How to Use UV Lights for Night Squid Fishing: Setup and Retrieval Guide

Night squid fishing, commonly known as “eging,” is a highly productive and engaging activity along coastal waters. Utilizing ultraviolet (UV) light has transformed this nocturnal pursuit, turning dark waters into active feeding zones. Unlike standard white light, UV light operates at a wavelength that penetrates water efficiently, stimulating fluorescent pigments in marine organisms and attracting microscopic plankton. This biological gathering quickly draws in small baitfish, which in turn attracts predatory squid. To harness this method successfully, anglers must understand the precise steps of gear preparation, light deployment, jig presentation, and safe retrieval.

Success in night fishing relies heavily on understanding how marine life responds to artificial illumination. Squid are highly visual predators with advanced eyes adapted to low-light environments. When you introduce a UV light source into the water, you are not just illuminating the dark; you are creating a localized food chain. By mastering the setup and execution of this technique, you can consistently locate and catch squid throughout the night.

Essential Gear and Preparation for UV Light Fishing

Before heading out into the humid night air, you must assemble a specialized kit tailored for UV light fishing. The centerpiece of your gear is the UV light source itself. You can choose between a submersible light, which sits directly in the water column, or a floating light that sits on the surface. Submersible lights are generally preferred because they eliminate surface glare and direct all their energy into the water. You will also need a reliable power supply, such as a 12-volt deep-cycle marine battery or a portable power station, depending on your light’s power requirements.

Your fishing tackle should consist of a light to medium-light spinning rod, typically 7 to 8.5 feet in length, paired with a 2000-size or 2500-size spinning reel. Spool your reel with a thin, high-sensitivity braided line, and attach a 1.5-meter leader of fluorocarbon line. The sensitivity of braid is crucial for feeling the subtle touch of a squid, while the fluorocarbon leader remains virtually invisible under water. Finally, you will need a selection of specialized squid jigs, known as egi, which feature double-tier crown hooks instead of standard barbed hooks.

Verification of your equipment is a critical step before leaving the shore. Check the manufacturer specifications for waterproof ratings, ensuring your submersible light carries at least an IPX8 rating, which indicates it is designed for continuous underwater use. Inspect the power cables for any signs of wear, cracking, or exposed wiring. Verify the estimated battery runtime against your planned fishing duration; high-output UV lights can drain batteries quickly, and you do not want to be left in the dark mid-trip.

Safety and compliance must always be your top priority. In the Philippines, local government units and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources regulate municipal waters. Before planning your trip, review local fishing regulations regarding the use of artificial lights for recreational fishing. Some marine protected areas or specific municipal zones restrict night fishing or the use of high-wattage lights to protect local ecosystems. Ensure you have any required local permits and adhere strictly to daily bag limits for squid.

Step-by-Step Setup and Deployment

Once you arrive at your fishing location, whether it is a deep-water dock, a rocky shoreline, or a boat, you must carefully position your UV light. The optimal depth and distance depend heavily on water clarity and current. In clear tropical waters, suspending a submersible light 1 to 3 meters below the surface is highly effective. If you are fishing in a strong current, you may need to attach a small sinker to the light’s tether to keep it from drifting too close to the surface or tangling with your boat’s hull.

Powering up your equipment requires a systematic approach to prevent electrical hazards. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and dry before connecting the light to the power source. If you are using a 12-volt battery, connect the positive terminal first, followed by the negative terminal. Keep your battery or power station housed in a water-resistant utility box to protect it from salt spray, high humidity, and accidental splashes. Never plug or unplug connections with wet hands, and keep the power source elevated off the damp deck or wet shoreline.

Deploying the light must be done slowly and carefully. Lower the submersible light into the water using its dedicated retrieval rope, never by its power cord, unless the manufacturer explicitly states the cord is load-bearing. Ensure the light is positioned away from your boat’s anchor line, propeller, and other fishing lines to prevent catastrophic tangles. Once the light is at the desired depth, secure the rope tightly to a cleat or a sturdy shore fixture, leaving enough slack in the power cable so it is not under tension.

Attracting and Hooking Squid with UV Light

After deploying your UV light, patience is required as the marine environment responds. It typically takes 15 to 30 minutes for plankton and small baitfish to gather in the illuminated zone. Once the baitfish arrive, keep a close watch on the outer edges of the light beam. Squid are stealthy predators; they rarely swim directly into the brightest center of the light. Instead, look for darting shadows, faint translucent shapes, or sudden flashes of color just where the light fades into the dark water.

To present your squid jig effectively, cast it past the illuminated zone and let it sink to the depth where you suspect the squid are hovering. Retrieve the jig by pulling it into the transition zone—the boundary between the UV light and the darkness. Use a rhythmic technique: lift the rod tip sharply once or twice to make the jig dart upward like an escaping shrimp, then let it flutter downward on a tight line. Most strikes occur during this downward fall, so maintain focus as the jig sinks.

Recognizing a squid strike requires a delicate touch. Unlike fish, squid do not swallow hooks; they grab the jig with their tentacles. You will feel a sudden heaviness or a soft, spongy resistance on your line, rather than a sharp strike. When you feel this weight, do not strike aggressively, as you would for a fish. A hard hookset can easily tear the delicate tentacles. Instead, lift the rod firmly and wind steadily to keep constant tension on the line, allowing the barbless crown hooks to hold the squid securely.

Retrieval, Handling, and Safety Boundaries

As you bring the squid close to the surface, avoid lifting it directly out of the water with your rod. A heavy squid can easily tear free or damage a light rod tip. Use a long-handled landing net to scoop the squid from behind. Keep the squid submerged in the net for a few seconds to allow it to discharge its primary defense—its ink—into the sea rather than onto your boat, clothes, or gear.

When handling the squid, be mindful of its sharp beak located in the center of its tentacles. Wear protective gloves to maintain a secure grip on the slippery body and to protect your skin. Keep the squid pointed away from your face, gear, and the UV light housing. Squid ink is highly staining and difficult to clean once dried, especially on textured plastic or fabric. Place the catch immediately into a dedicated bucket or cooler with ice to preserve its quality.

When you are finished fishing, turn off the power source before pulling the light out of the water. Submersible lights rely on the surrounding water to dissipate heat; operating them in the open air can cause rapid overheating and permanent damage to the LEDs or housing. Once retrieved, let the light cool down, then rinse it thoroughly with fresh water to remove salt deposits. Dry the unit completely with a soft cloth before storing it in a ventilated gear bag to prevent mold and corrosion.

Troubleshooting Common UV Fishing Issues

If you do not see any squid after an hour of fishing, evaluate the environmental conditions. High lunar brightness, such as a full moon, can diffuse your UV light’s effectiveness because the surrounding water is already illuminated. Strong currents can also disperse the baitfish. Try adjusting the depth of your light—either lowering it deeper to find cooler water or raising it closer to the surface if baitfish are active higher up. If the water is highly turbid or muddy after a heavy tropical rain, UV light penetration is severely limited; you may need to move to a location with better water exchange.

In the event of a sudden light failure, immediately check your power source. Inspect the battery terminals for loose connections or corrosion caused by salt air. If you suspect water has penetrated the light housing, indicated by internal condensation or flickering, disconnect the power immediately. Do not attempt to turn it back on, as this can cause a short circuit and ruin the electronics. Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for drying and resealing, or contact their customer support.

If your light or jig becomes snagged on an underwater obstacle like a coral head or a submerged branch, do not pull with excessive force. Jerking the line can break the light’s housing or snap the power cable. Slowly maneuver your boat or change your angle on the shore to pull from the opposite direction. If using a boat, gently back up over the snagged area to release the tension naturally, ensuring your propeller remains clear of all lines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a regular flashlight instead of a dedicated UV fishing light?

While a regular white flashlight will attract some marine life, it is far less efficient than a dedicated UV fishing light. White light contains a broad spectrum of wavelengths, many of which are quickly absorbed by water, limiting their penetration depth. UV light operates at a specific wavelength that penetrates deeper and specifically excites fluorescent pigments in plankton and squid jigs. This targeted wavelength creates a much stronger attraction zone, drawing in baitfish and squid from a wider radius.

Does the color of the squid jig matter when fishing under UV light?

Yes, the color and material of your squid jig are highly important when fishing under UV light. Jigs made with UV-reactive or glow-in-the-dark materials absorb the UV light and emit a bright, highly visible glow in the dark water. Pink, orange, and bright green jigs are particularly effective because they contrast sharply against the dark ocean background. When these colors are exposed to UV light, they mimic the natural bioluminescence of injured prey, significantly increasing your strike rate.