Brand Comparison

Best GoPros For Fishing Reviewed

Need a waterproof camera for documenting your catch? We have reviewed the best GoPro’s for fishing. Our guide covers the original brand plus more.

by Andrew

Brand Comparison

Best GoPros For Fishing Reviewed

Need a waterproof camera for documenting your catch? We have reviewed the best GoPro’s for fishing. Our guide covers the original brand plus more.

by Andrew

by Andrew

Fishing enthusiasts always have that one catch they are proud of. If you love fishing, no matter what kind of fishing you are into — your tales often include the milestones you triumphed, from picking up a signal on your fishfinder to reeling in the catch on your boat with the help of a marine GPS

Wouldn't it be way better if you could share your experience with video footage? With a GoPro waterproof camera, you actually can! When on the market to buy a good GoPro, you will come across a variety of options, and deciding on the right camera may seem tough.

To help you make a good decision, we reviewed and compared the best GoPro for fishing units on the market. Read our complete guide to learn about GoPros and to pick a camera that is right for you.

Preview

Product

Video Quality

Battery Life

Check Price

GoPro Hero4 Silver

GoPro

HERO 4 Silver

1080p 60 & 

720p 120

1hr 40 m

GoPro Hero5 Black — Waterproof Digital...

GoPro

HERO 5 Black

4k video

2 hrs

GoPro HERO6 Black — Waterproof Digital...

GoPro

HERO 6 Black

4K video

1 hr 40 m

GoPro Hero7 Black — Waterproof Action...

GoPro

HERO 7 Black

4k video

2 hrs 30 m

GoPro HERO Session Waterproof Digital Action...

GoPro

HERO Session

1080p

Up to 2 hours


Benefits Of GoPro Cameras When Fishing

Once you get your hands on the best GoPro camera for fishing, you will be amazed by how much it has to offer as opposed to standard cameras. Here are some of the benefits of a GoPro:

  • The best GoPro for hunting and fishing has a touchscreen LCD to adjust angles
  • GoPro cameras have big buttons for ease of use when mounted on your head
  • All recorded videos are in high-definition, so you get a crisp footage
  • You don't need another person to take snaps or record videos
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity to transfer and share files
  • You can buy the best GoPro accessories for fishing to improve your overall recording experience
  • GoPros can record underwater footage
  • GoPro fishing cameras can help capture memories such as your child reeling in his first catch, or your family BBQ on a pontoon boat
  • You can share the recorded adventures with friends and family

Selecting Quality Underwater Fishing Cameras

Durability & Protection

There are many alternatives to a good GoPro, but they are nowhere near to the build quality and functionality needed to record your fishing adventures. Have you seen the dynamic first-person videos recorded by skydivers, deep-sea divers, anglers, cyclists, motorists, snorkelers, skateboarders, and other adventure-seekers — they all use a GoPro because it is the best camera for water sports.

Because they are waterproof cameras and come with different IPX ratings – the higher the score, the more depth can be reached. Nonetheless, the minimum depth is 10 meters, which is enough for most people. If you want to go even more deep like 40 to 60 feet, you can use accessories such as the Dive Housing BacPac Backdoor.

Quality of Footage

Since fishing involves being in or near water, you need to choose a camera that can record and produce high-quality footage, even in unstable conditions. The best GoPro for fishing videos are so accurate that they can capture the smallest of details, such as droplets falling from your reeled in fish. This is only possible if you get a camera that offers HD and 4K resolution that is 1280 x 720 pixels and 3840 x 2160 pixels, respectively.

Smooth shots from your camera also depend on the frames-per-second, and when using a GoPro for fishing, you need to get your hands on a camera that offers at least 60 FPS, some of the best GoPro for fishing offer even 120 FPS. Your focus should be on the fields of view for GoPro ice fishing and other types of fishing. A good camera can provide angles of 90, 127, and 170 degrees for all-around footage.

Water Depth

Wondering are all GoPros waterproof, or how deep can they go? Well, we are delighted to inform you that a GoPro is the best camera for water sports, as all of its models are waterproof. So whether you are fishing or looking at nature up close, you will be happy to know that a GoPro can be your best friend. It can be submerged up to 60 meters underwater and is ideal for fly fishing.

Ease of Use

Setting up a standard camera takes time, plus you need to get accustomed to its different features to choose between the right modes. And time is of the essence when it comes to fishing; you don't want to miss out on a possible catch while you are busy setting up your camera. That's not the case with GoPros; in fact, you get the best GoPro settings for fishing or best GoPro settings for fly fishing right out of the box with most devices.

So when short on time, you just need to press the record button and start filming. All thanks to the screen, adjusting angles for a holistic shot can be done in real-time. You do not require a cameraperson to record your adventures. Many mounting options allow hands-free operations, so you should check out the best GoPro mounts for fishing available in the market.

Connectivity (Wi-Fi & Bluetooth-Advanced Sharing Options)

The best GoPro for hunting and fishing comes with wireless connectivity. There are built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi options so you can transfer videos and photos to your handheld devices and share them with other people. It can be a deciding factor on your purchase since not all GoPros come with connectivity options. You can sync your GoPro with the GoPro app — and editing your footage and sharing it could not be any easier!

Memory & Storage

Even the best GoPro for fly fishing, ice fishing, or kayak fishing is not that blessed with much internal storage. You may need to rely on external storage to avoid running out of storage. To avoid interruptions in your recording, get your hands on an SD card with good storage. So even when there is limited space on internal storage, you can continue recording.

Battery Power/Life

When fishing often, you have to patiently for that perfect tug on the reel. The problem is that the process can stretch for hours, and your GoPro won't stay on for that long. You can get about two hours from a juiced-up GoPro, which, to be honest, does not sound like a lot of time, so you need to power it up and start recording at the right time. Your best bet is to keep extra batteries and use them.

Here is the expected run-time for each GoPro Battery:

GoPro Model

Battery Time

GoPro Hero4 Session

1h 45m

GoPro Hero4 Silver

1h 40m

GoPro Hero4 Black

1h 20m

GoPro Hero5 Session

1h 35m

GoPro Hero5 Black

2hrs

GoPro Hero6 Black

1h 40m

GoPro Hero7 Black

2h 30m

GoPro Hero Session

Up to 2 hours

Remember, the higher the resolution, the faster the battery depletes.

Price & Warranty

When in the market to buy a camera to record your fishing adventures — you may come across many options; however, the bottom line is that nothing compares to the quality of footage from a GoPro. Hence, they are a little expensive.

The best GoPro for fishing units available on the market cost anywhere between $130 to over $300. A good GoPro should also have ample warranty. Things can get rough when at sea, so make sure you get good warranty coverage with the device.


5 Best GoPros for Fishing Reviewed

After filming for hours at a stretch and taking a variety of shots — we have narrowed down our reviews to the best GoPro units available.

1. GoPro Hero4 Silver

On Sale Today GoPro Hero4 Silver
Best Camera For Water Sports

Video Quality

1080P 60 & 720P 120

FPS

1080p at 60 FPS

 720p at 120 FPS

Water Resistance

With housing 131 feet (40 meters)

Battery Life

1h 40m

Resolution

12 Megapixels

Warranty

One-year

The device that stood out the most to us, and the top pick in our best GoPro for fishing reviews, is the GoPro Hero4 Silver. Without a doubt, it is the best camera for water sports and anglers. You will realize how convenient using a GoPro is as opposed to other cameras if you purchase this device. The device was the first GoPro to feature an LCD touchscreen, and it can record 4K videos.

Not only is the footage clear when bright and sunny, but also the quality remains intact in darkness — all thanks to the GoPro night-lapse function. The GoPro Hero4 Silver has a wide-angle view and records 1080p videos at 60 FPS and 720p videos at 120 FPS, and the still camera takes snaps at 30 FPS.

Sharing recorded footage with friends and family or transferring it onto the cloud, your social media, or your handheld devices is quite convenient. After getting the hang of your device, you can quickly narrow down to the best GoPro Hero 4 settings for fishing that matches your requirements. The LCD makes it possible to view, edit, and share videos and images right then and there from the camera.

The GoPro Hero4 Silver has a QuickCapture feature, Protune, and SuperView Technology, so you get to trim and edit videos from your GoPro. If you are wondering how deep can a GoPro Hero 4 go? You will be pleased to know that it can go as deep as 131 feet or 40 meters, which is why we feel this is the best camera for water sports.
Pros
  • Easy controls and playback option
  • GoPro built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
  • Made from durable material
  • Excellent still shots
  • Records at high resolutions and FPS
Cons
  • Some users do not like the casing of the product

2. GoPro Hero5 Black

Best GoPro For Fishing Videos

Video Quality

4k video

FPS

4k videos at 30 FPS

 1080p slo-mo at 120 FPS

Water Resistance

33 feet (10 meters)

Battery Life

2 hours

Resolution

12 Megapixels

Warranty

One-year

Coming in at number two in our best GoPro camera for fishing reviews is the GoPro Hero5 Black, and we feel this is the best GoPro for fishing videos. It is a beast of a device that is easy to use due to its highly accurate response, and the footage and photos are explicit as they can be. You can quickly learn how to operate the GoPro Hero5 Black waterproof 4k action camera, courtesy of a good touchscreen view, which allows you to change and choose settings.

The GoPro Hero5 Black has a built-in GPS with some revolutionary technologies so your video can be geotagged with coordinates.  Also, the audio quality is excellent and picks up all sounds in close proximity.

GoPro Hero5 4k waterproof camera allows you to edit and share videos seamlessly — thanks to the built-in connectivity options, all snaps are automatically uploaded on your GoPro Plus cloud account, or you can transfer the pictures to your phone, tablet, or PC.  You do not need to be a professional editor to make changes to your recording and images — just download the GoPro editing app, and you can do it yourself.

If you want to up your GoPro game, read up our top 10 best GoPro editing apps piece to learn new tricks.  And if you are wondering — is the Hero 5 waterproof? Well, GoPro Hero 5 waterproof can be submerged up to 33 feet (10 meters,) and with the GoPro HERO5 Super Suit, it can be lowered to depths of 196 feet (60 meters).

Pros
  • A waterproof and durable device
  • Easy to operate
  • Playback option
  • Captures stable videos
Cons
  • Some users feel the camera should have a frame to use a selfie stick

3. GoPro HERO6 Black

Best GoPro For Fly Fishing

Video Quality

4k video

FPS

4k at 60 FPS

 1080p at 240 FPS

Water Resistance

33 feet (10 meters)

Battery Life

1 hour 40 minutes

Resolution

12 Megapixels

Warranty

One-year

When it comes to fly fishing — it’s more about the experience you have. If a fish falls for your bait, just imagine how fun it would be to capture the footage in high definition. This is possible with the GoPro HERO6 Black, which is why it ranks third in our best GoPro for fishing reviews, and if you ask us, it is the best GoPro for fly fishing.

Filming could not be any easier, thanks to the many features and standard parts of this GoPro. Despite you having little know-how of action cameras, you can record like a pro with its easy-to-use functions.  GoPro Hero 6 Black’s still image quality is simply perfect – it has a custom GP1 Chip that allows for stable and smooth videos and images – and also enhances the quality of the picture.

When it comes to filming, you have a choice between 4K at 60 FPS and 1020p at 240 FPS, at these rates, even if you slow down the video, the quality is not affected. The Quickstrokes feature lets you capture and edit the footage from the GoPro app. You can also transform your burst shots into a timelapse video.

If you are wondering: Is the Hero 6 black waterproof, or can the GoPro Hero 6 go underwater? It brings us much pleasure to inform you that without housing, it can reach depths of 33 feet (10 meters), and with a Super Suit housing, it can go as low as 60 meters.

Pros
  • Compact and lightweight
  • User-friendly interface
  • Features a fast image processor
  • Has slow-motion recording option
Cons
  • Many users feel the product is a little expensive

4. GoPro HERO 7 Black

Best GoPro For Kayak Fishing

Video Quality

4k video

FPS

4K at 60 FPS

2.7K at 120 FPS

 1080p at 240 FPS

Water Resistance

33 feet (10 meters)

Battery Life

2 hours 30 minutes

Resolution

12 Megapixels

Warranty

One-year

Coming in on number four in our best GoPro for hunting and fishing reviews is the GoPro HERO 7 Black, which is, in our opinion, the best GoPro for kayak fishing. Considering how well its predecessors are performing, the device has many outstanding features with new enhancements to provide you dynamic footage.

Its rugged exterior makes the GoPro a sturdy device. No matter what it comes in contact with, chances are it won’t be damaged. And we don't need to tell you how suddenly things can change while kayak fishing. The camera can go to depths of 33 feet, i.e., 10 meters, and it allows you to record in 4K and capture images with a 12 megapixel still camera.

Being a successor to the ever-so-popular HERO6, the camera has Hypersmooth Video Stabilization for clear and crisp pictures. You can also make stable time-lapse videos with the TimeWarp Video feature, which increases the camera speed by 30 times.

Pros
  • Equipped with the latest GoPro technology
  • Allows live-streaming
  • Option to record HD footage
  • Sturdy build quality
Cons
  • Many feel the product is too expensive

5. GoPro HERO Session

Best GoPro For Kids

Video Quality

1080p

FPS

1080p at 60 FPS

 720p at 120 FPS

Water Resistance

33 feet (10 meters)

Battery Life

Up to 2 hours

Resolution

12 Megapixels

Warranty

One-year

Whether you want to buy your first GoPro and have little to no knowledge of using one — we suggest you invest in the GoPro HERO Session. This is why last but not least, included in our best GoPro for fishing reviews is GoPro from the session series.

A successor to the GoPro HERO 4 session fishing camera, the GoPro HERO Session, and the GoPro HERO5 Session were launched, and they come with some impressive features at a lower price point, which makes the GoPro HERO Session the best GoPro for kids and beginners.

With a click of a button, you can start recording, and the camera automatically turns off when not in use. Apart from the shutter button, the camera has a small Wi-Fi button at the back, and a little text screen, which makes this GoPro different as there is no LCD touchscreen on this one. The video and image quality is excellent – videos are recorded at 1080p at 60 FPS – and pictures are captured with an 8-megapixel camera.

The captured images are 3264 by 2448 pixels, and it also has a crop mode where the view changes from wide to narrow, and the photos are snapped at 5 megapixels. Another difference to note is that on a full charge, the battery has enough juice to last up to 2 hours, but the problem is that it is wired to the device, and you cannot switch between cells.

The GoPro HERO Session does not require an external housing for protection. It has a waterproof and rugged design to protect against damage, which makes it suitable for all weather conditions. The maximum GoPro HERO Session and the GoPro Session 5 waterproof depth is 33 feet (10 meters) without any external housing. The device operates at 1440 PPI (pixels per inch), and its FPS can go up to 100; even if you slow it down, the quality remains the same.

Pros
  • Easy to use one-click interface
  • High-quality footage
  • Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
  • Supports up to 128 GB of external storage
Cons
  • Some users aren’t happy with the fact that the battery cannot be replaced

Everything You Need To Know About the GoPro

GoPros are great cameras with outstanding features and capabilities that allow them to capture high-resolution videos and images. GoPros are mostly used by people who love to explore, indulge in thrilling adventures, participate in sports, etc. Apart from using a GoPro for fishing, they are also used in activities like:

  • Traveling — motorists, hikers or tourists
  • Extreme sports — motorsports, surfing, paragliding or diving
  • Content creation

Advantages

Limitations

Sturdy build quality

Fixed focal length — you cannot zoom in or out

Waterproof

Can be hard to operate due to its size

Easy to carry

Photos are only captured in JPEG format

Has many wearable mounts

No viewfinder

Excellent photos

Do not come with the best batteries

Covers a wide-angle & captures footage in 4k



GoPro Vs. Other Action Cameras

The reasons GoPros are so near and dear to anglers is because of their outstanding video-capturing capabilities and them being the best cameras for water sports and other activities. There are other cameras on the market that fall in the action category, but still, they are a close second when compared to the best GoPro for fishing.

You may have come across comparisons such as GoPro vs. Akaso Brave 4 or Akaso EK7000 vs. GoPro Hero 4. You may be wondering should you go for other brands considering the price difference. How much are GoPros available for in the market can make all the difference when choosing your camera. GoPros tend to be a bit expensive, which makes sense considering all the many features one gets.

That being said, Akaso is the clear winner in terms of price and gives you all the essential functions with decent footage. However, if you buy the best GoPro for fishing, you gain added features such as connectivity options (Wi-Fi +Bluetooth), GPS, outstanding video quality, and many mounting choices. If you are in the market to source the best GoPro for kids or beginners, you can choose a cheaper action camera; and once they have gotten the hang of it — you can update to a GoPro.


Using a GoPro for Fishing

Having the best GoPro for fishing on your next fishing trip will significantly enhance your experience by capturing all the action.

Some tips for beginners:

  • Choose a good GoPro unit and familiarize yourself with all features
  • Take some slow-motion snaps
  • Use burst mode for taking still photos or create hyper-lapse videos to improve recording skills
  • Record video on at least 60 FPS to ensure good quality
  • Always carry extra memory cards and batteries
  • Take underwater pictures and get comfortable with underwater use of a GoPro to improve your skills
  • An extended pole mount is a good option to take underwater pictures
  • Use a lens filter to take better underwater snaps
  • If you want to focus on something underwater, make sure it is at least 12 inches away
  • Make sure there are no water droplets on the lens when not in use
  • Use an anti-fog lens to avoid foggy footage
  • Always edit your footage before sharing

Must-Have GoPro Accessories

Once you have bought the best GoPro for fishing, the next step is to purchase the best GoPro accessories for fishing. Such as the best GoPro mount for kayak fishing and other accessories that can aid you in using your GoPro.

Some of the best GoPro accessories for fishing are:

  1. 1
    Jaws Flex Clamp: It helps mount a GoPro on a boat or your fishing rod
  2. 2
    Extendable Pole: You can take high shots with an extendable pole, without having to climb into an unsafe position
  3. 3
    Chest Mount: It lets you capture crisp POV footage
  4. 4
    Rod Mount: It allows you to mount your GoPro in different positions
  5. 5
    Color Filter: It lets you set the white balance correctly for underwater use
  6. 6
    Tripod: A good accessory to take distant shots
  7. 7
    SD Cards: If you record frequently and do not want to run out of storage
  8. 8
    GoPro Case: To safely store your device
  9. 9
    Dual Battery Charger: It can charge two batteries at once and allows for fast charging

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Are all gopro models waterproof?

If you are wondering which GoPro is waterproof, we are delighted to inform you that all current models of the best GoPro for fishing videos and pictures are waterproof. They can go as low as 33 feet, i.e., 10 meters without any additional housing. Only the Max model is waterproof till 16 feet that is equal to 5 meters.

How deep can these gopro models go?

All current models available on the market can reach depths of 33 feet (10 meters) without any external housing. When you add the casing, the best GoPro for fishing can be submerged up to 200 ft (60 meters).

What are the known drawbacks of gopro cameras?

Despite the many features, the GoPro lacks in some areas like:

  • Photos are captured only in JPEG format
  • There is no option to zoom in or out
  • A little expensive as opposed to other action cameras
Can I use my gopro fishing camera in any type of water?

Yes, thanks to good build quality and rugged finish, GoPros can be used in any type of water. But, whenever you use it in saltwater, make sure to wash it with fresh water afterward.

Which gopro is best for spearfishing?

The best options for spearfishing are the GoPro HD Hero Naked, and the GoPro HERO6 Black

Where is the best place to buy gopro cameras?

You can buy the best GoPro for fishing from any local electronics store or a camera shop. If you want to find cheap waterproof GoPro deals, we suggest you check out Amazon. You can get your hands on the best GoPro for hunting and fishing at a reasonably good price.


Conclusion

Fishing is among the most loved outdoor activity in America. And when on the sea, a lot happens between you finding the right spot till reeling in the perfect catch — having these precious moments on tape can help you cherish the memories and relive your experience.

A GoPro can be your best friend if you are an avid angler and love the outdoors. Although all Hero models are beyond impressive, we feel the best GoPro for fishing is the GoPro Hero4 Silver and hence our top pick!

Top