SwellPro's fishing range covers three very different payload classes and package styles, and picking between them really comes down to one question: how much weight do you actually need to fly out over the water? The FD1S is a simpler bait-carrying platform with a 2.2 kg rating, the FD3 is the balanced, camera-equipped 2 kg-class fishing drone, and the FD2 (Fisherman MAX) is the heavy-lift option at 3.5 kg. Here's how they stack up.
FD1S vs FD3 vs FD2 specifications
| Feature | FD1S | FD3 | FD2 / Fisherman MAX |
|---|---|---|---|
| Published payload | 2.2 kg max bait capacity | 2 kg technical maximum | 3.5 kg |
| Water protection | IP65 | IP67 | IP67 |
| Flight time | Up to 27 min, no wind/no load | Up to 27 min, no wind/no load | Up to 30 min, no wind/no load under supplier test conditions |
| Store-listed flight distance | 1.3 km | 1.5 km in current store description; current SwellPro page states 1.3 km | 1.5 km |
| Camera | Not the focus of current FD1S store package | Advanced 4K, 1-axis gimbal | Basic no-camera or Advanced 4K |
| Battery | Platform-specific SwellPro pack | 4,200 mAh, 23.1 V, 6S LiHV | 4,500 mAh, 22.2 V, 6S LiPo |
| Current starting price | $2,499 | $3,699 | $2,511.43 |
| Current store availability | Unavailable for sale | Available | Available |
FD1S: the simpler bait-carrying platform
The FD1S is rated for up to 2.2 kg of bait, uses IP65 protection and is listed with a 1.3 km maximum casting/flight distance and up to 27 minutes no-wind/no-load flight time. It also includes dual payload release, self-floating construction, GPS 9.0, cruise and auto return features in the current store specification. Think of it as the no-frills member of the family — there's no camera to worry about, no live view to manage, just a reliable way to get bait past the break.
Its main limitation for a buyer today is straightforward: although the product remains active in the catalogue at $2,499, it is currently not available for sale at the time of writing. Treat this section as a comparison/reference point unless stock returns.
FD3: balanced IP67 fishing platform
The FD3 drops the headline payload slightly to 2 kg but adds IP67 sealing and the current Advanced 4K camera/controller package. For anglers who want purpose-built fishing capability without jumping to 3.5 kg heavy lift, it's the natural middle ground — enough payload for most bait rigs, plus a live view so you can actually see where the bait's landing and spot fish activity along the way.
FD2: heavy lift
The FD2 (Fisherman MAX) is rated to 3.5 kg with IP67 construction. Its package structure is flexible: current variants include Basic no-camera and Advanced 4K camera configurations, so you're not forced to pay for a camera you might not need — useful if you're mainly chasing heavy bait rigs where every gram of lift matters more than footage.
Comparing prices fairly
Notice that FD2's starting price is a Basic no-camera package, while the current FD3 listing starts with an Advanced camera package. That's why the headline numbers can be misleading — check what's actually in the box, and compare equivalent equipment rather than the lowest displayed figure. Battery and propeller add-on bundles are also available on several variants, so confirm current package contents and pricing on each product page before you buy.
Payload comparison: when does 3.5 kg matter?
| Complete rig weight | Model-selection logic |
|---|---|
| Comfortably below 2 kg | FD3 can provide adequate published payload with IP67 construction and the benefit of a camera. |
| Around or above the FD3 ceiling | FD2 offers far more payload margin — important once you start adding heavy bait rigs, sinkers or shark-fishing setups. |
| Below 2.2 kg and FD1S stock returns | FD1S may be a simpler, lower-cost bait-carrying option. |
| Very light rigs | Also compare lower-cost 1 kg-class alternatives; unused payload capacity doesn't automatically create value for you. |
Water protection
The FD3 and FD2 both carry an IP67 rating, while the FD1S is listed at IP65 — worth weighing up if you're regularly launching and landing in wet, salty conditions. Whichever you choose, an IP rating is not a substitute for good habits: rinse connectors and seals after every saltwater session, inspect battery compartments regularly, and never assume "waterproof" means "maintenance-free."
Range, VLOS and Australian operation
The 1.3–1.5 km manufacturer/store distance specifications are not target bait-drop distances — they're technical maximums under ideal conditions. CASA's standard operating conditions for recreational drone flights require the pilot to keep the aircraft within visual line of sight (VLOS) at all times, stay at or below 120 metres above ground level, keep at least 30 metres from people not involved in the flight, and fly during daylight only. In real fishing use, your bait-drop distance should be based on where you can directly see and control the aircraft with a safe battery reserve, not on the drone's rated maximum range.
Which SwellPro should you choose?
| Priority | Best starting point |
|---|---|
| 2 kg-class payload + IP67 + current 4K package | FD3 |
| Maximum payload | FD2 |
| Lowest current available SwellPro entry price | FD2 Basic |
| Simpler 2.2 kg bait platform if stock returns | FD1S |
| Camera optional rather than mandatory | FD2 package structure |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence to fly a fishing drone in Australia?
For recreational (non-commercial) drone fishing, here's what CASA currently requires based on the weight of your drone:
- Under 250 g: No registration and no accreditation needed. Fly within the standard rules.
- 250 g and over (all fishing drones): You must complete CASA's free Operator Accreditation course via the myCASA portal before flying. You must also register your drone with CASA. Both are free for recreational operators.
Commercial operators (e.g. fishing guides, charter services) need a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) and a Remotely Piloted Aircraft Operator's Certificate (ReOC) from CASA — a more involved process.
Does the SwellPro FD1S have a camera?
A camera isn't the focus of the current FD1S store package — it's set up as a bait-dropping platform. If you want a live video feed for spotting bait placement or scouting fish activity, the FD3 or the Advanced 4K version of the FD2 are the better fit.
How far can a SwellPro fishing drone actually fly bait out?
The published maximum flight distances (1.3–1.5 km depending on model) are technical ceilings, not recommended bait-drop distances. Under CASA's standard operating conditions, you need to keep the drone within your direct visual line of sight at all times, which in practice means your real casting distance depends on your eyesight, the weather, and how far you can safely see the aircraft — not the spec sheet.
Is the SwellPro FD2 worth the extra cost over the FD3?
It depends on what you're carrying. If your bait rigs comfortably sit under 2 kg, the FD3's camera and balanced package make it hard to beat. If you're regularly flying heavier shark or tuna rigs closer to or above 2 kg, the FD2's 3.5 kg ceiling gives you meaningful extra margin that the FD3 simply can't match.
What rules apply to flying a fishing drone in Australia?
CASA's standard operating conditions apply to recreational flights: keep the drone within visual line of sight, stay at or below 120 metres above ground level, keep at least 30 metres from people not involved in the flight, fly in daylight only, and fly one drone at a time.
Continue with the FD3 review, SwellPro Fishing Drones Guide and Best Fishing Drones Australia.