Show Contents
Hide Contents
If you are a fishing enthusiast searching for a way to get a greater catch or improve the size, then a drone could be excellent for you. The drone could help you scout areas for fishes, and it could also be used to cast your line into waters that are too far for you to reach especially if you are on the river bank or shoreline.
Using a drone to catch a fish can be done in different ways; one way is sending a drone that has a hook, bait and fishing line attached to it out to your preferred spot for fishing, the drawback about this method is if the fish is big it could pull your drone into the water. The best way is to use a downrigger release clip, when you use this accessory the drone just cast the line and when a fish takes a bite, the force from the bite will make the downrigger clip lets go of the line. You can decide to retract your drone to your position or make a video of your catch.
When choosing a drone for fishing, ensure it has a long battery life, and you could also get spare batteries just in case. The next important step is to make sure the drone is stable enough for fishing; there is a high chance of wind on the sea, and you won’t want a drone that can’t stay with your bait and makes sure its payload capacity is high enough so that your drone doesn’t end up in the ocean.
We have reviewed the top drones for fishing; we chose them based on their quality, ability and price. They should be able to hold your fishing line in place and work for a long time because fishing takes patience.
The Best Fishing Drones Are Reviewed Below
1
DJI PHANTOM 4 PRO
When you talk about fishing with drones, you definitely must mention the DJI Phantom 4 Pro. This is an easy to fly drone that has a battery and flight time of 30 minutes which makes it great for fishing. It also comes with a camera that takes 4K and HD videos and images; it captures videos at a distance of 3.5 miles. If you’re not great at flying drones, you don’t have to worry because the Phantom 4comes with a one key return home feature, it simply means that once you get a bite, you just press the return home button and your drone will go back to where it took off. Crashing your drone shouldn’t be a worry because the Phantom 4 has a five direction obstacle av sensor that will help you prevent collisions.
The frame of this drone is made out of titanium alloys and aluminium to increase its stability and strength during flight, this gives it a powerful lifting system when compared to other drones, and it also has the highest compatibility with a great number of fishing payload systems.
The Phantom Pro has a new technology called Draw. It allows the pilot to draw a route on the control screen, and the drone will move in the same direction as the drawing while maintaining the same altitude.
Key Features:
- Supports 4K videos
- Flight time of 30 minutes
- It comes with a lithium-powered battery
- A maximum distance of 7km and speed of 72 kph
- It has a 3-axis gimbal
- Five direction obstacle sensor
- Automatic take off and landing
- Return to home feature
Specification:
- Brand: DJI
- Model: DJI PHANTOM 4 PRO
- Size: 16*14*9 inches
Pros
- It is easy to operate
- It has a long flight time
- The camera quality is high
- It is made from durable materials
- Comes with avoidance technology
Cons
- It is a bit pricey
- It is bulky making it hard to transport
- Takes a while to set up
2
Swellpro Splash Drone 3
The Swellpro Splash Drone 3 is the first waterproof drone and is made for fishing. It allows you to land the drone on the water and watch the live feed from the camera with the live video monitor which is inside the transmitter. It allows you to find fish above and below the water surface. It comes with a payload release mechanism which saves you the extra cost of getting one. It can carry a payload of up to 1kg, has a maximum range of 1km and has a flight time of 20 minutes. The Swellpro Splash Drone 3 can safely fly in wet conditions because of its S3 flight controller and propulsion system; its flight system does regular checks for errors and uses its redundancy to improve flight stability.
The camera on the Splash drone is fixed and has no tilting camera movement. It is joined directly to the drone with no gimbal, and this may lead to a shaky video, it makes videos in 720p HD.
Key Features:
- Flight time of 20 minutes
- A maximum distance of 1km and speed of 75.6kph
- Has no gimbal
- Camera quality of 720p
- Waterproof
- Automatic take off and landing
- Return home feature
Specification:
- Brand: SwellPro
- Model: Swellpro Splash Drone 3
- Size: 944.88*275.59*748.03 inches
Pros
- It comes with a fishing payload system
- It is waterproof
- Easy to operate
Cons
- It has an average flight time
- Its camera is not the best and has no gimbal
- Its technology is old
- It is a bit expensive
3
DJI Mavic Air 2
The DJI Mavic Air 2 takes power and stability to another level. It has a flight time of 34 minutes and a great camera gimbal system. It has a three direction obstacle sensing system which makes it easy to fly even for beginners and helps prevent crashes. It is compatible with many established fishing payload systems. The Mavic Air 2 uses its spotlight to help the camera focus on a subject and reduce disruptions during flight; its active track also keeps the filming centred.
Its camera has a 48-megapixel sensor and a 3-axis gimbal which allows you to make 4K videos at 60 fps. It has a transmission range of 6.2 miles. This quadcopter comes with additional rotors and an easy-to-use flight controller.
Key Features:
- Comes with a remote controller, RC cables, battery, control stick, a gimbal protector, battery charger and three propellers
- Flight time of 34 minutes
- Speed of 42.3 mph
- Weighs 20.1 ounces
Specification:
- Brand: DJI
- Model: DJI Mavic Air 2
- Size: 7.4*3.8*3.3 inches
Pros
- It is made from new drone technology that improves use
- It comes with great features and a flight time of 34 minutes which is sufficient
Cons
- It is more expensive when compared to other economical options
4
DJI Phantom 3 Quadcopter Drone
The DJI Phantom 3 Quadcopter Drone is an excellent drone for beginners due to how easy it is to use and affordability. This drone will efficiently do everything from taking pictures and videos to scouting for schools of fishes and dropping bait for the fish. Its camera is stabilized and captures 2.7K videos with a 12-megapixel lens; you can also stream live HD images on your mobile device.
It has a flight time of 25 minutes and a payload of 2.6lbs. Its maximum range is half a mile which is more than enough to go fishing.
Key Features:
- Flight time of 25 minutes
- Takes 2.7k videos
- 12-megapixel lens
- Payload of 2.6lbs
Specification:
- Brand: DJI
- Model: DJI Phantom 3 Quadcopter Drone
- Size: 15*14*8.25 inches
Pros
- Easy to fly and operate
- Automatic take off and landing
- Its live feed is impressive
- Great camera quality
Cons
- It has to be updated
- It is a bit pricey
5
YUNEEC TYPHOON H
The Yuneec Typhoon H is unique in its 6-rotor design. It has a flight time of 25 minutes and a range of 1.6km. It is cheaper than most drones but has great features such as its camera’s 4K shooting abilities and its wide-angle lens, which gives you a wider view for spotting schools of fishes. The camera also has the ability to move in a 360-degree angle; this lets you hover your drone and move your camera to find the fish.
Key Features:
- Flight time of 25 minutes
- 4K camera up to 60fps
- A maximum speed of 72 kph and distance of 7km
- 3-axis gimbal
- Five direction obstacle sensor
- Automatic take off and landing
- Return to home feature
Specification:
- Brand: YUNEEC
- Model: YUNEEC TYPHOON H
- Size: 19.6*16.3*13.1 inches
Pros
- The camera can move in a 360-degree angle
- Its landing gear is retractable
- Comes with amazing features
Cons
- Its transmitter is large
- Transportation of the drone may be difficult due to its size
6
VOOCO X-Star Premium Drone with 4K Camera
The VOOCO X-Star Premium Drone comes with a camera that takes 4K videos and photos. It has great flight time and distance range. Its 4K camera has an angle of 108 degrees and a 3-axis gimbal which allows stability and makes it easy to find blind spots. It also sends a live HD transmission over a range of 1.2 miles.
It has an autopilot feature which makes flying this drone so easy. It has a 14. V LiPo battery that makes charging easy and quick.
Key Features:
- 3-axis gimbal
- Return to home function
- Automatic take off and landing
- 4K HD video
- GPS/GLONASS outdoor navigation
Specification:
- Brand: Autel Robotics
- Model: VOOCO X-Star Premium Drone with 4K Camera
- Size: 19.5*19.5*8.5 inches
Pros
- It’s one key feature make flying the drone easy
- It has great stability
- It LCD is brilliant
- It has a flight time of 25 minutes which is sufficient automatically returns home if the battery reaches 25%
- Its colour makes it easy to spot
Cons
- Sometimes communication is lost
- It has no obstacle avoidance sensor
- It is quite bulky and will need a custom case
7
3DR Solo
The 3DR Solo is beginner-friendly, so if you’ve never flown a drone before and would like to try it out for fishing, then this could be the drone for you. It responds well to command and has a series of autopilot modes which takes the burden of flying the drone off you. Sadly the 3DR Solo needs an action camera like the GoPro for it to record footage. You can decide to get the drone and the Go Pro, or you could buy the drone on its own. The upside to this is you can upgrade the camera as new technology comes out.
The 3DR Solo has a maximum speed of 88kph, a 25 minutes flight time and a maximum range of 800m which doesn’t seem like much but should be sufficient enough for you to cast your line out.
Key Features:
- Flight time of 25 minutes
- Automatic take off and landing
- A maximum speed of 88.5kmp
- 2.4GHz frequency
- Five different autonomous flight modes
Specification:
- Brand: 3DR
- Model: 3DR Solo
- Size: 18*18*10 inches
Pros
- Easy to operate
- It is affordable
- Sufficient flight time
- Different intelligent flight modes
Cons
- Requires you to get an action camera
- It doesn’t include a gimbal
8
UpAir One
The UpAir One is the cheapest drone on this list. It has a flight time of 18 minutes and a range of 1km; you could purchase a signal booster if you feel the range won’t do. It makes 4K videos which is amazing for its price. It has a one-key return home feature. The UpAir One is a great drone for fishing, and it won’t break the bank.
Key Features:
- 4K camera
- A maximum speed of 43.2kph and distance of 1km
- 2-axis gimbal
- Altitude hold
- The transmitter comes with a 7-inch monitor
- Automatic take off and landing
- GPS position hold
Specification:
- Brand: UpAir
- Model: UpAir One
- Size: 11.9*11.9*9.1 inches
Pros
- It is affordable
- Features a 4K camera
- Easy to operate
- The transmitter comes with a 7-inch monitor
Cons
- Its gimbal is just 2-axis
- It has a short-range
9
DJI Inspire 2 Quadcopter Starters Bundle Fishing Drone
The DJI Inspire 2 Quadcopter is one of the best drones available on the market. It is great for professional aerial photographers and other uses. It features a 4K camera with a 5.2 gimbal system. It takes videos in H.264 and H.265 formats; It also supports CinemaDNG and ProRes Recording. It has a flight time of 27 minutes, top speed of 94kmh and a maximum range of 6km. It is able to carry a payload that is above average but do not test its limits.
Key Features:
- Flight time of 27 minutes
- 4K camera with 5.2 gimbal
- Obstacle avoidance sensor
- Return home feature
- CineCore 2.0 image processing
Specification:
- Brand: DJI
- Model: DJI Inspire 2 Quadcopter Starters Bundle Fishing Drone
Pros
- It has a heavy payload limit
- It has a great range of distance
- Made from quality materials
- It features advanced obstacle avoidance sensors
Cons
- It is quite pricey
10
Eachine E58
This drone is light and easy to move about. It has foldable arms that are also interchangeable, which makes it convenient and easy to travel with. It features a hold mode which allows you to hover at a particular height and position, thereby letting you takes clear photos and videos from every angle. It sends live video footage to your mobile device. Its headless option allows the front of the drone to act as a remote control; it is excellent for beginners.
Key Features:
- One key automatic take off and landing
- 120 degrees wide-angle 720PHD camera
- 3D flip
- Gravity sensor, trajectory flight and 3D VR function
- A maximum range of 80-100m
Specification:
- Brand: Eachine
- Model: Eachine E58
- Size: 6.69*5.91*2.36 inches
Pros
- It is portable making transport easy
- It is beginner-friendly
- One key automatic take off and landing
- It is affordable
- It takes clear videos which is remarkable for its price
Cons
- Its flight time is 7-9 minutes while its charging time is 60-70 minutes
Buying Guide Questions
What is the best fishing drone?
Our choice for the best fishing drone is DJI’s Phantom 4 Pro. It has all the features needed to fish successfully. It is slightly expensive, but it will give you a great fishing experience. If you are looking for an option that is a bit easier to handle and simpler to control, then an RC Fishing Boat would work well.
How much does a fishing drone cost?
Fishing drones range in price and features. The price of the drone depends on the size and features; it may range from $50 to as much as $1500. It also depends if you are looking for a waterproof underwater drone or an above the ground drone that has some features to assist with fishing.
How does a fishing drone work?
Another resource worth reading is our guide to finding the best places to use an RC Boat, as there are many parallels.
Can you fly a drone over the ocean?
Yes, you can fly a drone over the ocean. Most drones come with VPS, which allows them to map the surface and position the drone properly. It is best to fly the drone two meters above the water surface so that the reflected light doesn’t cause issues.
Related: if you would like to just explore the water first, then an RC Sailboat would do the trick just fine and is much more affordable
Which drone is waterproof?
There are a number of waterproof drones available for purchase. The first waterproof drone was the SwellPro Splash Drone 3 Auto; it can land on water and also do short dives. Other waterproof drones include the GPToys NextX H2O Quadcopter, Autel Robotics X-Star and the Parrot Hydrofoil Mini Drone, some of these drones can fly under the rain while others can glide through water or are splash-proof.
Insider Tip: check out our premium picks of RC Boats on the market today
Can drones get wet?
Only waterproof drones can get wet without any worry. If a non-waterproof drone gets wet, then it is likely that one of its ESCs (electronic speed controllers) will blow. The ESCs regulate the power sent to the motors of the drone. If this happens, the first step to take is to power down your drone and disconnect the battery.
How do you drop a fishing line from a drone?
An efficient way to catch a fish using a drone is by attaching an accessory called a downrigger release clip, you attach this accessory to your drone and let it cast the line then once a fish takes a bite of the bait the weight causes the clip to release the line then you can safely reel in your catch.
Is drone fishing legal in the united states?
According to the International Fish and Game Association (IGFA), it is legal to fish with a drone in the U.S as long as the line detaches from the drone once a fish takes a bite. It is illegal to use a drone to hook and pull a catch out of the water.
Insider Tip: do you only have a few hundred bucks for a drone and cannot afford a full fledge fishing RC drone, then these options will work fine:
Although it also depends on your state and local area and it also includes a fishing license. To be sure you aren’t breaking the law whether it’s a regular drone or fishing drone, go to your local law enforcement and be certain you are within the law before you start using your drone.
Conclusion
Drones are becoming popular in different industries such as real estate, weddings and also fishing. Fishers are starting to get used to the idea of drone fishing because it is an efficient way to increase their catch.
Whether you are a beginner or a pro, fishing drones can help you improve your fishing experience. The first thing to do is to get a drone that has the necessary features for fishing.
A fishing drone is an investment in the right direction, but it is important for you to do your research, so you choose the drone that best suits your needs. Figure out if you just want to try it out or you want to dive into it on a long term basis. When choosing your drone ensure that you consider the technology used in making the drone, the fishing payload capability, if it’s waterproof, its camera, battery life and distance.
The above drones are excellent for fishing whether you’re a beginner or pro, it all boils down to knowing what you need and your budget of course. After getting the right drone for you, all you need is to learn how to control it out on the water.
I hope you enjoyed the article on the best fishing drones and find it informative and useful. We have listed a variety of drones at different price ranges, so now it is left to you to decide your best option.