Looking for the best action camera for fishing? You have come to the right place. Whether you are an angler or a fisherman, there is this excitement and joy when you have a big catch that you don’t want to forget. So, why not record it and share it on social media? But for that, you need a good camera. And no camera can be better for adventure than an action camera. Therefore in this article, we’ll review the top-rated action cameras that are not only waterproof but great performers underwater. We’ll also help you in choosing the right one for your next fishing adventure by providing a comprehensive guide and answering some of the most commonly asked questions.
Action cameras are not only compact and lightweight but loaded with many advanced features like 4K video, image stabilization, high frame rates, slow-mo shooting, live-streaming, GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity. However, what makes them ideal for fishing is that they are rugged and waterproof. They usually come with covers that enable them to record footage deep underwater that no other camera can reach. Plus, they can be mounted anywhere, whether it’s on a fishing pole, on the helmet, or on the ship’s dashboard. They also bring auto features like voice commands and remote control that allow them for hands-free shooting, which is why, they require minimal interaction once recording has begun. All these qualities make them the best choice when going on a fishing trip.
Top 10 Best Action Cameras For Fishing In 2024
| 1 | Garmin Virb XE – Best Overall |
| 2 | TACTACAM Fish-i Wide Lens Fishing Action Camera – Best Tube Camera For Fishing |
| 3 | Garmin Virb 360 – Best 360 Degree Option |
| 4 | GoPro Hero 7 black – Best GoPro For Fishing |
| 5 | Garmin Virb Ultra 30 – Best For Underwater |
| 6 | GoPro Hero 5 black – Best Budget GoPro For Fishing |
| 7 | YI 4K Action Camera – Affordable Option For Watersports |
| 8 | DJI OSMO Action – Best GoPro substitute |
| 9 | GitUp Git2 – Best Cheap Option |
| 10 | Akaso EK7000 Pro – Best Budget 4K |
Best Action Camera For Fishing – Reviews
1. Garmin Virb XE
- Key Specifications:
- LCD Screen: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Voice Control: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes, without a case
- Frame Rate: 30fps, 60fps,
- Resolution: 1080p and 1440p
- Battery life: 2 hours
Garmin Virb XE is our top choice and the best action camera for fishing photography. It is equipped with a G-Metrix built-in GPS and has external sensors that have connectivity with Garmin devices that help you record performance data like heart rate, elevation, speed, and G-force.
It has a top-notch feature that allows you to record high-quality full detailed videos with a resolution of 1080p at the frame rate of 60 frames per second. And for slow-motion, it records 1080p resolution videos at the frame rate of 240 frames per second. Garmin Virb XE offers you a burst shooting mode that lets you capture a bunch of photographs in a quick chain so you will not miss the moment or action in burst shooting.
Garmin Virb XE has a waterproof body. This best action camera for fishing gives you clear and visible pictures underwater and it is protected from water splashes during fishing. Other than fishing, you can also use it as an underwater video camera.
Moreover, it allows you to have clear audio control up to 50 meters of depth without even a waterproof case. It also has weatherproof contacts that allow for powering and rugged charging.
Plus, Garmin Virb XE features Bluetooth audio functioning. It can be connected with wireless Bluetooth headsets or with microphones, and you can then record audio in high quality. Garmin Virb XE has a lot more to offer, and you will not be disappointed buying it for your fishing adventures.
2. TACTACAM Fish-i Wide Lens Fishing Action Camera
- Key Specifications:
- LCD Screen: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Voice Control: No
- Waterproof: Yes, without a case
- Frame Rate: 30fps, 120fps and 240fps
- Resolution: 4K, 1080p and 720p
- Battery life: 2.5 hours
The Tactacam Fish-i Fishing cam is the best budget action camera for fishing that is available for under 100 $ on Amazon. The fishing camera is simple and easy to operate. It can be mounted on your fishing rod to record your fishing adventure. It is a quick-start action camera; with just a click of a button, it starts recording, and pushing the button again stops the recording. In addition to that, it comes with the Tactacam fish i-app which connects your action camera to your smartphone, and you can easily turn it on and off. This app also allows you to view your footage and share the footage to your smartphone and you can edit and share them on social media.
Tactacam Fishing camera allows you to record your fishing video at a resolution of 4K at the frame rate of 30 frames per second, 1080p at 120 frames per second, and 720p at 240 frames per second.
The Tactacam comes with a Patented Interchangeable Lens System that gives you a wide array of 3 options designed especially for your custom preference and setting. (170° ultra-wide lens, 120° wide lens, and 90° mini-zoom lens included). It supports night vision and can record at low lights or at nighttime.
Tactacam Fish-i has remarkable capabilities in the water. It’s 100% waterproof up to 30 feet below. Its tough skin withstands water dunking for many years to come. It is the best action camera for fishing with tough water-resistant capabilities.
This waterproof camera is also shock-resistant and has rechargeable lithium-ion batteries that have a working life of 2.5 hours. Moreover, it has a 2.0 USB connection charging and HDMI port compatibility. Overall, it has high-end features and a lot more to offer.
3. Garmin Virb 360
- Key Specifications:
- LCD Screen: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Voice Control: No
- Waterproof: Yes, without a case
- Frame Rate: 30fps, 60fps
- Resolution: 5.7K, 5K, 4K, and 3K
- Battery life: 1.5 hours
Garmin Virb 360 is another best action camera for fishing from Garmin. This action camera is equipped with a G-Metrix built-in GPS. It has external sensors that have connectivity with Garmin devices that help you record performance data like heart rate, elevation, speed, and G-force.
With wonderful features, it allows you to record high-quality full detailed videos with a resolution of 5.7K at the frame rate of 60 frames per second with desktop stitching. This 5K camera records 4K resolution videos at the frame rate of 30 frames per second auto-stitched in the camera. At the same time, it captures stills at 15 megapixels.
Garmin Virb 360 offers you a burst shooting mode that lets you capture a bunch of photographs in a quick chain so you will not miss the moment or action in burst shooting. Also get more control with different recording modes like time-lapse, manual, and powerful new hyper-frame director mode. At the same time, the stabilization mode ensures smooth and oriented footage.
Garmin Virb 360 is another waterproof camera. It gives you clear and visible pictures underwater, and it is protected from water splashes during fishing. In addition to that, it allows you to have clear audio control up to 10 meters of depth without even a waterproof case. It also has weatherproof contacts that allow for powering and rugged charging.
Garmin Virb 360 features 360 audio functioning. The high-quality built-in 4 microphones support 360-degree audio and you can then record audio in high quality.
Garmin Virb 360 supports a live-streaming function, but that is only available with compatible Apple devices. It is the best action camera for fishing with live-streaming capabilities for iPhone users. Other than that Garmin Virb 360 has a lot more to offer and will not disappoint users buying it for fishing adventures.
4. GoPro Hero 7 black
- Key Specifications:
- LCD Screen: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Voice Control: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes, without a case
- Frame Rate: 60fps and 24fps
- Resolution: 4K and 1080p
- Battery life: 1 hour and 45 minutes
GoPro Hero7 Black is a social-age action camera and stands out due to its top-notch features. It records videos at 4K resolution at the frame rate of 60 frames per second. And it delivers stunning and smooth footage without any lag. This best GoPro camera comes with an electronic image stabilization EIS feature, that prevents diversions and keeps your recordings safe from shakiness and blurs.
Moreover, this best action camera for fishing has a SuperPhoto which is an intelligent photo mode that automatically applies HDR, a local tone mapping, and reduces noise to produce effective photographs while assessing the surroundings. SuperPhoto mode allows you to click extraordinary photos.
It supports slow-motion recording at a resolution of 1080p at the frame rate of 24 frames per second. It strikes 8x slow-motion recording mode which lets you record brilliant videos. GoPro Hero7 black lets you capture amazing and stabilized time-lapse videos through its TimeWarp video mode. You can capture the footage in burst mode or produce your smooth time-lapse videos at a maximum speed of 30x.
It is a user-friendly action camera that also offers you voice control. You can control your camera through voice commands and manage it hands-free. It works on voice control by commanding it to ‘take a photo’ or ‘start recording’ etc.
This GoPro action camera has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity which allows you to live-stream your fishing video and share amazing details of your adventures like you can take this GoPro for fishing. You can also live stream on Facebook and save your streaming videos on your SD card with high resolution.
GoPro Hero7 Black is waterproof without a case and you can also use it as an underwater camera up to 10 meters or 33 feet. It has a highly sensitive and very responsive touchscreen. And because of its high-end features, it has a high demand in the market.
5. Garmin Virb Ultra 30
- Key Specifications:
- LCD Screen: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Voice Control: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes, with a case
- Frame Rate: 30fps, 60fps, 80fps and 90fps
- Resolution: 4K, 2.7K, 720p and 1080p
- Battery life: 2 hours 15 minutes
Garmin Virb Ultra 30 records in 4K resolution and is an action camera that is simple and easy to operate. It is the best action camera for fishing with voice control functions and is professionally designed. With burst shooting mode it allows you to capture an image at the 12-megapixel resolution at 60 frames in 2 seconds and you can also select the 8-megapixel resolution at 60 frames per second. It allows you to capture every detail and you can also switch modes to time lapse when you want.
It has a built-in GPS which helps you in control even with distance mode. You can also click high-quality photos while moving. It records videos in high quality with fine details. Garmin Virb Ultra camera like GoPro has a voice control feature that helps you go hands-free. You can live stream on YouTube. Best of all, it can perform underwater up to 131 feet (40m) within the case. Garmin Virb Ultra 30 has many useful accessories in its kit, and it is unarguably the best action camera for fishing with top-notch features.
6. GoPro Hero 5 black
- Key Specifications:
- LCD Screen: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Voice Control: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes, without a case
- Frame Rate: 60fps, 80fps and 90fps
- Resolution: 720p, 960, and 1080p
- Battery life: 2 hours
GoPro Hero5 Black has the incredible features of the Hero Session series and performs advanced functionality. It has an image resolution of 12 megapixels. It has an LCD screen so you can preview your videos and images on it. GoPro Hero5 black enables you to spot edit and trim your video as you desire. It has a removable battery of 1200 mAh that lasts for 2 hours.
It is one of the best action cameras for fishing that is waterproof without a case. It can go unwater up to 33 feet or 10 meters without the waterproof case. Underwater GoPro delivers professional-quality images and videos with maximum details. You can record for long hours as the GoPro Hero 5 battery is removable so you can enjoy a longer battery working life.
It has a voice control capability. You can control it with your voice command, and a one-touch operation ensures better performance. The spot editing it offers is useful. This best action camera for fishing from GoPro offers high-end features and considering it will not disappoint you.
7. YI 4K Action Camera
- Key Specifications:
- LCD Screen: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Voice Control: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes, with a case
- Frame Rate: 30fps
- Resolution: 4K UHD
- Battery life: 2 hours
YI 4K is a sports action camera that is one of the best options for bass fishing. It is a 4K action camera with high-end features that allow you to record in Ultra HD resolution at the frame rate of 30 frames per second. With its advanced Ambarella chip and Sony image sensor, you can shoot high-quality clearer footage. It captures images at a resolution of 12 megapixels.
This best action camera for fishing is also equipped with a 2.2-inch LCD touchscreen with high sensitivity that has gorilla glass to prevent it from scratches and sudden breakages if drops down.
Moreover, it has a 3-axis image stabilization that prevents any distortion in the images. It has built-in high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity that allows you to edit and share your pictures on your smartphone.
It comes with a rechargeable 1400 mAh battery that has a long working life. YI 4K action camera delivers the best features and is unarguably the best camera for fishing.
8. DJI OSMO Action
- Key Specifications:
- LCD Screen: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Voice Control: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes, with a case
- Frame Rate: 60fps, 30fps and 240fps
- Resolution: 4K, 2.7K and 1080p
- Battery life: 4.5 hours
DJI OSMO action camera is a small, lightweight camera that is waterproof up to 36 feet underwater. It is one of the GoPro competitors. It records 4K resolution videos at the frame rate of 60 frames per second, 2.7K videos at 30 frames per second, and 1080p at 240 frames per second. It captures images at 12-megapixel.
This best action camera for fishing has a 2.25-inch touchscreen on the back. And a front screen of 1.4 inches. Moreover, it comes with electronic image stabilization (EIS) which they call Rocksteady. So, you will not need an additional gimbal. It allows you to record unshaken, smooth, and stable footage.
DJI OSMO action supports a 1/a 2.3-inches CMOS sensor and shoots 4K HDR videos. It has a wide-angle 145-degree field of view that provides you with full coverage. With its 8-times slow-motion shooting, you can capture every movement with incredible clarity and visibility. It offers you footage with high-end details when you shoot in slow motion at a resolution of 1080p at the frame rate of 240 frames per second. And it also has time-lapse shooting to give you stunning output.
It is one the best action cameras for fishing that comes with a flat adhesive mount, and a curved adhesive mount so you can mount it on your fishing rod or wherever you want. And it also has a locking screw, battery casing, USB-C cable, and a quick-release base. It has a hydrophobic coating on its back touchscreen and a watertight seal. Its batteries are resistant to temperature and perform very well at cold temperatures. With an amazing Dji battery, it can work even at -10 degrees centigrade. DJI OSMO action camera is the best option for fishing and has a top-notch feature with durability.
9. GitUp Git2
- Key Specifications:
- LCD Screen: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Voice Control: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes, with a case
- Frame Rate: 24fps, 60fps and 120fps
- Resolution: 4K, 1080p and 720p
- Battery life: 2 hours 20 minutes
GitUp Git2 is the best budget action camera for fishing that we highly recommend. The GitUp Git2 allows you to record outdoor adventures with the top-notch features that are part of this compact camera. It can capture images at a high resolution of 16 megapixels and record videos at a resolution of 2880×2160 or 2K level at the frame rate of 24 frames per second and it can go lower.
It comes with mounts. It is one of the best action cameras for fishing that can be easily mounted on handlebars, fishing rods, and on boards, etc. It has a wide-angle 170-degree field of view that provides you with complete coverage. The wide view angle helps you in wide focus.
GitUp Git2 action comes with a waterproof case that protects the camera and provides a waterproofing facility to your action cam.
This best action camera for fishing comes with a quick start recording feature and has a Gyro IS enabled. It also has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and it has also added a G-sensor functionality. Along with its unique design, it offers you high-quality video with a rich audio system. Making it a good choice for fishing cameras.
10. Akaso EK7000 Pro
- Key Specifications:
- LCD Screen: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Voice Control: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes, with a case
- Frame Rate: 25fps, 30fps and 60fps
- Resolution: 4K, 2.7K and 1080p
- Battery life: 1.5 hours
The final best action camera for fishing on our list is the Akaso EK 7000 Pro. This action camera is for those who are looking for the best cheap action camera for fishing. However, despite being a cheap GoPro alternative, it is suitable for both beginners and professional photographers alike. It is a pro-action camera and can shoot life-like high-definition videos at a resolution of 4K and capture images at a resolution of 16 megapixels. It records 4K videos at the frame rate of 25 frames per second, 2.7K videos at 30 frames per second, and 1080p at 60 frames per second. Overall, it delivers high-end detailed images and crisp videos.
Its 2-inch IPS touchscreen gives crystal clear footage with vibrant and sharp colors. Settings are simple and easy to change, and you can switch shooting modes while previewing your images and videos on the screen. It has an option for playback footage.
This best Akaso camera has built-in electronic image stabilization that helps you shoot fast-moving objects and quick actions without any burring and shakiness.
Akaso EK7000 Pro is waterproof up to a depth of 131 feet. It comes with a waterproof case that helps you protect your action camera from water splashes during fishing and recording.
This Akaso action camera has an adjustable view angle and a wide field of view. You can adjust your angle between narrow, medium, wide, and super-wide. With higher angles, you can see more.
It supports a 2.4G remote control and comes with two 1050 mAh rechargeable batteries that give you long recording hours.
It has a bicycle stand and seven mounts plus two clips. So you can mount it on your fishing rod, and anywhere you want. Akaso EK7000 Pro is a durable action camera that never misses recording any moment. It is the best action camera for fishing adventures and much more.
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Buyer’s Guide: Things to look for when buying the best action camera for fishing
Fishing photography is not like conventional day-to-day photography. Features that you may consider at the bottom of the list for another genre of photography may come first to be considered before choosing your best camera for fishing. So, let us see what they are.
Waterproof
Before choosing your camera you need to make sure that it is at least waterproof. Because you may not submerge it underwater but don’t expect that it would not come in contact with water. So, your camera must be waterproof. Some of the best action cameras for fishing are also compatible with different types of casings for their protection. So, you can make sure that the casing that the action camera comes with is reliable or you can choose from the best action camera protectors available on the market.
High-quality footage
By high-quality footage, we mean high resolution here. Because you wouldn’t want to miss capturing any droplets, any water splashes, or flopping action details of the fish that you’ve just caught. So, at least Full HD or 4K resolution is often desired. 4k action camera performs well compared to an HD action camera for fishing. Moreover, a fishing cam must perform well in good light as well as low-light situations.
Good Audio Capability
If you are into videography then the camera you’re taking for fishing must have a good audio capability. Because you’d likely experience noise from flowing water and blowing wind. Therefore, your camera must be able to pick up your voice signals from all the noise around. To stay on the safe side, we recommend that you also check if your action camera is compatible with an external microphone. To attach your favorite type of microphone, you can also make use of action camera microphone adapters.
Good battery life and storage capacity
Fishing trips usually last longer than expected. And since most of the time, you’ll be recording because unlike conventional photography you don’t know when the moment comes when you have a catch. Therefore, the camera needs to have enough storage capacity, and a longer battery life is preferred.
Easy to carry
Big and bulky cameras are not preferred for fishing because you may not find a good place to mount them on your boat. And since you’d be shooting at weird angles, the compact size must be the choice. It is ideal to choose the lightest and smallest action camera possible that can be carried without casing to save space.
Easy to use
The camera must be easy to use at difficult angles. And can be mounted easily. Access Buttons must be easy to reach and operate. And switching between modes must be easy as well because you’d be probably handling the fishing rod and the fish that you caught and also using the camera at the same time. It is ideal for the camera to have hands-free shooting capability.
People Also Ask
Why is an action camera the best choice for fishing photography?
The reason is that an action camera is much more compact and lighter than other types of cameras, whether it be mirrorless, a DSLR, or even a standard point-and-shoot camera. Moreover, action cameras can be typically worn or mounted in such a way that they can shoot from the point of view of the shooter. They can be mounted anywhere from your helmet to a fishing pole, and can still take high-quality videos and photos from angles that might not be possible with a mirrorless or DSLR.
How can I use an action camera for fishing?
You can use an action camera for fishing by attaching it to your fishing gear or to your body, such as your hat or chest harness, to capture footage of your fishing experience. This can be useful for recording your catches, reviewing your techniques, and creating engaging content to share with others.
What are the benefits of using an action camera on a fishing trip?
Using an action camera as the best fishing camera on a fishing trip can enhance the experience by capturing memorable moments, providing an opportunity to analyze and improve your technique, and allowing you to share your experience with others.
Why is an action camera a better choice for fishing photography than a cell phone camera?
While the newest smartphone probably can deliver decent photos and videos for social media, an action camera is the better choice when you want to edit your videos for viewing on TV screens or on YouTube. The best action cameras for fishing are waterproof and can even shoot while submerged. While your smartphone is always at risk from water splashes.
Is it necessary to use a waterproof case for my action camera when I go fishing?
It is generally recommended to use a waterproof case for your action camera when fishing, particularly if you plan to take it out on a boat or if you expect to be around water. Even if you are fishing from shore, there is still a risk of splashes or accidental drops into the water.
A waterproof case can protect your camera from water damage, which can be costly to repair or even render your camera unusable. Additionally, the case can protect your camera from dirt, sand, and other debris that may be present when fishing.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to invest in a high-quality waterproof case for your action camera if you plan to use it while fishing or in other wet environments.
How we tested and reviewed the best action cameras for fishing
Although an action camera is a fantastic option for fishing photography, making sure you get the features right when purchasing an action camera is crucial. When you’re thinking about using your action camera for fishing, features like camera resolution, waterproofing, image stabilization, and ease of use (hands-free) become more important. As a result, we spent hours online researching and reading numerous professional blogs and thousands of consumer reviews to find the finest products with the proper mix of characteristics and specifications.
In the beginning, we were able to locate 23 top models that outperformed others on the paper in terms of performance. We then narrowed down our list to the top 10 best action cameras for fishing after comparing their quality, specifications, and prices. After thorough comparisons, we tested each of them to see how well they performed in real-world fishing scenarios. We used these best action cameras for fishing to take pictures and videos of both fish and water while casting our lines in different locations around our hometown lakes. In total, we put these cameras through more than 20 trials!
Our team found that all of the models excelled at capturing crisp images and smooth videos with very little noise or distortion even when submerged deep underwater. Additionally, all of our testers agreed that these cameras are user-friendly, even for those who are not experienced with digital photography or video editing. Ultimately, based on our findings, our experts reviewed and ranked them in the list of top 10 best action cameras for fishing that you can now purchase with confidence.
Final Thoughts
All the models in our list come with excellent features and will make great companions for your fishing trips. We know that the models you choose will highly depend on the budget you have. Therefore, we have kept our list versatile in terms of price tags so that you have more flexibility when making your choice. For instance, ranking first on our list, the Garmin Virb XE is much more expensive than our budget option, the GitUp Git2, which ranks lower on our list. However, both the models will perform excellently in their respective categories, and you can buy either of them with confidence depending on your budget. So, choose any best action camera for fishing from our list that you find appealing and within your budget, and start recording your fishing trips.
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