FISHING LIGHTING

The behaviour of fish and other marine animals varies with the time of the day. Most fishermen know that fishing is best in the morning just before and after sunrise, and at dusk just before and after sunset. Like the sun, the moon also affects fish behaviour. There are two main light sources used for night fishing: kerosene lamps and battery-powered lights. Kerosene lamps have the advantage of using fuel that is inexpensive and readily available, even in remote coastal villages. Battery-powered lights, on the other hand, are considerably brighter than kerosene lamps and are safer to use, but both the light and the batteries are more expensive. Artificial (or human-made) light is often used to find or attract fish. Fishermen long ago used the light from torches to find or attract fish and other marine species. Light can also be used from a boat to attract fish to a baited hook, or to a net. underwater lights that are submerged several metres below the boat or over a net.