The commercial cod fishery in the Baltic Sea and North Atlantic faces a persistent challenge: how to maintain high catch efficiency while reducing seal damage and gear loss. Traditional gillnets suffer extensive damage from grey seals, and conventional passive fishing gear often underperforms compared to active methods like trawling. Research published in Fisheries Research has demonstrated a scientifically validated solution—mounting green lamps inside floating cod pots increases catch efficiency by an average of 80%, with some test areas showing improvements as high as 108%.
For commercial fishing fleets, marine supply distributors, and pot-fishery operators seeking a maintenance-free, depth-rated green LED solution, the SIKES XC188 Disposable Deep Drop LED Fishing Light delivers the exact wavelength, durability, and deployment simplicity required to replicate these results at scale.
Why Green Light Attracts Cod in Pot and Trap Fisheries
Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) possess a well-documented visual sensitivity to specific light wavelengths. Scientific studies, including photometric research by Anthony and Hawkins (1983), identified two primary sensitivity peaks in cod vision: 490 nm (blue-green) and 550 nm (green-yellow). Green light penetrates deeper in saltwater than other visible wavelengths, creating an effective attraction zone around submerged fishing gear.
Unlike bait, which loses its olfactory appeal within 24–48 hours, a green LED light continues to function as a visual beacon for the entire duration of the soak. Cod approach pots slowly and are influenced by visual stimuli beyond simple foraging behavior—curiosity, the movement of other fish inside the chamber, and the presence of illuminated structures all contribute to entry rates.
The XC188 is factory-tuned with green LEDs as the standard color, matching the spectral range proven most effective for cod attraction. Custom colors including blue, white, red, and yellow are available for OEM orders targeting species with different visual sensitivities.
Research Evidence: Green Lamps Increase Cod Pot Catch Efficiency
A controlled field study conducted between 2008 and 2010 in the southern Baltic Sea compared floating cod pots equipped with green lamps against identical control pots without lights. Key findings included:
- Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) for legal-sized cod (>38 cm) was significantly higher in lamp-equipped pots across both test areas.
- Weight Per Unit Effort (WPUE) increased by an average of 80%, with the Bay of Hanö showing a 108% improvement.
- Pots continued to retain cod long after bait effectiveness had diminished, indicating that visual attraction operates independently of olfactory cues.
- No optimal soaking time was observed within the test range, suggesting that extended deployments with continuous lighting remain effective.
This peer-reviewed evidence establishes green LED lighting not as a speculative accessory, but as a proven catch-efficiency technology for pot-based cod fisheries. The full study is available via ScienceDirect.
How the XC188 Delivers Proven Results for Cod Pot Operations
The XC188 Disposable Deep Drop LED Fishing Light is engineered specifically for commercial deployments where reliability, depth rating, and zero maintenance are non-negotiable.
360° Green LED Visibility
Four high-intensity LEDs are positioned at the top, bottom, and both sides of the housing. This multi-directional layout ensures approximately 360-degree light distribution, maintaining visibility regardless of how the light orients inside a pot chamber. For cod pots deployed in current-prone waters where gear rotation is common, this omnidirectional output eliminates dark zones that could reduce attraction.
Water-Activated Automatic Operation
The XC188 requires no manual switches, external wiring, or crew intervention. It activates automatically within 3 seconds of water contact and switches off after drying. This design reduces accidental battery drain by 15–20% compared to mechanical-switch lights and ensures every unit is operational the moment it hits the water—critical for fleet deployments where hundreds of pots are set simultaneously.
Depth Rating for Baltic and North Atlantic Conditions
Customer-tested at 1,000 meters with a rated range of 1,000–1,500 meters, the XC188 exceeds the depth requirements of floating cod pot fisheries (typically 20–200 meters) by a substantial safety margin. The IP68-sealed Bayer ABS housing with stainless steel components withstands saltwater corrosion and pressure cycling across extended soak periods.
Runtime That Covers Extended Soaks and Season-Long Deployments
- Solid mode: 1,000–1,500 hours (~42–62 days of continuous operation)
- Strobe mode: 4,000–5,000 hours (~166–208 days)
One XC188 in strobe mode can illuminate a cod pot for an entire 6-month fishing season without replacement. For fisheries using shorter soak cycles, the solid mode delivers maximum brightness for multi-week deployments.
Installation Options for Cod Pots, Traps, and Longlines
The XC188 is designed for rapid rigging on commercial fishing gear. Two primary product configurations are available to match different deployment methods:
XC188 with Pre-Attached Hook – Drop-In Ready for Pot Chambers
For operators who need immediate deployment without additional rigging, the XC188 with factory-attached hook allows direct suspension inside pot chambers or attachment to trap entrance panels. The integrated hook eliminates the need for extra fasteners or line modifications, reducing deck preparation time to under 10 seconds per unit.
XC188 Base Unit – Flexible Rigging for Custom Setups
The standard XC188 deep drop LED underwater fishing light features multiple 1.8–3.0 mm line attachment holes and side-locking structures. This configuration is ideal for fleet operators who prefer to customize attachment methods—whether clipping to pot frames, threading through longline branch lines, or integrating with trap rigging systems. Distributors can offer the base unit with a range of aftermarket hooks, clips, and mounting brackets to suit regional gear standards.
For detailed deployment diagrams, rigging recommendations, and species-specific light placement guides, visit the XC188 product landing page.
Technical Specifications for Commercial Cod Fisheries
| Parameter | Specification | Cod Pot Application |
|---|---|---|
| Model | XC188 | Unique SKU with batch traceability |
| LED Color (Standard) | Green | Matches cod visual sensitivity peak at 490–550 nm |
| LED Layout | 4 LEDs: top, bottom, both sides | 360° visibility inside pot chambers |
| Activation | Water-activated, 3-second response | No crew intervention; automatic on/off |
| Runtime (Solid) | 1,000–1,500 hours | Covers 4–8 week soak cycles |
| Runtime (Strobe) | 4,000–5,000 hours | Full 6-month season per unit |
| Depth Rating | 1,000 m tested; 1,000–1,500 m rated | 10× safety margin for typical pot depths |
| Weight | 51 g | Negligible impact on pot buoyancy |
| Dimensions | 3.5 × 9 cm | Fits inside standard two-chamber pots |
| Line Compatibility | 1.8–3.0 mm monofilament | Matches standard pot rigging line |
| Housing | Bayer ABS + SS needle, IP68 | Saltwater corrosion resistant |
| Battery | Built-in 3.7V 3000mAh lithium | Zero maintenance; no charging |
| Certifications | CE, RoHS, IP68 | EU market compliant |
Wholesale, OEM, and Fleet Supply Programs
SIKES Technology Co., Ltd. manufactures the XC188 at an 8,000 m² dedicated marine lighting facility with ISO 9001:2015 certification and monthly output of 50,000 units. All products undergo 100% waterproof pressure testing at 1,800 feet (548 m) simulated depth before shipment.
Stock and Custom Order Tiers
- Stock Green (Solid or Strobe): MOQ 100 pieces — ideal for tackle shops, trial orders, and small fleet outfitting
- OEM Custom Colors & Branding: MOQ 1,000 pieces — custom LED colors, laser-etched logos, printed packaging, barcode labels
- Volume Pricing: Tiered discounts at 500 / 1,000 / 5,000 / 10,000+ units
Lead Times
- Samples: 5–7 days via DHL/FedEx
- Stock orders: 7–10 days
- Custom orders: 20–25 days (standard); 30–35 days (5K–20K); 40–45 days (OEM)
Ready stock of 30,000 XC188 green units is maintained for urgent fleet orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the XC188 green light match the wavelength used in the cod pot study?
Yes. The XC188 standard green LED emits within the spectral range that cod vision is most sensitive to (490–550 nm), directly aligning with the green lamp technology proven to increase catch efficiency by 80% in peer-reviewed Baltic Sea research.
Can the XC188 be used inside floating cod pots without modifying the gear?
Yes. At 3.5 × 9 cm and 51 g, the XC188 fits inside standard two-chamber floating pots without structural modifications. The pre-hooked version attaches directly to pot frames; the base unit threads onto existing rigging lines.
How does water activation work in cold Baltic waters?
The water-activated switch responds to conductivity, not temperature. It activates within 3 seconds in both freshwater and saltwater across the full temperature range of Baltic and North Atlantic fishing seasons.
What is the difference between the hooked XC188 and the base XC188?
The hooked version includes a factory-attached hook for immediate suspension inside pots. The base unit provides line attachment holes for custom rigging—ideal for fleets that standardize on specific clips, brackets, or trap hardware.
Is private-label branding available for distributors?
Yes. OEM services include custom LED colors, laser-etched housing logos, printed retail packaging, barcode application, and multilingual instruction cards. MOQ for custom branding starts at 1,000 pieces.
Does the XC188 require charging between deployments?
No. The XC188 uses a sealed, built-in 3.7V 3000mAh disposable lithium battery. It is designed for single-use deployment across its full runtime. There is no charging infrastructure, no battery replacement, and no maintenance.
Request Your Wholesale Quote
Commercial fishing fleets, marine supply distributors, and pot-fishery operators can access factory-direct pricing with MOQ starting at 100 pieces. To receive an accurate quotation within 24 hours, provide:
- Target order quantity
- LED color (green stock / custom colors)
- Operating mode (solid or strobe)
- Hook configuration (pre-attached hook or base unit)
- Packaging requirement (OPP bag / custom retail box / bulk carton)
- Branding / logo requirements
- Destination country for shipping and compliance
- Required delivery date
Get Your XC188 Wholesale Quote Now →
Or contact SIKES directly: WhatsApp +86 15099905134 | Email: jessiechen002@gmail.com | WeChat: 15099905134
