How to Use Drones for Fishing?

Here is everything you need to know to use a drone the next time you are on the water.

15:19 06 October 2021

There are many tools that you have in your fishing arsenal. You have your boat, your rod, your lures, and your instincts. But what happens if you add a drone to the mix? Here is everything you need to know to use a drone the next time you are on the water. 

 

Why Use a Drone? 

There are plenty of reasons why you might want to take a drone on your fishing trips. First, it can allow you to put your bait in the exact place you want it. Before this, you were limited by your casting ability. If you wanted to put it further away, you would have to use a kite. This was highly imprecise, relying on the whims of the wind. 

 

As long as you are ten meters above the water when you drop the bait, there won’t be any vibrations. This ensures that you won’t be spooking the fish. 

 

Another great way to use the drone is to scout for fish. From a higher vantage point, you’ll be able to see where the bigger fish are feeding. This will make it easier to pick the right location to fish, increasing the odds that you will get a bite. It’ll also allow you to spot any potential obstacles that you can get snagged on. 

 

Thirdly, if your drone is equipped with a camera, you’ll be able to record your adventure. While this might not increase your chances of landing a fish, it will allow you to document your trip. This will ensure that you have those memories for years to come. 

 

Picking the Right Drone

Now that we know some of the reasons why you might want to use a drone when fishing, we can turn our attention to finding the right one for you. This can be more complex than it first appears. There are plenty of models for you to choose from. 

 

There are a few things that you should be looking for in a good fishing drone. First, you’ll need to find something that has a reasonably good camera. This will allow you to see where the fish are. You’ll also need to find something that is fairly light and compact. Third, consider the range. How important this will be will depend on the type of fishing you do. For some people, half a mile will be enough. For others, it will need to be a couple of miles. 

 

Trying to look through all the models on the market can be overwhelming. A good place to start your research is with this list of drones used for fishing. 

 

Get Used to Piloting the Drone

Once the drone arrives, it’s time to get used to flying it. This can be an art in itself. It’s best to try this in your backyard or a park rather than on the water. This will make it easier to retrieve the drone if you have an accident. Most modern drones, though, will be fairly easy to pilot. You should be able to fly them confidently within a few hours. 

 

Using a Drone to Scout for Fish

This is the most common way to use your drone. In this case, you’ll need to fly the drone over the area to spot any fish activity. You can then maneuver your boat there and catch a fish. Drones are perfect for this task, giving you a bird’s eye view of the area. 

 

Here are a few tips you can use when scouting. First, you’ll want to stick to a perimeter rather than trying to scan over open water. Having the shoreline to work off will make it easier for you to spot the fish. Plus, you’ll be able to spot any important areas. For example, look for submerged obstacles, which the fish might be taking shelter in. You can then use this information to decide what tactics to use when fishing in that area. 

 

One of the biggest downsides of using a drone is that they tend to have fairly limited battery life. This can cause some frustration on longer trips. The good news is that there is an easy way to get around this. First, you’ll need to have a spare battery. It can also help to take along a charger. 

 

Finally, remember the point of the drone is to get basic information, spotting areas of interest. You won’t be able to rely on it to point out every fish. But it can give you an idea of where they might be and how they are reacting to your bait. You can use this to change your tactics or swap out your bait. 

 

Surf Fishing With a Drone

Another popular option is to use the drone to drop your line. To do this, you’ll need to rig the line to the underside of the drone. It’ll then be able to carry it out as far as you want. Then, you’ll be able to drop it precisely where you want it. You can even watch the way that the fish react to it. Sometimes, you’ll be able to record the moment you get the hookup. 

 

If you want to do this, you’ll need to install a bait drop system on the underside of the drone. You’ll want to make sure that this is positioned in the middle of the drone. This will ensure that the drone is balanced. You’ll also need to make sure that the line is kept out of the propellers. The size of the drone will determine how much weight you can carry. 

 

It should be noted that it is legal to surf fish with a drone. But you’ll need to make sure that you release the bait before the fish bites, or the moment the fish bites. You won’t be able to use the drone to help you reel the fish back in. 

 

Conclusion

Drones are becoming increasingly popular when fishing. When used properly, it can be one of the most effective tools in your arsenal, putting you right on top of the fish. So, give it a go the next time you are out on the water.