Choosing the best GoPro for fishing isn’t as easy as it seems. Although GoPro cameras are designed for underwater activities, not all of them are good for fishing. This is because older GoPro models require waterproof housing to take them underwater.
Hi, my name is Larry. I started fishing when I was 7 years old since there was a large pond in my backyard. Since then, I’ve fished all over the United States and have recorded hundreds of fishing videos with my GoPro cameras over the past 10 years.
In today’s guide, I’m going to discuss what makes the best GoPro for fishing, show you my favorite GoPro models, and answer some related questions you may have.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- Waterproofing capabilities, image quality, and battery life are the most important factors when choosing a GoPro for fishing.
- If you only fish once or twice per year, you probably don’t need to invest in a GoPro or any other action camera.
- You may need to purchase additional mounts, batteries, and SD cards to make the most out of your GoPro.
- GoPro HERO10 Black is the best choice if you go fishing frequently.
- GoPro HERO5 Session is our budget pick for those who want a compact and lightweight action camera.
Which GoPro is best for fishing videos?
The newest GoPro, the GoPro HERO10 Black, is the best for fishing videos. It’s the most advanced GoPro camera to date and features the powerful GP-2 Processor. Because of this, the HERO10 Black can shoot 23 megapixel (MP) photos and up to 5.3K videos at 60 frames per second. In addition, this camera also offers HyperSmooth 4.0, the latest GoPro video stabilization tech.
Can you use a GoPro as a fish finder?
You can’t use a GoPro as a fish finder because the BlueTooth connection to your phone will disconnect once the camera goes underwater. Instead, I recommend investing in a real fish finder and using your GoPro as an underwater camera whenever you want to shoot video.
How do you use a GoPro when fishing?
You can mount the GoPro to your body, boat, or fishing pole to record footage while you’re fishing. Furthermore, you can take your GoPro underwater if you want to film a video or take pictures of the fish in your vicinity.
What GoPro accessories do I need for fishing?
There are many GoPro accessories that can enhance your fishing experience. These include head mounts, chest mounts, pole mounts, and boat mounts. This way, you can record hands-free content and focus on your task at hand, catching fish. Furthermore, I recommend purchasing extra batteries and SD cards to keep ready in case you need them.
How do you attach a GoPro to a fishing rod?
You can use a pole camera mount to attach your GoPro to your fishing rod. I recommend investing in a pole camera mount that’s sturdy and made with anti-slip rubber pads.
What Makes the Best GoPro for Fishing
There are a few factors to consider when choosing the best GoPro for fishing. The best GoPros for fishing offer advanced stabilization technology, high-quality pictures, high-resolution videos and are compatible with many GoPro accessories.
Furthermore, the best GoPros for fishing have long battery lives and a big LCD screen, making it easy to view your footage as you’re away from your computer.
- Video Stabilization: GoPros offers video stabilization in the form of HyperSmooth. Newer GoPros have more advanced HyperSmooth technology, offering smoother videos while recording shaky footage.
- Videos and Pictures: Newer GoPro models allow you to take higher-quality videos and pictures.
- GoPro Accessories: You’ll need to purchase a few accessories to make the most out of your GoPro fishing experience. Newer GoPros are compatible with the latest and most advanced accessories.
- LCD Screen Display: Most GoPros have LCD screens while some don’t. I recommend purchasing a GoPro with a big LCD screen so you can view your footage quickly.
- Battery Life: GoPros have varying battery lives depending on what resolution you record video in. No matter which GoPro you purchase, I recommend bringing additional batteries and chargers on your fishing trips.
The Top 5 Best GoPros for Fishing
Let’s reel in the best 5 GoPros for fishing. I’ve tested all 20 GoPro models and narrowed down the list into the top 5. Although you can’t go wrong with any GoPro mentioned in this list, some GoPros are more suitable for different people.
So, read over the traits of each GoPro listed below and find out which GoPro is best for your style of fishing.
1. GoPro HERO10 Black (Best Overall)
- Video Settings: 5.3K 60fps, 4K 120fps, and 2.7K 240fps video capabilities
- Camera: 23MP camera sensor
- Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth 4.0
- Waterproof: Up to 10 meters or 33 feet
The all-new GP2 Processor is by far the best upgrade on the GoPro HERO10 Black. Furthermore, it’s the only GoPro with the GP2 Processor. If you’re not sure what a processor does, it’s basically the engine of the entire camera.
A better processor offers faster camera speeds and high-resolution video modes. Compared to the older GoPro HERO9 Black, the HERO10 Black has double the performance and frame rate across higher resolution video modes. This allows you to capture the best footage possible as you’re fishing.
It’s also twice as smooth when playing back footage using live preview on the front LCD screen. Additionally, the rear LCD touchscreen is astonishingly responsive. These features let you quickly access your GoPro and view your footage while your hands are full.
Another excellent feature in the GoPro HERO10 black is HyperSmooth 4.0. It’s the only GoPro with HyperSmooth 4.0. HyperSmooth is GoPro’s video stabilization technology, and HyperSmooth 4.0 allows you to record smooth footage during shaky fishing environments.
Although the GoPro HERO10 Black is the best GoPro for fishing, there’s one drawback to be aware of. Since this is the newest GoPro model, it’s marginally more expensive than other GoPro options. However, it’s well worth the investment because you get access to the latest action camera technology.
My Verdict: GoPro HERO10 Black is the best GoPro for all fishermen who need a reliable action camera to take pictures and record footage when they’re out in the waters.
2. GoPro HERO9 Black (Best Older Generation)
- Video Settings: 5K at 30fps, 4K at 60fps and 1080p at 240fps
- Camera: 20MP camera sensor
- Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth 3.0
- Waterproof: Up to 10 meters or 33 feet
The GoPro HERO9 Black is essentially a slightly less capable action camera compared to the GoPro HERO10 Black. Nonetheless, it’s still a great option for all fishermen. With the HERO9 Black, you can shoot high-quality pictures using the 20MP camera sensor.
When I compared HERO9 pictures to pictures I shot with my DSLR camera, I was amazed at the GoPro’s quality.
While HyperSmooth 3.0 isn’t GoPro’s newest image stabilization technology, it’s still one of the best in the action camera space. I’ve recorded many videos where I was reeling in big game with the GoPro HERO9 Black attached to my chest, and the footage was always buttery smooth. You can also crop your footage to ensure the horizon is as close to level as possible.
The GoPro HERO9 Black’s video resolutions are no slouch either. For example, I like to record in 4K at 60fps because 60fps allows me to put 2x slow-mo on the video to mix up the footage as I edit.
Furthermore, compared to even older GoPro cameras, the HERO9 Black offers a bigger screen, a bigger battery, and the latest version of TimeWarp mode. The bigger battery lets you film content longer on fishing trips and the bigger screen lets you see your footage clearly.
My Verdict: GoPro HERO9 Black is the best GoPro for fishers who want a fantastic action camera but don’t need the top-of-the-line features of the GoPro HERO10 Black.
3. GoPro HERO8 Black (Best Budget 4K)
- Video Settings: 4K at 60fps, 2.7k at 120fps, and 1080p at 240 fps
- Camera: 12MP camera sensor
- Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth 2.0
- Waterproof: Up to 10 meters or 33 feet
Although the GoPro HERO8 Black came out in 2019, it’s still a competent action camera for fishing. Additionally, this camera offers HyperSmooth 2.0, an older generation of GoPros image stabilization technology.
Known as the ‘gimbal killer’, HyperSmooth 2.0 provides digital image stabilization of video content by removing camera shake and handshake to produce smooth footage. Even if you’re wrestling a big catch with a camera mount attached to your body, HyperSmooth with reduce the shakiness in your video.
In addition to HyperSmooth 2.0, the GoPro HERO8 Black offers a wide range of video settings to choose from to get the best shots when fishing. You can choose from 4K linear or 4K wide, 2.7K at 120 fps, 1080p at 240fps, and many more.
The GoPro HERO8 Black makes adding a preset to your main screen easy, so you can quickly choose your favorite setting. This makes it easy to adjust your video settings during fishing trips when you don’t have time to play around with your GoPro.
Previous GoPro models had issues where the audio wasn’t clear, and the microphone was ineffective. GoPro addressed these issues with the GoPro HERO8 by upgrading the microphone and audio drivers. Nonetheless, I recommend investing in an external mic since the HERO8’s mic is prone to picking up wind.
My Verdict: The GoPro HERO8Black is best suited for anglers who need a budget-friendly action camera with high-quality features and shooting capabilities.
4. GoPro Max 360 (Best for 360° Fishing Shots)
- Video Settings: 5.6K 360-degree footage
- Camera: 17MP camera sensor
- Image Stabilization: Max HyperSmooth
- Waterproof: Up to 5 meters or 16 feet
The GoPro Max 360 is unique because it can record 360-degree videos and take 270-degree panoramic pictures. In addition, you can shoot 5.6K footage in all directions for comfortable 720p-grade capture with a fair bit of cropping.
This 360-degree camera features HyperSmooth 2.0 GoPro image stabilization. As such, you can expect great, but not the best, image stabilization when you’re reeling in fish on a shaky boat.
The main drawback of the GoPro Max 360 is its compatibility with GoPro accessories. Since it’s smaller than standard GoPro HERO cameras, it has its own set of unique attachments and mounts. So, if you want to upgrade to a different GoPro model for fishing trips in the future, you’ll need to purchase a new set of accessories.
Furthermore, the Max is only waterproof up to 5 meters, which is half of what newer GoPro HERO models can go. Therefore, you’re limited in how deep you can bring your camera underwater on your fishing trips.
My Verdict: This little action camera is best for fishers who want a compact and lightweight action camera to capture unique 360-degree fishing shots.
5. GoPro HERO5 Session (Best Lightweight and Compact)
- Video Settings: 4K at 30fps, 1440p at 60fps, and 1080p at 90fps
- Camera: 10MP camera sensor
- Image Stabilization: No HyperSmooth but has built-in image stabilization
- Waterproof: Up to 10 meters or 33 feet
The GoPro HERO5 Session is one of the smallest action cameras in the game. Weighing in at a measly 74 grams, this mini action camera is 1.49 inches wide, 1.49 inches long, and 1.42 inches deep. As a result, it can fit into the palm of any sized hand.
A unique feature of the GoPro HERO5 Session is its built-in battery. Since the battery is built into the camera, you don’t need to purchase additional batteries. However, I recommend bringing a portable charger and cable to keep your camera operating during long fishing trips.
This camera’s main benefit is also its main drawback. Since the GoPro HERO5 Session is so small, there’s no LCD display screen where you can view your footage. Instead, you’ll need to pair the camera with your phone or import your footage to your computer.
My Verdict: The GoPro HERO5 Session is a great choice for fishermen who want a simple action camera. It’s compact, lightweight, and less expensive than other options on this list. However, it doesn’t have the same image stabilization and recording settings as seen on newer GoPro camera models.
Final Thoughts
A GoPro is a fishermen’s best friend because it lets you capture and remember beautiful moments during your fishing trips. Not only will it help you cherish these memories, but it will also let you review your catches so you can improve for future outings.
I’ve shown you the best 5 GoPros for fishing, depending on your preferences. Hopefully, by now, you’ve made a definitive decision on which GoPro to go for. However, if you are still on the fence about which action camera to choose, there are a few cheaper GoPro alternatives. These include Asako, Campark, and Dragon Touch.
Now I’d love to hear from you! Do you already have an action camera you use while fishing? Which model do you have? Which GoPro from today’s list are you going to pick?
Let me know by dropping a quick comment down below!
