There are two fundamentally different ways to build a drone-fishing setup: buy a purpose-built fishing drone such as a SwellPro, or fit a compatible third-party payload release to a consumer camera drone such as selected DJI Mavic or Phantom models. Both approaches can release bait, but they should not be treated as equivalent platforms — and which one suits you really comes down to how you fish, not just which brand you like.
Purpose-built vs modified: the structural difference
| Factor | SwellPro fishing drone | DJI camera drone + release |
|---|---|---|
| Primary design purpose | Fishing/payload deployment | Aerial photography/video |
| Published fishing payload | Yes on models such as FD1S, FD3 and FD2 | DJI does not publish an official fishing payload rating |
| Water protection | IP65/IP67 on current fishing models | Model-specific consumer camera-drone design; do not assume waterproofing |
| Release system | Integrated/purpose-built platform | Third-party model-specific attachment |
| Camera emphasis | Fishing visibility and optional imaging | Camera performance is a core DJI design objective |
SwellPro payload examples
| Model | Published payload/bait capacity | Water protection | Current DroneFisher status |
|---|---|---|---|
| FD1S | 2.2 kg max bait capacity | IP65 | Listed at $2,499; check current availability |
| FD3 | 2 kg technical maximum | IP67 | Available from $3,699 |
| FD2 | 3.5 kg | IP67 | Available from $2,511.43 |
What DJI actually specifies
DJI publishes detailed flight specifications for its camera drones, but not an official bait-carrying payload rating for consumer models. DJI also warns that accessories or additional payload can affect propulsion and performance. The important takeaway is that you shouldn't try to back-calculate an unofficial fishing payload from motor power or take-off weight. If DJI has not published a fishing or payload rating for an aircraft, don't treat any number as a manufacturer limit.
Third-party releases make DJI fishing possible on selected models
Gannet currently offers releases for selected DJI Phantom, Mavic, Mavic Air and related models. Current DroneFisher examples include:
| Release | Listed compatibility | Current price |
|---|---|---|
| Gannet Electronic | DJI Mavic Pro / Platinum | $240 |
| Gannet Sport Mechanical | Multiple Mavic variants with exact adapter selection | $206.64 |
| Gannet X | DJI Phantom 3 / 4 families | $199.99 |
| Gannet XSport | DJI Mavic 3 platforms | $249 |
Water is the strongest SwellPro advantage
The FD3 and FD2 are IP67 platforms, while the FD1S is IP65. A consumer DJI camera drone should not be treated as waterproof merely because it can be fitted with a bait release — DJI's own documentation advises avoiding water contact entirely. If accidental water contact is a major operating risk, purpose-built water protection can outweigh the camera advantages of a DJI system.
CASA rules apply to both
Neither a SwellPro's published range nor a DJI transmission system gives you permission to fly beyond Australian rules. Under CASA's standard operating conditions for recreational flying, you must: keep your drone within visual line of sight at all times; fly no higher than 120 m above ground level; keep at least 30 m away from people who aren't involved in your flight; fly during daylight hours only; fly only one drone at a time; avoid populous areas; and never fly in a way that creates a hazard to another aircraft, person or property.
Which approach should you choose?
| Your situation | Stronger starting point |
|---|---|
| You already own a supported DJI and want occasional light bait drops close to shore | Exact-model Gannet release, used conservatively |
| You are buying specifically for drone fishing | SwellPro or another purpose-built fishing drone |
| Waterproofing is essential | IP-rated purpose-built platform |
| Heavy payload is required | Purpose-built aircraft with a published payload rating |
| Photography/video is the dominant use | DJI may have the stronger camera-first proposition |
Frequently asked questions
Can you use a DJI drone for fishing?
Yes, with the right third-party release fitted to a compatible model — plenty of anglers do this successfully for small bait and near-shore drops. Just remember DJI never designed or rated its consumer drones for bait-carrying duty, so treat any load recommendations as coming from the release manufacturer, not DJI.
What is the best drone for drone fishing?
It depends on how you fish. For serious, regular bait dropping in surf or boat conditions, a purpose-built waterproof drone like a SwellPro is generally the safer, more capable choice. For occasional light bait drops on a drone you already own for photography, a matched DJI-plus-release setup can work fine.
Is SwellPro better than DJI?
Not universally — they're built for different jobs. SwellPro is purpose-built for fishing and water exposure, with published payload ratings and IP-rated sealing. DJI builds camera-first drones that can be adapted for fishing but were never engineered or rated for it.
Are DJI drones waterproof enough for fishing near the ocean?
No. DJI's own guidance is to avoid water contact and land as soon as possible if caught in rain, so a consumer DJI drone shouldn't be treated as splash-safe just because it's fitted with a bait release.
Do you need a licence to fly a fishing drone in Australia?
If you're flying purely for recreation, you generally don't need a remote pilot licence — but you do need to follow CASA's standard operating conditions: visual line of sight, below 120 m, at least 30 m from uninvolved people, daylight only, and away from populous areas. Flying for any commercial purpose requires registration and RPA operator accreditation.
Read DJI Drones for Fishing, SwellPro Fishing Drones Guide and the DJI Bait Release Attachments Guide.