Everyone knows the cliche of the angler proudly showing off their latest catch for the camera.
But who wouldn’t want to have photographic evidence of their trophy catch?
If you’re a serious fishing enthusiast, a waterproof camera is a must-have item on all of your trips, and that’s why we reviewed the best GoPro for fishing.
Here’s The Best GoPro For Fishing, Backed By 19+ Hours Of Research
GoPro HERO 5 (Black)
- Stunning 4k video and 12MP photos in single, burst and time lapse...
- Durable by design, Hero5 black is waterproof to 33 feet (10 meter)...
- Additional GoPro Hero5 black features + benefits below on item page...
Why is it better?
- Jaw capacity is 28 to 4/0
- Pedestal
- Trusted brand
Our Top Picks For Fishing GoPro
With that in mind, let’s now take a closer look at our top picks.
Let’s dive into the specifics and review each camera individually. You can use the list below to jump and review specific models, or you can read along and go through all the information.
Best Overall: GoPro Hero 5 (Black)
- Stunning 4k video and 12MP photos in single, burst and time lapse...
- Durable by design, Hero5 black is waterproof to 33 feet (10 meter)...
- Additional GoPro Hero5 black features + benefits below on item page...
GoPro has released a range of cameras designed for outdoor use. Of the available options, the HERO 5 might not be the newest, but it’s still a pretty good option that could save you money compared to the latest model
You get plenty of functionality and quality for a good price with this model. It delivers 4K30 video and 12MP images, which you can take in Single, Burst and Time Lapse modes.
You can choose from a range of intervals when in Time Lapse mode from 0.5 to 60 seconds.
Like all GoPro cameras, the HERO 5 is durable and tough. It’s waterproof to 33ft/10m without housing, and also comes with a housing for extra protection.
Stabilization ensures you capture smooth footage and images, whether you’re holding or wearing your camera.
Some of the best features for anglers are the controls. The voice control means you can give your camera directions without having to touch it – ideal if you’re holding up a fish you’ve just caught or are even in the middle of catching it.
When you’re not using the voice control, there’s a one-button control to turn on the camera and start recording, and a touch display for previews and playback.
You can send your footage and images to your phone and when you have a GoPro Plus subscription upload it to the cloud too.
Some handy kit comes with this camera, including a couple of different mounts to make it easier to fish and record or take photos at the same time. But there are other options if you’re looking for even more functionality.
PROS
- Superb image quality
- Effective electronic image stabilisation
- Great microphones
- Waterproof without a case (to 10m)
- Additional still image functions
- Improved design
CONS
- Old batteries incompatible
- No EIS in 4K
- Poor touchscreen responsiveness
EXTRA FEATURES
- Waterproof to 10m without a case
- GPS
- 2-inch touchscreen display
- RAW photography and Wide Dynamic Range
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Recording Resolution: 4K
- Photo Resolution: 12 MP
- Waterproof: Up to 33ft
- Weight: 4.2 ounces
GoPro HERO 5 Session
- The GoPro Hero 5 session includes: Hero5 session camera, standard...
- Make sure your GoPro is charged; To charge your camera, use USB cable...
- Additional GoPro Hero5 session features + benefits below on item page;...
The GoPro HERO 5 Session shares a number of similarities with the HERO 5, which is to be expected. But there are several differences that you will definitely want to note if you want to decide between the two.
One difference is that the Session camera is a lot smaller. This is because the HERO 5 Black has a touchscreen, but the Session does not.
If you want to check your footage and photos from the camera, this might be a downside for you. Alternatively, the GoPro Hero 5 Session offers an app so you can connect to your smart phone and view footage and photos in real-time.
The smaller size makes the Session a great choice if you don’t want to have lots of extra gear that takes up space. It is a terrific lightweight option for anglers looking to mount the camera on a chest harness or shoulder mount.
The HERO 5 Session still has many of the features that the HERO 5 has. It records in 4K, but the photos it takes are 10MP, instead of 12MP. However, it still gives you the option of the Single, Burst and Time Lapse modes.
There’s advanced video stabilization and voice control, as well as one-button control. It has the same 33ft waterproof capability, and its strong and rugged both with and without its frame.
As a fishing camera, the smaller size of the GoPro Hero 5 Session means you can mount it in lots of places more easily.
Whether you choose to mount it on your fishing kayak or even on your fishing rod, it won’t get in the way or take up too much space. It measures only 1.4″ x 1.5″ x 1.5″ and weighs just 4.5 ounces.
If you want a small and compact camera for your fishing trips, this one could be for you.
PROS
- Superb image quality
- Effective electronic image stabilisation
- Great microphones
- Waterproof without a case (to 10m)
- Additional still image functions
- Improved design
CONS
- Old batteries incompatible
- No EIS in 4K
- Poor touchscreen responsiveness
EXTRA FEATURES
- Waterproof to 10m without a case
- Electronic image stabilisation
- Voice operation
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Recording Resolution: 4K
- Photo Resolution: 10 MP
- Waterproof: Up to 33ft
- Weight: 4.5 ounces
GoPro Hero 7
- The GoPro Hero 5 session includes: Hero5 session camera, standard...
- Make sure your GoPro is charged; To charge your camera, use USB cable...
- Additional GoPro Hero5 session features + benefits below on item page;...
The latest GoPro cameras on the market are the HERO 7 range. There’s the Black, Silver, White and Fusion. The HERO 7 Black and the Silver and White are all slightly different, while the Fusion is the most different of all.
The HERO 7 Black still features the same rugged construction, with waterproof capability up to 33ft. But it’s also packed full of new functions if you’re looking for something extra.
This camera has live streaming so that you can stream straight to Facebook Live if you want to, and save your live videos to your SD card.
The 8x slo-mo function allows you to see every action-packed moment if you decide to capture some of your favorite fishing moments.
As well as 4K60 video capture and 12MP photos, you get excellent footage with the HyperSmooth video stabilization and crisp photos thanks to SuperPhoto.
TimeWarp Video gives you the ability to capture time-lapse videos as you move, and you can increase the speed by up to 30 times.
The intuitive touch screen and voice control make it easy to control your camera, and the photo camera makes it easy for you to set up a shot and then leave your camera to take it.
You can record vertically, connect to the GoPro app and you still get the different photo modes of Single, Burst and Time Lapse to take the perfect photos.
If you are looking for the latest and greatest in a fishing camera, you’ve come to the right place.
PROS
- Superb image quality
- Effective electronic image stabilisation
- Great microphones
- Waterproof without a case (to 10m)
- Additional still image functions
- Improved design
CONS
- Old batteries incompatible
- No EIS in 4K
- Poor touchscreen responsiveness
EXTRA FEATURES
- Waterproof to 10m
- Offers livestreaming via smartphones
- Timelapse and slo-mo modes
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Recording Resolution: 4K60
- Photo Resolution: 12 MP
- Waterproof: Up to 33ft
- Weight: 4.2 ounces
GoPro Hero
- Stunning video quality: Record gorgeous 1080p30 and 720p60...
- Durable + waterproof to 131 feet (40 meters): Designed to withstand...
- Compatible with all GoPro mounts: 60+ mounts and accessories GoPro...
The original GoPro HERO is worth considering too. You could save yourself a lot of money, and it still offers excellent functionality for many anglers and fishing enthusiasts.
You might be thinking that you don’t need a lot of the things that the newer models offer. The original HERO still gives you plenty of useful functions.
It’s still waterproof to 33ft, takes 10MP photos and has 1440p60 and 1080p60 video. If you’re not bothered about having super crisp 4K video, you could be pretty happy with this.
The camera has a 2-inch touchscreen, although it’s not an “intuitive” screen like those featured in the newer models. It still has voice control and you can connect to the GoPro app to control the camera remotely too, as well as store your photos on your phone.
As with other GoPro cameras, you can get a GoPro Plus subscription to automatically upload your files to the cloud. You can connect to WiFi and use Bluetooth too, just like with other GoPro cameras.
Some of the things this camera lacks include GPS Performance Stickers, live streaming and TimeWarp video. Plus, of course, the video quality isn’t as good. However, if you’re not looking for the latest cutting-edge technology you might find this camera perfect.
Many anglers would be more than happy with this camera and the functionality it offers. It’s not the most high-tech option, but it still does most of the things that the other GoPro models can do while saving you some cash.
PROS
- Decent image quality
- Solid companion app
- 2-inch touchscreen is easy to use
- Waterproof without a case
CONS
- Limited FOV adjustment
- No ProTune exposure adjustment
- Restricted resolutions and frame rates
EXTRA FEATURES
- 10-megapixel still images
- Electronic Image Stabilisation
- Voice controls
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Recording Resolution: 1080p60
- Photo Resolution: 10 MP
- Waterproof: Up to 33ft
- Weight: 4.2 ounces
AKASO V50 Pro
- SUPERB IMAGE QUALITY: Featuring 4K/30fps and 20MP image, your AKASO...
- ELECTRONIC IMAGE STABILIZATION: Built-in Electronic Image...
- OPTIONAL VIEW ANGLE: You can adjust the view angle of this action...
Alternatively, you might not want a GoPro at all. Perhaps if you’re looking for a good fishing camera, you would rather consider an affordable choice from another brand.
The AKASO V50 Pro offers excellent quality, with 4K video recording and 20MP photos. So you get a lot of power for a much lower price if you’re willing to choose a brand that isn’t such a big name in the industry.
In terms of durability, this camera allows you to dive up to 20m/66ft, which is double that of a GoPro.
When you turn on the camera’s Diving Mode, it filters out red light underwater to give an even better picture.
Of course, you might not be doing much diving while fishing, but it’s great to know that it’s a multipurpose camera if you enjoy doing other water-based activities.
It has image stabilization to keep your images and videos clear and crisp. Control it with the intuitive 2-inch touchscreen, as well as wireless control when you use the app and built-in WiFi.
Another bonus for this camera, if you’re looking to capture videos of you fishing, is that it supports an external microphone.
Maybe you’re looking to record some memories or you could be hoping to film something instructional for your YouTube channel. You can share your pictures and video straight to social media using the app.
This camera gives you good quality for a lower price than a GoPro.
Of course, you then don’t get the bragging rights of owning a GoPro, and some people might also prefer a more popular and proven brand. But if you’re looking to save some of your hard-earned coin, the AKASO V50 Pro delivers a lot for a low price.
PROS
- Decent image quality
- Solid companion app
- 2-inch touchscreen is easy to use
- Waterproof without a case
CONS
- Limited FOV adjustment
- No ProTune exposure adjustment
- Restricted resolutions and frame rates
EXTRA FEATURES
- Adjustable Field of View (FOV)
- Capture Highlights without Touching Camera (via remote)
- Instant Share
PRODUCT INFORMATION
- Recording Resolution: 4K
- Photo Resolution: 20 MP
- Waterproof: Up to 100ft
- Weight: 2.9 ounces
Table of Contents
GoPro For Fishing FAQ
GoPro is trending in the fishing community, there are numerous YouTubers and even streamers that use GoPro as their go to camera.
HOW CAN YOU USE GOPRO FOR FISHING?
A GoPro is a great way to memorialize your fishing trip. Here are some expert tips to help you use your GoPro for best effect when fishing:
- If possible, bring more than one GoPro on the fishing trip. Asking your fellow anglers to bring their GoPro will allow you to record the action from a range of angles. Mount the cameras at different strategic points around the boat, including head-mounted and underwater by attaching the camera to a gaffe.
- For the best view of the action, mount your GoPro to your fishing rod.
- When your day’s fishing is over, be sure to back up all of your footage.
- Recharge your battery at the end of every day.
- If you will be filming underwater with your GoPro, you will need to buy an extra flat lens. You will also need to make use of the waterproof housing that ships with your GoPro.
- Use a handheld GoPro to capture fast-moving action.
- When using the handheld, take a variety of wide, tight and medium shots.
WHICH GOPRO IS BEST FOR FISHING?
The best GoPro for fishing is the HERO 5. While not the latest offering from GoPro, the Hero 5 offers a great mix of functionality, reliability, and affordability.
It provides you with a range of wide-angle fields of view. When it comes to getting up close and personal, the Hero 5 provides 4K and 2.7K video formats.
There is also provision for upgraded frame rate options to 1140p, 1080p, and 720p recording modes.
If you are going out on the water after dark, you will appreciate the Night Photo and Night Lapse modes of the Hero 5 GoPro.
In photo mode, you get a truly impressive 30 picture-per-second burst mode. In terms of its waterproof ability, the Hero 5 will go down 33 feet (10 meters) without any housing.
Another great feature is voice control which allows you to provide hands-free direction to the camera.
WHAT GOPRO ACCESSORIES SHOULD YOU BUY FOR FISHING?
The most important accessories for your GoPro when fishing is various mounting accessories to provide the widest range of options from which to capture the action.
You will want a GoPro head strap mount and clip, a mount to fit the GoPro to the bow or fishing rod, a mount for your rod, and a GoPro Gooseneck which allows you to extend to capture hard-to-reach shots.
When shopping for GoPro mounts, look for durability, adjustability, and secure attachment.
CAN YOU ATTACH GOPRO TO YOUR ROD?
Yes, you can mount your GoPro to your fishing rod. You will need a special mount for this purpose.
The mount will allow the GoPro to drop beneath the water and aim directly at the fish hook to give you a superb view of the action.
Once you are over a spot that you are having success with, you will want to mark this spot on your GPS device.
These marks are known as Way Points. To mark a Way Point, simply press the mark button on your device. Then press done. The spot is now recorded on your device.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GPS PLOTTER AND GPS MAPPING?
GPS mapping is only able to provide you with the longitude and latitude of your current location.
But it will not give you any context to your location. However, a chart plotter is able to do much more than this.
It will take your longitude and latitude coordinates and plot them on maps that are stored in its memory.
From there, you are able to search for locations and set a destination. The plotter is also able to suggest an optimal route to your destination.
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