How Does Drone Fishing Work?

These small, radio controlled flying crafts are fairly common these days. Usually, drones are used to take pictures or video, providing a unique, bird’s eye perspective of sporting events and such. Drone fishing is another wacky way these devices can be used.

Distance

So, how does drone fishing work? A drone fishing rig is similar to a rig used for kite or balloon fishing, except here small bait is carried and strategically dropped in the water by the use of a drone fishing release clip. Often this distance far exceeds casting distances such as with drone surf fishing.

Rules

Is drone fishing legal? Yes, as long as you are just using it to drop the bait or lure. But according to the FAA website, it looks like any drone should be registered, labeled and there is a safety test for operators before surf fishing or any fishing. Oh, and of course you still need a current fishing license.

Potential

As crazy as it sounds, there have been places where I did not have a boat and the fish were out of casting distance. It might also be useful for scouting too. But while still on the learning curve for how does drone fishing work, there is always the risk of losing the expensive machine in the drink.

Caution

Allegheny River fisherman, Paul Murray, even caught one a couple of years ago, giving new meaning to “drone fishing.” He hooked it with a jig but the thing flipped off near the boat. Using his anchor line, he was able to retrieve it. “Someone must have gotten too close to the bridge,” he shared. “I’ve been trying, but haven’t caught another since.” (Note when drone fishing: fish like structure, drones don’t. So, take great precautions to keep them out of our water resources.)