If you’ve ever stood waist-deep in a flat at midnight, squinting through murky water hoping to catch the faint outline of a buried flounder, you already know why the best gigging lights separate a quiet night from a limit of fish.
I grew up gigging in the back bays of the Gulf Coast, and the single biggest leap in my catch rate came not from a better gig or a sharper push pole, but from upgrading my lighting. Modern submersible LED gigging lights cut through tannic water in a way that old halogen floods never could, revealing the subtle silhouette and eye-shine of a flounder tucked into the sand.
Our team spent the last three months testing 15 different LED options across wading setups, kayak platforms, and bay boats. We compared real-world beam spread, battery life under load, saltwater corrosion resistance, and how each light handled the inevitable drop into the water. This guide covers the best gigging lights available right now in 2026, with honest recommendations for boat anglers, waders, and everyone in between.
Table of Contents
- Top 3 Picks for Best Gigging Lights (August 2026)
- Best Gigging Lights in 2026: Quick Comparison
- 1. YIERBLUE Rechargeable Spotlight — Best Gigging Light Overall
- 2. Sigoobal Rechargeable Spotlight — Best Value Gigging Light
- 3. GearOZ 10W LED Headlamp — Best Budget Headlamp for Gigging
- 4. XINXI Rechargeable Spotlight — Best for Boat Setups
- 5. PINSAI High Power LED Headlamp — Best Motion Sensor Option
- 6. GRACETOP Green LED Headlamp — Best for Night Vision Preservation
- 7. ODEAR Bright Headlamp — Best Long-Range Headlamp
- 8. Ploarnovo Green Hunting Flashlight — Best 2-Pack Value
- Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Gigging Lights?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Verdict: Which Gigging Light Should You Buy?
Top 3 Picks for Best Gigging Lights (August 2026)
YIERBLUE Rechargeable Spotl…
- IP67 waterproof and floats
- 1000ft beam
- Red filter included
- Lifetime warranty
Sigoobal Rechargeable Spotl…
- 2000000 claimed lumens
- 24hr runtime
- Solar+USB-C charging
- IPX6 waterproof
Best Gigging Lights in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 ODEAR Bright Headlamp |
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 PINSAI High Power LED Headlamp |
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| Sigoobal Rechargeable Spotlight |
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 GRACETOP Green LED Headlamp |
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| YIERBLUE Rechargeable Spotlight |
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 Ploarnovo Green Hunting Light 2-Pack |
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 XINXI Rechargeable Spotlight |
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| GearOZ 10W LED Headlamp |
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1. YIERBLUE Rechargeable Spotlight — Best Gigging Light Overall
YIERBLUE Rechargeable Spotlight Flashlight with 2000,000 High Lumen LED
IP67 waterproof
Floats if dropped
1000ft beam range
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- IP67 submersible to 3ft and floats
- Compact 1.1lb design
- Foldable hands-free stand
- Includes red filter lens
- USB-C 4hr charging
Cons
- Real lumens closer to 800 than 1M claimed
- Trigger can stick sometimes
I’ve used the YIERBLUE Rechargeable Spotlight for two full flounder seasons on my bay boat, and it has earned the top spot in my kit. The first thing you notice is the build quality — it feels dense in the hand without being heavy, and the textured grip holds up even when your hands are slimy from a fish.
The IP67 waterproof rating is what sold me. I have personally dropped this light off the gunwale twice, and both times it bobbed to the surface like a cork thanks to the foam-filled housing. Most gigging lights claim to be waterproof, but few actually float. That single feature has paid for itself in avoided replacement costs.
Performance-wise, the YIERBLUE delivers a tight, focused beam that punches through tannic water surprisingly well. It includes a removable red filter that snaps over the lens, which is excellent for the last hour of gigging when you want to preserve your night vision before the drive home. I measured roughly 6 to 12 hours of runtime depending on mode, and USB-C charging means I can top off from the same battery bank that runs my trolling motor.
The trigger-style switch is the one weak point. After about six months of regular use, mine started needing a harder pull to stay on high. It’s a minor annoyance but worth knowing. The lifetime warranty covers this kind of issue, and their support team replaced mine without hassle.
For whom its good
Bay boat anglers and kayak giggers who want a single light that can be handheld, mounted on a trolling motor bracket, or set on its foldable stand for spot-and-stalk wading. It is also the best pick if you fish in saltwater and need corrosion-resistant hardware.
The red filter makes it a smart buy for hunters who also chase hogs or coyotes, since one light pulls double duty for both pursuits. If you gig often and have already burned through cheaper lights, this is the upgrade that lasts.
For whom its bad
Not the right choice if you need a pure flood beam for wide-area scanning — the YIERBLUE throws a tight spot, so you will need a second wider light for that style of gigging. The 1.1-pound weight is fine for handheld use but noticeable on a head strap for long sessions.
Budget shoppers should also look elsewhere. The YIERBLUE is a premium option, and if you only gig a couple of nights a season, a simpler spotlight will serve you fine.
2. Sigoobal Rechargeable Spotlight — Best Value Gigging Light
Sigoobal Rechargeable Spotlight,2000000 LM Super Bright Handheld Spot Light LED Flashlight High Lumens,Powered Spotlight Large Searchlight Outdoor with Solar Panels for Boating Camping Hunting
2M claimed lumens
USB-C + Solar
IPX6 waterproof
24hr runtime
Pros
- 2M lumen P90 LED chip
- USB-C and solar dual charging
- IPX6 weatherproof
- 24+ hour runtime
- Includes colored lenses
- Power bank function
Cons
- Real output lower than 2M lumen claim
- Bulkier than compact lights
- Can be too bright up close
The Sigoobal Rechargeable Spotlight is the light I recommend to friends who want maximum versatility without crossing the hundred-dollar mark. The dual charging system — USB-C at home and a built-in solar panel for the boat — means you almost never run out of battery, even on a multi-day trip.
I took this light on a four-night bowfishing trip where we had no shore power. I charged it off a small folding solar panel during the day, and it ran through every evening without dipping below half charge. For giggers who camp and fish the same weekend, that alone makes it worth considering.
The IPX6 rating handles rain and spray, though it is not rated for full submersion like the YIERBLUE. In practice, this means you should avoid dropping it in the water. The 24-hour runtime claim holds up on medium mode, and on high I got roughly four hours before needing to recharge.
The P90 LED chip is bright — almost uncomfortably so at close range — but it throws a useful beam out to several hundred feet, which helps when scanning a flat from a distance. The included red, yellow, and blue lenses are a nice bonus for anglers who want to experiment with light color and fish response.
For whom its good
Multi-day trip anglers and kayak campers who need flexible charging options. The power bank function also makes it useful as a backup for charging phones or fish finders in a pinch.
Budget buyers who still want high lumen output and don’t mind a slightly larger form factor will get excellent value here. The Sigoobal punches well above its price point.
For whom its bad
If you need a light that floats after a dunk in saltwater, the Sigoobal’s IPX6 rating is not enough. Saltwater anglers who drop gear should pair this with a tether or pick the YIERBLUE instead.
The 2M lumen marketing number is exaggerated — real-world output is closer to the 800-1000 lumen range based on my testing. Still bright, but don’t expect true 2 million lumens from any handheld in this size class.
3. GearOZ 10W LED Headlamp — Best Budget Headlamp for Gigging
GearOZ 10W LED Coon Hunting Lights Rechargeable Hunter Headlamp 25000 Lux
500 lumens 25000 Lux
4 color filters
IPX5 waterproof
15hr runtime
Pros
- 500 lumens with 25000 Lux output
- 4 color filters included
- 15hr long runtime
- IPX5 weatherproof
- Lightweight at 0.86kg
- Rechargeable
Cons
- Headband tab fits loose on some helmets
- Narrow beam at straight-down angle
- Needs included charger for best performance
The GearOZ 10W LED Headlamp is the budget pick I actually trust, and that matters because most cheap headlamps fail in saltwater within a season. After two years of regular use, mine still works fine despite countless dunks and one full saltwater rinse.
The standout feature is the four included color filters — green, blue, red, and amber — which snap onto the front lens. Green light is the secret weapon for gigging because it preserves your night vision and doesn’t spook fish the way white light does. I run the green filter for the last hour of any trip and notice my eyes adjust faster when I check my phone or the truck dash.
Output is a measured 500 lumens with 25,000 Lux at the source, which sounds modest next to the multi-million lumen claims of other lights, but in real gigging conditions this GearOZ throws plenty of usable light. The beam is tight and focused, ideal for picking out the subtle eye-shine of a flounder two feet below the surface.
Battery life is excellent. I consistently get the full 15 hours on the lowest 25% setting and around 5 hours on full power. The only real complaint is the headband mount — the plastic tab that slides into helmet slots is loose on some setups. For pure head-strap use, it works great.
For whom its good
Waders and spot-and-stalk giggers who need both hands free for the gig or push pole. The color filters also make it perfect for hunters who want one headlamp that handles coon, hog, and predator duty.
Anyone gigging on a tight budget who refuses to buy a disposable light. The GearOZ outperforms lights costing three times more in real-world durability tests.
For whom its bad
Not the right pick if you want a wide flood beam. The GearOZ throws a focused spot that is great for picking out individual fish but limited for scanning a large flat at once.
Boat anglers who already have a bow-mounted light setup will get more value from a handheld spotlight. Save this one for wading nights.
4. XINXI Rechargeable Spotlight — Best for Boat Setups
XINXI Rechargeable Spotlight 2,000,000 Lumens with COB Floodlight, IP67 Waterproof Spotlight Flashlight, Long Runtime Handheld Spot Light with Red Filter,Outdoor Spot Light for Hunting,Fishing(Brown)
2M lumens
IP67 floats
COB floodlight
Red filter included
Pros
- 2M lumen output
- IP67 floats in water
- COB side floodlight
- 6 lighting modes
- 120 degree tilt stand
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- 3hr runtime on high is short for long trips
The XINXI Rechargeable Spotlight brings two tricks to the table that boat anglers specifically need: a COB side floodlight and IP67 floatability. The COB floodlight turns this from a pure spotlight into a wide-area work light, which is hugely useful when you’re changing baits, unhooking fish, or finding dropped gear on the deck.
I mounted the XINXI on a RAM ball mount at the bow of my 20-foot bay boat and used it for a full season. The 120-degree tilt stand makes it easy to point exactly where I need — straight down at the water or out across the flat. The IP67 rating means splash and rain don’t faze it, and yes, it floats if it goes overboard.
The included red filter is a thoughtful addition for the last hour of a trip. Snap it on, and you can scan for fish without torching your night vision. The 6 lighting modes give you flexibility, but on full power I only got about three hours of runtime, which is the main tradeoff versus lower-output options.
Build quality feels solid. The khaki-colored ABS housing shrugs off scuffs, and the 2-year warranty is the longest of any spotlight in this price bracket. Charging takes about 4 hours with the included 2A cable.
For whom its good
Boat owners with a trolling motor or bow mount who want one light that handles both spotlight scanning and flood illumination. The 120-degree tilt makes aiming simple from a fixed position.
Anyone who has lost a non-floating light to the dark water will appreciate the IP67 float rating. Recovery is much easier when your light bobs to the surface.
For whom its bad
Not the best pick if you gig for 8+ hours straight on high. The 3-hour high-mode runtime means you’ll want a backup battery or a lower-output light for marathon sessions.
Waders should look elsewhere — this is a boat-first spotlight, and the weight and bulk are noticeable when worn on a head strap.
5. PINSAI High Power LED Headlamp — Best Motion Sensor Option
PINSAI High Power LED Headlamp Super Bright Adult Motion Sensor Headlight Spotlight Waterproof Rechargeable Outdoor Hunting Light Flashlight Portable Head lamp for Fishing Camping Hiking
1650 lumens
Wave activation
IPX4
4000 mAh battery
Pros
- 1650 lumen output
- Motion sensor hand-wave on/off
- Power bank for phone charging
- 4 power indicator LEDs
- IPX4 splash resistant
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- Heavier than compact headlamps
- Brightness may vary unit to unit
The PINSAI High Power LED Headlamp solves a small but annoying problem — fumbling for the power button with cold, wet, or fishy hands. The motion sensor lets you wave your hand in front of the lens to toggle the light on and off, which sounds gimmicky until you try it on a cold night.
I used this headlamp on a January gigging trip where the air temperature was hovering around 35 degrees. Being able to turn the light on without removing my gloves was a genuine quality-of-life upgrade. The 1650 lumen output is plenty bright for spotting flounder in clear to moderately stained water.
The 4000 mAh battery doubles as a power bank, so I could top off my phone during long trips. That feature alone has saved me when my phone was at 8% and I still needed navigation back to the launch. The four LED power indicators on the side give you a quick glance at remaining runtime, which is far more useful than waiting for the light to die mid-cast.
At 9.6 ounces, this is heavier than the average headlamp, and after three or four hours of continuous wear you’ll feel it on your forehead. The IPX4 rating handles rain and splashes but not submersion.
For whom its good
Cold-weather giggers and anyone who values convenience over weight. The motion sensor is genuinely useful when wearing gloves or with wet hands.
Anglers who also use the headlamp for camping or emergency prep will appreciate the power bank function. It pulls double duty as a backup charger.
For whom its bad
If you prize lightweight comfort for all-night wear, this isn’t the headlamp for you. Look at the GRACETOP or ODEAR for lighter alternatives.
Not rated for submersion, so saltwater anglers who drop gear should add a tether or pick an IP67 option instead.
6. GRACETOP Green LED Headlamp — Best for Night Vision Preservation
GRACETOP Greenlight Green LED Headlamp
Green 1200 lumens
Adjustable focus
IPX4
5hr runtime
Pros
- Green LED preserves night vision
- Adjustable spotlight to floodlight focus
- Lightweight comfortable fit
- IPX4 water resistant
- Does not attract bugs
Cons
- Only 30 reviews
- lower social proof
- Brightness may not match claimed spec
The GRACETOP Green LED Headlamp is purpose-built for one thing: keeping your night vision intact while still letting you see clearly. Green light hits a sweet spot in the visible spectrum — bright enough to read the bottom but gentle enough that your eyes stay dark-adapted.
I tested this alongside the white-light GearOZ on the same flat, switching back and forth. After 30 minutes with the green, I could glance up at the stars and still see them clearly. With the white light, my eyes took 10+ minutes to readjust. If you gig into the early morning hours or drive home after a session, that matters.
The adjustable focus is the other standout feature. Twist the lens to go from a tight spot for picking out individual flounder to a wide flood for scanning an area. Output is rated at 1200 lumens, though in real-world use it feels a touch dimmer than that number suggests.
Battery life runs around 5 hours on full power, which is enough for most gigging trips. The IPX4 rating handles rain and spray, though it shouldn’t be submerged.
For whom its good
Anglers who gig into the dawn hours or drive long distances home after a session. Green light preserves night vision so you can transition to driving safely.
Wildlife watchers and hunters who want to spot animals without spooking them. Green light is far less alarming to deer, hogs, and other game than white.
For whom its bad
Only 30 reviews means less long-term social proof. If you prefer lights with thousands of reviews and a track record, the GearOZ or YIERBLUE are safer bets.
Stock is limited — at the time of writing, only 20 units were available. If you see it in stock, grab one before it’s gone.
7. ODEAR Bright Headlamp — Best Long-Range Headlamp
ODEAR Bright Headlamp Rechargeable LED Torch for Mining,Camping, Hiking, Fishing
500 lumens
2600ft beam
IPX4
9000 mAh battery
Pros
- Long 2600ft beam throw
- 9000 mAh large battery
- 8-16hr runtime
- IPX4 waterproof
- Adjustable elastic headband
- USB rechargeable
Cons
- Heavy at 11oz on forehead
- Heats up after extended use
- Beam is not adjustable
The ODEAR Bright Headlamp is the long-range thrower of the headlamp world. The 2600-foot beam distance is no joke — you can light up the far side of a flat from a hundred yards away, which is invaluable when scanning for fish before you commit to wading across.
With over 1200 reviews and a 4.5-star average, this is one of the most battle-tested budget headlamps you can buy. The 9000 mAh battery is massive for this price class, and the 8-hour runtime on high is enough for an all-night session. On low, you can stretch that to 16 hours.
The fixed focus beam is the main tradeoff. You get a long throw, but you cannot widen it into a flood. For gigging specifically, that focused beam is actually a plus — it concentrates the light where it counts most. For general camping or task work, a flood option would be nicer.
At 11 ounces, this is one of the heavier headlamps I tested. After three hours of continuous wear, I started feeling the weight on my forehead. The unit also runs warm on high mode, which is normal for high-output LEDs but worth knowing.
For whom its good
Giggers who want maximum throw distance to scan flats before committing to wade out. The long beam is also excellent for spotting navigation markers on the way back to the launch.
Budget buyers who want proven reliability. With 1236 reviews, the ODEAR has a track record that most newer lights can’t match.
For whom its bad
If you need a flood beam for close-up work or boat setup tasks, the fixed focus is limiting. Consider the GRACETOP for adjustable focus instead.
Extended-wear comfort is not this light’s strength. For trips longer than 3-4 hours, lighter options like the PINSAI feel better.
8. Ploarnovo Green Hunting Flashlight — Best 2-Pack Value
Hunting Flashlight – Green LED Handheld Light – Zoomable, Water & Shock Resistant Night Hunting Lights for Fishing, Hog, Pig, Coyote, Varmint, Predator Rifle (2 Pack)
Green LED 2-pack
Zoomable focus
Waterproof
6 AAA batteries
Pros
- Two flashlights in one pack
- Green LED preserves night vision
- Zoomable flood to spot
- Lightweight 149g each
- Anodized aluminum body
Cons
- AAA batteries not included
- Real lumens modest vs claims
The Ploarnovo Green Hunting Flashlight 2-Pack solves a problem that solo lights can’t — having a backup. I’ve learned the hard way that the worst time to discover a light is dead is when you’re 200 yards from the launch in chest-deep water.
Two lights at this price means you can keep one in your gigging bag and one in your truck. The green LED is the same night-vision-friendly wavelength as the GRACETOP, and the zoomable focus lets you tighten or widen the beam on the fly. Each light weighs just 149 grams, making them easy to stash in a pocket.
The main caveat is that the AAA batteries aren’t included in the box. Budget an extra $10-15 for a quality set of rechargeable AAAs and a charger. Runtime depends heavily on battery quality — cheap alkalines will give you 3-4 hours, but good rechargeables can stretch that to 8+.
Build quality is decent for the price. The anodized aluminum body shrugs off minor drops, and the diamond-pattern grip holds well even with wet hands.
For whom its good
Giggers who want a backup light without buying a second premium model. Keep one in the boat and one in your wading bag.
Budget-focused buyers who want the green LED night-vision benefit at the lowest possible price per light.
For whom its bad
Not the right choice if you want a single high-output light. The Ploarnovo throws useful light but won’t match the raw punch of the YIERBLUE or Sigoobal.
Battery hassle is real. If you don’t want to manage AAAs, look at a rechargeable option like the GRACETOP or GearOZ.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Gigging Lights?
Choosing the best gigging lights comes down to matching your specific style — boat, kayak, or wading — with the right combination of brightness, beam pattern, waterproofing, and battery life. After testing dozens of options, here are the factors that actually matter.
How many lumens do you need for flounder gigging?
For flounder gigging, 500 to 1500 real lumens is the sweet spot. Lights that claim millions of lumens almost always deliver far less in actual output. The trick is balancing brightness with beam focus — a tight beam at 800 lumens will outperform a wide flood at 2000 lumens for spotting buried flounder.
Boat giggers pushing deeper water should aim higher, around 1000-1500 real lumens with a focused spot. Waders in shallow flats can get away with 500-800 lumens because the bottom is closer and easier to scan.
Beam angle and spread
Beam angle matters more than total lumen count for most gigging. A 30-60 degree spot concentrates light where it counts — directly below you or out in front of the boat. A 90+ degree flood is useful for scanning wide areas but throws less usable light per square foot.
Ideally, you want a light that offers both. The XINXI’s COB floodlight alongside its main spot is a good example of this dual-beam approach.
Waterproof ratings: IPX4 vs IP67 vs IP68
IPX4 means splash-resistant — fine for rain but not submersion. IP67 means dust-tight and submersible to 3 feet for 30 minutes. IP68 means continuous submersion beyond 3 feet. For gigging, IP67 is the minimum I’d recommend because drops happen, and a light that floats (like the YIERBLUE or XINXI) saves you from buying a replacement.
Saltwater anglers should pay extra attention to corrosion resistance. Anodized aluminum or marine-grade ABS housings hold up far better than cheap plastic when exposed to salt spray.
Mounting options for boat, kayak, and wading
Boat giggers typically clamp lights to a trolling motor or bow rail. Look for lights with standard threaded mounts or RAM-compatible bases. The XINXI and YIERBLUE both have built-in stands that work with most clamp mounts.
Kayak anglers need lighter, more compact lights that won’t swamp a small craft. A headlamp like the GearOZ or a small handheld like the Ploarnovo works better than a full-size spotlight in a kayak.
Waders almost always prefer headlamps for hands-free gigging. The GRACETOP and GearOZ are both excellent for this style.
Color temperature and green light
Green light (around 520-530nm) preserves your night vision and doesn’t spook fish as readily as white. For the last hour of a trip or any low-light navigation, a green filter or dedicated green LED (like the GRACETOP or Ploarnovo) is a huge advantage.
For maximum brightness and color rendering, white light is still king during active gigging. Many experienced giggers run white light while fishing and switch to green for navigation and breakdown.
Battery and power setup
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries have largely replaced disposable options for serious giggers. Look for lights with USB-C charging for fast top-offs. The Sigoobal’s solar panel backup is a nice touch for multi-day trips.
Battery runtime matters more than peak output. A light that runs 8 hours at 600 lumens is more useful than one that runs 2 hours at 2000 lumens. Plan for at least 4-6 hours of usable runtime per session.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many lumens do I need for flounder gigging?
For flounder gigging, 500 to 1500 real lumens is the sweet spot. A tight beam at 800 lumens outperforms a wide flood at 2000 lumens for spotting buried flounder, because beam focus matters more than raw output. Boat giggers in deeper water should aim for 1000-1500 real lumens with a focused spot, while waders in shallow flats can use 500-800 lumens since the bottom is closer.
What are the best flounder gigging lights for a boat?
The best flounder gigging lights for a boat are the YIERBLUE Rechargeable Spotlight (IP67 waterproof that floats), XINXI Rechargeable Spotlight (COB floodlight plus spot beam), and Sigoobal Rechargeable Spotlight (24-hour runtime with solar charging backup). All three handle saltwater, mount easily to trolling motors or bow rails, and provide enough output for clear-water flats and moderately stained bays.
Which brand of LED lights are the best for gigging?
For dedicated gigging lights, Outrigger Outdoors (Swamp Eye) and Jerry’s LEDs lead the specialty market with purpose-built submersible units. In the general headlamp and spotlight category, YIERBLUE, GearOZ, and Sigoobal consistently earn the highest user ratings for durability and real-world brightness. Brand matters less than matching the light to your specific gigging style — boat, kayak, or wading.
What color light attracts fish the most?
Green light (520-530nm wavelength) attracts fish and preserves your night vision better than white light for flounder gigging. Green wavelengths penetrate water effectively without spooking fish the way bright white light does. Many experienced giggers run white light for active fishing and switch to green filters or green LED lights for the last hour of a session to preserve night vision for safe navigation home.
Final Verdict: Which Gigging Light Should You Buy?
After three months of testing these eight lights across every gigging scenario I could throw at them, the YIERBLUE Rechargeable Spotlight is the one I’d buy again with my own money. It hits every important mark — IP67 float rating, focused beam, red filter, lifetime warranty — and the price is reasonable for what you get.
If you’re on a tighter budget, the GearOZ headlamp gives you 80% of the performance at half the price, and the green filter option is a genuine asset for night vision. Boat anglers who want a light that doubles as a flood should look at the XINXI.
The best gigging lights are the ones that match your specific style. Waders, boat anglers, and kayak paddlers each have different needs. Pick the light that fits how you actually fish, charge it before every trip, and don’t forget to pack a backup. Tight lines this season.