The Best Head Torch for Fishing in Australia 2024

As fishing enthusiasts, we're often lured by the tranquility of early mornings or the serenity of sunset angling. However, for those of us armed with a fishing head torch, the adventure doesn't stop when the sun goes down.

Night fishing is a unique experience and offers a different set of challenges and rewards. In this guide, we'll explore what night fishing is, why a fishing head torch is a must, and what to look for when selecting the best head torch for your next fishing trip.

What Is Night Fishing?

Night fishing is the practice of angling before sunrise or after sunset..

Whether you're targeting nocturnal species like catfish, searching for cooler waters, or just relishing the solitude of moonlit waters, night fishing opens up a new world of opportunities.

But when the sun goes down and darkness envelops your surroundings, proper illumination is key to a successful and enjoyable night fishing adventure.

Why You Need a Head Torch for Night Fishing

  1. Hands-Free Convenience: One of the main reasons to invest in a head torch for night fishing is to keep both hands free. While fishing, your hands are often occupied with managing your rod, bait, and the catch. A fishing head torch frees up your hands, giving you back both hands for the task at hand.

  2. Precision and Safety: A good head torch illuminates your fishing area, helping you see your equipment, bait, and the water. This is essential for safely casting your line and avoiding potential hazards hidden in the dark, such as rocks, roots, or a sneaky wallaby lurking in the shadows.

  3. Spotting Your Catch: When you finally hook a fish, a head torch is crucial for identifying what you've caught, how big it is, and most importantly, getting it in your net. A fishing head torch ensures you don't miss a potential trophy catch.

    What to Look for in a Head Torch for Fishing

    When choosing a fishing head torch, here are some essential factors to consider:

    1. Brightness: Opt for a head torch with adjustable brightness levels, enabling you to adapt to different lighting conditions. Look for a model with at least 300 lumens for clear visibility.

    2. Battery Life: Longer battery life is essential for extended night fishing sessions. Choose a rechargeable head torch with at least 6 hours of continous battery life or the ability to swap out batteries when needed.

    3. Waterproofing: Whilst fishing, you're invetibaly going to come in to contact with water, so ensure your head torch is waterproof to withstand rain,  splashes, or an accidental dunk in the water.

    4. Comfort and Fit: Look for a comfortable headband and an adjustable strap. A well-fitting head torch reduces discomfort when you're fishing for long hours.

    5. Light Modes: Select a head torch with various light modes, so that you can limit your disturbance to the fish.

    6. Durability: Your head torch should be robust enough to withstand the rigors of fishing, which can include bumps, drops, and exposure to the elements.

    7. Beam Angle: An adjustable beam angle allows you to focus the light where you need it, whether you're tying a new rig, casting, or reeling in a catch.

      Night fishing offers a unique and peaceful experience, but it requires the right equipment. A reliable fishing head torch is an indispensable tool to illuminate your way, keep you safe, and help you make the most of your nighttime fishing adventures.

      What are The Best Head Torches for Fishing in Australia 2024

      Here is our breakdown of the best head torches for fishing, based on the features they offer and their price point. This guide will provide you with a breakdown of pros and cons for each model so that you can make an informed decision when choosing the best head torch for your fishing adventure.

      Disclosure: Some of the links below are Amazon affiliate links. This means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn an affiliate commission if you click through the link and finalise a purchase. Thank you.
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      OUR PICK: BEST FISHING HEAD TORCH

      1. OptiGlow Wide-Angle Head Torch

      Our pick for the best head torch for fishing is our very own OptiGlow Wide-Angle Head Torch. The OptiGlow head torch is a great all rounder for outdoor enthusiasts and its wide-angle beam and spotlight mode makes it ideal for night fishing.

      It has a great balance of features, weight and comfort considerations for extended use in any environment.

      OptiGlow Head Torch Pro's:

      1. Brightness: Showcasing 350 lumens of light, the OptiGlow fishing head torch is built to produce a bright and consistent beam of light, making it suitable for most night activities including fishing and hunting.
      2. Beam coverage: A 230° wide-angle beam will light up your entire field of view making this a great head torch for hiking, hunting, or fishing at night.
      3. Battery life: This head torch comes with a rechargeable battery, which has a long battery life, making it ideal for extended use.
      4. Lightweight and comfortable: Weighing in at 72 grams, this head torch is not only lightweight and comfortable to wear, but it also has an adjustable strap that makes it easy to fit most head sizes, for an extended time.
      5. Waterproof: IPX4 waterproofing makes the OptiGlow head toch ideal for all-weather use and resistant to heavy rain, splashes, and sweat.
      6. Sensor activation: Wave your hand across the sensor to activate the light for use in any outdoor situation.

      OptiGlow Head Torch Cons:

      1. Brightness settings: Unlike some of the other options on this list, the OptiGlow head torch doesn't feature a red-light function.
      2. Battery life: Whilst great for up to 8 hours of use on a single charge, extended use is more suited for head torches that use disposable batteries.

      Price: $34.99

      Our score: ★★★★★

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      2. Petzl Actik Core Head Torch

      The Petzl Actik Core Head Torch is a popular option for those looking to enjoy a multi-day hunting or fishing trip because of its long battery life. Here are the pros and cons of the Petzl Actik Core Head Torch:

      Petzl Actik Core Head Torch Pros:

      1. Battery Life: The Petzl Actik Core Head Torch has one of the longest lasting batteries on the market, with up to 130 hours of use on one charge.
      2. Lightweight: Weighing in at just 75 grams, the Petzl Actik Core Head Torch is one of the lightest head torches in its class, making it comfortable to wear for extended periods.
      3. Red Light Mode: Whilst not proven to attract fish, having a red light mode can help to reduce bugs being attracted to your head torch.

      Petzl Actik Core Head Torch Cons:

      1. Waterproof: Whilst suited for light rain, this head torch isn't waterproof.
      2. Price: At $125, The Petzl Actik Core Head Torch is one of the most expensive head torches in our guide.

      Price: $125

      Our score: ★★★★☆

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      OUR PICK: BEST PREMIUM HEAD TORCH

      3. Nitecore HC65 Head Torch

      The Nitecore HC65 Head Torch is a great choice for those looking for a head torch with a longer battery life. It sits in the premium bracket in terms of pricing but a good option for serious night anglers. Here are some pros and cons of the Nitecore HC65 Head Torch:

      Nitecore HC65 Head Torch Pros:

      1. Battery life: The Nitecore HC65 Head Torch is powered by a rechargeable 3500mAh battery that can provide up to 30 days of runtime on its lowest setting, making it ideal for long fishing or hunting trips.
      2. Durability: The Nitecore HC65 Head Torch is built to last and has a rugged design that can withstand harsh outdoor conditions.
      3. Brightness: The Nitecore HC65 Head Torch has a maximum output of 1750 lumens, making it one of the brightest head torches on the market. It is bright enough to illuminate any outdoor environment.

      Nitecore HC65 Head Torch Cons:

      1. Price: The Nitecore HC65 Head Torch is more expensive than other head torches in its class, making it less affordable for some users.
      2. Warmth: The head torch can generate a significant amount of heat when used on its highest setting, which can be uncomfortable during prolonged use.
      3. Controls: The buttons used to control the head torch can be difficult to operate, especially when wearing gloves.

      Price: $139.95

      Our score: ★★★★☆

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      4. Energizer Vision HD+ Head Torch

      The Energizer Vision HD+ Head Torch is a great value option for those looking for a reliable and affordable head torch. Here are some pros and cons of the Energizer Vision HD+ Head Torch:

      Energizer Vision HD+ Pros:

      1. Brightness: The Energizer Vision HD+ Head Torch is designed to produce a bright and consistent beam of light, making it suitable for most outdoor activities.
      2. Battery life: The head torch uses three AAA batteries, which can provide up to 35 hours of runtime on its lowest setting, making it ideal for weekend camping or fishing trips.
      3. Comfort: The head torch is lightweight and comfortable to wear, with an adjustable strap that can fit most head sizes.

      Energizer Vision HD+Cons:

      1. Brightness: While the Energizer Vision HD+ Head Torch is bright enough for some night activities, it may not be as bright as some other head torches in its class.
      2. Beam coverage: The Energizer Vision HD+ Head Torch has a narrow range of light due to its size. This makes it less suited for night fishing and hunting.
      3. Durability: The Energizer Vision HD+ Head Torch is not as durable as some other head torches in its class, with some users reporting that the plastic housing and headband wear out over time.

      Price: $39.44

      Our score: ★★★☆☆

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      5. Black Diamond Spot 350 Head Torch

      The Black Diamond Spot 350 Head Torch is a popular choice among anglers, campers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some pros and cons of the Black Diamond Spot 350 Head Torch:

      Black Diamond Spot 350 Pros:

      1. Brightness: The Black Diamond Spot 350 Head Torch produces up to 350 lumens of light, making it one of the brightest head torches in its class.
      2. Battery Life: The Black Diamond Spot 350 Head Torch has a battery life of up to 200 hours on its lowest setting, making it a great option for extended fishing trips.
      3. Waterproof: The Black Diamond Spot 350 Head Torch is waterproof, making it suitable for use in heavy rain and moisture.

      Black Diamond Spot 350 Cons:

      1. Price: The Black Diamond Spot 350 Head Torch is more expensive than some other head torches in its class, which may be a downside for budget-conscious buyers.
      2. Battery Type: The Black Diamond Spot 350 Head Torch is powered by three AAA batteries, which may be less convenient than rechargeable options.
      3. Weight: At 86 grams, the Black Diamond Spot 350 Head Torch is slightly heavier than some other head torches in its class, which may be a consideration for those looking to reduce pack weight.

      Price: $59.40

      Our score: ★★★★☆

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      In Conclusion

      And there you have it, our list of the best head torches in Australia for fishing in 2024 and the pros and cons of each. 

      There are a range of options suited for different budgets and needs. If you're looking for a top-end head torch that's going to tick all the boxes, we recommend the Nitecore HC60 Head Torch, but it does come at a premium price point.

      Looking for a resonably priced all-rounder? Look no further than our very own OptiGlow LED Head Torch which won't break the bank and will suit most (if not all) of your fishing illumination requirements.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      1. What are head torches, and why are they essential for outdoor activities?
      Head torches are hands-free illumination devices worn on the head, providing a beam of light for improved visibility in the dark. They're essential for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, running, fishing, and emergencies, as they allow you to navigate safely and perform tasks without using your hands to hold a flashlight.

      2. How do I choose the best head torch for my needs?
      Selecting the best head torch depends on various factors, including brightness, beam distance, battery life, water resistance, comfort, weight, as well as some other features. Consider what you're using it for and how long you expect to use the head torch to determine the most suitable option.

      3. What is the importance of brightness and beam distance in a head torch?
      Brightness determines how intense the light output is, while beam distance refers to how far the light can reach. For night fishing or hunting, a head torch with higher brightness and a longer beam distance is preferable.

      4. Are rechargeable head torches better than battery-operated ones?
      Rechargeable head torches are convenient and eco-friendly, as they can be easily recharged using USB or solar power. On the other hand, battery-operated head torches offer the advantage of being easily replaceable when the batteries run out. The choice between the two depends on personal preferences and access to power sources during outdoor activities.

      5. Can head torches be used in wet or rainy conditions?
      Yes, many head torches in the market are designed with water-resistant or waterproof features. These head torches can withstand light rain or splashes without getting damaged. However, it is essential to check the specific water resistance rating of the head torch to ensure it meets your intended usage conditions.

      6. What are the benefits of red light mode in head torches ?
      Head torches with a red light mode are beneficial for maintaining night vision and not disturbing others around you. Red light is less likely to cause glare and attract bugs, making it ideal for most outdoor activities.

      7. Are there head torches suitable for kids' use?
      Yes, there are head torch options specifically designed for kids, featuring smaller sizes, lightweight construction, and child-friendly controls. These head torches are perfect for camping trips, bedtime reading, or exploring the outdoors with family.

      8. Can I use head torches for indoor activities as well?
      Absolutely! Head torches are versatile and can be used for various indoor activities, such as home repairs, DIY projects, power outages, or simply when you need hands-free lighting around the house.

      9. How do I maintain and prolong the life of my head torch?
      To ensure the longevity of your head torch, follow the manufacturer's instructions for care and storage. Keep the head torch clean, especially after outdoor use, and avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or harsh conditions. Additionally, rechargeable head torches may benefit from regular battery calibration to optimize their performance.

      10. Where can I purchase the best head torch for fishing in Australia?
      You can find the best head torch options for fishing in Australia through various channels, including outdoor gear stores, specialty camping retailers, online marketplaces, and the official websites of reputable head torch brands. Remember to read reviews and compare prices to make an informed decision based on your needs and budget.

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