10 Best Kayak Led lights for Night Paddling and Fishing Trips

This article will go through the features of the 10 Best Kayak Led lights for Night Paddling and Fishing Trips 2022. We’ll also give you a rundown of the most frequent kayak light “phrasing” and the most crucial factors to consider while looking for a kayak light that suits your needs!

A Day Spent With Water Is Never Waste of Time…!

We’ll also give you a rundown of the most frequent kayak light “Phrases” and the most crucial factors to consider while looking for a kayak Led light that suits your needs!

It’s truly something that everyone should do at least once throughout their lives—or, if you’re wise and prepared, on a regular basis.

When it comes to kayaking after dark, you really only need one piece of extra gear: a set of kayak lights.

That is truly it! You’ll be safe out on the water with a nice kayak light, and you’ll be able to fully enjoy the quiet, beautiful summer nights on the lake, river, or ocean.

A kayak light is a crucial addition to your gear arsenal, whether you’re a recreational kayaker or an expert angler. To begin with, it will make it much easier to paddle more in low-light situations.

However, kayakers are legally obligated to have some type of light on their watercraft when paddling at night for their own safety. These laws vary by state, but regardless of where you live, you’ll require a kayak light for night paddles.

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A night paddle is the best way to feel like you’re the only one on the ocean! It’s one of the few opportunities to have some of the country’s most popular recreational lakes to yourself.

Kayakers must nearly always make themselves apparent to other boaters. Whether you’re out for a paddle during the day or at night, this is true.

I’ll go over all of the best lights for night paddling on the market in the section below.

Do you now lack the time to read the complete article? Don’t be concerned! Save this page and return to it later to do a deep look into the content below.

For the time being, please skim over our shortlist of the Best kayak lights for your needs:

10 Best Kayak Led lights for Night Paddling and Fishing Trips

• 1. Innovative Lighting Portable LED Bow Light
• 2. Guardian Angel Wearable Safety Lights Elite
• 3. Shoreline Marine Portable Navigation Boat Light Kit 
• 4. UST See-Me 1.0 Waterproof LED Light for Emergency, Camping, Hiking 
• 5. YakAttack VISICarbon Pro 360 Degree LED Kayak Fishing Visibility Flag
• 6. RAILBLAZA Visibility Kit Kayak All-Around Safety Light
• 7. Black Diamond Equipment Spot 350 Headlamp
• 8. Attwood 14192-7 Water-Resistant Deck Mount LED Navigation Light Kit
• 9. Kayalu Kayalite Portable Bright White Led Kayak Light
• 10. Kayalu WaterTorch 360° Bright White LED Kayak Light

Review of 10 Best Kayak Led lights for Night Paddling and Fishing Trips

1. Innovative Lighting Portable LED Bow Light

Innovative Lighting’s Portable LED Bow Light may be mounted to the bow of your kayak to aid navigation and improve visibility on the water. This light attaches to the deck of your kayak with suction cups.

The moulded, 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 longevity.

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!

2. Guardian Angel Wearable Safety Lights Elite

The Guardian Angel is comprised of an IP68-rated ultra-tough polycarbonate plastic exterior (waterproof and dust-proof). It’s not designed to be submerged, but if you capsize or have to swim back to shore, it won’t get soggy or ruined. The device has ultra-bright LEDs on the front and back, as well as flashing emergency and work leds.

This is a one-of-a-kind kayak light! Rather than utilizing a clip to attach the light to your PFD, it employs two powerful neodymium magnets to attach the light to your lifejacket, coat, shirt, or even the kayak deck. It’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and only weighs 3 ounces, but it produces enough light to be visible from 5 miles away. What a dazzling display!

All of them work independently of one another and are controlled by a single user-friendly button on the gadget. The built-in lithium-ion battery pack can run for up to 93 hours on a single charge.

Despite being more expensive and smaller than most of our other top selections, the Guardian Angel is a truly game-changing kayak light that you should seriously consider.

3. Shoreline Marine Portable Navigation Boat Light Kit 

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.

Both lights are powered by three AAA batteries, which are not supplied. Because LED lamps use relatively little electricity, they have a very long battery life.

This kayak light may be mounted on the bow or stern of your kayak thanks to the dual clamp attachments. It comes with two lights (red and white) so you can designate both ends of your boat.

It’s simple to add permanent light to your small watercraft with the Shoreline Marine Portable kayak light.

4. UST See-Me 1.0 Waterproof LED Light for Emergency, Camping, Hiking 

This light isn’t the brightest or longest-lasting on our list, but it’s a good backup option in case your primary light source fails, runs out of power, or is damaged by water. Should things go wrong, this ultra-tough tiny LED safety light will be your emergency plan to stay safe or get rescued.

On a clear night, the twist-on/off operation is really simple, and it’s visible up to 3.4 miles away. It’s waterproof up to 1 metre underwater and has an IPX7 rating. It also weighs less than 2 ounces and can run for up to 17 hours on just two AA batteries.

It doesn’t come with any clips, but it’s small enough to slip into your PFD’s straps and engineered to stay put no matter how hard you row. You can always use the included lanyard to secure it to your PFD for added safety. If it does fall out, it will simply dangle on the lanyard, ready to use if needed.

5. YakAttack VISICarbon Pro 360 Degree LED Kayak Fishing Visibility Flag

This flag and light combo is ideal for those who desire something small and light. The power source is 3 AA batteries (not supplied), and the battery life is roughly 100 hours.

The LED light has a lifespan of roughly 10,000 hours (which is quite usual for LED bulbs), but it produces a remarkable amount of light for such a little package.

The super-bright LED light bulb is positioned just above the high-vis orange flag on a 3/8″ thick fibreglass mast. The mast is robust enough to bend without snapping and may be adjusted up to 4 feet tall.

Because the light kit is track-mounted, you’ll need to buy and install gear tracks first if you don’t already have them. However, it is only compatible with GearTrac and MightyMount.

6. RAILBLAZA Visibility Kit Kayak All-Around Safety Light

This high-visibility mounting kit offers a variety of alternatives for keeping you safe at night! It comes with a 360-degree LED stern light and an orange flag to increase your visibility at night and during the day. A 3′ extendable pole will lift the light above your head, allowing everyone to view you from all sides.

Three AA batteries are used in the light kit (not included). The fastening bundle makes drilling the hardware into your deck a breeze.

In flashing emergency mode, the battery will last up to 200 hours, 160 hours in low brightness work mode, and 25 hours in full brightness navigation mode.

You can quickly add or remove the light’s pole (by unscrewing it from the fixed base) once it’s placed, depending on your demands.

Since you already have gear tracks on your kayak, you may purchase an additional track mount instead of drilling into it.

7. Black Diamond Equipment Spot 350 Headlamp

This waterproof headlamp is ideal for those who wish to paddle hands-free without having to deal with the inconvenience of mounting kayak lights. It can spend up to 30 minutes immersed up to 1.1 metres underwater thanks to its IPX8 classification, and it’s more than capable of withstanding any amount of rain.

The headlamp is powered by three AAA batteries (included in the box) and has a range of 3.75 hours to 200 hours of operation (on the lowest setting). The beam can reach a maximum distance of 86 metres on high and just 8 metres on low, allowing you to choose how strong a light you wish to project.

8. Attwood 14192-7 Water-Resistant Deck Mount LED Navigation Light Kit

You get two illumination options with this Attwood light kit: a mast-mounted white stern light and a shorter bow red/green light. It meets the safety requirements for boats up to 23 feet in length, and it’s ideal for a kayaker who plans to paddle near a lot of larger motors and sailboats.

Both lights come with 3M VHB adhesive pads for clinging to your deck even when the weather gets harsh and wet, but if you want a more durable solution, you can drill-mount it to your kayak with the accompanying hardware. They’re exceptionally lightweight and user-friendly, weighing only 6.4 ounces combined!

The lights have a runtime of roughly 150 hours on the usual setting and are powered by three AAA batteries (one for each device). The electronics are protected by a shatterproof polycarbonate lens, which is enclosed in a robust shock-proof metal housing. There is no information on the IP rating, however, reports indicate that it is not completely waterproof.

9. Kayalu Kayalite Portable Bright White Led Kayak Light

A brilliant white LED light with a titanium-infused diffusing lens is included with the Kayalu Kayalite. Three AA alkaline batteries will power this light for up to 100 hours.

This kayak light is fully comprised of marine-grade materials. It’s a buoyant light that can resist being submerged up to 1000 feet underwater.

The Kayalite can be attached to your kayak in a number of different ways. Attach the light to an eyelet or pad eye on the deck of your kayak with the steel clip and nylon-coated tensioning rope.

If your kayak doesn’t have an eyelet where you want your light, Kayalu’s Stainless Steel Eyebolt Kit or Kayalite/Eyebolt combo pack can be used. You’ll be able to strap it to your kayak for your next nocturnal adventure.

10. Kayalu WaterTorch 360° Bright White LED Kayak Light

In the dark, or in conditions of low visibility such as rain, fog, sleet, or snow, the Kayalu R25® is great for displaying to other paddlers, boaters, and vessel operators. With a robust body and lamp housing, it is waterproof and submersible to 1000 feet (300 metres) below sea level.

Batteries, electronics, and LEDs are protected from maritime water, precipitation, and humidity by a unique double-gasket seal. Includes a two-LED module that runs for 100 hours on three AA batteries (included) and has an LED lamp life of over 10,000 hours. A nylon-covered lanyard that may be slipped over your wrist and stretched over a wristwatch or thick sleeve is included.

A marine-grade stainless steel split ring is included for attaching the light to a clip, carabiner, PFD, crate, paddle leash, deck rigging, an existing mount or pole, or any other convenient spot. When you’re looking for a light under moonlight or starlight, its day-glo orange body makes it easy to spot. A strap can be inserted into two shoulder slots to secure the light to an arm or leg.

Ships fully built and tested, including with split ring and lanyard. The R25 is manufactured in the United States for Kayalu by Tektite Industries and is compatible with all Tektite Mark III replacement options, including multi-LED assemblies and colored lens housings. Tektite Industries is a major manufacturer of lighting and equipment for use in extreme conditions.

Guide For Kayak Led Lights Everything You Need To Know

Why Do You Need to Kayak Led Lights?

Kayak lights are an absolute must for anyone considering an after-dark paddling expedition. They have two distinct functions:

Travel On The Water:

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 & Risk

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.

Regulations and Rules for Kayak Led Lights

The US Coast Guard requires boats to have a variety of lights, including a red light on the port side, a green light on the starboard side, and white lights on the bow (front) and stern (rear) (back). This did not apply to sailboats or motorized vessels.

Kayaks are considered “vessels with oars.” They are not needed to have the same deck-mounted lights as larger vessels, but they must carry an electric flashlight or a lighted lantern with white light that may be displayed “insufficient time to avoid a collision.”

If you wish to paddle at night, you’ll need SOME type of bright white light on board your kayak. Headlamp, flashlight, or the standard stern/bow/sidelights.

Ultimate Buying Guide for Choosing the Right Kayak Led Light

Let’s look at what you need to know about selecting the best kayak lights. As you can see from the list above, there are many various designs, features, and functions to choose from. It’s crucial to understand what each one does so you can pick the one that best meets your needs.

Types of Kayak Led Lights:

Kayak lights can be divided into two categories. Handheld kayak lights and lights that are fixed to the deck of your kayak are available (i.e. deck mounted lights).

Deck-Mounted Led Lights:

A variety of techniques are used to attach deck-mounted kayak lights to the deck of your kayak. Some have clamp mounts, while others rely on suction cup technology to keep them in place.
A kayak light positioned on the deck has the advantage of providing 360-degree visibility. Most handheld kayak lights just do not have this capability.

Mounting Procedure:

As previously stated, most kayak lights use suction cup technology or clamp attachments to attach to your vessel. 

However, some are GearTrac or mounting accessory compatible.

–GearTrac Mounting: The GearTrac option offers significantly more flexibility than the suction and clamp-mounted options. This is the perfect choice for anyone who wants complete control over their kayak lighting arrangement.

The disadvantage of a GearTrac is that it requires a screw-in mounting plate to be secure. Only the most experienced kayakers will feel comfortable drilling into their kayak to install a GearTrac because those holes must be resealed after the GearTrac is fitted.

–Suction Cup Mounting Lightweight and simple to operate, suction-mounted kayak lights are ideal. Suction-mounted kayak lights are among the most cost-effective kayak lighting choices.

Suction-mounted kayak lights, on the other hand, have a propensity to lose suction with time. Many suction-mounted kayak lights have issues with porous, uneven, or unclean surfaces as well.

-Cable Tension: Tension cables are designed to attach to eyelets or D-rings built into the deck of the kayak. The clip is actually integrated into the light’s base, allowing it to swing and bend over as needed.

If your deck has some mounting hardware to clip the light on, this is one of the most convenient mounting alternatives. You can find yourself frequently picking up a light that tips over in turbulent waters if it isn’t pulled tight.

-Drill Mounting: For the most stable attachment, as with many other kayak additions, it’s sometimes preferable to just drill right into the deck or hull. Screw-down mounting plates are commonly used with drill-mounted lights and are affixed directly to your kayak. They’re the safest option, but you’ll have to be okay with drilling holes in your kayak. They’re not adjustable after they’re mounted, so be sure you get it properly the first time.

-Clap Mounting: Clamp-on kayak lights have the strongest grip strength of any mounting system. Regardless of the conditions you experience on the water, they’re most likely to stay put (or while dragging your kayak up onto the shore).

Clamp-mounted kayak Led lights, on the other hand, are typically heavier and bulkier than their suction-mounted counterparts. They are therefore unsuitable for long-distance kayaking.

Headlamps and Helmet Kayak Led Lights:

Kayakers, fishermen, hikers, snowboarders, snowshoers, skiers, and others who love being outside at night use headlamps. They’re tiny, portable, and completely hands-free. Some are clipped or mounted to a helmet, while others are worn directly on your head (with an elastic band to keep it in place). When kayak fishing in low light, a headlight comes in handy.

Headlamps and helmet-mounted spotlights have the following drawbacks:

• They aren’t always completely watertight.
• If you capsize, they may fall off your head/helmet.
• They aren’t the brightest source of light.

Clip-On Led Lights:

Clip-on lights are little flashlights that may be attached to your PFD with a carabiner or clip. 

Because they’re fastened immediately to your lifejacket, you won’t have to fumble about the kayak cockpit to get them on.

However, because they’re so small, they won’t produce much light and will be much less noticeable than the other lighting alternatives.

Handheld Led Lights:

On average, handheld 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.

A handheld kayak light’s weight and small design are its key advantages. 

This style of light is simple to install to your selected spot and will not obstruct your paddling.

Kayak Led Lights Bulb: What You Should Know

It’s safe to assume that LEDs (light-emitting diodes) will power 99 percent of modern kayak lights.

LED lights use very little electricity. They provide a lot more light while emitting less heat and using less electricity. They also have a far longer lifespan and are significantly more damage resistant than other lighting solutions. And, of course, they are substantially less expensive to run in the long run.

The majority of kayak lights consist of a single LED light bulb connected to a combination of:

• System of mounting (as explained above)
• To boost visibility, a pole is used to raise it above the water.
• A source of power (rechargeable or standard AA/AAA batteries)

There are a couple of options with more advanced lighting features, though. This comprises:

Spotlight

There are a couple of options with more advanced lighting features, though. This comprises: The polar opposite of a diffusion lens is a spotlight. Spotlights intensify lighting rather than softening it by producing a cone of light that is firmly focused on a smaller region. They’re really bright and super strong, making them ideal for fishing, boating, or hunting in dark conditions where you need to light a specific area of water or shoreline.

Diffusion Lens

A diffusion lens scatters or “diffuses” the light produced by your LED. To put it another way, it dims the light while maintaining its brightness. It won’t reduce the visibility of your kayak light—in fact, it will increase it by spreading the glow out across a larger surface (the lens surface)—but it will make it less blinding to other vessels or paddlers nearby.

Neither of these is necessary for safe kayaking at night. However, depending on your circumstances, they may be useful.

Waterproofing of Kayak Led Lights

It should go without saying that a kayaking light should be waterproof. However, there are different levels of waterproofing, and not all kayak lights are created equal in this regard.

To begin with, you’ll have a hard time finding a kayak light that isn’t rated to survive submersions of at least one meter. However, there are numerous kayak lights on the market that can endure submersion to great depths.

While you may not be concerned about rescuing a kayak light that has become submerged in more than 100 feet of water, there are those that can. If you reside in a rainy environment, this level of waterproofing may be necessary to keep your kayak light and useful.

Take some time to learn about the IP Waterproof Rating System before looking over the kayak light alternatives below. 

This is a commonly used criterion for determining the degree of ‘Ingress Protection’ for waterproof 

phone covers, dry bags, and other goods that you may rely on to keep you dry!

Let me explain what I mean:

“Ingress Protection” is what IP stands for.
The “Solid Particle Protection” is described by the first numeral or letter (dust, dirt, etc.)
The “Liquid Ingress Protection” is described by the second numeral or letter (including water).

So, let’s take a look at one of the products on our list that has IP ratings.

The Kayalu Kayalite Portable Bright White Led Kayak Light, our Best Value Pick, is IPX8 rated.

The “X” indicates that no protection rating has been specified—in this example, no protection against solid particle infiltration (which isn’t necessary because it would be used primarily on water).
The “8” indicates that it is protected from “Immersion beyond 1m.” The manufacturer then specifies the depth of immersion, which in this case is up to 1,000 feet.

See how simple it is? The entire IP Rating Chart is easily accessible to help you determine the level of waterproofing your kayak lights have at a glance. The better the waterproofing, the higher the IP rating (especially the second numeral)!

Tips for Using Kayak Lights Safely after Dark

If you’re heading out on the water, here are some pointers to keep in mind when packing your kayak light:

Before you get in the water, make sure it’s working. 

• Before loading up and venturing out on the water, a wise kayaker will double-check their gear.

• Make sure to inspect the kayak light just like you would your PFD, dry bag, and other equipment.

• Switch it on to make sure it’s working, and keep an eye out for any flickering or dimming that could suggest a power outage or other problem.

• Rinse the light off with fresh water. If you’re kayaking on the ocean or in salt water, make a point of rinsing off the light with fresh water after every use.

• Fresh water should be used to rinse the lamp. If you’re kayaking on the ocean or in saltwater, make a habit of cleaning the light after each usage with fresh water.

• Salt has the potential to degrade the power source. A short rinse will remove any salt residue and considerably improve the life of the light.

• Without batteries, store. Pull the batteries or battery pack out of the kayak light when you get home and store them separately.

• This will prevent any battery drain, which could result in you running out of power at the most inconvenient time.

• Extra batteries should be kept in a waterproof bag. Should your light go out mid-paddle, you’ll never regret having a set of backup batteries or a new power pack in your dry bag.

• Carrying an extra ounce or two of weight is totally worth it!

• Regularly charge the light. Don’t wait until your batteries or power supply are fully depleted.

• Make it a habit to recharge on a weekly basis during peak paddling season and once a month during the off-season. That way, you’ll always know your light is turned on and ready for a night adventure.

FAQs For Kayak LED Lights:

Is It illegal To Kayak At Night?

Nighttime kayaking is not against the law in several states, according to their regulations. As long as you take into account all the necessary conditions and guidelines, you can do this. Installing various kayak lights and donning noticeable clothing when paddling in the dark are two necessities. All kayakers are protected because of this.

In order to maintain sanity while kayaking at night or any other time of day, laws have been set in place. The focus is on a few minor regulations that a boater might disregard. When paddling at night, kayakers should make sure that the warnings and channels are marked with unlit buoys wrapped in bright surfaces to increase visibility and safety precautions.

Do I need both red and green lights, or just one?

The red and green navigation lights simply indicate which side of the vessel is whose, allowing vessels to pass you. Kayakers will be alright with simply white lights, but if you’re in an area with a lot of motorized watercraft traffic, you might want to consider utilizing the red-and-green lights as well.

Is it possible to create your own kayak lights?

Absolutely! The US Coast Guard merely needs kayaks to carry a flashlight or electric lamp on board, as I mentioned above. There are no rules on what kind of flashlight or lantern you must bring.

Can I replace the kayak lights with LED strips?

This is a great new style that has grown in popularity as LED light strips have become more widely available. The LED light strips may be attached to the sides of your kayak and turned on at night to clearly highlight oneself while paddling. Installing LED light strips along the sides of your kayak is totally legal and safe since you don’t have to follow the restrictions that apply to larger boats and ships.

In low-light situations, white light always goes the furthest, making it more trustworthy if you’re stuck in fog or heavy rain.
However, for added safety, I recommend acquiring at least one deck-mounted, portable, or headlamp-style light.

We hope you enjoyed our review of the 10 Best Kayak Led lights for Night Paddling and Fishing Trips. So don’t wait any longer – get your Kayak Led Light today and start Enjoying Night fishing in style!

Enjoy the Lovely 🌙 Night-Time Paddling! ⛺🎣