7 Best Underwater Cameras for Fishing Trips in 2025

I've dropped more phones in the water than I care to admit. The worst was when I lost a week's worth of fishing photos to the bottom of a lake. That's when I started using underwater cameras. They've changed how I fish.

These cameras let you scout structure before you cast a line. You'll see fish holding patterns, underwater vegetation, and drop-offs you'd otherwise miss. I use mine for ice fishing, but they work just as well on a kayak or from shore. The good ones have infrared for murky water and long cables for deep holes.

1. Fishpro® 2026 Upgrade Underwater Fishing Camera

I've used this camera for two ice fishing seasons. The 7-inch screen is big enough to see clearly in bright sunlight, which matters when you're sitting on frozen lakes. The 1080P footage shows individual fish species, not just blurry shapes. You can tell a crappie from a bass without guessing.

The 10,000mAh battery lasts all day in cold weather. I've fished from sunrise to sunset without it dying. The USB-C charging is convenient because I can use the same cable as my phone. The LED and IR lights work well in stained water. I fish a lot of tannin-stained lakes and can still pick out detail at 20 feet down.

The 82-foot cable reaches deeper than I've ever needed. Most of my fishing happens in 15 to 30 feet. The camera housing is solid, I've banged it around in my tackle box without issues.

Pros:

• Screen is readable in direct sunlight
• Battery survives freezing temperatures
• 1080P shows species-level detail
• IR lights penetrate murky water
• USB-C works with standard chargers

Cons:

• Heavier than compact models
• Screen size makes it awkward in a small kayak

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2. Underwater Fishing Camera

This is my boat fishing camera. The 5-inch screen fits in a tackle box without dominating space. The 1000TVL resolution is sharp enough for real-time scouting. I've used it to watch bass suspend around dock pilings before deciding which lure to throw.

The wide-angle lens shows more area per drop. That helps when you're searching open water for structure. The infrared works well for early morning and late evening fishing when natural light drops. I've spotted fish in 30 feet of water at dawn.

The 65-foot cable handles most river and lake fishing. It's not enough for deep ocean or Great Lakes fishing, but that's not what I bought it for. The IP68 rating means it can take a dunking if you drop it overboard.

Pros:

• Compact enough for small boats
• Wide-angle shows more coverage per drop
• Infrared extends fishing into low light
• Screen quality is crisp
• Price point makes it accessible

Cons:

• Battery life shorter than larger models
• Cable length limits deep water use

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3. Underwater Fishing Camera

I recommend this one for beginners. The 4.3-inch screen keeps it light and portable. The upgraded HD lens delivers good clarity for the price. I bought this for a friend who wanted to try underwater cameras without spending big money. He caught more fish his first week using it.

The 50-foot cable works for shore fishing and kayaking. It's not enough for deep drop-offs, but most recreational fishing happens in shallower water anyway. The infrared night vision helps in stained lakes where visibility drops fast with depth.

The screen is smaller than premium models, but it's bright enough to see detail. Battery life is the weak point. Plan on recharging after 3 to 4 hours of continuous use. I keep a power bank in my tackle bag just in case.

Pros:

• Budget-friendly entry point
• Light enough for kayak fishing
• HD lens punches above price point
• Simple interface for first-timers
• Infrared works in murky conditions

Cons:

• Battery drains faster than expected
• 50-foot cable limits depth range
• Screen can wash out in bright sun

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4. Zxbvsu Underwater Fishing Camera

The 100-foot cable sets this camera apart. I use it for deep lake fishing where bass suspend in the 40 to 60 foot range during summer. Most cameras can't reach that depth. This one does.

The 5-inch LCD balances portability and visibility. The upgraded HD lens shows detail at depth where cheaper cameras just show darkness. The infrared night vision helps, but at 100 feet down, you're mostly relying on the LED lights.

The build quality feels solid. I've dragged it across boat decks and rocky shorelines without damage. It's not featherweight at 2.12 pounds, but that's the tradeoff for durability and cable length. If you fish deep water regularly, this camera justifies its weight.

Pros:

• 100-foot cable reaches deep structure
• HD lens maintains clarity at depth
• Infrared helps in low visibility
• Durable housing survives rough use
• Screen size balances portability and visibility

Cons:

• Heavier than short-cable models
• Cable management can be annoying

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5. Fourq Underwater Fishing Camera

The 5000mAh battery is this camera's best feature. I fish long days, often 8 to 10 hours, and this battery keeps up. Most cameras die after 4 to 6 hours. This one runs all day without needing a recharge.

The 4.3-inch HD screen shows clear footage. The 12 infrared lights punch through murky water better than cameras with fewer IR LEDs. I fish a lot of muddy rivers, and the extra lighting makes a difference in visibility.

The 65-foot cable handles most fishing situations. It's not deep-sea length, but it's enough for lakes and rivers. The white color gets dirty fast. I wish they'd made it black or gray. Minor complaint, but worth noting if you care about aesthetics.

Pros:

• Battery lasts a full day of fishing
• 12 IR lights improve murky water visibility
• HD screen shows clear detail
• 65-foot cable covers most depths
• Reliable performance in cold weather

Cons:

• White color shows dirt easily
• 65-foot cable can be cumbersome to coil

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6. Eyoyo Underwater Fishing Camera

This camera balances features and price well. The 4.3-inch LCD keeps it portable without sacrificing too much screen real estate. The 5000mAh battery matches the FourQ's endurance. I've run this camera for full days without hitting empty.

The infrared night vision extends your fishing window. I've used it for late evening catfishing and early morning bass trips. The IP68 waterproof rating means you can drop it in the water without panicking. I tested that accidentally. It survived.

The camera works well across multiple fishing styles. I've used it ice fishing, from a kayak, and shore fishing rocky points. It's versatile enough to justify owning just one camera instead of specialized models for different situations.

Pros:

• 5000mAh battery handles long sessions
• IP68 rating survives accidental drops
• Infrared works well in low light
• Portable size fits in tackle bags
• Versatile across fishing methods

Cons:

• Screen smaller than premium options
• Cable length not specified in listing

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7. Fishpro® 2026 Upgrade Underwater Fishing Camera

At 0.46 pounds, this is the lightest camera on the list. The pocket-sized design makes it ideal for kayak fishing where space is limited. I keep this one in my kayak specifically because it doesn't eat up room in my small storage compartments.

The 4.3-inch IPS HD screen delivers 1000 TVL resolution. That's sharp enough to identify fish species and underwater structure. The combined IR and LED lighting system works well in varied water clarity. I've used it in clear mountain lakes and muddy rivers with equal success.

The lightweight design comes with tradeoffs. The battery drains faster than heavier models. The cable is shorter, which limits depth. But if you fish from a kayak or need something ultraportable, those tradeoffs are worth it. While you're at it, take a look at our fish finder. While you're at it, take a look at our waterproof phone case.

Pros:

• Ultralight at 0.46 pounds
• 1000 TVL delivers sharp images
• Compact size fits kayak storage
• IR and LED work in varied conditions
• Easy to pack and transport

Cons:

• Shorter battery life than larger models
• Limited cable length restricts depth
• Small screen harder to see in bright sun

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How to Pick the Right One

• Screen size matters for your eyes. If you fish in bright sunlight, get the biggest screen you can tolerate. 7-inch screens are easier to read without squinting.
• Battery capacity determines session length. 5000mAh or higher lasts all day. Smaller batteries need recharging after 3 to 4 hours.
• Cable length limits where you can fish. 50 feet works for shallow lakes and rivers. 100 feet reaches deep structure where big fish suspend in summer.
• Infrared extends your fishing window. If you fish early morning, late evening, or in stained water, IR lighting is worth the extra cost.
• Weight affects portability. Kayak anglers need lightweight cameras. Boat fishermen can handle heavier models with better features.
• Resolution determines what you can identify. 1080P or 1000 TVL shows species-level detail. Lower resolutions just show blurry shapes.

Bottom Line

Get the FishPRO 7-inch if you want the best overall camera. Choose the ZXBVSU if you fish deep water. Pick the ultralight FishPRO pocket model for kayak fishing.