GoPro is the best camera to take on your hunting or fishing trips. The company makes the best action cameras on the market and has been doing so for many years now.
The cameras’ water-proof shells and rugged design make them perfect to set up on your boat or even mount directly on your bow for that one epic shot.
We have selected some of the best options for outdoorsmen and listed them below. The following sections will cover what makes them perfect for your next hunting or fishing trip.
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Who Should Get This
If you’re a fisherman who wants to capture every fish you catch while on the water, you need a GoPro. These cameras are absolutely perfect to use both on your head or strapped onto a boat. They are also durable and can withstand many murky or rough environments.
GoPros are also great for hunters. If you sit in a tree stand or behind a blind, they will help you get the best footage of your next deer. You can also mount the camera to your gun barrel or bow for some amazing action shots.
Best GoPro for Hunting and Fishing: Our Picks
The GoPros in this section all have special traits that make them perfect for any outdoor excursion.
1. GoPro Hero8 Black
- Best For: Overall
- Key Features: Waterproof and durable. Lightweight. Compact. Wide compatibility. Extreme quality. Optional media mod.
- Battery Life: 106 minutes
- Weight: 14 ounces
- Video Capture Resolution: 4k
There are many great outdoor GoPros on the market, but the Hero8 Black has the best combination of characteristics for your outdoor needs. This is perfect for hunting and fishing due to its tough, waterproof shell. It also has incredible resolution and audio quality.
On top of that, the battery life is solid and it comes with Hypersmooth 2.0. That feature gives you three levels of stabilization no matter how you want to use the camera. Add on the plethora of mounts and accessories the company is known for, and you get a well-rounded device.
As great as this model is, be aware that you can’t remove the battery. In addition, it doesn’t have the cleanest resolution with still images. Even so, the video-taking resolution is largely unmatched.
2. Hero7 Silver
- Best For: Stabilization
- Key Features: Strong shell. 4K30 video and excellent touchscreen. 10MP photos and strong video stabilization.
- Battery Life: 120 minutes
- Weight: 4.16 ounces
- Video Capture Resolution: 4k
If you like what the 8 offers, but want something with a few different specializations, the 7 Silver is a solid camera both in and outside. The touch screen is easily accessible, has a simple interface, and looks great. The voice control is incredibly reliable as well.
Another area where this camera excels is in the photography. It takes bright 10MP photos regardless of lighting or location. In addition, the stabilization cuts down on shaky footage when you want to shoot and you can use portrait orientation to capture vertical shots too.
Unlike other GoPros, this one’s battery drains quite quickly. Though it will give you excellent results when it’s on, you should try to get a portable charger when using this one if possible.
3. GoPro Max
- Best For: Functionality
- Key Features: Waterproof. Great stitching. 360 design. Reliable image stabilization. Sleek appearance. Portable and manageable.
- Connectivity Technology: Bluetooth, WiFi
- Weight: 5.43 ounces
- Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
All GoPros are streamlined in one way or another, but few give you the shooting options of the Max. This is a 360-degree camera that furthers the already amazing technology through a combination of seamless stitching, solid stabilization, and excellent video mode.
While this isn’t the best option for low-light situations, it’s well made and comes with plenty of premium features. You can take it into any environment without worrying about it getting damaged and the battery will last through any trip.
As this camera does have a 360 focus, the 2D video quality isn’t quite up to snuff. It still looks good, but don’t go into this one expecting the same crispness as other GoPros. The 360 quality, however, is fantastic.
4. Hero9 Black
- Best For: Resolution
- Key Features: Tough build. Waterproof. Time lapse. 5k video and 20MP photo. Strong display and rear touch screen. HyperSmooth 3.0.
- Battery Life: 150 minutes
- Weight: 1.04 pounds
- Video Capture Resolution: 5k
If you like the Hero8 Black but don’t mind paying for extra features, the 9 is a strong choice. This premium model puts a strong focus on both resolution and durability. It’s an incredibly tough camera. The shell can take any bump or drop, while the waterproofing is more than reliable.
As the higher price tag shows, this camera is an upgrade over previous models in just about every way. It shoots in 5k video, takes 20MP photos through SuperPhoto, and comes equipped with HyperSmooth 3.0. The front display and rear touch screen are vibrant as well.
Besides the price, which some people may not want to pay, this camera’s only downside is the size. While not too heavy, it does have more weight than other GoPro options. Expect a little more heft when using this one.
5. GoPro Hero Session
- Best For: Durability
- Key Features: Waterproof. Incredibly compact. Amazing quality. Grab and go design. Easy one button control. Sharp appearance.
- Battery Life: 120 minutes
- Weight: 0.16 pounds
- Video Capture Resolution: 1440p30
When going out hunting and fishing, you want a tough camera. The Session easily fits that bill, giving you a fully waterproof option that’s specifically designed to withstand tough environments or conditions. It has a lot of memory, internal power, and still manages to be compact.
This option is easy to use, and you can carry it around without adding extra weight to your gear. There is no LCD display, but the one button control and streamlined functionality both come together to create a strong, well-rounded camera.
One annoying quirk about this model is that the WiFi can stay on when the camera turns off. That eats a lot of battery, which is a bit of a bummer. Still, everything else delivers exactly what you want in an outdoor camera.
6. Hero7 White
- Best For: Budget
- Key Features: Rugged design. Full HD video and 10MP photos. Intuitive touch screen. Easy to use. Portable and compact.
- Image Stabilization: Digital
- Weight: 4.2 ounces
- Video Capture Resolution: 1080p
Many GoPros, even older models, can be expensive. If you want a good hunting or fishing option that won’t break the bank, the Hero7 White is a great way to save money without losing features. It’s cheaper, but still delivers amazing video and picture quality.
The entire item is waterproof, perfect for wet environments, and the tough shell can be dropped without cracking. The Burst mode (15 photos in one second) is nice and the time lapse videos come out great every single time.
Where this one comes up short is the battery life. You will get good short term results, but you’ll need a charger if you plan on bringing it on longer trips. The touchscreen isn’t the most reliable when underwater either.
How to Choose a GoPro for Hunting or Fishing
Max Resolution
If you want clear, crisp, and clean-looking footage, make sure the camera you select has a 4K option available. A max resolution of 4K is going to give you a beautiful video quality that will destroy any full HD 1080p camera out there.
Max Frame Rate
Being able to catch that fish and show the video in slow motion creates a fun dramatic effect. You can only achieve that with a high frame rate of 60 frames per second or higher. Once you pass that threshold, you will be able to slow your footage in post and get smooth slow motion video.
Battery Life
The last big aspect to consider is battery life. If you plan on having the camera on for extended periods of time, you want to maximize your battery life. This will ensure you don’t miss out on any of the action either in the field or on your boat.
Additional Tips
Once you buy your new GoPro camera and accessories, you need to make sure you have an organized way to carry it. We suggest you buy a nice carrying case for your GoPro and its many accessories. That will allow you to both protect and access your items without worry.
You should also pick up a flexible tripod. That will allow you to mount your GoPro and keep it steady while you’re sitting in your tree stand or trolling on the lake in your boat. It will give you nice stable footage that will add a level of professionalism you wouldn’t be able to get otherwise.
Conclusion
Picking up a high-quality GoPro for your hunting and fishing trips will allow you to show your friends your trophies as you catch them. Any of the above cameras make great companions because they all take high-quality video. The choice is completely up to you.
Do you have a camera for fishing or hunting? If so, which model is it? Let us know in the comments below!
