Night Fishing Newbie

So, I'm thinking about doing some night fishing this summer. I've never done it before, so I have a lot of newbie questions.

First, if you were to buy a fish-attractor light for night fishing, what would you recommend? I've been looking at the green LED lights on ebay and such. Are they a good option, how big/bright should I get, which are quality, which are junk, etc. I'd like to buy once and be done :)

Second, how late do you have to stay out for this to work? I've read it takes some time for the lights to setup the food chain. I'm a morning person, tend to get up at 6am no matter what time I go to sleep. Combine that with family and work commitments and I'm not able to stay out all night without turning into a grouchy monster the next day. So maybe this just isn't for me? That's ok, I'd rather know before I invest time and money!

Thanks for any hints and tips!

PP, before you spend any money come on down and fish with the South Carolina group, you can learn a lot and see what works for them. I've only done a few nites trip and really enjoy going, like you I need my sleep so I don't plan much for the next day cuz I usually don't get home and in bed till 2am after fishing till 12:30.
Keep an eye on the South Carolina board for the next trip and you can probably get a ride with someone

To save on the wallet and see if this is for you I recommend getting a couple of cheap styrafoam floating lights first and something to see your rods with, give it a couple trips and see if style of fishing is for you. Or like ScooperDude said go fishing with the SC gang, I have nite fished for years and these guys know there stuff and have learned a few things from them. It is a good time with some good people willing to help:highfive

Ppowel, I have two floating lights that I'll give you to start out with if we can meet up somewhere.

Been nightstalking for many years, love it, I use one 9" green light, put a chum bag out at sunset to start the ball rolling, usually takes about an hour to get the Crappie going, fish right outside the range of the light, one rod only, I keep my light about 2 foot down, fish are caught about 7 to 10' down mostly, drop it down very slow, they will pick it up on the way down, fish around the new moon not full, you want it dark, dont have any lights on while fishing, bugs will kick your ass, I have a head light for putting bait on and unhooking fish, Awesome way to Crappie fish, very exciting @ night, but know your lake/location. love my Waypoint light for getting home,
Stay safe

albie - when we going? What you chum with? Surprised it doesn't bring in the cats.

Cheerios, lol mostly dried bread, it does bring in the cats, and Largemouths too, the key is finding bait around first,

So much to learn, I didn't know you were suppose to chum :)

I'd like to meetup with a group, but my schedule is so unpredictable I usually have to go on a whim. I'll keep my eyes out though!

Never used chum. What ya use for it ? .

I use it to bring the plankton in, the bait follows, then up the food chain we go, I put my end pieces of bread in the freezer thru the year,
every 10-15mins I give it a shake, been doing it for years with great success.