Fishing in the 21st century is entirely different than how it was before.
Gone are the days of randomly throwing your bait into the waters, only to find out that there’s no fish in this area. Now you can quickly discover the areas where the most fish cluster and even see the fish as it bites your bait.
This is made possible with specially designed underwater cameras that allow you to dive into the water without even getting yourself wet.
There are many underwater camera manufacturers and models out there, which can make it harder for you to pick one. That’s why we’ve given you the ultimate list of the best underwater fishing cameras out there!
Comparison Table
Camera | Video Resolution | Battery Life | Remote Viewing | Waterproofing | Recording Capacity | Weight |
Eyoyo Portable 7-inch LCD Monitor Fish Finder | 1280 x 720 pixels | Up to 8 hours recording time | Yes, via 7-inch LCD screen | Up to 15 meters (50 feet) | Up to 32GB via SD card | 1.6 kg |
Anysun Underwater Fish Finder | 720 x 576 pixels | up to 12 hours recording time | Yes, via 7-inch LCD screen | Up to 15 meters (50 feet) | Up to 32GB via SD card | 1.8 kg |
Aqua-Vu AV 715C Underwater Viewing System | N/A | Up to 8 hours recording time | Yes, via 7-inch LCD screen | Up to 15 meters (50 feet) | Up to 32GB via SD card | N/A |
Marcum Recon 5 Underwater Camera Viewing System | N/A | Up to 6 hours recording time | Yes, via 5-inch LCD screen | Up to 15 meters (50 feet) | Up to 32GB via SD card | 680 gm |
Olymbros Fishing Camera | 1280 x 720 pixels | up to 4 hours recording time | No | Up to 20 meters | Up to 32GB via microSD card | 88 gm |
Lucky Underwater Fishing Camera Viewing System | 480 x 272 pixels | up to 4 hours recording time | Yes, via 4.3-inch LCD screen | Up to 20 meters | Up to 16GB | 650 gm |
The 6 Best Underwater Fishing Cameras in 2024
Without further ado, let’s take a look at 6 of the best underwater fishing cameras you can find on the market today.
1. Eyoyo Portable 7-inch LCD Monitor Fish Finder – Best Overall Underwater Fishing Camera
The Eyoyo TVL1000’s most remarkable feature is that it can be used in both bright and dark environments, which also makes it an excellent choice for ice fishing. The removable sun visor allows you to get a clear image of underwater life, even in bright environments. Furthermore, the 12pcs IR LED lights make it easier for you to see the fish when it’s too dark. Whatever the lighting conditions are, you’ll get a crystal clear image!
The Eyoyo TVL1000 features a 720p camera and a 7-inch TFT LCD monitor that allows you to remotely view the camera’s recordings in real-time. Moreover, the waterproofing isn’t just limited to the camera, but the whole case is waterproof. However, it isn’t clear how waterproof it is, but let’s say that you can at least use it with wet hands or under the rain.
The fish finder also comes with a portable mini case so you can easily carry it around hassle-free. As for battery life, the Eyoyo TVL 1000 can last you up to 8 hours of recording time.
What We Like
- High video resolution
- Suitable for ice fishing
- Up to 8 hours of recording time
- IR LED lights for low-light visibility
- Comes with a 12-month warranty
- Waterproof up to 15 meters
- Waterproof case
What We Don’t Like
- Mono image in IR mode
Bottom Line
There’s a lot to love about the Eyoyo TVL1000 fish finder. From the high-res camera to the IR LED lights and the excellent battery life, it’s easily one of the most complete underwater fishing cameras you can find.
2. Anysun Underwater Fish Finder – Best Endurance Underwater Fishing Camera
The second underwater fishing camera on our list is the Anysun Fish Finder. It features an impressive battery life that could easily last you up to 12 hours, so if you like to spend your whole day fishing, the Anysun fish finder would be your best bet.
Additionally, the Anysun fish finder is IP68 certified, and you can use the camera at a maximum depth of 15 meters. The camera produces a pretty sharp image that you can even see the fish biting your bait. It’s equipped with 12 night-vision lights to compensate for insufficient lighting.
Furthermore, it has a 7-inch LCD so you can remotely see a live image of the fish and catch them quickly. The display is equipped with a sun visor that makes it easier for you to see what’s going on below the surface of the water, even in bright sunlight. Moreover, the Anysun fish finder comes with a portable carry bag so you can easily move it around.
What We Like:
- Sharp camera
- Excellent battery life (up to 12 hours)
- 7-inch TFT LCD screen
- Sun visor for direct sunlight visibility
- Waterproof up to 15m depth
- Equipped with 12 night-vision lights
- Comes with a carry bag
What We Don’t Like:
- A bit heavy
Bottom Line
The Anysun Underwater Fish Finder is an excellent choice for those who spend a long time fishing. Not only does it have a long battery life, but also has a sun visor, which lets you see the fish all day long.
3. Aqua-Vu AV 715C Underwater Viewing System – Best Underwater Ice Fishing Camera
Perfect for ice fishing, dock, boat, summer, and winter trips, the Aqua-Vu AV715C has a lot to offer. It has a CMOS camera with a black XD Quick Attachment system to avoid spooking the fish away.
Furthermore, the 7″ TFT LCD screen allows you to see a live view of the camera’s lens while it’s below the surface of the water. The screen has a sunshield to improve viewability in direct sunlight. Additionally, the device comes with a 15-meter cable so you can throw the camera deep into the water.
One notable feature of the Aqua-Vu AV 715C is the auto heat function in the back panel that allows you to use the device efficiently, even in cold weather conditions. Moreover, the camera is equipped with IR lighting so you can see the fish in low-light environments. It’s also equipped with an adjustable view fin for side and down viewing.
The Aqua-Vu AV 715C comes with a sturdy storage bag that fits a 5-gallon bucket for easy handling. The 12-volt 7-amp rechargeable battery should easily last you up to a full day of fishing.
What We Like:
- Remote viewing via 7″ LCD screen
- Auto heat function for better cold-weather performance
- Equipped with Low-light IR lighting
- IP67 certification
- Has an adjustable view fin
What We Don’t Like:
- Low camera resolution
Bottom Line
The Aqua-Vu AV 715C is a great underwater ice fishing camera that promises to deliver an exceptional low-light performance.
4. Marcum Recon 5 Underwater Camera Viewing System – Best Portable Underwater Fishing Camera
The Marcum Recon 5 Underwater Camera Viewing System offers the best combination of portability and functionality. The handheld device has a very small footprint with a sun-readable 5″ LCD panel for remote viewing on the front with a resolution of 800 x 480p and a 16:9 aspect ratio. On the right of the screen, there are four control buttons that allow you to control the device’s settings conveniently.
Furthermore, the camera’s 110° ensures that you don’t miss any of the action happening below the surface of the water. With a 1/3″ CMOS sensor, the camera also delivers a fantastic low-light performance.
Additionally, it’s equipped with LED and IR lightings that you can easily adjust according to the lighting conditions. The camera comes with a 15m cable, which is the standard for almost all underwater fishing cameras out there.
The Marcum Recon 5 comes with a small carry bag that’s almost the same size as the device so you can carry it around easily. It also offers protection since you can use the device while it’s inside the bag. Battery life lasts up to 6 hours, which isn’t the best you can find, but it’s good enough for the battery’s size.
What We Like:
- Compact and lightweight for maximum portability
- Has a 5″ remote Viewing LCD screen
- Comes with a protective carry bag
- IR and LED lightings
- Has a ⅓” CMOS sensor for better low-light performance
What We Don’t Like:
- Subpar battery life
Bottom Line
The Marcum Recon 5 is by far the best portable underwater fishing camera out there that also has an LCD screen.
5. Olymbros D1 Fishing Camera – Best Budget Underwater Fishing Camera
The Olymbros D1 is designed to be used on boats. It’s one of the most compact underwater cameras out there since you can easily fit it into your pocket when you’re on your fishing expeditions. It’s also quite lightweight, weighing just 88 grams. It’s so small and light that you won’t even need a carry case for it.
And while the Olymbros D1 lacks remote viewing, it’s equipped with a 720P HD high-resolution camera, which makes up for that. You can throw the camera as deep as 20 meters into the waters thanks to the O-Ring sealed waterproof design.
Furthermore, the camera is supported with a yellow LED light, which gives you a clearer image in dark environments, but don’t worry, it won’t scare the fish away.
As for battery life, you get 4 hours of recording time, which is less than average, but for the gadget’s small size and battery, it does make sense. You can use a USB cable to charge the Olymbros D1, which means you only need one cable for your phone and fishing camera. It takes around 3 hours for a single charge, so it’s a good idea to charge it before you head to the waters fully. You can also get a mobile power bank when you need some extra juice.
What We Like:
- Affordable
- Compact and lightweight design
- Waterproof up to 20 meters deep
- High-resolution 720P HD camera
- Convenient USB charging
- Equipped with a yellow LED light
What We Don’t Like:
- Short battery life
- No remote viewing
Bottom Line
While it lacks remote viewing capability, the Olymbros D1 is an excellent underwater fishing camera for those who want a minimalist and inexpensive gadget to help them fish.
6. Lucky Underwater Fishing Camera Viewing System – Best Budget Underwater Fishing Camera
The Lucky underwater fishing camera has everything you need to catch the fish at a very affordable price. It features a high-quality camera with built-in IR lights for a satisfactory dark water performance.
Additionally, the 4.3″ LCD screen allows you to see a live view of the camera’s recordings. The screen is also equipped with a sun visor to make it easier for you to use the device in direct sunlight.
Moreover, the 20m cable is strong enough to handle anything that may cross its way under the water. The device comes with a 16GB tf card, which should be enough to handle a good amount of video footage, but you’ll need to empty it every once in a while.
The 4000 mAh battery provides a battery life of around 4 hours, which is less than impressive, but it should be sufficient for quick fishing trips. Unfortunately, the device doesn’t come with a carry bag to cut down on costs, so you’ll have to buy one.
What We Like:
- Has a sun visor for better sunlight readability
- Equipped with IR lights
- Sturdy 20m cable
- Affordable price
What We Don’t Like:
- Poor battery life
- Low camera resolution
- No carry bag
Bottom Line
The Lucky underwater fishing camera is an excellent choice for those who want a portable, low-cost underwater viewing system.
How to Pick an Underwater Fishing Camera
There are a few things you need to keep in mind before selecting an underwater fishing camera.
1. Build Quality
An underwater fishing camera needs to be sturdy enough to absorb impact and collisions. You don’t know what the camera will run into on its way down into the bottom. Stainless steel is a favorable material choice for underwater. It’s sturdy and has excellent corrosion-resistance properties
2. Battery Life
Battery life is a crucial factor that you need to consider when shopping for an underwater fishing camera. What’s the point of an underwater fishing camera if it can’t hold a charge for your fishing trip? It’s essential to pick an underwater fishing camera with enough juice to last you for a full day of fishing. A recording time of at least 8 hours would be ideal, but it all depends on the average time you spend fishing.
3. Low-light Mode
There are a few situations that require your underwater fishing camera to have a low light mode, like when you go ice fishing during wintertime. Many underwater fishing cameras are equipped with IR lighting, so you can see the fish in dark environments without scaring them away with white light.
4. Remote Viewing
An underwater fishing camera with remote viewing functionality comes with a screen that allows you to see through the camera’s lens in real-time, allowing you to catch the fish before it escapes. This is much more convenient than having to take out the camera from the water to watch the recordings.
5. Camera Quality
What’s the use of an underwater fishing camera if it’s not capable of delivering a clear image? You don’t want to spend hours shooting video footage underwater only to find out that you can barely see anything from the recordings. A quality lens, coupled with a high-resolution sensor, will give you the results you desire. A large pixel size is also recommended as it provides better low-light performance.
Final Thoughts
There’s no clear winner on our list. After all, each single underwater fishing camera on the list will have its share of fans. It all comes down to your overall preference, needs, and available budget.
The list covers some of the best underwater fishing cameras on the market, so you can’t really go wrong with any of them. If you just want a solid performer that will get the job done with ease, the Eyoyo fish finder would be your best.
Looking for a compact underwater fishing camera that won’t break the bank? Then the small Olymbros D1 deserves your attention. It’s also a good option for those who want something that won’t add a lot of weight to their fishing gear.
The Marcum Recon 5 is also one of our favorites as it offers both functionality and portability at a decent price point.