The goal is not the brightness of the light. The goal is to draw in fish. I prefer to hang a Coleman lantern about 2' over the water about 3' away from the boat. The bugs land on the light, die and drop into the lake. Better if they are wounded and land in the lake, squirm in distress, driving the fish wild. Keeping the light away from me, keeps the bugs away from me. I also use a 12v 12" green fluorescent light and submerge it about 1' below the surface, both draw in bait fish. Bait fish draw in Crappie.
Not sure where you live or fish. However the lakes I fish are 20+ miles from medium cities (100,000 people). It gets dark at night. I don't need a lot of light to light up the area I am in. If there is a lot of light pollution in your area, you may need brighter lights.
HOI Crappie Club
Where family and friends come to compete for a little more than bragging rights.
Quick, someone teach me how to fish so I can win this tournament!!!