The Best Underwater Flashlights for Spearfishing

Spearfishing with an underwater flashlight is a thrilling adventure. Exploring the sea floor in the dark reveals a variety of marine life. To catch your dinner, you need a reliable dive light that’s bright, easy to handle, and efficient. In this guide, I’ll share insights on the top underwater flashlights for spearfishing. 

While night diving is restricted in some places, many locations permit it. The ORCATORCH D710 stands out as the best choice. With its exceptional brightness and user-friendly design, it enhances the night diving experience. Try it out for a memorable underwater adventure.

Also Read: Spearfishing from Shore

When spearfishing in low light, a good dive light is essential. Without it, navigating through dark waters is risky. Even on clear nights, natural light isn’t sufficient once the sun sets. Spearfishing at night is thrilling, but visibility is crucial. An underwater flashlight illuminates your surroundings, helping you spot targets like lobsters, fish, or squid. 

Among various options, the ORCATORCH D710 stands out as the best choice. It provides excellent brightness and is perfect for nighttime dives or low-light conditions. Whether you’re exploring caves or diving at dawn or dusk, this flashlight ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.

Editor’s Choice: Best Underwater Flashlight

When you’re diving after dark, you need a reliable flashlight. The Orca Torch model is a perfect choice. It offers 1700 Lumens of brightness for up to 1 hour and 40 minutes, or you can adjust it to 800 Lumens for nearly 4 hours of use. It lights up the reef brilliantly at night. 

The turbo mode provides extra bright light for emergencies. It’s compact, lightweight, and can be worn on your wrist for hands-free diving. With a two-year warranty, power display, and waterproof rating of up to 150m, the ORCATORCH D710 is the ultimate underwater flashlight for spearfishing.

Why we think the ORCATORCH D710 is the best electric lamp for spearfishing

Longest Battery Life: Best Underwater Flashlight

If you’re looking for a reliable flashlight for spearfishing, consider this dive light from Underwater Kinetics. It emits 900 lumens (1200 with a rechargeable battery), with impressive battery life: 5 hours 48 minutes on high, and over 20 hours on the lower setting. However, it’s larger due to the big battery and has a pistol grip, which can be cumbersome to hold underwater. Installing a wrist lanyard can help prevent dropping it. Overall, it’s a great choice for long spearfishing dives.

Top of the Line: Best Underwater Flashlight

If you’re after a top-notch underwater light for spearfishing, look no further than the ORCATORCH D630. It boasts a powerful 4000 lumens, illuminating everything underwater with its concentrated 7-degree beam. Plus, it comes with an 89Wh battery pack, providing a whopping 5 hours of runtime at the brightest setting and is waterproof up to 150 meters. 

The adjustable cable allows for versatile diving styles, and the easy-to-use switch is glove-friendly. With a handy battery meter and the option to use the battery pack as a power bank, this spotlight is unbeatable for night dives.

Best for Beginners: Best Underwater Flashlight

Here’s another solid choice for a dive light, this time from ORCATORCH. It’s dependable, with a battery that lasts throughout your entire spearfishing trip. At full power, it offers an impressive 2 hours and 5 minutes of burn time, and even longer on a lower setting.

Compact yet powerful, it provides 1000 lumens of brightness and comes with two batteries for convenience. With three light settings, you can adjust the brightness based on your needs, and the removable, rechargeable battery adds extra flexibility. It’s a reliable option for illuminating your underwater adventures.

Best for Professionals: Best Underwater Flashlight

Here’s another bright option: the SOLA Dive from Light and Motion. It offers a 60-degree beam in floodlight mode, which can easily switch to spots for different lighting needs. Whether you’re navigating underwater or searching for fish, this flashlight has you covered.

Compact and equipped with a hands-free strap, it’s surprisingly small yet provides 1200 lumens of brightness. The ability to switch between spot and floodlight settings with a click makes it versatile for various underwater tasks.

Cheapest Option: Best Underwater Flashlight

For a budget-friendly option, consider the Genwiss dive light. Made with durable aluminum, it’s rated for depths up to 80 meters and feels sturdy in your hands. Despite its affordability, it offers a bright LED with 2000 lumens and a rechargeable battery, making it eco-friendly.

During testing, I found it provided over 30 minutes of burn time on a full charge, which is decent given its price. If you’re looking for an inexpensive yet reliable dive light, this one is a solid choice.

Best Backup Option: Best Underwater Flashlight

When spearfishing at night, safety is crucial, especially for visibility. That’s where this dive light shines. With a 360-degree field of light and a depth rating of 100 meters, it ensures you’re visible to passing boats. Attach it to your float line for added safety, especially during low-light conditions.

The rechargeable battery offers 20 hours of light, providing ample backup. Opt for the 15RZ model for optimal performance; the lower-lumen 5RZ version isn’t as effective. This light is a reliable safety option for night diving.

Best Signal Marker: Best Underwater Flashlight

Here’s a simple solution for marking your float line during night spearfishing: the clip-on LED from Scubapro. While it doesn’t recharge, it operates with three stacked G13A button batteries. This underwater flashlight serves as an additional light source for your dive float and flag.

Its continuous flashing helps shore observers pinpoint your location accurately, while also alerting boats to your presence underwater. Though it offers just one flashing mode, it’s ideal for night dives, ensuring ample brightness for visibility. Affordable and efficient, this LED ensures you’re easily spotted in low-light conditions.

Sure, besides recommending the top dive lights, I’ll also share my thoughts on the other ones I tested. This way, you’ll have honest feedback to help you choose the best underwater flashlight for your needs.

Shortlist: Best Underwater Flashlight

This model is one of the first I tried, and it’s decent for what it offers. It’s rated for up to 80 feet deep, so be cautious of your depth. The burn time is about an hour, but you get two lights, so you can swap them for longer dives. 

However, they’re tricky to turn on/off compared to other lights. Overall, it’s a good option if you’re not diving too deep and don’t mind the manual operation.

Shortlist: Best Underwater Flashlight

This underwater flashlight is compact and feels well-made. It can go as deep as 150 meters and emits 6000 lumens, providing brightness. It lasts for about 2 hours at full power and longer on lower settings. 

However, I found it lacking in beam focusing capability and the 120-degree range didn’t allow for precise spotlighting of target fish.

Shortlist: Best Underwater Flashlight

The BlueFire professional dive light offers 2000 lumens and can go down to 150 meters. It has high, low, and SOS modes, providing about 2 hours of light at the highest setting. 

However, its fixed wide-angle beam may not focus well on target fish. It’s heavier than some lights but comes at an affordable price, making it a good option for spearfishing.

Shortlist: Best Underwater Flashlight

The PFSN dive light is a budget-friendly option rated for 150 meters, offering 1000 lumens of light with a narrow focus reaching up to 291 meters underwater.

Its single-button operation and adjustable brightness settings are convenient, but its build quality feels a bit cheap. Without proper maintenance, it may flood easily. While it’s decent for its price, there are better options available, even within the budget range.

With my wife away for work, I seized the chance for night dives to test these torches underwater. Though I couldn’t spearfish (missing out on a lobster-filled hole), this article aims to guide you in buying the best underwater flashlights for spearfishing where allowed. 

Feel free to ask! When choosing a dive light, I considered burn time, max depth, brightness, ease of use, beam focus, comfort, and weight. After testing, the ORCATORCH D710 stood out as the top pick—a powerful, compact, and reliable choice for nighttime spearfishing adventures.

Before delving into a somewhat controversial topic, let’s explore both perspectives. Some in the spearfishing community oppose using dive lights at night. They liken it to an unfair advantage, akin to “shooting fish in a barrel.” Sneaking up on unsuspecting fish while they sleep feels unjust, as they’re unaware until it’s too late.

On the other hand, many embrace night spearfishing’s challenges. Limited visibility adds a thrilling element, revealing different species like crayfish and squid. It’s a unique experience after sunset. Ultimately, choose what aligns with your values. I spearfish for sustenance, taking only what my family needs and preserving ocean ecosystems for the future, whether day or night.

Do I use a flashlight to go spearfishing?

While I typically dive in areas where using a flashlight for spearfishing is not allowed, I’ve had the chance to try it in more permissive locations during my travels. Usually, I stick to the rules and don’t use a flashlight on the East Coast of Australia because it’s prohibited.

During a road trip down south, I remember a night spearfishing adventure near the Mornington Peninsula. Camping on the beach, the conditions were perfect: calm waters, a faint moon, and total darkness underwater. Wearing thick wetsuits for the chilly southern waters, we dove in with our powerful lights illuminating the sea like daytime. However, the darkness also brought a sense of unease, especially in shark-prone waters.

Moving cautiously, I explored caves and crevices, hunting for fish. While spearing them was easier in the dark, finding them proved challenging. Despite this, I managed to catch several flounder and a flathead, enough for a delicious campfire meal. Even today, I still enjoy night dives, finding solace in the tranquil waters after a busy day.

If you’re considering a night dive, there are some essential things you should know beforehand.

Where should you go spearfishing at night?

If you’re new to night diving, it’s best to stick to familiar areas you’ve explored during the day. This way, you’re already acquainted with the underwater landscape and can navigate more confidently. 

Deep waters can be challenging at night due to limited visibility, so focus on shallower reefs, around 10 to 20 feet deep. Sticking to familiar spots enhances safety as you’re aware of conditions, currents, and potential hazards that may not be as noticeable in the dark.

Understand the fish will act different

During the night, most fish are asleep, but other sea creatures like lobsters, crabs, and crayfish are active. Squid, octopus, and cuttlefish may also be more lively. Night spearfishing requires searching for targets instead of waiting for them to swim by. 

Finding sleeping fish is tricky but makes for an easy shot once spotted. Some find night spearfishing unethical because fish are unaware and easy to catch. The challenge lies in using a flashlight to locate them underwater.

Only ever dive in calm conditions

Wait for calm and clear conditions before night spearfishing to avoid risks. Rough water and poor visibility can be dangerous at night. Don’t swim out if conditions aren’t favourable.

Night dives offer unique marine life encounters like snails and urchins. Enjoying night dives is best when conditions are optimal. The underwater environment transforms after sunset, creating a memorable experience.

Be ready to get disoriented

Night diving in remote, unlit areas presents unique challenges that require careful preparation. Here’s why and how to be ready for potential disorientation:

Don’t rely on a single underwater flashlight

When night diving, relying solely on one underwater flashlight can be risky. Here’s why it’s crucial to have a backup:

By adopting this practice of carrying a backup flashlight, you’ll be better prepared to handle unexpected situations and ensure a safer, more enjoyable night diving experience. Prioritize visibility and safety with reliable gear and backup tools.

Remember to bring a dive buddy

Night diving, especially for spearfishing, requires extra caution and preparedness. Here’s why having a dive buddy is essential:

Always prioritize safety by diving with a reliable and responsible dive buddy. Together, you can mitigate risks and enjoy a safer diving experience, especially during challenging night dives.

Any other gear for spearfishing at night?

Consider acquiring a hands-free flashlight glove, such as the one from ORCATORCH, for your night spearfishing adventures.  Here’s why this accessory is an important addition to your gear:

Before you spend your cash on what can be a costly piece of spearfishing gear, there are a couple of interesting points while purchasing your most memorable plunge light. Here’s what you need to know.

Is it legal to spearfish with a flashlight?

The legality of spearfishing with a flashlight depends on your location’s specific regulations. In some areas, like parts of Australia such as NSW, using light for spearfishing is prohibited. 

Always check with local authorities or dive shops to understand the rules in your area before using a flashlight while spearfishing. Following these guidelines ensures you stay compliant with the law and avoid potential fines or penalties.

How long will the batteries last?

The lifespan of batteries in a dive light depends on several factors, including the light’s brightness (measured in lumens) and the capacity of the batteries themselves. Generally, higher-lumen lights will drain batteries faster. A good-quality dive light typically offers a burn time of around two hours with fresh batteries. 

To maximize battery life, consider using rechargeable batteries or carrying spares for longer dives. It’s essential to monitor battery levels and ensure you have enough power to safely complete your underwater activities without being left in the dark.

Are the batteries rechargeable or replaceable?

The type of batteries in a dive light can vary. Some dive lights come with built-in rechargeable batteries that can be charged using a USB cable or dedicated charger. Others use replaceable batteries, allowing you to use standard rechargeable or disposable batteries based on your preference. 

The choice between rechargeable and replaceable batteries often depends on the specific dive light model and user preference. Rechargeable batteries offer convenience and cost savings over time, while replaceable batteries provide flexibility and easy replacement in remote locations or during extended trips.

Choosing the best underwater flashlight for spearfishing involves considering factors like brightness, beam type, size, battery life, waterproof rating, durability, ease of use, and local regulations. Ensure the flashlight meets your specific diving needs and is legal for use in your area. 

Some recommended options include lights from ORCATORCH, Tovatec, and Dive Rite, known for their performance and reliability underwater. Prioritize safety, visibility, and compliance with regulations when selecting the ideal underwater flashlight for your spearfishing adventures.