Fish smarter, not harder, by using a drone! Like most people, when you hear the word drone, you probably imagine breathtaking aerial videos and still images. It's only natural, but drone technology has matured and evolved over the years. The unique capabilities of a drone are now being applied to a wide array of tasks and activities, and drone fishing is one of them. In this brief overview we'll talk about the two main ways drones can enhance traditional fishing, provide some helpful tips, and list which drones would make the best companion on your next fishing trip.
Two Ways to Drone Fish
There are two main ways to combine fishing with drones and they both are meant to assist you with traditional techniques. Just like a regular day of fishing, drone fishing requires a rod, reel, bait, and the muscle to bring in your catch. The first method is to use the drone purely for scouting. There's only so much information you can glean from a boat or standing at the shore, but with a drone, you can get a bird's eye view. View larger areas of water to see where the fish are, learn their habits, and spy where underwater landmarks may lie, such as sandbars and weed lines.
The second and more popular method is to have the drone actually cast your bait and hook for you. With the help of a release mechanism, you can fly way beyond the range of normal casting to drop bait in waters that were previously not fishable without a boat rental. Now you can stay dry on land and still have access to the big game that lives past the breakers. To be fair, the best method of drone fishing is when you use both together, scouting your spot and remotely casting your bait to give you the best odds for a bite.
Drone Fishing Tips
The more you fish with drones, the more tips and tricks you'll pick up along the way. For those that are looking to get into the hobby, here are some initial things you should consider.
- Wind Speed: Drones are typically lightweight aircraft with a limited tolerance for wind speed. Always check the weather and only fly in conditions your drone can manage.
- Camera: You can save money by opting for a camera-less model on some fishing drones but this will limit your ability to scout the water before dropping bait.
- Accessories: You can only catch more if you cast more, so it pays to have some extra flight batteries on hand. Also, pick up a landing pad so you can take off and land without kicking up sand into the drone.
- The Law: Even if there's no one around, you're still a drone pilot and must adhere to local and federal laws. This covers not only the regulations and licensing that go with general drone piloting, but also any local laws that may specifically relate to drone fishing.
Fishing Drones
With various after-market accessories, such as payload release systems, you can retrofit many standard drones for drone fishing. Popular DJI models to think about are the Mavic 3 and Air 3S, which can handle winds up to 27 mph. The Mini 2 SE, Mini 4K, and Mini 4 Pro are not far behind with a 24 mph wind resistance. If you don't already have a drone, it's hard to recommend anything but the Fisherman series from SwellPro.
As of this writing, SwellPro offers the Fisherman FD1 Plus, FD3, and Max. All three far surpass the wind resistance of many DJI models, remaining stable in winds up to 40 mph. Also, they all share a robust saltwater-proof construction, the frames are self-floating, and an automatic flip function can turn an upside-down tragedy into a water-based takeoff. Where they stand apart is primarily in their support for a camera and bait. The FD1 Plus has no camera and can transport up to 4.8 lb of bait, the FD3 features a 4K 1-axis tilt camera while still delivering up to 4.4 lb of bait, and the Max gives you a 4K camera, up to 8 lb of bait support, and the option of dual-bait casting to optimize each flight.
A practical improvement in almost every way, drone fishing gives you greater odds of catching fish and access to more diverse species; all while staying dry on land. If you're already an avid drone angler, feel free to comment below with your setup and some tips of your own. If you're new to the hobby and can't wait to get started, you can find all of the drones and accessories you'll need at B&H.
