There are several great camera options for underwater fishing. Whether it’s just to capture fish in their natural habitat or to position and drop your bait, you need to look for cameras that offer high-quality images and videos. But in order to withstand the harsh underwater environment, the design must also be durable and waterproof.
Hello folks! I’m Lavelle and I am a professional photographer and videographer and an avid fisherman. I’ve been providing professional photography services since 2009 and I’ve been fishing since I was a child growing up in the 1970s.
In this article, I will talk about some of the characteristics that you should look for in an underwater camera and I will share with you my list of the best underwater cameras for fishing. I will also answer a few frequently asked questions.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- The best underwater cameras for fishing should be able to be used in multiple water conditions.
- A good lighting system is important, so it does not disturb the fish’s life.
- You want to choose an underwater camera that has at least a 6-hour battery life.
Yes, you can but it depends on the camera. Most cameras are usable in both types of water, however, maintaining the cameras, especially in saltwater, is important.
Do the camera lights used for night vision disturb fish at all?
In most instances, the lighting systems on the cameras do not disturb the fish. Check with the manufacturer specifications for details on the lighting system and its impact on the fish’s life.
Can camera or monitor outputs be connected to a TV?
Yes, in most cases, the fishing cameras can be connected to a TV through their AV cables. Some cameras use an SD card slot to transfer video that can be watched on TVs and computers at a later time.
What to Look for in an Underwater Camera for Fishing
Here are a few things you can consider when looking for a good fishing camera.
- Waterproof Depth: The waterproof depth of the camera you select should be given top priority. You need a camera with a good, 100% waterproof housing or case if you want to use it in an immersive setting.
- Features: You also want to choose an underwater camera that has some exceptional features to enhance your fishing experience. Some of them include a wide viewing angle, high-grade cables, built-in underwater lights, and HD video recording.
- Water Conditions: Ensure that you choose a camera that can withstand harsh water conditions. Temperature, water clarity or murkiness, and currents are all conditions that can impact how your camera performs. Look for a camera that can endure multiple water conditions.
- Resolution: Since the conditions can vary and change rapidly, it is best to choose an underwater camera that has a strong image and video resolution. I recommend a minimum of 20MP for image and 1080p for video resolution.
The Best Underwater Camera for Fishing Reviewed
Let’s get to the list! Here are the top choices for the best underwater cameras for fishing.
1. AquaVu AV715C (Best Overall)
- LCD Screen Size: 7-inch
- Lighting: IR Anti Spook
- Cable Length: 50 feet
The top choice is the AquaVu AV715C. This remarkable camera is affordable, durable, and versatile. The features are exceptional and it is a go-to choice for many fishing enthusiasts.
The AquaVu is designed with an XD camera housing and has an integrated sun shield and screen protector. It has an IP rating of 67 and has a 50-foot cable and a 12-volt, 7-amp rechargeable battery. The camera is also equipped with Anti Spook IR lighting.
The standout feature of this model is the color CMOS camera optics. It delivers exceptional image quality and can be used even in freezing water temperatures.
Unfortunately, it has a relatively short battery life. When using this camera underwater, it is somewhat annoying to have to come back to the surface to switch out the batteries.
My Verdict: This is an excellent option for an underwater camera and it works well in several water conditions.
2. Eyoyo 9-inch Fish Finder (Best Resolution)
- LCD Screen Size: 9-inch
- Lighting: IR Anti Spook
- Cable Length: 15-meters
The Eyoyo 9-inch Fish Finder is another excellent choice for fishing enthusiasts. It has a large display and has an exceptional battery life.
With nearly 8 hours of battery life and a remarkable 9-inch LCD screen, this camera has some excellent features for underwater fishing. It delivers high-quality video and comes with a handy SD memory card.
The best thing about this camera is the large screen. The camera captures images clearly and displays them nicely on the screen. The large screen makes it easy to see underwater. The camera also comes equipped with IR lights.
The biggest flaw with this camera is that it is hard to face in the water. The large screen makes it difficult to turn and face while underwater. Otherwise, this camera is a great choice for fishing uses.
My Verdict: Eyoyo Fish Finder is priced affordably, has a great video system, and delivers quality images. The large screen and long battery life are also great qualities of this camera.
3. Eyoyo Underwater Fishing Camera (Best Lighting)
- LCD Screen Size: 7-inch
- Lighting: IR
- Cable Length: 15-meters
The next choice is the Eyoyo Underwater Fishing Camera. It has a nice display and several notable features that make it a good choice for underwater uses.
Eyoyo comes with an 8-hour battery life and an IP rating of 68. It has a 7-inch color screen and a 12-piece white light system onboard. It is a fish water design that is made of durable aluminum alloy material.
It is a cheaper version of the number two choice on this list. Priced as one of the most affordable options, Eyoyo offers great value for the features that it has. The high-powered IR lights are also one of its best qualities.
But it is not easy to use and the instructions provided with the package leave a lot to be desired. It is not a user-friendly setup and takes some time to understand.
My Verdict: This is a good option with some good features, such as the screen size and the lighting system.
4. AnySun Underwater Fishing Camera (Best Extreme Temperatures)
- LCD Screen Size: 7-inch
- Lighting: 12 LED Lights
- Cable Length: 49 feet
The AnySun Underwater Fishing Camera is a versatile model that can be used even in extremely cold temperatures. The camera is used by many fishing enthusiasts for ice fishing activities. Of all the cameras on this list, this one is the most affordable.
AnySun offers some good features that include a 7-inch screen, 12 LED lights, a sun visor, and an IP rating of 68. Additionally, it gives you 8 hours of battery life and is environmentally friendly.
The thing I like most is the ability to use this camera in extreme temperatures. The impressive housing and waterproof design with an IP rating of 68 makes this camera a perfect option for ice fishing. It can also be used in other conditions and works well in each of them.
The area of concern is the top-heavy design of the unit. It has a tendency to fall over or lose balance because it is so top-heavy. This makes it somewhat awkward to use underwater.
My Verdict: This is a good camera with some nice features. The lighting system is very good and the housing is designed to withstand extremely cold conditions.
5. GoFish Wireless Fishing Camera (Best Video)
- LCD Screen Size: N/A
- Lighting: No external lights
- Cable Length: N/A attaches directly to fishing line
The last choice on my list is the GoFish Wireless Fishing Camera which delivers excellent video quality and has a night vision mode that makes it easy to use in low-light conditions. The camera also is environmentally friendly and does not disturb the fish.
The GoFish is compact and powerful. The video system is exceptional and the camera is iOS and Android compatible for wireless transmission. It can also be used in multiple water conditions including freezing water temperatures.
The 1080p high-definition video system produces video at 60 frames per second. It also delivers very clear video even in unclear water conditions.
The one thing that can be improved is to add an external lighting system. While the video produces exceptional quality, it is somewhat hindered by the absence of any external lights.
My Verdict: This is a really good option for those who want to attach it to their fishing line and see the activity firsthand. It also allows you to share the experience through social platforms with its wireless capability.
Final Thoughts
For serious anglers, these underwater fishing cameras are a nice addition to enhance the fishing experience. Each camera offers certain qualities that allow you to capture the fishing experience in several circumstances and under varying conditions.
You should choose a camera that suits your needs and gives you the features that will help you see better underwater. A couple of other underwater cameras that are worth considering include the Marcum LX9 and the Aqua Vu Micro Plus Underwater Camera.
Have you used any of these cameras for fishing? Feel free to share your experience in the comments section below.
Until next time, happy fishing!
