Abstract: A method of illuminating a fishing lure employs an illuminator that connects to a fishing line at a leading end and a fishing lure or bait at a trailing end. The illuminator has a light emitting diode (LED) or laser contained within a body having a battery. The light emitter emits a light beam out past the trailing end that illuminates the lure when tension is applied to the leading end such as by trolling, retrieving or drifting. The light beam subtends a narrow solid angle so that the battery energy is only used to illuminate the lure.