Any experienced bowfisherman will tell you that nighttime fishing is a major part of the sport. The option to extend your pursuit into the night isn’t a luxury afforded by all quarries. In order to achieve success at night, you’ll need to choose the best bowfishing light. There are two options when choosing a light, and those are boat and bow-mounted lights. In this guide, I focus on bow-mounted models that are great for both clear and muddy water.
With the addition of a bow light, you have the ability to direct the beam exactly where you plan to shoot. Plus, a good bow light features adjustability. With adjustability, you have the option to reduce the spread of the light by tightening up the beam. Clearly, this is an advantage not offered by LED or HPS lights hooked up to your boat.
Several of the key features to consider are:
- Intensity Control
- Range
- Size & Weight
- Interchangeable LEDs
- Battery Life
- Water-Resistance
- Scanning Technology w/ optional diffused light
- High-Quality Materials such as T6 aluminum
- Brand Trustworthiness
- Warranty
As you can see, there are quite a few factors to consider but don’t let that overwhelm you. The list is there to get you in the proper mindset before checking out my personal favorites.
Best Bowfishing Light Reviews
Are you ready to get acquainted with the lights? I hope so because I’ve put together some helpful reviews. In each review, you’ll find the key points to consider along with valuable pros & cons to help you land on the right light for your bowfishing bow.
#1) Wicked Lights A48iC GREEN Bow Hunting Light Kit
If you came here today looking for the most advanced and best bowfishing light for muddy water, this is the one. This American-made bow light is built to last and venture into any terrain. First, you have full intensity control using the convenient built-in rheostat knob. This feature alone will make you feel like you’re almost cheating, and it’ll surely make your fishing pals jealous.
Second, the zoom focus bezel allows you to quickly adjust the beam width with a simple turn. Then, while switching, the integrated halo shield prevents light splash. Third, Wicked’s unique Scan & Kill Technology is what really sets this model apart from the rest. With this tech, you have the ability to focus and defuse the light while in action.
Several final highlights that propelled the A48iC to #1 on my list are T6 aircraft-grade aluminum construction, designed & made in the USA, and the precision high-magnification glass convex lens. Lastly, Wicked backs its products with a limited lifetime warranty (3-year on the LED assembly).
Pros
- Precision intensity control
- Easily switch from flood to zoom and vice versa
- The easiest & quickest adjustments
- Interchangeable LED (green light included)
- Made in the USA
- Backed by a lifetime warranty (3-year on electrical)
Cons
- Highest cost of the models in my guide
#2) October Mountain Products Splashlight Bowfishing Riser Light Kit
Coming in at #2 is one of my personal favorite bowfishing LED lights by October Mountain Products. This model is especially popular among bowfishermen since it’s geared toward bowfishing. First, you’ll find that the 600-lumen LED is plenty bright enough for fishing in both clear and muddy water. Next, the light threads right to a stabilizer bushing with the option to quickly dismount it to use as a handheld flashlight.
Second, the remote power switch is a nice touch for on-demand light. However, OMP does not include the mounting hardware for the switch, so you might need to get creative. One solution is to use strong double-sided tape to mount the switch. Third, the Splashlight sports a heavy-duty anodized aluminum frame that’s both water-resistant and non-slip.
Regarding power, one big advantage of this kit is that includes two rechargeable batteries, a charger, an A/C adapter, and a D/C adapter. A fully-charged battery gives you about 3-4 hours of power. So, if you always have both batteries on you, that’s more than enough juice to last you through the night, especially when used intermittently.
Pros
- Powerful 600-lumen LED
- Includes 2 rechargeable batteries & charger
- Remote power switch for on-demand light
- 4 hours of intermittent use per charge
- Water-resistant aluminum construction
- Switch between bow-mounted and handheld
Cons
- Less adjustability than the Wicked
- No mounting hardware included for remote switch
- Batteries are not marked +/-
#3) TruGlo LED Bow Light
Most bowhunters are very familiar with Truglo sights for bowhunting, so it only makes that the company would manufacture one of the best bowfishing LED lights. To give you an idea of just how powerful the October Mountain Products light is, the bulbs in this TruGlo are 250 and 150 lumens. Considering the OMP model is 600 lumens, it should be high on your list of bowfishing lights for muddy water.
Having said that, TruGlo’s LED still puts off adequate illumination for bowfishing, and it includes two bulbs. In total, you get one 250-lumen white LED and a 150-lumen green LED. Similar to the OCM model, TruGlo’s light mounts directly to any bow stabilizer mount, and it includes a tail cap for handheld use. Plus, it’s built with durable aircraft-grade aluminum.
As far as power, the TruGlo LED kit includes one 3.7V–18650 rechargeable battery and an AC/DC charger. To activate the light, you’ll use the included momentary on/off pressure switch. Lastly, TruGlo includes velcro to mount the switch, though, you’ll most likely find that it’s too flimsy for long-term use. Consequently, the setup may require the same double-sided tape fix as the OCM model.
Pros
- Includes white and green LED bulbs
- Rechargeable battery and charger included
- Remote activation switch
- Waterproof
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Includes a tail cap for handheld use
- Mounts directly to your existing stabilizer
Cons
- Not as bright as my top two picks
- No option to focus the beam
- Includes 1 battery rather than 2
#4) NAP Apache Predator Bowfishing Light
Now, let’s get back back to another LED hunting light specifically designed for bowfishing by New Archery Products. First, it’s important to consider that the base package includes a single white light rather than two bulbs like TruGlo’s LED. The included white light is a powerful 3-watt Cree LED.
Next, let’s check out the materials. NAP’s Apache features aluminum construction with a scratch-resistant black anodized finish. Comparatively, this light is water-resistant yet not waterproof like TruGlo’s model. One unique feature is the Apache Vibration Dampening technology that does come in handy for the bowfisherman.
To power it, there’s a remote on/off switch that’s similar to what you saw in the previous two models. However, unlike the two previous lights, the Apache does not use a rechargeable battery or include a charger. Instead, it’s powered by a single CR123 battery. For me, this is one of Apache’s biggest shortcomings and one of the main reasons I prefer my first three picks.
Pros
- Sports a bright and dependable Cree LED
- Tactical remote switch
- Water-resistant & scratch-resistant aluminum construction
- Tight beam with no spread
- Vibration dampening tech
Cons
- No rechargeable battery
- You may find the battery life shorter than you’d like
- No tail cap for handheld use
#5) LUMENSHOOTER B8 Premium Bow Mounted Hunting Light Kit
My final pick is my favorite budget bowfishing LED light. Comparatively, you may very well find that this model gives you the most bang for your buck and better performance than NAP’s light. First, what’s really cool about this kit is the option to easily switch between white, green, and red lights right out of the box. Second, you have the option to switch between flood and beam, similar to Wicked’s LED.
Next, the B8 LED mounts directly to your stabilizer. To activate the light, there’s a nifty dual-switch design that allows you to use the remote momentary switch or a corded on/off clicky switch. Regarding power, this is what I really like about this light. The kit includes a 18650 Li-Ion rechargeable battery and a USB smart charger, meaning you don’t have to rely on AC/DC power.
A handful of final highlights are the included hardshell case, high-profile Picatinny/Weaver ring, universal scope mount, and the IPX6 waterproof rating. All in all, if you’re okay with going with a budget brand, this versatile kit offers a ton of value for the money.
Pros
- White, green, and red lights included
- Bright enough for fishing in muddy water
- Convenient dual-switch design
- IPX6 waterproof rating
- Zoom/focus adjustments
- Rechargeable battery with USB charger
- Includes a nice hardshell carrying case
Cons
- It’s a budget brand
- Not made in the USA
Bottom Line
The best bowfishing light shouldn’t leave you asking for more brightness. For this reason, the models in this guide are all great choices for fishing in both clear and muddy water. My first two picks are certainly the top all-around bowfishing LED lights available. Currently, Wicked’s LED is the most technologically-advanced bow light with the highest level of adjustability.
Once you go beyond my top two picks, TruGlo does make a worthy alternative followed closely by LumenShooter’s LED kit. A lot of bowfisherman are fans of NAP’s Apache, but personally, I’d rather use rechargeable batteries than rely on replacing CR123 batteries. However, you might prefer the CR123 battery over rechargeable. The bottom line is to match your preferences to the light to get the best overall experience.