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Fishing Drones – What Are They & How Do I Pick One?

Fishing Drones – What Are They & How Do I Pick One?

What are Fishing Drones?

To put it as simply as possible, a fishing drone is an unmanned device, either airborne or aquatic, specifically designed to assist in fishing activities. It serves as a tool to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of fishing by incorporating advanced technology.

You may think of a fishing drone as a camera drone to capture your fishing adventures, but true fishing drones go a step further than that by incorporating a bait release mechanism. Let's focus specifically on aerial fishing drones with bait release technology and directly compare a few fishing drones form SwellPro.

Aerial Fishing Drones Defined

In the most literal sense, an aerial fishing drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to assist in fishing activities by flying above bodies of water. These drones are equipped with features that make fishing more efficient and precise. Key functions of an aerial fishing drone include:

  • Spotting Fish: Using cameras, thermal imaging, or sensors to locate fish schools
  • Casting Lines: Equipped with a mechanism to drop bait or cast fishing lines into precise locations, even those inaccessible from shore or boats
  • Monitoring Conditions: Providing real-time information on water conditions, weather, and obstacles
  • Mapping & Navigation:Some aerial fishing drones have GPS capabilities to mark and revisit productive fishing spots, creating a virtual map of fishing locations

Many anglers using fishing drones for shore fishing on large lakes and the ocean. You can eliminate the need for casting by loading your bait on the drone flying to your mark and dropping the bait using the drone. Fishing drones often come with more weatherproofing and some can land and take off directly from the water as well. For this reason, a fishing drone with weatherproofing is also a great option for content creators looking to safely capture footage on or above large bodies of water.



SwellPro Fishing Drones & Comparison Chart

SwellPro is a pioneer company in making waterproof & rugged drones for operations in various wet environments. They set out to create a drone users could fly in harsh conditions or across water without the fear of crashing they drone in the water. Not only can you use a SwellPro to actively spot and scout fishing spots, but you can also record high-def video and even take your bait off-shore and release it.

Let's look at a few different fishing drones by SwellPro and compare how each model is a bit different. Be sure to click on each product to get a more in-depth breakdown of each.


SwellPro Fisherman MAX (FD2)
Heavy Lift Fishing Drone


SwellPro Fisherman FD3
Fishing Drone

SwellPro FD1+ Fisherman
Fishing Drone

Waterproof Grade IP67 IP67 IP67
Drone Weight 8.3 lbs | 3.78 kg 5 lbs | 2.54 kg 4.4 lbs | 2.19 kg
Digital Video
Transmission
None None None
Foldable Design Yes No No
Max Flight Time 27 min (no wind & no load) 27 min (no win & no load) 30 min (no win & no load)
Max Flight Distance 1 mile | 1.5 km 1 mile | 1.5 km 1 mile | 1.5 km
"Follow me" No No No
Power Flip Yes Yes Yes
Return One-key return-to-home
Signal lost return-to-home
Low battery auto return-to-home
One-key return-to-home
Signal lost return-to-home
Low battery auto return-to-home
One-key return-to-home
Signal lost return-to-home
Low battery auto return-to-home
Floatable Float with additional devices Self-floating Self-floating
Charge Time 80 mins 80 mins 90 mins
Mobile Mount Suitable for any size phone Suitable for any size phone -
Camera Attachment
(sold separately)
1-axis 4K gimbal camera 1-axis 4K gimbal camera 2000 TVL FPV Camera
Payload Release Dual-payload release Dual-payload release PL1-F (payload release)
PL2-F (with FPV camera)

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SwellPro Fishing Drone Accessories


Landing Gears for Fisherman Max(FD2)/FD3/FD1+ Drone

$32

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SwellPro Remote Controller Sun Shade

$39

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SwellPro 110CM Landing Pad

$89

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AquaRID FAA Remote ID Broadcast Module

$129

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Shop all SwellPro Fishing Drone Accessories



Additional Resources: Blogs, Podcast & Community

Eco Fishing Shop Blog


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