Capturing the perfect shot while kayak fishing requires a camera that can handle the unique challenges of the water. From sudden splashes and rough conditions to the need for stable, hands-free operation, your gear needs to be as resilient as you are. Whether you’re documenting a trophy catch, analyzing underwater structure, or creating content for your social channels, the right action camera setup is a game-changer.
This roundup covers a range of solutions for 2025, from specialized underwater fishing cameras to versatile mounts that secure your gear. We’ve selected products that excel in waterproofing, stability, and ease of use, ensuring you can focus on fishing while your camera handles the recording. Find the ideal tool to bring your kayak fishing adventures to life.
The Best Action Cameras and Mounts for Kayak Anglers
- CanFish Fishing CamX Fishing Finders Camera
- 29″ Adjustable Kayak Camera Mount
- Underwater Fishing Camera with 4.3 Inch LCD
- YOLOtek PowerStick 53″ Boat Mount
- Universal Chain Link Cargo net Mount
- GoPro Hero12 Black E-Commerce Package
- Generic Camera Lens Replacement for Insta360 X4/X3
- AKASO 360 Weatherproof 360° Action Camera
- DJI Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo
CanFish Fishing CamX Fishing Finders Camera
Designed specifically for anglers, the CanFish Fishing CamX is more than just a camera; it’s a sophisticated fishing tool. Its 1080p HD video and 136° ultra-wide-angle lens provide a clear view of the underwater world, while the integrated green LED lights serve a dual purpose: illuminating the scene for night fishing and attracting curious fish. This combination makes it an excellent choice for understanding fish behavior in low-light conditions.
Built for demanding environments, this camera boasts ROV-level waterproofing, allowing it to descend to 200 meters. With a battery life of up to 138 minutes and features like motion sensing control and segmented intelligent recording, it simplifies the process of capturing your fishing expedition. The accompanying app allows for easy management of footage and one-touch sharing to popular social media platforms.
29″ Adjustable Kayak Camera Mount
A great camera deserves a stable platform, and this adjustable kayak mount delivers just that. Engineered for rock-solid stability, it keeps your camera steady even when battling wind and waves, ensuring your footage remains clear and shake-free. The universal base bolts securely into most kayak tracks, providing a reliable foundation for your recording setup.
Flexibility is a key advantage of this mount. The telescopic rod is infinitely adjustable, allowing you to set the perfect height for your shot. Combined with a 360° rotatable ball head, you can capture every angle of the action—from a wide view of your kayak to a close-up of you landing a fish—without ever missing a moment.
Underwater Fishing Camera with 4.3 Inch LCD
For anglers who want to see exactly what’s happening below the surface, this underwater fishing camera with a 4.3-inch LCD screen is an ideal tool. It provides a real-time, crystal-clear view of the underwater environment, allowing you to observe fish behavior, identify structure, and monitor aquatic plants in vivid detail. This immediate feedback can significantly improve your fishing strategy.
The camera is built with durability in mind, featuring a robust waterproof design that functions perfectly at various depths. Its user-friendly interface and simple operation make it accessible for beginners. Just attach it to your fishing line or gear, and you can start viewing the underwater world, with infrared night vision enhancing visibility during early morning or late evening trips.
YOLOtek PowerStick 53″ Boat Mount
Never worry about your camera’s battery dying mid-trip with the YOLOtek PowerStick. This innovative boat mount provides constant power to your action camera by converting your kayak’s 12V navigation port to a safe 5V output. It includes protection against over-voltage, short circuits, and overcharging, keeping your valuable camera equipment safe while it records.
This mount extends from 36 to 53 inches, offering considerable height for capturing a wide field of view. The instant locking tabs and ball joint mount allow for flexible positioning, enabling you to record hands-free from different angles all day long. Setup is quick and tool-free, as it plugs directly into your boat’s existing navlight port.
Universal Chain Link Cargo net Mount
For owners of inflatable kayaks or those without standard track systems, this chain link cargo net mount offers a secure and versatile solution. It addresses the common problem of suction cup mounts failing by using a system of rubber bands and hooks that attach firmly to the kayak’s cargo net or existing straps and pad eyes.
The package includes a 3-in-1 bracket system, making it compatible with digital cameras, action cameras like GoPro, and smartphones. This universal design ensures you can use your preferred device to record all your movements on the water. It’s a reliable mounting option for various watercraft, including SUPs, wakeboards, and jet skis.
GoPro Hero12 Black
The GoPro Hero12 Black is a powerhouse in the action camera world, known for its exceptional video quality and robust build. It captures stunning 5.3K60 Ultra HD video and 27MP photos, ensuring your kayak fishing footage is incredibly sharp and detailed. Its rugged design is waterproof to 33 feet (10m), making it well-suited for the splashes and dunks common in kayaking.
A significant upgrade in the Hero12 is its battery life, offering up to 70 minutes of continuous recording at the highest settings thanks to its efficient power management and powerful Enduro battery. Renowned HyperSmooth stabilization ensures your videos are smooth and professional-looking, even when your kayak is rocking on choppy water.
Generic Camera Lens Replacement for Insta360 X4/X3
Accidents happen, and a scratched or damaged lens can put your 360 camera out of commission. This generic lens replacement part offers a cost-effective solution for repairing your Insta360 X4 or X3 action camera. It is specifically designed for the “Without Coils” version of the X4 lens, so confirming your model before purchase is essential.
Constructed with high-quality glass, this replacement lens is built to restore your camera’s performance. It is important to note that professional installation is strongly recommended for this repair. If you are not experienced with camera repairs, having it installed at a local repair store will ensure optimal results and prevent further damage to your device.
AKASO 360 Weatherproof 360° Action Camera
For truly immersive footage, the AKASO 360 camera captures your entire kayak fishing environment in stunning 5.7K clarity. Its 360-degree capability means you can record everything around you and later choose the best angles during editing. The weatherproof design provides protection against the elements, which is crucial for any water-based activity.
Advanced stabilization features are a highlight of this camera. The 360-SuperSmooth technology minimizes shakes and jitters, while the 360° Horizon Lock keeps your footage perfectly level no matter how your kayak moves. The invisible selfie stick effect allows you to create dynamic, third-person-style videos as if a drone is following you.
DJI Osmo Action 4 Standard Combo
The DJI Osmo Action 4 is a strong competitor in the action camera market, known for its excellent image quality and robust performance in various lighting conditions. It features a large image sensor that captures more light, resulting in clear and vibrant footage even in the low-light conditions often encountered during dawn or dusk fishing trips.
With RockSteady stabilization, the Osmo Action 4 delivers incredibly smooth video, neutralizing the bumps and shakes of a kayak on the water. Its rugged build is designed to withstand tough environments, and it offers a straightforward user experience with a responsive touchscreen, making it a reliable and high-performing choice for documenting your angling adventures.
What to Look For in an Action Camera for Kayak Fishing
Choosing the right action camera for kayak fishing isn’t just about picking the one with the highest resolution. You need a device that can handle the unique challenges of being on the water. I’ve spent a lot of time testing these cameras in real conditions, and I’ve learned what really matters when you’re trying to film your next big catch.
First, let’s talk about stabilization. This is probably the most important feature. A kayak is constantly moving—waves, paddling, and even reeling in a fish create a shaky environment. Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) or, even better, a gimbal is non-negotiable if you want watchable footage. Without it, your videos will be a nauseating mess.
Next is audio quality. Wind noise over open water can completely ruin your audio track. Look for cameras that have wind noise reduction features or, better yet, the option to connect an external microphone. Being able to clearly capture the sound of the reel or your commentary makes the footage so much more engaging.
Durability and waterproofing are also key. While many action cameras are waterproof out of the box, check the depth rating. A simple splash might be fine for a basic model, but if you’re in a sit-inside kayak or fear a capsize, you’ll want a camera that can handle being fully submerged without an extra housing. A tough, shockproof build is a bonus for those inevitable bumps against the kayak.
Finally, think about mounting and power. How will you attach the camera to your kayak, your life jacket, or a hat? A versatile mounting system is crucial. Battery life is another huge factor. Fishing trips can last for hours. Look for cameras with long battery life or the ability to swap in fresh batteries or use an external power bank. When you’re looking for the 9 best action cameras for kayak fishing in 2025, these are the factors that will separate the good from the great for your specific needs on the water.
FAQ
What is the best mounting position for a camera on a kayak?
This depends on the shot you want. For a hands-free view of your fishing area and your actions, a chest mount is fantastic. For a wide-angle, third-person view showing you and the surroundings, a rear deck mount or a tall pole mount attached to the kayak works well. I always recommend testing a few positions to see what tells your story best.
How can I prevent my camera lens from getting water droplets on it?
Water spots are the enemy of a clear shot. A simple and effective trick is to apply a small drop of dish soap (like the kind used for washing up) to the lens and then gently buff it off with a soft cloth before you start filming. This creates a thin film that helps water bead up and roll off. You can also buy commercial anti-fog and water-repellent sprays made for camera lenses.
Do I need a special housing for kayak fishing?
It depends on your camera’s built-in waterproof rating. If your camera is already waterproof to a sufficient depth (say, 10 meters or more), you might not need a housing for general use. However, a housing provides an extra layer of protection against physical impacts, saltwater corrosion, and it often includes a better sealing mechanism to protect the ports. For saltwater use, I always recommend rinsing the camera and housing with fresh water afterward.
What video settings should I use for kayak fishing?
I usually start with 1080p or 2.7K resolution at 60 frames per second (fps). This gives you a great balance of quality and smooth motion, which is perfect for the action of casting and fighting fish. 4K is beautiful but drains the battery faster and creates larger files. Always make sure your stabilization is turned on, and set your field of view to ‘Wide’ or ‘SuperView’ to capture as much of the scene as possible.
How do I manage battery life on a long fishing trip?
This is a common challenge. The best solution is to carry multiple fully charged batteries in a waterproof case. Alternatively, if your camera supports it, a compact external power bank connected via a USB cable can keep you filming all day. Also, get into the habit of turning the camera off between scenes instead of just letting it sit in standby mode. When selecting from the 9 best action cameras for kayak fishing in 2025, pay close attention to the advertised battery life and the availability of replacement batteries.