Looking on information for lights for night fishing

**CaptnKen** · #1 05-22-2012, 08:27 PM

I need some information on how to set up a spec light set. What are the best lights, how much watts do they pull, how big does the generator have to be? I have 2 boats. A double wide double deep 16 foot jonboat and i 18 foot cc kenner. I have been looking at LEDs and im not sure they can put out enough light. I also need information on bright vs dim. If someone has knowledge of underwater vs over water light that would be very helpful.

Its about to get hot and those fish will be biting at night and I would like to set up a very good rig for fishing. Any information owuld be helpful. Thanks Ken

**texascity junky** · #2 05-22-2012, 10:52 PM

Par 64 stagelights 1000w, with norrow beam... Genarator should be at least 2500w..
Hope this helps..

**CaptnKen** · #3 05-22-2012, 11:13 PM

that helps a ton thank you very much fir th einfo. I knew stage lights were the right thing. Are most people using 2 to 4 of these lights? and the ones I have seen call for 30 to 50 feet back i am assuming this is why i need narrow beams? I found a 4 light stand with 4 lights but Im not sure my 3250 watt generator will handle 4 lights maybe only 3. thanks again

**FlatoutFishin** · #4 05-22-2012, 11:40 PM

That's my set up but don't underestimate the power of the 12v green light. I've had success with both...I generally use the green when strictly off the boat, and the par64's when from the land...yeah, I got a noisy generator!

**texascity junky** · #5 05-22-2012, 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptnKen

that helps a ton thank you very much fir th einfo. I knew stage lights were the right thing. Are most people using 2 to 4 of these lights? and the ones I have seen call for 30 to 50 feet back i am assuming this is why i need narrow beams? I found a 4 light stand with 4 lights but Im not sure my 3250 watt generator will handle 4 lights maybe only 3. thanks again

No problem, yea I would only use 3 for a 3250w generator.. Sorry for the miss spelled words...lol Typing on my phone...lol

**FlatoutFishin** · #6 05-23-2012, 12:04 AM

If it was me, I'd concentrate the beam off 2 lights and narrow beam versus a wide broadcast of 3 or 4 narrow beams. I guess it really just depends the number of people fishing but if you're in a boat...2 is plenty the majority of the time. I also wouldn't run the generator over 80% capacity meaning 3250 should run 3 okay, but your going to load that geny up and wear it out faster...not to mention burn more gas. I'm no generator guru, so i'm sure someone will dispell my thought here. But it's like anything motorized...run it like bat outta hell, and you'll pay for it. need to run 4...get a 5000w...then there's the weight issue.

**BNETT** · #7 05-23-2012, 07:13 AM

4*1000w=4000w/120v=33.33333amps most generators have a 20 amp plug but alot of them only have 15 amp breakers. 4 1000w lights I think your going to at least need a 6500w with two plugs and two breakers. Hope this helps. FlatoutFishin is right about not needing so much. We normally only fish with one when there is only two of us, if your going to have alot of people fishing then 2 or 3 will be good. I dont use the stage lights because of the weight, I use what they call can lights that a friend of mine builds. They only weigh about 3 lbs if that. Just my 2cents, thank you.

**jeff.w** · #8 05-23-2012, 07:19 AM

One 1000w vns par64 light is plenty. I run 1 light off of a 2000w gen, and have no problem getting the fish drawn in.

**FlatoutFishin** · #9 05-23-2012, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BNETT

4*1000w=4000w/120v=33.33333amps most generators have a 20 amp plug but alot of them only have 15 amp breakers. 4 1000w lights I think your going to at least need a 6500w with two plugs and two breakers. Hope this helps. FlatoutFishin is right about not needing so much. We normally only fish with one when there is only two of us, if your going to have alot of people fishing then 2 or 3 will be good. I dont use the stage lights because of the weight, I use what they call can lights that a friend of mine builds. They only weigh about 3 lbs if that. Just my 2cents, thank you.

Par64s are the same as can lights...3 lbs with bulb is about right.

**Range Coach** · #10 05-23-2012, 08:43 AM

You need to take a look at the rating on your generator. Is it rated for 3250 watts continuous or surge? If it's 3250 continuous and you want to run three lamps, you're looking at a little over 92% capacity and you'll be going through gas like ***** through a goose and the generator grim reaper will be lurking in the shadows. Also, each lamp draws roughly 8 amps and three would draw right at 25 amps and that's probably the max rating on your 3250.

My generator is rated at 3000 watts continuous and two par64's come in just under 80% capacity and they make that generator work hard and drink gas. As stated by others, I typically only use one bulb and do just as good as those that are using two.