BEST FOR FLY FISHING
Our #1 Choice
BEST MENS WATCH
No other outdoor activity is as relaxing or challenging as outdoor fishing. Not only do you need a plethora of equipment, but you also need the knowledge and know-how to hook your bait, cast, and successfully reel in your catch.
There are also different styles of fishing, including traditional line fishing, angling, blast fishing, ice fishing, and fly fishing. No matter where or how you like to fish, there’s always one thing you should keep in your tackle box: a fishing watch.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide of the best watches on the market so you can worry less about researching your equipment and focus more on the art of fishing.
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Fishing Watches Compared
Preview | Product | Display | Water Resistance | Check Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
SUUNTO Core All Black | Digital | 10 meters | ||
Casio G-Shock | Analog & Digital | 200 meters | ||
Casio Men’s Pro Trek | Analog & Digital | 200 meters | ||
Casio G-Shock G-Rescue | Digital | 200 meters | ||
SUUNTO Traverse Alpha | Digital | 100 meters | ||
Timex Intelligent | Analog | 100 meters | ||
Garmin Quatix 5 | Analog & Digital | 100 Meters | ||
Marathon Watch GSAR | Analog | 300 meters |
Why Invest in a Fishing Watch?
For avid anglers and newbies alike, investing in a fishing watch gives you more than just time-telling capabilities while out on the water. Many of these wrist devices provide information that’s essential to a successful day’s catch, including GPS location, temperature, tides, and even moon phases.
You might also find that many of the watches we've reviewed below are made from reliable water-resistant materials and are packed full of features that include barometers, thermometers, altimeters, timers, and bright-display settings.
Choosing Quality Fishing Watches
Durability
When picking out the right fishing watch for your style of fishing, consider a device that’s durable and can withstand various water pressures and impacts. Different watches are constructed differently, and not all are made from the same durable materials, which is why you'll need to investigate this before committing to a fishing watch.
Quality & Design
Your fishing watch should be made well and should come with some basic design elements, including a water-resistant case, a durable bezel, backlit display, and comfortable strap. Just like anything else, you'll be able to tell the difference in quality if something is cheaply made. Also, consider how often you plan to fish and use the watch to best determine which model is right for you.
Comfort
Fishing gear should be comfortable to wear for hours on end. This includes your fishing watch. Look for bands that are made from breathable, water-repellant materials and watch heads that are lightweight. The band's width depends on your wrist size, so make sure it sits comfortably above the wrist bone and allows you full movement.
Water Resistance
A majority of fishing watches will have some sort of water-resistance and are considered waterproof, but their effectiveness varies between models. Some watches will be able to withstand up to 650 feet of water, while others can only handle a few splashes or light rains.
Battery
Battery type and life span will play a significant role in helping you determine which fishing watch to purchase. There are different brands on the market, including Sony, Energizer, and Retina. Some watches even come with solar-powered battery packs that require the sun's heat to recharge.
Built-in Features
Not all fishing watches come with the same built-in features. Depending on where you like to fish or your style of fishing, you may want to look for watches that have GPS, tidal charts, different fishing modes, and even temperatures, so you know when it's the right time to fish.
Price & Warranty
With a fishing watch, you’ll be investing in the value of the watch. It’s essential that you understand all the benefits and features you’re getting for the different price points. You should always check into the warranties provided and how they might affect your buying decision.
8 Best Fishing Watches Reviewed
1. SUUNTO Core All Black
Our Top Pick!
Display | Digital |
Band Width | 25.4 millimeters |
Band Material | Elastomer |
Water Resistance | 10 meters |
Key Feature | 2-yr warranty |
Weight | 2.26 Ounces |
At the top of our review list is the best fishing watch—SUUNTO Core All Black Military watch. This sleek black digital timepiece is an essential part of any angler's tool kit and provides all of the necessary weather information you'll need. Whether you're heading down to the lake or up to the rivers in the mountains, the SUUNTO Core fishing watch will help you navigate the terrain and be prepared for any unexpected weather changes.
The SUUNTO name has been around since 1936 and has been at the forefront of design and innovation for sport watches, diving computers, and sports instruments around the world. This timepiece is no exception.
Packed full of features, the SUUNTO Core wristwatch displays altimeter readings to gauge your climb, barometer measurements so you can stay ahead of the storm, and sunset and sunrise times for over 400 worldwide locations so you can take advantage of all the daylight possible. Set your alarm for reminders, and track temperatures changes with the built-in thermometer.
The SUUNTO Core sports a smooth rounded case with a rotating bezel that allows you to track time and water depths. The 25.4 mm black elastomer band adds another level of comfort and gives you a full range of wrist movement, so you cast and reel in with little restrictions. This model also comes in a variety of colors.
Pros
Cons
2. Casio G-Shock
Best Watch for Fly Fishing
Display | Analog & Digital |
Band Width | 29 millimeters |
Band Material | Resin with tang buckle |
Water Resistance | 200 meters |
Key Feature | 10-year battery life |
Weight | 2.08 Ounces |
As one of the oldest watch brands in the world, Casio uses only the best in Japanese quartz movements for all of its G-Shock series models, including the GA110-1B with an extra-large display. This watch is built to last and is resistant to both mechanical shock and vibration.
This model sports an intimidating yet stealthy black design so you can be fishing discreetly in any location. Perfect for any style of fishing, this watch is known in the angler world as the best watch for fly fishing. Its resin watch band and metal clasp make it comfortable to wear during any fishing excursion as well as any sporting activity.
The G-Shock GA110-1B is extremely durable and can withstand drops of 10 meters and has a 10-bar water resistance rating. This watch is also perfect for anglers who don’t want to worry about battery life and is equipped with a battery that can last 10 years.
As the best watch for fly fishing, any rodman can appreciate the G-Shock for its level of water resistance. This model can withstand submersions of up to 200 meters. With a stationary bezel and water-tight case, you won’t have to worry about damaging the analog and digital movements that give you all the readings you need for a successful fishing trip.
Pros
Cons
3. Casio Men’s Pro Trek
Best Men’s Style Fishing Watch
Display | Analog & Digital |
Band Width | 16 millimeters |
Band Material | Resin with tang buckle |
Water Resistance | 200 meters |
Key Feature | Solar-Battery Charged |
Weight | 16 Ounces |
The Casio Pro Trek is the best men's fishing watch and features a stylish resin band and a durable sapphire crystal over an analog and digital display. If you're looking for a tough timepiece that gives you all the features you need for fishing, this is your watch.
Even world travelers turn to the Pro Trek since this watch keeps time with more than 31 different time zones and includes 48 different city settings. Athletes and anglers alike find the display of this watch easy to read, and with just the push of a button, the timekeeping hands move aside for you to view the digital display settings easily.
As a solar-powered timepiece, the Pro Trek is appealing to those who are looking to get the most out of daylight. You’ll never have to worry about losing any juice while fishing in the early dawn hours. The solar battery enclosed holds power for more than five months when utilizing all the settings, and for nearly two years when in power-saving mode.
Avoid sudden downpours and navigate your way through various terrains with the built-in compass, altimeter, and barometer. The low-lit back display button allows you to quickly view your readings in the dark or the evening light without disturbing the fish.
Pros
Cons
4. Casio G-Shock G-Rescue
Best Casio Watch for Fishing
Display | Digital |
Band Width | 28.3 millimeters |
Band Material | Resin with tang buckle |
Water Resistance | 200 meters |
Key Feature | Bright Red Color |
Weight | 1.55 Ounces |
With a full digital display, the Casio G-Shock G-Rescue timepiece is the best budget Casio watch for fishing. We've included it on our list because of its attractive bright red color and exceptional features or the price. Many fishers have used this watch for either casual fishing trips or snorkeling around the reefs on vacation.
This watch comes with two separate 999.999-hour stopwatches and one 24 hour timer. You can also stay informed about the moon and tide movements, mapping when the fish will likely be biting based on these shifts. Take this watch wherever you go and change the time settings to match one of 48 different time zones stored in the memory.
No matter the age of an angler, the G-Shock G-Rescue is perfect for anyone. It’s especially popular with the younger ones who are looking for a flashy and stylish watch that’s easy to read. The durable band comes with two wings on the underside near the case, securing it snuggling to smaller wrists or adding additional comfort to those with larger wrists.
Similar to the other G-Shock models, the G-Rescue is water-resistant up to 200 meters or 660 feet. It's perfect for those who like to fly fish or deep-sea fish. Some users have even found this watch useful during snorkeling trips and shallow-water diving trips around reefs.
Pros
Cons
5. SUUNTO Traverse Alpha
Best GPS Watch for Fishing
Display | Digital |
Band Width | 22 millimeters |
Band Material | Nylon Textile with Tang Buckle |
Water Resistance | 100 meters |
Key Feature | Calendar function & Bluetooth capabilities |
Weight | 12.8 Ounces |
Being out in the wilderness takes skill, concentration, and the guidance from the technology right on your wrist. With the SUUNTO Traverse Alpha watch, you get the best GPS watch for fishing and hunting. With an unimposing black case and textured bezel, this watch is more than a piece of equipment—it's a statement piece.
The sapphire crystal is scratch-resistant and provides more clarity for the digital screen that displays useful functions such as sunrise and sunset alerts, moon phases, and barometric pressure readings. The automatic breadcrumb trail allows you to track your way through any terrain and then find your way back to your original starting point.
The Traverse Alpha is one of the best fishing watches on the market, and the textured bezel hides scratches more efficiently than models in the past. Handmade in Finland, this timepiece is tested against military standards and comes with a durable nylon strap that gives you more wear security. The design of this watch also includes a discreet built-in flashlight so you can light your way with the pinch of a button.
The GPS mapping feature allows you to mark specific points along your path so you can make your way back to the most successful hunting and fishing areas during your excursion. You can even track the altitude levels, and the barometric alarm will sound when the weather shifts. You can also receive mobile notifications and see incoming calls with the Bluetooth connections.
Pros
Cons
6. Timex Intelligent
Best Tide Watch for Fishing
Display | Analog |
Band Width | 16 millimeters |
Band Material | Silicon or Fabric with Tang Buckle |
Water Resistance | 100 meters |
Key Feature | INDIGLO Night-Light |
Weight | 3.2 Ounces |
Known as the ultimate accessory for tech-savvy professionals who love adventures, the Timex Intelligent Quartz Tide Temp Compass watch is on our list for being the best tide watch for fishing. Since 1854, Timex has been developing watches for every occasion, and this model is no different.
With an aesthetically appealing 45mm case and analog dial, the Intelligent Quartz Tide Temp Compass watch comes with an accurate internal compass with an adjustable declination angle so you can rest assured that it's guiding you in the right direction no matter where you're at. This model also comes with either a comfortable and stylish silicone strap or a fabric strap that goes with any outdoor gear.
Whether you prefer to fish in the light spring air or are planning a trip out to the middle of a frozen lake, the temperature sensor in the Intelligent Quartz gives you readings in both Celsius and Fahrenheit. It can measure the air temperature as well as the water temperature, so you know exactly what you’re in for. The INDIGLO night-light activates with the press of a button and gives off the faintest glow, so you can easily track your movements without disturbing the fish.
Timex supports all of their watches with a one-year International warranty. They’ve also ensured that all of their timepieces are equipped with the best technology for the price. If you’re looking for a high-quality watch that can give you everything you need for a summer fishing trip, this is the one for you.
Pros
Cons
7. Garmin Quatix 5
Best Smartwatch for Fishing
Display | Analog & Digital |
Band Width | 22 millimeters |
Band Material | Steel or Silicone with Tank Buckle |
Water Resistance | 100 meters |
Key Feature | Smartwatch |
Weight | 3.04 Ounces |
For anyone who practically lives on the water during the summer months or all year round will love the Garmin Quatix 5. This is the best smartwatch for fishing, but it's also perfect for those who like to track their swim times, water temperatures, heart rate, boating data with their other Garmin gear.
When you connect this smartwatch to your phone or other Garmin boating and fishing gear, you'll have access to autopilot controls, remote waypoint markings, and can see wind patterns that could affect the choppiness of the water. This kind of information is essential for those who love to deep-sea fish, canoe on the lake, or kayak through those mountain rivers.
The Quatix 5 comes equipped with a rechargeable battery that will operate for up to two weeks in smartwatch mode, up to 24 hours in GPS/HR mode, and up to 60 hours with the wrist heart rate monitor. Its water-resistant case ensures that your battery and all the interior components remain water-tight up to 100 meters.
As a smartwatch, the Quatix 5 is crafted and designed with the end-user in mind. A fiber-reinforced polymer case durable and supported by a stainless-steel bezel. The 1.2” display is covered with a strong and reliable sapphire crystal.
Pros
Cons
8. Marathon Watch GSAR
Best Watch for Fishing & Hunting
Display | Analog |
Band Width | 20 millimeters |
Band Material | Rubber with Tang Buckle |
Water Resistance | 300 meters |
Key Feature | Automatic movement |
Weight | 4.02 Ounces |
The Marathon Watch GSAR comes in as the best watch for fishing and hunting with an analog dial. The automatic movement in this timepiece keeps accurate time, and the entire piece is water-resistant up to 1,000 feet. Made in La Chaux de Fonds Switzerland, the GSAR is also known as the best search and rescue diver's watch in this price range. It's widely popular with the United States Marine Corps and can withstand extreme conditions, making it the perfect addition to your camping and fishing gear.
The case of the GSAR is made from 316L surgical grade stainless steel and built to be reliable under any condition. The stylish black dial is covered by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal and can easily be read under direct sunlight or underwater. This ensures you'll be able to hunt and fish with ease without relying on pushing buttons for back lights.
If the durability isn't enough for you, the quality of this timepiece should be. The sleek stainless-steel case and black bezel insert complement the black Arabic dial. No one will know that you're wearing a watch that's meant to be used for fishing or diving. It also comes with an easy-to-set date and time screw-down crown, adding to the water-resistance of the entire timepiece. Enjoy this watch on either the standard rubber strap or upgrade to a stainless steel band or leather option.
Pros
Cons
How to Use & Setup a Fishing Watch
Each configuration of these watches is slightly different, especially with ones that have different modes, pushers, and features. On many of these models, the tide and moon phases can be set by pulling out the crown and pushing the top button to engage that mode. High tide is indicated at 12, and low tide is indicated at six.
Markers along the bezel indicate how many hours until low or high tide. For other features and how-to’s, we suggest you check out additional manufacturing guides and tutorials such as this one for the Timex Intelligent.
Watch Cleaning & Maintenance
Each of these timepieces can either be worn daily or sported only while on the water. Either way, you'll want to care for your watch properly to ensure longer battery life and limit corrosion that can occur if not dried properly.
Other steel or metal portions of your watch could get scratched or hold onto chemicals that could cause skin irritants. To ensure that your watch stays in tip-top shape, always rinse it off after every trip to the lake and dry it off with a towel. You should also limit the exposure to:
To find out more about how to care for your model, be sure to read through the manual or booklet. You can also find associated resources online.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What is the optimal water resistance rating in fishing watches?
The optimal water resistance rating for a fishing watch is more than 300 meters, but not all of them come with such guarantees. If you're looking for a simple watch to wear for a weekend trip, stick to ones that are water-resistant up to 100 meters.
Are GPS watches reliable?
GPS watches are fairly accurate under good conditions. Under harsh weather or cloudy days, you may find that your GPS location is not as accurate but can still pinpoint your approximate coordinates.
How do tide watches work?
For analog watches, a tide indicator is a single hand that completes a full, 360-degree rotation in 12 hours and 24 minutes—or the average time it takes to complete half a tide cycle. For digital watches, a graph displays the direction and height of the tide to give you information on high and low tide times.
How do you read a tide graph?
To read the tide graph on your watch, check out the manual or owner’s booklet. To find out more about tide graph reading, check out this article from BoatUS.
What is the difference between a regular sports watch and a fishing watch?
Sports watches generally don’t come with the barometer or altimeter readings that you’ll find in fishing watches. You’ll also find more advanced stopwatch features in a sports watch.
Where is the best place to buy these watches and other fishing accessories?
If you’re looking for the best deal online, shop for all of your fishing gear and a new watch through Amazon.
Conclusion
With the right fishing watch, your outdoor adventure can take you to new heights and new locations. You can even find excitement fishing in different hours of daylight with the right gear to guide you. While all of these models will get the job done, the SUUNTO Core is still our number one. You won’t regret it’s all-black design and all of the features that are packed into its interior.