Fishing off a beach is always an enjoyable experience, however, sometimes the action is slow simply because you can’t get your baits out to where the fish are. That’s why drone fishing is gaining a larger and larger following in NZ. You can effortlessly get your baits out further on a standard surfcasting rod and enjoy the fight upon hooking up, or you have the option of sending out more hooks and fishing ‘longline’ style using heavier hauling gear. 

On a recent surfcasting trip to the Far North, we got our hands on the newly released SwellPro Fisherman FD1+ water-resistant fishing drone. Even though we were drone fishing virgins, the SwellPro was straightforward to set-up – slide the battery in, attach the propellors, turn on the unit and the remote controller, attach the line to the bait release, and she’s ready to fly! This unit automatically calibrates its sensors to maintain stability and control during flight, bypassing the complicated calibration process required with some other drones on the market.

The SwellPro Fisherman FD1+ fishing drone requires no calibration and is simple to fly. 

While we weren’t planning on dunking the SwellPro into the briny, its IP65 saltwater-resistant body, marinised motors, and self-floating design provided good peace of mind for a bunch of rookie pilots. We opted to send out a five-hook rig with a 6oz sinker on a heavier rod and reel combo, although the SwellPro can handle much more with its 2.2kg payload. Without a camera or the need to connect the remote controller to a smartphone or app, everything was easy to follow, and our flights and switch-controlled bait drops went off without a hitch. Further peace of mind is afforded by 35-knot wind resistance and an auto-return feature. The auto-return can also be triggered in emergencies such as low battery or signal loss. 

When we employed our ‘secret weapon’ during an afternoon fish on the beach, it bore more fruit than the ‘old-fashioned’ approach, with three nice snapper hitting the sand in quick succession. If you want to make your beach fishing more enjoyable and productive, you should seriously consider the hassle-free SwellPro Fisherman FD1+. 

The SwellPro Fisherman FD1+ outfished the rods that were cast out. 

Specifications

•    Waterproof Rating: IP65

•    Weight:1578g (Without battery); 2291g (With Battery)

•    Max Payload Capacity:  2200g

•    Max Take-Off Weight:    4491g

•    Size: (W/O Propeller): 628*628*218mm (With propellers); 372*372*202mm (Without propellers)

•    Max Ascent Speed: 3m/s

•    Max Descent Speed: 2m/s

•    Max Flight Speed: GPS:10m/s; ATTI:18m/s (Without payload), 14m/s (With max payload)

•    Max Altitude From Takeoff Point: 120m default

•    Max Flight Distance: 1300m

•    Max Wind Speed Resistance: 18m/s

•    Max Flight Time(Hovering): 27 mins (no wind & no load) 

•    Hovering Precision: ±0.5m

•    Working Temperature: -10°C~40°C

•    Satellite Positioning Systems: GPS + Galileo + BeiDou 

•    Flight Battery Nominal Capacity: 4200mAh 

•    Charging Time: 120 mins

•    Charger Input:    100~240V 

•    Charger Output: 22.2V-6A

•    Max Charging Power: 150W

•    Bait Release:  Electronically controlled mechanical bait release. 

What’s in the box? 

•    1 X Drone

•    1 X Remote Controller

•    1 X Dual Payload Release

•    2 X Propellers (PAIR)

•    1 X Flight Battery

•    1 X Battery Charger and Cable

•    1 X Power Adapter

•    1 X USB-C Cable

•    1 X Carry case

- By Nick Jones