Ready to go fishing in the busiest fishing spots like Lake Fork, Texas, or the lakes of Minnesota. Then it is a must you have a GoPro with you.
With the GoPro in your hand, you're not going to miss the fun of capturing the best moments of your fishing adventure. I'm insisting on using a GoPro because fishing encompasses sudden motions, water, and the occasional strike, which an ordinary camera would not be able to handle.
So, taking a GoPro is the best choice. GoPros are simple to use, waterproof, can be mounted easily on your kayak/fishing rod, offers premium quality content, and is very flexible and compact, making it travel-friendly.
Therefore, if you love fishing and are searching for the ideal GoPro, you've come to the right spot. As in this post, I've compiled a list of the 8 best GoPro for fishing that you can buy. To also help you get the best shots, I have mentioned some GoPro tips and the recommended accessories for fishing.
Furthermore, each of the products mentioned here is based on reliability, features, style, and, of course, budget, so I'm confident you'll be able to find one that best meets your needs.
8 BEST GOPRO FOR FISHING REVIEW
1. GOPRO HERO 10 - BEST GOPRO FOR OFFSHORE FISHING
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Include this just-born camera (released only on September 2021) for fishing and take capture shots of your largest fish catch at 5.3k.
I call it the best GoPro for fishing because it has an amazing feature called "Hindsight." Now what this feature does is it records the footage 30 sec before you click the record button. So, though the GoPro records the footage, only the 15sec shot is stored in your SD card when you press the record button.
This is a very useful feature because you don't know when the fish is going to leap out of the water. And by having this feature, you're not going to miss any shots.
You can either mount it on your fishing road, boat or even use a chest strap to get the perfect field of view. If you don't want to click one picture at a time, you can use the Live Burst function that will automatically capture 45 frames in 1.5 seconds when you press the shutter.
Moving on, the touch screen of the GoPro 10 is super responsive and is also easy to use. And guess what, its lens is hydrophobic, so when using the camera in water, even if the water droplets come in contact with the lens, they will automatically fall off, giving you the perfect clear shots. Also, you don't have to clean the lens every time you immerse it in water to take underwater footage.
My personal choice is to set the ISO only up to 400. Don't try to boost it up even if you're fishing in a low-lit environment because that will cause grainy footage.
Lastly, the Hypersmooth4.0 image stabilization of this GoPro10 works stunning. It gives you that ultra smooth footage even when fishing in rougher water bodies.
Well, that's about the GoPro 10. A better choice with advanced features to help your fishing!
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2. GOPRO HERO 9 BLACK - best for kayak fishing
PRODUCT INFORMATION
If you want to save extra 100 dollars by not purchasing a GoPro 10, what about going for a GoPro Hero 9?. I can tell you that this is a beast. Yes, it is, and I will tell you why.
There are two important features that act as a strong pillar here: stabilization and low-light video performance. I bet that you won't be able to find a GoPro that can produce an excellent low-light performance like this one.
I usually mount it directly on the kayak using a clamp mount or sometimes use a chest mount. I prefer using the Superview mode so that the fishes look closer to the viewer giving a realistic feel (great for first-person view).
Now coming to its resolution with a GoPro Hero 9, you can go up to 5k30p, but for kayak fishing, I feel 2.7k60p is more than enough.
Moving on, there is a Hypersmooth image stabilization technology like that of the GoPro Hero 10. The front-facing LCD Screen is large, allowing you to frame the shots accurately.
And one significant enhancement to this device is the battery life that is up to 30% longer than other previous versions. Another aspect I like about this GoPro fishing camera is the ability to take out the lens and adjust your setup with the distinct equipment. Also, the Hero 9 could be equipped with an external flash, microphones, and lens filters to improve various facets of your gear.
Lastly, this camera can shoot in 8x slow motion and also has Hindsight+LiveBurst functions. So isn't it rightly a beast, as I said earlier. If you liked these GoPros features, make a purchase and be ready to have an unforgettable fishing moment.
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3. GOPRO MAX - BEST VALUE FOR MONEY GOPRO
PRODUCT INFORMATION
This is the most expensive GoPro on this list. I will tell you why it is worth spending your money on this one.
Firstly, this is a 360-degree camera, meaning you can capture amazing fishing shots from all sides. It can do so because it has four different lenses (each on one side). Not only that, if you are a fishing vlogger, this GoPro max is the best because it can capture ultimate sounds from all directions with its six pre-equipped microphones.
Another notable feature is that you can now Live Stream in high quality like 1080p, and using the HERO model, share it with your friends. Here the catch is you get Max hyper smooth stabilization while you broadcast through the GoPro app. If you are streaming your fishing activity online, then this can be of great use. Adding to this, you can also save this footage to your SD card for later use.
Also, you have the choice of using Max SuperView, linear, or large lenses to get good clarity images at different angles. So, it's the ideal companion for capturing every aspect of your fishing trip.
Furthermore, its leveling technology ensures that your videos are silky smooth. And when fishing in especially scenic areas, the panorama mode (270-degree) on this GoPro fishing camera can create much more expansive images than a typical action camera.
Thus, the GoPro Max's technology convinces that it is a strong and impressive option for more adventurous fishing shots.
NOTE: The GoPro Max is waterproof only up to 16 feet, so it is not advisable to use it in deeper water bodies.
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4. GOPRO HERO 8 BLACK - BEST GOPRO FOR BASS FISHING
PRODUCT INFORMATION
The GoPro Hero 8 Black is one of the paramount flexible cameras, allowing it to be used with practically any form of support. Also, this latest GoPro comes with a slew of new features that make it the best GoPro for fishing.
First, let me talk about the design here. When compared to the HERO 7, HERO 8 has a frameless design, and it tends to be a bit thinner and smaller. And the other new improvements in HERO 8 are, it comes with HyperSmooth2.0, GoPro's image stabilization technology that promises to give shake-free images and videos when you place your GoPro on a gimbal without the need to balance, mount or power an external handle.
The Live Burst features allow you to capture images up to 1.5 seconds before and after pressing the button, making it perfect for you to pick the foremost images or post short videos on social platforms. Besides, it comes with the 2.0 versions of both HyperSmooth and TimeWrap applications. Plus, it also includes wind-resistant microphones and a new mounting structure to help you shoot effectively.
And with the elective media mod, you can even add more lightning and pro audio to your setup. Thus, all these features compel the GoPro Hero 8 as an excellent companion for your fishing trips.
On top of that, the Hero 8 is compatible with a range of mounting choices, including aftermarket lights. And it has also improved the SuperPhoto and introduced a night mode, enabling you to catch your night fishing sessions in the highest quality possible.
HERO 8 is equipped with a new type of battery that allows for a higher discharge rate. This means GoPro can enable HyperSmooth 2.0 in all resolutions and frame rates, and this battery is backward compatible with HERO5 Black.
The only problem I encountered with this GoPro is it really gets hot when I recorded videos. If you are mounting it somewhere, it won't be a problem. But if you have it in your hand and recording, it is going to be big trouble. Other than that, this is worth every penny.
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5. GOPRO HERO 7 SILVER - BEST BUDGET GOPRO
PRODUCT INFORMATION
If you are either looking to upgrade your older GoPro models or just looking for an affordable GoPro for fishing, either way, this GoPro HERO 7 Silver is worth a look. It doesn't compromise on anything,
Talking about the design, I couldn't find any big difference when compared to previous models. It consists of a 2.0-inch touch screen that is easily accessible and displays everything clearly. Though it is plasticky, the build quality is pretty good. And it has decent impact-resistant and is waterproof up to 10 meters.
GoPro HERO 7 can record video two ways, either in 4k at 30 frames per second or at 1440p at 60 frames per second. You can control this camera with the touchscreen or wirelessly using GoPro mobile application.
The GoPro Hero 7 Silver is an excellent camera for twain big and small adventures due to its smooth and vibrant WDR images that enhance every moment.
It's also moderately priced, despite having features including voice control and 4K video capture. Furthermore, it has an outstanding image and video quality and is waterproof, thus a best GoPro for fishing.
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6. GOPRO HERO 6 BLACK - BEST ACTION CAMERA FOR FISHING
PRODUCT INFORMATION
The GoPro Hero 6 Black is one of the most affordable GoPro cameras with a few very impressive improvements, including 4K video recording at 60 frames per second, better image quality, faster file transfer speed, etc., that will compel your GoPro experience to be significantly more delightful.
The initial significant distinction that is noteworthy is the appropriately named GP1 processor, which enables the Hero 6 to offer 4K video at 60 fps. And if you're going fishing, you'll also enjoy its spectacular slow-motion since; it can record at 1080p full HD at 240 fps.
Furthermore, the most appealing aspect of this GoPro that separates it from other versions is that it has active image stabilization even when shooting 4K video. And for additional comfort, it has a Night mode for low-light shooting.
This specific model has a 2-inch touchscreen on the back that offers excellent detail and allows you to assess videos and images as well as change settings using a touch-enabled interface.
Overall, the Hero 6 Black is one of the best GoPro for fishing, with a plethora of additional features at a fair price, making it a worthwhile purchase.
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7. GOPRO HERO 5 BLACK
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Another addition to the list of best GoPro for fishing is the GoPro Hero 5 Black, as it offers the optimal benefits that you eventually expect from your GoPro.
This Hero 5 is equipped with the correct technologies you require to conveniently operate your device, and because of the device's simple touch screen display, it streamlines everything by enabling you to control the functions easily.
Furthermore, the camera's waterproof construction without hosting ensures that it can capture images in water up to 10 meters. And by pressing the camera's easy one-touch button, you can turn it on and initiate capturing pictures right away, while the touch display allows you to make appropriate changes to the camera's settings.
Additionally, it's also adaptable, making it suitable for a range of outdoor sports and not just fishing.
Lastly, it has 4k camera technology, which helps you to capture clear-cut video whenever you want. On the other hand, the device's 12-megapixel camera can take beautiful pictures while you can utilize the burst and lapse mode to take the photos paramount quickly.
Moreover, you can use the plus subscription of GoPro to store your images and videos for easy review whenever you require it.
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8. GOPRO HERO 4 BLACK
PRODUCT INFORMATION
The Hero 4 Black is an excellent GoPro camera that allows hand-free control up to 600 feet distance from where you placed it, or you can use the GoPro app in your mobile phone to control the camera from a short distance. Also, it is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled, which offer the benefits inevitably required to share the contents.
Furthermore, the Hero features a 4k video recording system that guarantees premium quality videos with 1080p and 120FPS video systems, as well as a 720p and 240p video in slow-motion offers a great analyzing system for your records.
Finally, to take the images in intervals, the camera has a lapse mode that can capture the pictures over a while. And the paramount distinguishing aspect of this GoPro that compels it the best GoPro for fishing is that it can even aid you to record your experience at low light mode if you fish in low light.
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GOPRO FISHING TIPS
GoPro settings
- Resolution: above 1080p
- FPS: above 60p
- Protune: ON
- ISO range: between 100-400
TIPS TO FOLLOW WHILE USING A GOPRO FOR FISHING
1. Set the GoPro to the highest frame rate; you can only capture the video of catching a fash or spotting a fish in the lake effectively. Also, set the resolution to the maximum, and I prefer shooting fishing shots at 1080p 60fps.
2. Make sure you don't go below 60fps because if you lower the frame rate, you cannot take slow-motion shots, and even your post-processing will become tedious.
3. It is not recommendable to click pictures one at a time while fishing. So after making sure your focal point and field of view are correct, set the camera to burst mode to click many pictures in one go.
4. Turn on the One button in your GoPro camera so that it will automatically record videos or take pictures as per the pre-set settings you've given.
5. Don't turn off the camera in the middle of your fishing, thinking of capturing pictures if a fish leaps out of the lake. That would be of no use because you may miss shooting your best catches if you do so.
6. Battery and storage: It is going to take an entire day for your fishing expedition to complete. So, I would always recommend you to pack extra batteries though a GoPro has a sufficient battery life of 2-3 hours.
Also, don't completely rely on the GoPro's internal storage because who knows when the storage will get full. So to be cautious, always carry an extra memory card with you.
7. Take some underwater footage of you catching a fish with your GoPro so that your videos will look even more realistic and worthy to watch. In the next topic, I will be discussing gopro accessories where I will be mentioning extendable poles.
You can use that device to take underwater shots rather than immersing the camera underwater directly with your hand.
GOPRO FISHING ACCESSORIES
1. GOPRO FISHING MOUNTS:
a. SUCTION CUP
GoPro suction mounts are my top recommendations for the GoPro fishing mounts because the device, once fixed on your kayak or boat, will not move even if your ship is moving at speed between 70-150MPH.
These suction-type camera mounts are super easy to use because you can clamp them at the bottom side of your fishing rod and take the best shots of the largest fish you've caught.
b. HEAD STRAPS
Head straps are another good option for using as GoPro mounts for fishing. You just have to position your GoPro in 90 degrees with the GoPro facing straight. Now just tilt the camera as per the direction you move your head, and that's it. Now no one can stop from catching clear live videos of you catching the fishes or fishes leaving out of water.
c. CHEST MOUNTS
If you will be fishing in rougher water bodies, then having a head strap is not that safe, so in that case, a chest mount works. Here, you have to clamp the GoPro onto the chest strap and then make the camera facing the view.
Now even if you move your head, the chest mount will help the GoPro capture stable footage when the kayak is moving.
d. EXTENDABLE POLE
This device looks like a selfie stick where you have to mount the GoPro camera at the end and extend the rod as per your requirements. It is great if you want to dive underwater and take some amazing selfie shots.
e. JAW FLEX CLAMP
A jaw flex clamp is similar to a suction cup, with the only difference being that it has a suction cup but uses a clamp mechanism to attach to the fishing rod, a jetty, etc.
2. GOPRO UNDER WATER FILTER
When you are rowing on a kayak/boat and doing your fishing, there are 100% chances of water reflections disturbing your footage. To avoid this, use a GoPro polarizer. This will block unwanted reflections, thereby giving you accurate shots and videos.
THINGS TO LOOK FOR WHILE PURCHASING A GOPRO ACTION CAM FOR FISHING
Quality of the photos
No one wants their unforgettable moments photographed in a shady way. That's why you must utilize a high-resolution camera to capture live images since the higher the resolution, the better the quality of the images or videos. So, ensure that your device is fitted with a high-resolution camera so that the images appear to be extremely realistic. Currently, a camera with a resolution of 1280x720p is appropriate for taking high-quality images, but if you want super-high-resolution photos, a 4k resolution will be better.
Durability and Protection
You cannot use a flimsy camera for fishing because you need a camera that is rugged, waterproof is at least 50% weather resistant because you are going to use it outdoors. That took its fishing, and you can expect when water splashes will occur or when you may have to insert your camera into the lake/any water body.
Luckily, all GoPros have a rubber casing and a waterproof design so they can be used comfortably for your fishing expeditions. If you don't want to compromise on the audio quality, try going for these models: Hero7, Hero, and Hero 10
Battery Life
When purchasing a camera, it is essential to consider how long the battery will last. Since, with GoPro cameras, you can expect to get around two hours of use before the battery dies. Therefore, you must pick a camera with long battery life to ensure that you don't miss any of your most fun-angling moments.
Waterproof design
When using a GoPro for inshore or offshore fishing, having it wet due to rain or splashes is a common occurrence. Furthermore, there could be several reasons for it to slip from your hand into the water since you might be standing on the edge or over the boat. That's why you should get a waterproof GoPro for fishing so that you can record and catch your memories in any circumstance.
Luckily nearly all GoPro cameras are waterproof up to 33 feet and have an IP66 rating. But, if you want to be even more conscious of not getting water droplets on the GoPro lens, then get yourself a durable GoPro case.
Storage ability
External memory cards are provided by the majority of GoPro cameras because many individuals like to capture a lot of videos and pictures. So, if the GoPro only supports a 10GB memory card, they aren't the best choice for you. That is why you should select a GoPro camera that can fit a 32GB memory card so that you can conveniently store all of your videos.
Simple Access Buttons
You must often choose the model that is quick to put on and off with minimal effort since this compels it easy after mounting your device to easily proceed to take your best images and capture videos without exerting too much effort.
Frames per second
The higher the number of frames per second, the better the video quality you will achieve. So, when selecting a high-resolution camera, make sure it has a higher number of frames per second. And if you desire to take decent images, then 60 frames per second would be right for you, but 120 frames per second will be much more excellent.
CONCLUSION
So there you have it: my picks for the seven best GoPro for fishing. However, the best GoPro for fishing would be distinct for everyone as not everybody cares about next-level video stabilization and video quality. On the flip side, these features are important for certain individuals.
As a result, it's worthwhile to think about what you desire to do with your fishing camera because this will compel choosing the best model for you much simpler. Finally, my favorite is the GoPro Hero 8, which is both inexpensive and packed with features, as well as a fast transfer speed that enhances my experience. Cheers!
FAQ
Yes, as long as your GoPro is sealed completely and is waterproof, it can go in the saltwater and work well. The older versions can be underwater for 10m without housing, and the new versions like HERO9 Black, HERO8 Black, HERO7 Black can sustain as deep as 60m.
Overall, all GoPro cameras are resistant to saltwater.
With a waterproof housing, a GoPro camera can last till 131 feet. However, without the housing, a standard GoPro camera can be used up to 33 feet.
NOTE: GoPro Max is waterproof only up to 16 feet.
You can either mount your GoPro on yourself or on the boat to capture your fishing skills. If you want to record your fishing, then you can mount your GoPro on Hat or chest mount. Both give you similar angles, but still, the hat cam is best suitable for top water fishing. Using an adhesive mount and clamps, you can mount your GoPro on the boat as well.
You can't just take your GoPro and go fishing. You will need some accessories to support them, and some of them are a chest mount, extendable pole, flexible clamps, tripod, rod mount, and some color filters.
