gear track systems, and it works with both tube and flush-mount rod holders.

Features:

• Visibility flag and 360-degree white light.
• There are a variety of deck mounting options available.
• Three AA batteries are used to power this waterproof device.
• 1.1 pounds.

The combination of a high-quality folding design, 360-degree white light, and a bright-orange flag is a winning combination. A great product at a great price that will keep you safe and visible when kayaking at night.

It’s a good idea to have a backup plan in case your primary light source fails, loses power, or is destroyed by water. Should things go wrong, this ultra-tough tiny LED safety light will be your emergency plan to stay safe or get rescued. With (2) AAA batteries, the compact handheld emergency kayak light weighs next to nothing and carries a 20-lumen LED that provides 360-degree illumination viewable for up to 3.4 miles (not included).

 It also has an IPX7 waterproof rating and can withstand submersion to a depth of one meter. Strap it to your PFD and forget about it; turn it on as needed by twisting the top.

This is an excellent little light that is small, light, robust, and water-resistant up to 1 meter. Any night paddler should have this light in their equipment. It’s meant to be worn on your life jacket and used in an emergency. It’s so little that you’ll forget you’re wearing it.

Features:

• 360-degree light that stays on.
• Handheld waterproof rating of IPX7.
• 1.8 ounces battery-operated.
• Mount Type: Lanyard.

UST is a waterproof device. In an emergency, the See-Me 1.0 LED Light ensures that you can be found promptly. It’s an excellent personal locator light for backpacks, boats, personal flotation devices (PFDs), and more. It’s visible for up to 3.4 miles (5.5 km) on a dark, clear night.

The Nextorch Clip-On Headlamp Flashlight combines the advantages of both a flashlight and a headlamp. Instead of being limited to night paddling or kayak fishing, this can make it more adaptable. This light has a stainless steel clip that you can attach to the brim of your cap or another piece of clothing or equipment for hands-free operation.

It’s a pocket-sized, lightweight flashlight with a length of just over 3 inches. This is a good size for putting in your backpack or keeping on your boat.

The flashlight includes three light modes: low, medium, and high, which are suitable for a variety of activities and visibility needs. It is meant to be impact resistant and is water-resistant up to 3 feet.

It runs for up to 14 hours on a single AA battery (not included).

Features:

• Lightweight flashlight with hat clip.
• Size for a pocket.
• battery/1 AA
• 150-meter distance
• 2-meter impact resistance
• IPX-8,2m (water resistance)

A simple and beautiful multi-purpose EDC flashlight with a high-quality metallic-feeling combination of the gorgeous black oxide coating and aluminum alloy. Additionally, a magnetic tail cap with a simple attachment to ironwork is included to free up hands.

The Shoreline Marine Portable Clamp-on LED Light kit is the next item on our list. It’s yet another kayak light that attaches to the kayak with a clamp-style connection. It’s another light kit, with two lights, one red and one white, to ensure optimal visibility at the bow and stern of your kayak.

They’re simple to set up and make an excellent backup to an existing lighting system. They can be put together in a matter of minutes. Both lights are powered by three AAA batteries, which are not supplied. Because LED lights take such a small amount of power, they have an extremely long battery life.

Shoreline Marine’s Portable LED light is exceptionally well-made. This is a clamp-on kayak light that includes all of the hardware needed to secure the clamp mounts to your kayak.

Features:

• The lights are waterproof.
• Portable and efficient.
• Three AAA batteries are required for each light (not included).
• Long battery life is achieved via a low amp draw.
• Mount Type: Dual clamp.

The Shoreline Marine Portable Clamp-On Navigation Light Kit is an excellent choice for small boats looking for a lighting source. This kayak light kit from Shoreline Marine is well-deserving of a position in our kayak light reviews and is worth a look when deciding which one to buy. It’s simple to install, weather-resistant, and affordable.

It’s a lightweight, simple-to-use light that attaches to your kayak, canoe, or boat with suction. The bright and powerful LED bulb is rated to last over 100,000 hours before needing to be changed, and it is powered by just four AA batteries.

The molded, one-piece construction of this kayak light decreases the number of parts that can wear out or break down over time. It also has shock-resistant neoprene accents, which add to the light’s overall durability. This light’s multi-colored LED bulb has a lifespan of up to 100,000 hours. The light is powered by four AA batteries that are not included in the box.

The Portable LED Bow Light is designed to consume 90% less energy than incandescent lights of similar size. This light is also waterproof thanks to the neoprene accents!

Features:

• Mounting with suction cups
• 4 AA batteries are required.
• There is no need to drill.
• Mount Type: Suction

The Innovative Lighting kayak light is a portable LED bow light designed to be mounted on the bow of your kayak. Overall, it’s a basic, extremely portable (weighing only 11 ounces), and cost-effective light that’s worth looking into.

These lights are very bright LED lights that can be seen up to 0.6 miles away, ensuring that you are seen on the water.

They offer three modes that allow you to choose between continual on, quick and slow flashing, or a combination of the two. They’re not only adaptable, but they’re also long-lasting, with each one lasting over 160 hours before the low-cost CR2032 batteries need to be replaced. These lights are very bright LED lights that can be seen up to 0.6 miles away, ensuring that you are seen on the water.

They offer three modes that allow you to choose between continual on, quick and slow flashing, or a combination of the two. They’re not only adaptable, but they’re also long-lasting, with each one lasting over 160 hours before the low-cost CR2032 batteries need to be replaced.

The flexible silicone body with two hooks for super-easy and highly versatile mounting choices is one of the most amazing aspects of the 1.6-ounce lights.

Features:

• On-deck mounting of three-mode lights
• Waterproofing is not possible
• Rechargeable batteries
• 1.6 fluid ounces
• Mount Type: track system

Botepon’s red and green three-mode LEDs could be a decent – though not waterproof – solution if you want easy-to-install and extremely adaptable kayak navigation lights. They also come with a one-year warranty, have excellent reviews, and are reasonably priced.

The Goodsmann kayak light offers unrivaled adaptability. It comes with five different light settings that may be used in any – and all – situations. The power button may be used to select between 3 LED lights, 3 LED strobe, 360-degree steady-on, emergency strobe, and a programmable SOS signal. It also doubles as a kayak navigation light thanks to the red and green filters.

Unfortunately, for a primary light source, the steady-on light appears dull.

It’s simple to install because it has a suction cup base to attach to your ‘yak, but since it’s not buoyant – or waterproof – I wouldn’t rely on the suction mounts alone. It would be a wise decision to include a lanyard.

Because the flashlight’s base is magnetic, it’s simple to grab it for handheld use. The Goodsmann may not appear flashy, but it’s a good option for most kayakers looking for a combination torch and stern light.

Features:

• Five-mode kayak lights
• Attractions cup mount
• Water-safe
• Battery-controlled
• 7.04 ounces

The five distinct settings on the Goodsmann kayak light give the rivals a run for their money. It contains all of the essential lighting functions in one convenient package! Although its lack of water resistance may lead you to seek out a more durable alternative.

If you need to illuminate your route for guidance, this Energizer High Powered LED Headlamp can help. It can also be used on land during camping excursions because it is designed to be worn on your head.

You may adjust the brightness of the LED light in seven different modes to better suit your needs. It comes with three AAA batteries and is supposed to last up to 50 hours on the lowest light setting.

The light has an adjustable strap for a snug fit around your head and is splash and rainproof, which is useful for kayaking. It also has a shatterproof lens that can withstand drops of up to three feet.

This headlight has a tough structure that can endure a 1-meter drop test, a shatterproof lens, and a water-resistant IPX4-rated body, making it the ideal rugged companion both indoors and out.

Features:

• Three AAA Batteries included
• The compact headlight is water-resistant.
• The strap can be adjusted.
• There are seven different light modes available.

The Energizer Green LED Headlamp provides simple, hands-free illumination, ensuring that you are always prepared. It comes with an adjustable strap, pivoting head, and a compact design, as well as a water-resistant IPX4 body. Best for camping, outdoor activities, emergency situations, power outages, walking the dog, running, trekking, and so much more. Adults and children will find it simple to use.

FAQs

Conclusion – Best Kayak Lights

When it comes to picking the best kayak lights, you have a lot of alternatives. You’ll need to locate a light that fits your kayak and is simple to install. Look for a high-quality light that will last a long period. Always remember to be safe, whether you’re looking for a light for utility or for aesthetic reasons.

Hopefully, you were able to discover a kayak light that met your needs today. If you have any questions, please contact us. We are delighted to assist you.