4 Best GoPro for Fishing (2024)

By Naila Syifa
Updated May 2024

Most GoPro cameras are suitable for fishing, especially because most models are compatible with mounting accessories such as chest mounts and head straps, which allow you to film your fishing experience hands-free.

However, these 4 best GoPro for fishing stand out from the rest because of their own unique benefits and characteristics. Which one is most suitable for you? Let's find out!

On our list

#1 Best Overall: GoPro Hero 12 Black

#2 Best Versatility: GoPro Max

#3 Best Portability: GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini

#4 Best for Budget: GoPro Hero 9 Black

#1 Best Overall: GoPro Hero 12 Black

GoPro Hero 12 Black

Pros

This latest model of GoPro boosts a 5.3K/60 fps video quality and 27 MP photo resolution, making it a great option for capturing high-quality footage of your fishing experience. The HyperSmooth 6.0, currently the best image stabilization technology of all GoPro models, makes the Hero 12 Black ideal for filming on a boat or in rough water conditions.

The GoPro Hero 12 Black is also waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters) and has a water-repelling lens to ensure that water droplets won't affect your footage. So, if you mount the camera to your fishing rod, you don't need to worry about getting splashed or accidentally dropping it in the water.

There are also many great features that make the Hero 12 Black a versatile camera for fishing, such as voice control, live streaming, TimeWarp, Horizon Lock, Duration Capture, and Scheduled Capture. The HindSight feature is also especially useful, as the camera will capture 15 or 30-second footage before you press the shutter button, so you can catch unexpected moments while still saving storage space.

Cons

GoPro Hero 12 Black

The main downside of the GoPro Hero 12 Black is its price point. As the latest model of GoPro Hero, it is quite expensive at $399.99, making it not very suitable for those on a budget.

In addition, despite having many advanced features and great video quality, some users have reported that the camera freezes occasionally, which can be frustrating when trying to capture important footage.

GoPro Hero 12 Black

Best Overall

✓ 5.3K Video, 27 MP Photo
✓ HyperSmooth 6.0
✓ HindSight
✓ Waterproof up to 33 ft

Buy on Amazon

#2 Best Versatility: GoPro Max

GoPro Max

Pros

The GoPro Max is currently the one and only GoPro that captures immersive 360-degree footage at 5.6K. With 360 videos, you can capture everything around you, providing greater versatility. For example, one 360-degree footage can be reframed to create multiple regular videos with different angles and perspectives, such as the fish you're catching, yourself, and the scenery of the location you're fishing at. Plus, you don't have to worry about aiming the camera in the right direction, as it captures everything at once. This lets you enjoy your fishing experience while still getting great footage.

The GoPro Max can also be used to capture panoramic photos. The PowerPano feature lets you capture a 270-degree panoramic photo with a single click and without having to move the camera around. This is perfect for capturing the beautiful scenery around you while fishing. If you also want to capture the sound of nature or the excitement of catching a fish, the GoPro Max has six built-in microphones for an immersive 360-degree premium audio experience.

Some other features that make the GoPro Max versatile for fishing include voice control, 1080p live streaming, Max TimeWarp, Horizon Leveling, and Max HyperSmooth for stabilization.

Cons

GoPro Max

One downside of the GoPro Max is its lengthy post-production process compared to other GoPro action cameras. As the resulting footage is 360-degree, you will need to use the GoPro Quik app or other editing software to reframe the footage and choose the angles and perspectives you want. This may irritate some people who want ready-to-publish footage to quickly post it online.

In addition, if you want to capture standard or single-lens footage instead of a 360-degree one, the resolution will drop to 1440p, which is lower than most other GoPro cameras. Moreover, the GoPro Max is quite expensive at $399.99 and is waterproof only up to 16 ft.

GoPro Max

Best Versatility

✓ 5.6K Video, 16.6 MP Photo
✓ Max HyperSmooth
✓ Immersive 360 footage
✓ Premium 360 + Stereo Audio from 6 mics

Buy on Amazon

#3 Best Portability: GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini

GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini

Pros

If you want a compact-sized camera that can easily fit in your pocket or be mounted to your fishing rod without adding extra weight, the GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini is a great option. With dimensions of only 52.4 x 51.2 x 38 mm and a weight of only 133 gr, the Hero 11 Black Mini is a mini version of the Hero 11 Black which retains most of its features and capabilities but in a smaller and more portable size.

The Hero 11 Black Mini boosts a 5.3K/60 fps video quality with HyperSmooth 5.0 video stabilization and Horizon Leveling that keeps the horizon steady and the footage smooth. It also provides the new 8:7 aspect ratio which was first introduced in the Hero 11 Black and is great for social media and vertical filming.

Another unique feature of the Hero 11 Black Mini is its One-Button Simplicity, which lets you start recording with just one button press. This is great as you don't need to fumble with the camera buttons while fishing. Otherwise, you can also use the voice control to start recording, stop recording, and more.

Cons

GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini

The GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini comes with a portable size, but it sacrifices the display screen. Featuring no screen, you will be unable to see what you're filming and will have to rely on the GoPro app to preview and evaluate the result of your footage.

Furthermore, the GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini only captures videos and not photos. If you want a still image, Frame Grabs lets you extract 24.7 MP photos from your recorded video footage. However, this too requires you to spend time in the Quik app or other editing software.

GoPro Hero 11 Black Mini

Best Portability

✓ 5.3K Video, 24.7 MP Frame Grabs
✓ HyperSmooth 5.0
✓ One-Button Simplicity
✓ Compact and lightweight

Buy on Amazon

#4 Best for Budget: GoPro Hero 9 Black

GoPro Hero 9 Black

Pros

If you're price-conscious and looking for a more affordable option, the GoPro Hero 9 Black is a great choice. This 2020 model is no longer officially sold on the GoPro website, but you’ll still be able to find it on various third-party retailers at a price of around US$200 or under. Despite being an old model, it has a 5K/30 fps video quality and 20 MP photo resolution, which is quite impressive for a camera at its price point.

Other than a touchscreen on the rear side, the Hero 9 Black also has a front-facing screen, which is great for vlogging or taking selfies while fishing. It also has HyperSmooth 3.0 video stabilization, TimeWarp 3.0, Horizon Leveling, Night Lapse, Schedule Capture, and Duration Control.

Just like the newer Hero 12 Black, the Hero 9 Black also features HindSight, which captures 15 or 30-second footage before you press the shutter button, so you don't miss any important moments.

HindSight

You also don't have to worry about splashes or submerging the Hero 9 Black in water, as it is waterproof up to 33 feet, making it great for fishing activities. Hands-free control is easy with voice commands and the Face, Smile, Blink, and Scene Detection lets GoPro select the best moments for you automatically.

Cons

Compared to other GoPro models, the Hero 9 Black has lower video and image resolution. It also doesn't come with the new 8:7 aspect ratio, which can be a great limitation if you plan on filming for social media or vertical filming.

The image stabilization technology of the Hero 9 Black, the HyperSmooth 3.0, is also outdated and not as advanced as the Hero 12 Black. HyperSmooth 3.0 only features Horizon Leveling for 27-45° rotation, it doesn't feature Horizon Lock which makes the footage steady even at 360-degree rotation. However, you may not even need the Horizon Lock for fishing, so this limitation might not be worth your concern.

GoPro Hero 9 Black

Best for Budget

✓ 5K Video, 20 MP Photo
✓ HyperSmooth 3.0
✓ HindSight
✓ Waterproof up to 33 ft

Buy on Amazon

Best GoPro for Fishing