When it comes to the thrilling world of drone fishing, preparation is key to ensuring a successful and productive experience. From charging your drone batteries to selecting the perfect fishing spot, to choosing the right bait to mastering the art of flying your fishing drone, every step matters. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the essential aspects of setting up for drone fishing, helping you become a true master!
Charging Your Drone Batteries
There's nothing quite as disheartening as arriving at your favourite fishing spot, only to realise that your drone's battery is running low (or worse, you forgot to charge it entirely). To avoid this frustrating scenario, it's crucial to pay attention to your drone's battery charging needs.
Most drone batteries typically require 2 to 5 hours to charge fully. If you're planning an extended fishing trip, investing in a multi-charger that can accommodate multiple batteries simultaneously is an excellent idea. However, it's important to note that the charging process may vary depending on the specific drone model you're using, ranging from straightforward to more complex procedures.
Remember to always charge both the drone and remote control batteries fully, ensuring that your release mechanism (if applicable) is also charged and ready to go. A fully charged setup is your ticket to uninterrupted fishing fun - so make sure you have your charging needs sorted.
About Drone Batteries
Understanding your drone's battery composition is vital for successful drone fishing. Drone batteries consist of cells, typically ranging from 2 to 6 cells, often denoted as 2S to 6S batteries, respectively. During operation, each cell may discharge at a slightly different rate, particularly when carrying varying payloads or experiencing differing loads.
Balancing and monitoring all the cells during recharging is essential to prolong your battery's lifespan. Many modern drones are equipped with "Smart Batteries," featuring built-in charging regulators that ensure automatic and balanced charging. These smart batteries often have indicator lights that change depending on the battery's charge level. Popular fishing drone brands such as DJI, Aeroo, and Swellpro 4 utilise these advanced batteries.
However, if you're using an older or more technically complicated fishing drone that doesn't employ smart batteries, like the Swellpro FD1, Cuta Copter range, or Gannet range, you'll need a balance charger. While it may require a bit more learning, this method allows you to monitor your battery's health effectively.
Here are some essential tips for maintaining your drone batteries:
- Keep the LiPo battery voltage above 3 volts per cell to prevent damage.
- Avoid storing a fully charged LiPo battery for extended periods. For a 6S battery, aim for below 22.8V, and for a 4S battery, below 15.2V to preserve battery life.
- After using your drone, consider using the storage mode, aiming for 3.8V per cell.
- Store your batteries in a cool environment, ensuring temperatures do not exceed 30°C.
- Before each flight, make sure your batteries are cycled and charged according to the manufacturer's recommendations.
Choosing the Perfect Fishing Location
Tools for Location Scouting
The Drone: A drone equipped with a high-quality camera serves as your eyes in the sky. It not only helps you scout and survey potential fishing spots but also aids in deploying your bait precisely.
Software: Two free and highly effective platforms for location scouting are Google Earth and Navionics (web). By using these tools in tandem, you can pinpoint promising fishing spots, analyse depth contours, identify gutters and deep areas, and enhance your chances of a successful catch.
Shoreline Observation: Pay close attention to natural factors such as tides, currents, and shifting sands. Trust your instincts and observations of these elements before making your first cast.
Where to Travel?To maximise your chances of a successful drone fishing expedition, consider the following types of fishing locations:
- Remote Coastal Areas: These spots are teeming with marine life, offering excellent opportunities for drone fishing.
- Offshore Islands and Sandbars: Ideal for targeting larger species, these locations often provide longer flight times, the ability to deploy larger baits, and the promise of bigger rewards.
- Shallow Bays and Estuaries: Rich ecosystems in shallow waters attract various fish species. With your drone, you can quickly identify the perfect place to drop your bait.
- Over Reefs and Wrecks: Thriving habitats are home to potential fishing hotspots.
- Freshwater Reservoirs and Lakes: Don't limit drone fishing to saltwater; you can also explore small and large freshwater areas to discover underwater structures for fruitful catches.
When pinpointing your ideal fishing spot, keep an eye out for reefs, bommies, and gutters. These areas often feature depth alterations that create pockets where fish gather. Casting into depths ranging from 5 to 7 metres is often effective, although deeper gutters can yield even better results. Position your bait near or within these pockets to increase your chances of a successful catch.
It's essential to note that many fish, including snapper, venture across shallow sands in pursuit of bait. Therefore, precise positioning isn't always required. However, be cautious about casting over terrain dips to minimise the risk of snags or losing your catch. Ideally, position your bait just ahead of the targeted hotspot.
Additional Factors to Consider
Local Regulations
Before embarking on your drone fishing adventure, familiarise yourself with local rules and guidelines regarding drone operation and fishing in your chosen area. Some locations may impose restrictions on drone activity to protect the environment and wildlife. In regions like Australia, USA and New Zealand, drone operation at fishing locations, especially beaches, is typically allowed. Always heed clear notifications from local authorities regarding any restrictions and maintain a safe distance from people and airports.
Check the weather forecast before heading out for your drone fishing expedition. Adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain or strong winds can affect your drone's capabilities and potentially disrupt your fishing outing. Opt for calm days whenever possible to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Ensure that your selected fishing location offers strong signal strength and consistent connectivity. Weak connections can lead to issues such as losing your drone or disrupting live video streams, hampering your scouting efforts. Steer clear of obstructions such as built-up areas, power lines, other radio-controlled toys, and military zones that could interfere with your drone's signal.
Eco-responsibilityPractise responsible and considerate behaviour towards the environment while drone fishing. This means following all local fishing and bag regulations, as well as minimising our footprint. With the precision and efficiency of drone fishing, waste and unnecessary plastics filling up the sea due to poor casts or uncertainty is easily avoided.
Transporting Your Gear
The perfect fishing drone is one that you can transport with ease to various fishing locations. Consider the following factors when transporting your drone:
Compactness: While many fishing drones are substantial and capable of carrying significant bait loads, it's essential to choose a drone that is also compact and portable. Look for models with foldable or removable propellers and legs, or better yet, grab yourself our very own Deluxe Carry Bag to ensure smooth transitions wherever you may be going!