Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Fishing => Boats and Electronics => Topic started by: Makule on February 06, 2012, 03:30:05 AM

Title: Underwater light
Post by: Makule on February 06, 2012, 03:30:05 AM
I'm trying to make a light to hang over the side as a fish attractor.  How can I make the wiring connections waterproof (to a depth of about 10')?
Title: Re: Underwater light
Post by: Bryan Young on February 06, 2012, 06:11:05 AM
marine heat shrink tubing has an sealant that melts during the shrinking process and seals the connection.  You can also add some RTV, like the stuff you use for aquariums.
Title: Re: Underwater light
Post by: Dominick on February 06, 2012, 05:24:08 PM
Quote from: Makule on February 06, 2012, 03:30:05 AM
I'm trying to make a light to hang over the side as a fish attractor.  How can I make the wiring connections waterproof (to a depth of about 10')?
Makule:  How much light do you need?  I would get one of those cheap flashlights that takes 2 size D batteries put it in a zip lock bag, squeeze the air out and tie a rope around it.  I don't know if it will work but I think it is worth a try.  Dominick
Title: Re: Underwater light
Post by: Irish Jigger on February 06, 2012, 08:07:06 PM
Try this,cheap with "O" ring sealed battery/s.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Underwater-LED-Fishing-Light-Lure-Squid-Jig-Bait-5ed-/280642780757?pt=UK_SportingGoods_FishingAcces_RL&hash=item41579cfe55#ht_4156wt_954
Title: Re: Underwater light
Post by: Makule on February 06, 2012, 09:11:48 PM
Thanks for the information.  I'll try the heat shrink tubing.  Maybe the RTV will be needed too.

I normally run a 100w 12v bulb with a marine grade socket coated internally with vaseline.  Since the bulbs have been getting pretty junk, I'm trying to switch over to some kind of halogen or even LED.
Title: Re: Underwater light
Post by: Bryan Young on February 06, 2012, 09:18:24 PM
Are you running in Kaneohe Bay torching (sort of) from a boat?

Another thing you could do is wire up the light and seal it all in some resin.  The good, no water gets in.  The bad, once the bulb goes dead, there goes your hard work.
Title: Re: Underwater light
Post by: Jimmer on February 06, 2012, 09:45:09 PM
I used some waterproof electrical tape I got from a local elec supply house to seal all the connections on the pump in my septic system 9 years ago, no problems. I think it was some kind of silicone tape - it might be removable when you need to change bulbs. Good luck - Jimmer
Title: Re: Underwater light
Post by: Makule on February 07, 2012, 05:11:53 AM
No, on the Big Island at the deeeeeep spots and just hanging it over the edge and into the water.  Good for attracting all kinds of interesting things.

Quote from: Bryan Young on February 06, 2012, 09:18:24 PM
Are you running in Kaneohe Bay torching (sort of) from a boat?

Another thing you could do is wire up the light and seal it all in some resin.  The good, no water gets in.  The bad, once the bulb goes dead, there goes your hard work.
Title: Re: Underwater light
Post by: Makule on February 07, 2012, 05:13:20 AM
I tried that some time ago, but it leaked.  Maybe the water pressure was too great (sent it down too deep).  Thank you.

Quote from: Jimmer on February 06, 2012, 09:45:09 PM
I used some waterproof electrical tape I got from a local elec supply house to seal all the connections on the pump in my septic system 9 years ago, no problems. I think it was some kind of silicone tape - it might be removable when you need to change bulbs. Good luck - Jimmer
Title: Re: Underwater light
Post by: Bryan Young on February 07, 2012, 06:03:48 AM
How much light are you looking for?  I was just looking at my costco special tac-lite.  In hawaii, it's going for 3 for $16.  Place a pexiglas cylinder on the end and paint the end black to stop the light from flowing out the end.  Used 3 AAA batteries and you could get rechargables.  100, 200 or 200 blinking lumens.  Could seal with RTV  Send it down on a rope or something.
Title: Re: Underwater light
Post by: Makule on February 07, 2012, 06:39:35 PM
I normally run a 100w 12v bulb

Quote from: Bryan Young on February 07, 2012, 06:03:48 AM
How much light are you looking for?  I was just looking at my costco special tac-lite.  In hawaii, it's going for 3 for $16.  Place a pexiglas cylinder on the end and paint the end black to stop the light from flowing out the end.  Used 3 AAA batteries and you could get rechargables.  100, 200 or 200 blinking lumens.  Could seal with RTV  Send it down on a rope or something.
Title: Re: Underwater light
Post by: Bryan Young on February 07, 2012, 07:45:21 PM
Oh, I was thinking of a light saber of sorts.
Title: Re: Underwater light
Post by: misokat on February 08, 2012, 01:27:22 AM
If U really need a dependable light, get a Hydroglow, we use them for Swordfish, chunking tuna at night and catching squid, have 2 that are 5 plus years old and still work great
Title: Re: Underwater light
Post by: Makule on February 08, 2012, 02:57:20 AM
I like those.  Wonder if I could catch swords in Hawaii.

Quote from: misokat on February 08, 2012, 01:27:22 AM
If U really need a dependable light, get a Hydroglow, we use them for Swordfish, chunking tuna at night and catching squid, have 2 that are 5 plus years old and still work great

Title: Re: Underwater light
Post by: Bryan Young on February 08, 2012, 04:19:21 AM
Sure you can.  I caught my first marlin when I was 16 with my uncle...ok, I was the gaffer, but just the same.  Pacific blue marlin is a beautiful fish.
Title: Re: Underwater light
Post by: Makule on February 08, 2012, 04:21:52 AM
I meant swordfish.

Quote from: Bryan Young on February 08, 2012, 04:19:21 AM
Sure you can.  I caught my first marlin when I was 16 with my uncle...ok, I was the gaffer, but just the same.  Pacific blue marlin is a beautiful fish.
Title: Re: Underwater light
Post by: Marko on January 03, 2013, 05:23:57 PM
i just bought the Hydroglow LED 1 foot.. hope to get good result on 60-100 foot sea..

any success anyone?
Title: Re: Underwater light
Post by: Nuvole on January 30, 2013, 08:18:27 AM
Are you doing a permanent connection or plug/socket.

For permanent connection, google for 3M-130C or any splicing tape.
You need not buy the glue for just one connection, instead use those yellow glue for patching tyre.
Make sure the glue is dry before doing the next layer.

For plug/socket connection, google "EO connector".

Make sure the cable you use are good for underwater use.
Title: Re: Underwater light
Post by: kamuwela on January 30, 2013, 03:51:44 PM
awhile ago i made lights for akule. i drilled out the lid on a peanut butter jar installed the light and sealed it up with r.t.v. i used 1056 automotive bulbs, unscrew the cap and change the bulb.
Title: Re: Underwater light
Post by: spes on January 31, 2013, 01:13:41 AM
I made one of these last year. Cost me about $80
Its a monster

from this article
http://forum.gon.com/showthread.php?t=644744 (http://forum.gon.com/showthread.php?t=644744)

I just float it to attract bait... not trying to get way down there.
Title: Re: Underwater light
Post by: Marko on February 26, 2013, 06:02:07 PM
Quote from: spes on January 31, 2013, 01:13:41 AM
I made one of these last year. Cost me about $80
Its a monster

from this article
http://forum.gon.com/showthread.php?t=644744 (http://forum.gon.com/showthread.php?t=644744)

I just float it to attract bait... not trying to get way down there.


Wow.. Nice ones... sometimes i was eager to to DIY projects like this.. but sometimes "time" issues held me back. even the goods i believe is also available here in jakarta- I'm not willing to have the trial and error process. :D

yesterday i finally successfully conduct a field test of the 1 foot Hydroglow fishing light. well.. it surely attract small tiny fish and small fish in 25 meter of water. I wonder what would the 4 feet hydroglow attracts  ???

as the new generation of hydroglow lights was using LED lamps- I thinks it would has less trouble than the older generation tube lamp. hopefully I can buy the 4 feet version soon as I already see it performs.

Tight Lines ;)