How Many Bowfishing Lights Do You Really Need? (Setup Guide)

When you’re building a bowfishing setup, the first question everyone asks is: “How many bowfishing lights do I actually need?”

The truth is, it’s not about throwing the most lights on the boat — it’s about using the right number, in the right configuration, with the right brightness, so you can penetrate muddy water, eliminate shadows, and see more fish.

This guide breaks down exactly how many lights you need for different boats, budgets, and water conditions, based on nearly a decade of real bowfishing rig experience.

Quick Answer (Expert Summary)

The “right number” depends on your boat size, water clarity (clear vs muddy), your power choice (generator vs battery), and the type of lights you run.

1) Start With: What Type of Bowfishing Light Are You Using?

Different lights produce different coverage per fixture. In general: better optics + more usable output = fewer lights needed.

Swamp Eye HD (Brightest & Widest Coverage)

• Built for maximum usable visibility (especially in stained/muddy water).
• One high-output light can replace multiple low-output lights because it penetrates deeper and throws a cleaner beam.
• Typical build: 4–6 lights for most boats.

Popular option: Swamp Eye HD Bowfishing Light Kit

Swamp Eye Silent Series (Battery-Only / Efficient)

• Ideal for guys who want all-night runtime without a generator.
• Efficient power draw makes larger light counts realistic.
• Typical build: 6–10 lights for full wraparound coverage.

Popular option: Swamp Eye Silent Series Bowfishing Light Kit

Swamp Eye Gen 2.X Light Bars (Modular / Budget-Friendly)

• Modular “building block” system that’s easy to expand later.
• Great for filling gaps, adding angles, or building on a budget.
• Typical build: 4–8 bars depending on boat width and deck style.

Popular option: Swamp Eye Gen 2.X Light Bar Kit

Submersible Lights (Underwater for Clear Water)

• Excellent in clear, shallow water where underwater lighting shines.
• Not a standalone solution for muddy water — best paired with above-water lighting for bowfishing.
• Typical build: 1–4 submersibles depending on the application.

2) How Many Lights Based on Boat Size

12–14 ft Jon Boat

Recommended: 2–4 lights

• 2–3 lights can be plenty if the output is strong and the placement is right.
• For small boats, beam angle and shadow control matter more than raw quantity.
• Optional: Add 1–2 submersible lights in clear water situations.

15–17 ft Boat (Most Common Bowfishing Size)

Recommended: 4–6 lights

• This is the most common “sweet spot” for coverage and cost.
• Most guys can get tournament-level visibility with the right 4–6 light layout.
• Optional: Add submersibles for clear-water bottom definition.

18–20 ft Boat

Recommended: 6–8 lights

• Bigger boats create more shadow angles — you need more coverage points.
• Wraparound lighting becomes important (front + sides + transition zones).

20–24 ft Rigs / Airboats / Tournament Builds

Recommended: 8–10+ lights

• Maximum reach, fewer “dead zones,” and better visibility at higher boat speeds.
• Common for tournament anglers running wide decks and heavy-duty power systems.

3) Adjust Light Count Based on Water Clarity

Muddy, Stained, or Brackish Water

Rule of thumb: fewer, brighter lights beat “more cheap lights.”

• Penetration matters more than quantity.
• Use warmer tones when needed to reduce glare and improve bottom contrast.
• Dial placement first before adding fixtures.

Clear Water (Lakes, Ozarks, Crystal Water)

Rule of thumb: more angles helps eliminate shadows.

• Clear water creates sharper shadows — additional angles reduce blind spots.
• Submersibles can add major bottom definition in shallow flats.

4) Power: Generator vs Battery

Generator Builds

• Typically run fewer, brighter fixtures.
• Excellent for stained/muddy water where penetration is king.
• Most setups fall into the 4–6 light range when output is strong.

Battery Builds

• Typically run more fixtures with lower draw per light.
• Great for quiet setups and all-night runtimes.
• Most full-coverage setups fall into the 6–10 light range.

5) Recommended Builds (Field-Tested)

Beginner Build (Budget-Friendly)

• 2–4 modular light bars depending on boat width.
• Easy to expand later without replacing your whole system.
• Great for first-time bowfishermen dialing in a layout.

Start here: Swamp Eye Gen 2.X Light Bar Kit

Most Common “All-Around” Build

• 4–6 high-output lights placed correctly (front + sides).
• Enough coverage for most 15–18 ft boats.
• Excellent performance in stained water when tuned correctly.

Recommended: Swamp Eye HD Bowfishing Light Kit

Battery-Only Build (All Night Runtime)

• 6–10 efficient fixtures for wraparound coverage.
• No generator noise and strong coverage when spaced correctly.

Recommended: Swamp Eye Silent Series Bowfishing Light Kit

Tournament Build

• 8–10+ fixtures with aggressive angle coverage.
• Optional: add submersibles when water clarity allows.
• Built for maximum reach and minimal missed fish.

Not sure which system fits your boat? See the Swamp Eye System Comparison Guide

6) Expert Note: You Probably Need Fewer Lights Than You Think

Before you add more lights, focus on:

• Eliminating shadows (add angles, not just brightness)
• Correct mounting height (too high creates glare; too low can shorten reach)
• Correct spacing (reduce “hot spots” and dark gaps)
• Power stability (voltage drop kills performance)

Want a Perfect Light Count for Your Boat?

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