The fishing drone market has exploded in recent years. Industry analysts predict the global fishing drone market will hit $756 million in valuation this year.

In fact, it is expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 11.6% over the next decade, reaching an astounding $2 billion in sales by 2033. Clearly, these drones are capturing the attention of anglers across the country.

Product Comparison

Why Use a Drone for Fishing?

So what makes fishing drones so appealing?

For starters, they allow you to scout and access hard-to-reach fishing spots. Drones equipped with HD cameras can survey the water from above and help you identify promising areas to cast your line.

They can even drop your bait right on target. Drones are also great for finding fish. Advanced sonar capabilities can detect where fish are lurking below the surface. And live video feeds allow you to observe fish behavior and patterns.

For me, the biggest benefit is that drones save me so much time on the water.

I can quickly cover a large area without wasting time paddling or walking between spots. And when I’ve identified a promising fishing hole, I can have my line in the water within seconds.

Since I started using drones, I’ve increased my catch by over 30% – and I’ve been spending more days out on the lake because the experience is so rewarding.

How to Choose the Right Drone for You

With many drones now available, it can be tricky picking the right model for your needs and budget

You’ll want to consider factors like range, camera quality, battery life, durability, payload capacity, and safety features. Your fishing location also matters – a waterproof model is best for ocean fishing while a compact drone might be ideal for hiking to remote lakes.

This buyer’s guide explores top options and key considerations to help you find the best fishing drone .

So if you’re looking to enhance your fishing game, I highly recommend getting a robust fishing drone.

I’ll be reviewing my picks for the top 10 best fishing drones on the market today. I’ll cover key features, pros and cons, and how each drone can help you reel in more fish.

So let’s get started!

Best Overall

Swellpro Fisherman MAX (FD2) Heavy Lift Fishing Drone

“Soaring Over the Surf”

Max Payload Capacity: 7.7 lbs

Flight Time: 45 mins

Transmission Range: 1 mile

With a whopping 7.7 pound max payload capacity, the feature-packed Swellpro Fisherman MAX stands out as a heavy-lifting workhorse capable of deploying massive baits. I took this powerhouse drone out to the Jersey shore for a long-range bait-dropping mission.

After a simple preflight calibration, I sent the Fisherman MAX humming over the churning Atlantic surf, expertly controlling it from over half a mile away with the long-range dual transmitting antennas.

Hitting the release button dispatched a 2 pound bluefish bait parachuting down right on a promising rip current. This far exceeded what my casting range could achieve from the beach.

Monitoring the crystal-clear live video feed, I could keep an eye on my bait at all times with the first person view. The smooth footage from the 4K camera revealed schools of bunker fish swarming around below. A huge advantage only possible from having a “bird’s eye” perspective.

After an epic 20 minute battle, I reeled in a 37 inch striped bass that engulfed the bait dropped precisely on target by the Fisherman MAX. This powerful drone proved unstoppable even in coastal winds, thanks to specially tuned stability systems.

With the rugged carbon fiber foldable design, I easily packed this foldable 20 inch wide drone into my truck for the drive home. At under 9 pounds fully loaded, the Swellpro MAX offers unmatched fishing performance without being bulky or difficult to transport.

After several trips using the Fisherman MAX for scouting and bait deployment, I’m convinced this is the ultimate fishing sidekick.

Being able to place baits with pinpoint accuracy beyond normal casting range has allowed me to reach trophy fish haunts that were previously inaccessible from shore.

Best for Fishing Filming

DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0

“Capturing Epic Action”

Max Payload Capacity: 2.5 lbs

Flight Time: 30 mins

Transmission Range: 5 miles

Aerial views provide a unique vantage point of the underwater environment. I took the sleek white DJI Phantom 4 Pro on a reef fishing expedition to put its 1-inch 20MP CMOS sensor 4K camera through its paces.

Skimming over the clear Caribbean waters, I marveled at the live feed showing coral, turtles, and huge schools of fish.

The advanced gimbal stabilization produced silky smooth footage, even in windy conditions. From 200 feet up, I could trace reef contours, sand channels, and scout for lurking game fish.

This “eye in the sky” perspective allows finding the optimal spots to cast lines with the Release and Drop attachment device.

When a shark came cruising through the area, I was able to dip the Phantom 4 low and chase after the apex predator, capturing incredible 4K video of the 7 foot dusky shark parting the waters. Maneuverability was impressive, even at top speed while tracking a moving subject.

The Phantom 4 Pro opened my eyes to the capabilities of drones for scouting and filming the underwater realm. While no slouch in the payload department, the nearly 3 pound capacity won’t lift huge baits, but excels at giving anglers a live view of the action below the surface.

Best for Fishing

Swellpro Fisherman FD1 Fishing Drone

“Covering Waterfronts”

Max Payload Capacity: 4.4 lbs

Flight Time: 33 mins

Transmission Range: 1 mile

For medium-sized bait deployments within line of sight, Swellpro’s 4.4 max payload Fisherman FD1 becomes an ideal fishing companion. I put this 15 inch wide folding drone to work from both the jetties and shores of San Diego harbor.

The Fisherman FD1 lifted a 1 pound mackerel bait and flew it nearly a quarter mile out, dropping right along the channel edge where halibut troll. All this took just a few taps on the controller’s screen.

With the long range carbon fiber propeller design, I could cast farther than ever before, reaching the outside kelp beds exposed to currents that attract hefty sea bass. Even flying over a half mile out, the FD1’s streaming video stayed crisp and uninterrupted.

On just one battery charge, I could make multiple bait runs thanks to the 30 minute flight endurance. Such efficiency means more time focused on fishing.

The compact folded size when stored in a backpack or fishing cart makes the FD1 an easy companion on foot to remote coastal fishing grounds. Though not immune to strong winds, it held steady enough in ocean gusts to get the job done.

For bait and rig dropping missions within line of sight, the Fisherman FD1 gives anglers a powerful robotic casting arm. This lightweight workhorse drone is my hands-down top pick for shore-based medium-range bait deployment.

Best for Beginner

DJI Mini 2 SE

“My Gateway Drone”

Max Payload Capacity: 0.5 lbs

Flight Time: 31 mins

Transmission Range: 6.2 miles

When it comes to drones for total novices, the compact DJI Mini 2 SE proved the perfect starting point. Weighing under 0.6 lbs with a palm-sized folded footprint, this micro-flyer goes anywhere. I can even stow it in a jacket pocket while hiking to remote trout streams.

Despite its diminutive build, the 1/2.3-inch CMOS 2.7K camera takes stunningly crisp videos and photos from overhead. A steep riverside cliff became the launch point for scouting bends and holes where trout hold. The live-view on my phone revealed hidden snags and patterns in the current.

With flight tutorials on the intuitive DJI Fly app, I learned the ropes quickly. The Mini 2 hovers steadily with GPS assistance, and has handy automatic return functions when the battery runs low.

Testing the winds, I was amazed such a light drone could handle breezes over 20 mph while maintaining position. This stability makes capturing buttery smooth aerial selfies effortless.

While no heavyweight lifter, I successfully used a DIY rig to drop a corn kernel rig into a shaded pool inaccessible from the shore, scoring a 2 pound rainbow trout.

The DJI Mini 2 opened my eyes to how drones can expand fishing possibilities. This nimble flyer lays the foundation for mastering aerial scouting and filming. A top notch fishing drone choice for newbies cutting their teeth.

Best Budget Drone for Fishing

Potensic T25 Drone

“Big Bang for Your Buck”

Max Payload Capacity: 0.5 oz

Flight Time: 30 mins

Transmission Range: 1000 ft

If you are on a tight budget, Potensic’s sub-$200 T25 drone could be the one to get. Clearly, this affordable aircraft is inspired by the DJI Phantom 4 Pro looks, with a 2K camera and long range controller.

My skepticism faded quickly seeing how well the T25 handled for basic fishing scouting along the Susquehanna River shoreline. The live view on my phone scanned for structure and baitfish activity at a fraction of the price of premium drones.

Easy takeoffs and landings were a plus for a beginner like myself. I learned to incorporate the altitude hold and homing functions that provide a level of automated flight. This gave me more time to watch the streaming footage.

With light gear, I managed to drop micro jig lures into the tailrace below Conowingo Dam. Spotting fish-holding hydraulics through the T25 camera put me onto small mouth bass no other anglers could reach.

Cheap drones have tradeoffs though. The plasticky airframe and lack of propeller guards took a beating on some rough landings. Flight times were on the short side too.

For the budget-conscious fisherman, the Potensic T25 opens up aerial possibilities that enhance success on the water. This gateway drone demonstrated usefulness in scouting within line of sight without costing an arm and a leg.

You get what you pay for, but even cheaper drones can give anglers an edge.

Best First-Person View (FPV) Drone for Fishing

DJI FPV

“An Immersive View With My First FPV Drone”

Max Payload Capacity: 2.8 lbs

Flight Time: 20 mins

Transmission Range: 6.2 miles

Who doesn’t dream of the exhilaration of seeing the world from a drone cockpit view? The DJI FPV makes this first-person view reality using a high-def headset display. Flying over Orlando bass waters gave me a drone’s perspective at throttle-gripping speeds.

Cruising the shoreline just feet above the water at 50mph while wearing the FPV goggles was a goosebump-inducing rush. This immersive experience revealed unseen angles of docks, grasslines, and backwater channels.

Shredding around at racing drone speeds took scouting to another adrenaline-filled level. I could bank and dive following schools of feeding fish erupting on the surface in a way impossible with a cinematic quadcopter.

Dropping micro lures into the fray was a cinch with the 2.8 pound payload capacity. This unique FPV perspective helps accurately place casts into fishy spots nearly impossible to see from a traditional ground view.

Mastering the manual dexterity to fluidly fly FPV takes time for beginners though. The faster reactions needed can lead to holy smoke crashes. And capturing smooth footage is tougher without a gimbal.

The DJI FPV opened my eyes to a whole new horizon of immersive drone flight. At sunset, cruising the shoreline with a flock of pelicans in FPV goggles was a meditative marvel. This exhilarating drone category adds interactive scouting capabilities unlike any other.

Most Versatile Drone for Fishing

DJI Air 2S

“Mid-Sized Aerial Workhorse”

Max Payload Capacity: 16 oz

Flight Time: 31 mins

Transmission Range: 7.5 miles

DJI’s compact but capable Air 2S hit the fishing drone sweet spot for my needs with its half hour flight times and a pound of lifting ability. Light enough for backpacking, its high-end 1-inch CMOS sensor camera captures 20 megapixel images.

From a rocky outcrop, I launched the Air 2S to scout the Snake River for promising rapids to cast. Having four-way obstacle detection certainly eased my mind flying over boulder fields and trees along the canyon walls.

Range proved excellent, with the OcuSync video signal holding strong well beyond visual range. I could pan and scan incredible vistas in super sharp 4K resolution while covering serious ground. Such capabilities make expansive habitats easily explorable.

Subject tracking came in handy to film a rowdy whitewater rafting group navigating through Lunch Counter rapid. Smooth footage was easy to capture thanks to the 3-axis stabilized gimbal.

Later, I rigged up a tactical bait release to drop egg flies into churning foam behind boulders with the Air’s half pound capacity. Spotting and reaching prime lies gave me an edge on hooking hard fighting wild trout.

With pro-grade aerial technology in a portable package, DJI’s Air 2S is a rugged jack-of-all-trades fishing drone. This mid-sized aircraft’s versatility supported my missions from scouting to filming to helping deploy my lures in rugged riverside terrain.

Best Waterproof Drone for Fishing

PowerVision PowerEgg X

“Battling the Elements”

Max Payload Capacity: 0.5 lbs

Flight Time: 30 mins

Transmission Range: 3.7 miles

With the extreme weather changes throughout the year here in the Midwest, I need fishing gear that can withstand everything from heat waves to blizzards if I want to fish year-round. The waterproof PowerEgg X provided aerial views even during a snowy steelhead run on Michigan’s Muskegon River.

This odd-looking ovoid drone switches between a stable aerial camera platform to a handheld 4K ground gimbal. The CG04 camera protected inside the egg produced great footage plowing through lake effect snow showers.

Jouncing over icy trail ruts, the sealed PowerEgg construction gave me confidence in launching without damaging delicate electronics. I captured awesome shots of anglers perched on riverside ice floes hauling in chrome winter steelhead.

Though lacking top-end range, for close-quarters work in precipitation, the PowerEgg delivered great utility. Rotating the 4K camera down, I managed to drop micro jigs into open slots along a frozen creek bank to entice sluggish trout.

The interchangeable drone and ground camera modes make the PowerEgg X a versatile environmental imaging tool. Water and weather resistance expands the operating envelope for capturing dramatic fishing scenes in the raw elements only Mother Nature can deliver.

Best for Surf Fishing

Bwine F7 GPS Drone

“Aerial Recon Floating Over Florida Flats”

Max Payload Capacity: 2 lbs

Flight Time: 75 mins

Transmission Range: 2 miles

Targeting needlefish and snook along the labyrinth of mangrove-choked estuaries near Everglades City requires good aerial reconnaissance. Launched from my skiff, the compact Bwine F7 provided a low altitude live view of the flooded backcountry.

The fixed high-def camera delivered a fish-spotting advantage from 50 feet up. I could trace channels and accurately cast into bait-rich holes revealed by its real-time bird’s-eye perspective. Like having an airborne spotter.

In lower light, the F7’s night vision camera mode made it possible to keep scouting after sunset when predators go on the prowl. I located feeding specks under dock lights that would’ve been invisible in the dark without the drone’s help.

With over 400 acres of twisty tidal creeks to explore, the F7’s long 75-minute flight endurance provided extended aerial surveys of the prime fishing grounds. This is essential when navigating and finding fishable water far from the boat ramp.

The compact controller’s built-in screen meant I didn’t need to mount my phone, and could easily monitor conditions floating overhead. A great feature when balancing gear in a small skiff.

Best for Long-Range Scouting

Autel Robotics EVO II Pro V3

“A Long-Haul Fishing Eye in the Sky”

Max Payload Capacity: 2.5 lbs

Flight Time: 40 mins

Transmission Range: 9.3 miles

When targeting open ocean pelagic species, I need maximum aerial range to cover vast areas in search of fishy conditions and signs of life. Autel’s EVO II Pro Version 3 drone provides an unblinking eye in the sky with over 9 miles of video transmission capability.

On a bluefin tuna hunt 5 miles offshore Cape Hatteras, I could launch the EVO II Pro from my boat and explore for surface-feeding tuna over immense swaths of ocean. Having two-way communication back dozens of miles provided directing capability similar to a spotter plane.

Footage from the onboard 4K camera was incredibly detailed when zooming in over a mile away. I could also examine breaking bait balls and water clarity with surprising clarity at great distances.

In variable offshore winds, the drone maintained steady hovering thanks to auto-stationing sensors. Such stability makes inspecting conditions and deploying baits from afar highly effective. No sway or jitters.

With its extensive transmitter reach, the EVO II Pro lets anglers physically search immense ocean territories to find where fish congregate. No other drone I’ve tested can cast its eyes as far with rock solid video feedback. Truly next-level range.

Best Fishing Drones Analysis and Test Results

Portability

When heading out on foot to fish, having a compact, lightweight drone is essential. Drones like the DJI Mini 2 SE shine in the portability department, weighing less than 0.5 lbs and folding up to fit in a bag. The Potensic T25 is also fairly compact and light.

On the heavier end, the Swellpro Fisherman MAX clocks in at slightly more than 8 lbs. But it makes up for this with a folding design that packs into an included case. The DJI Phantom 4 Pro and Autel EVO II also have bulkier designs that are less ideal for packing light.

For fishing on foot, prioritize lightness and a folding form factor. But for boat fishing with transport by car, size and weight matter less.

Durability

Rugged construction is key for a fishing drone that will see action near water. The heavy-duty Swellpro Fisherman MAX leads here, with an IP67 waterproof rating, carbon fiber arms, and marine-grade plastic body that can withstand crashes and splashes.

The Powervision PowerEgg X is also fully waterproof, a major advantage. And the DJI FPV has a sturdy frame, despite some complaints about fragility from crashes.

On the less durable end, the DJI Mini 2 has an exposed gimbal and motors that are prone to damage if wet, while the Potensic T25 lacks protection from the elements.

Prioritize waterproofing and carbon fiber parts for best resilience when fishing. Extra propeller guards can also help.

Performance

Flight time, speed, range and payload capacity determine how useful a drone is for fishing.

Top choices like the Swellpro Fisherman MAX and DJI Air 2S offer 30 minutes of flight time, providing ample air coverage for finding fish. They also have excellent range up to 1.5 miles, and can carry heavier baits and gear.

The DJI FPV impresses with high 87 mph top speeds ideal for covering long distances offshore. But its sub-20 minute flight time is a drawback. The PowerEgg X can only carry 0.5 lbs but makes up for it with waterproofing.

For shore fishing, steady winds call for higher wind resistance. The DJI Air 2S and Autel EVO II both handle 40+ mph winds with ease.

Camera Quality

A high-resolution camera with zoom helps scout fish and capture footage.

The DJI Phantom 4 Pro shines here with its 1-inch 20MP sensor capable of 4K video 10-bit color. The Autel EVO II also packs a great 1-inch sensor with an adjustable aperture for crystal-clear fish spotting.

The DJI FPV provides an immersive piloting view, but its camera footage is lower resolution. The Potensic T25 only has 2K video sufficient for general scouting.

Consider digital zoom up to 4x and higher megapixel sensors for the best fish scouting from above. Raw photo capture can also help with editing.

Value

Buying the right drone comes down to matching price with performance. The DJI Mini 2 punches above its $339 price tag with an impressive 31 minutes of flight time and a 3-axis gimbal.

In the $500-1500 range, the PowerEgg X and DJI Air 2S deliver excellent all-around performance and capability. And the Swellpro Fisherman MAX gives unmatched power and payload capacity for its $2299 cost.

At the top end, the DJI Phantom 4 and Autel EVO II provide pro-level cameras and range worth the premium for serious fishing enthusiasts.

Prioritize flight time, camera quality, and range for the price when choosing a fishing drone. Extra batteries can help boost airtime for lower cost models.

Flying and Rigging Your Fishing Drone

Follow these tips to safely and successfully take flight with your fishing drone:

Pre-Flight Checks and Set Up

• Review any regulations and drone flight requirements for your area.
• Ensure the drone battery is fully charged. Bring backup batteries.
• Attach any accessories like bait release mechanisms.
• Calibrate the compass and acquire GPS lock before flying.
• Test camera, gimbal, and video transmission functions.

Attaching Bait and Rigging

• Use a bait release accessory that allows remotely dropping your tackle.
• Carefully affix the bait so it detaches when the release is triggered.
• Leave enough line slack to prevent tangling the drone but not too much to avoid snagging.
• Test the release mechanism on land first before flying over water.

Manual Flying vs Intelligent Flight Modes

• Manual flight allows precise control but requires constant input.
• Intelligent modes like waypoint navigation and “follow me” are easier to use once configured.
• Switch between the two modes as needed.
• Practice flying in good conditions before relying on autonomous modes for fishing.

Landing and Retrieving Your Drone

• Be aware of wind strength and direction – strong gusts make landing tricky.
• Descend gently to avoid splashing water up into components.
• For hand retrieval, grab onto landing gear rather than propellers.
• Use landing pads on beaches to avoid sand in motors.
• Emergency features like auto-return can be activated as a backup if needed.

Fishing Drone Accessories

Consider these handy extras to enhance your fishing drone:

Extra Batteries

Carrying backup batteries extend your air time. Quick-swap batteries let you get back in flight faster.

Landing Pads

Provide a clean, flat surface for takeoff and landing. This prevents sand or dirt from getting into the propellers.

FPV Goggles

First-person view goggles give an immersive piloting experience – it’s like being in the drone! Useful for scouting spots.

Underwater Cameras

Add-on cameras designed for underwater use provide a fish-eye perspective. Great for examining structures.

Fish Finders

Sonar systems designed for drones can detect fish. However, regulations may restrict operating active sonar without a permit.

Safety Tips

To fish safely and responsibly with your drone, keep these tips in mind:

Be Aware of Regulations

Research if recreational and commercial drone fishing is permitted in the area you’ll be flying. Follow all local laws.

Mind the Weather

Avoid flying in heavy winds, rain, or storms. Check forecasts before launching your drone.

Fly Defensively

Keep a safe distance from people, wildlife, structures, vegetation, and aircraft. Avoid risks.

The Future is Now

After testing some of the top fishing drones available, it’s clear this technology is a game-changer for anglers. These drones allow you to spot fish, reach remote areas, and maximize your time on the water. I’ve been thrilled with the results since I started using drones.

While prices are still high compared to other fishing gear, the investment is well worth it if you fish often. And as drones get more advanced and competition increases, prices are likely to become more affordable.

Based on the hockey stick growth we’ve seen so far, it’s obvious fishing drones are here to stay.

For passionate anglers aiming to improve their fishing techniques, investing in a durable, high-quality fishing drone is highly recommended.

Take the time to identify which features are most important for the type of fishing you do. And think about portability if you fish in multiple locations.

Investing in the right drone will pay off exponentially in the form of bigger catches and more days on the water. The world of drone fishing is growing rapidly.

I can’t wait to see what innovations emerge in the coming years to make drones an even more valuable tool for anglers everywhere.