Think You’re Ready for Drone Fishing? Read This Before You Fly!

Alright, here’s the deal: Shark fishing with drones is next-level exciting, but let’s not forget—you're dealing with drones, the ocean, and, well, sharks. You want to keep your fingers, right? Here’s your no-nonsense guide to staying safe while you fish for sharks with drones.

1. Check Your Drone (Seriously, Do This)

You wouldn’t drive a car with no gas, so don’t fly a drone that’s half-broken. Before you hit the water, calibrate your GPS. Why? Because out in the open water, you’ve got no landmarks, and if your drone freaks out, guess where it's going? The bottom of the ocean.
Also, check your propellers and battery life. If you see any cracks, change those blades. Fully charge the battery, and bring extras. You don’t want a dead drone when you’ve got a shark on the line.

2. Don’t Fly Into Trouble (Know Your Surroundings)

Shark fishing means you're out on a beach or pier, but it’s not just you out there. Keep an eye on boats, jet skis, and people. Your drone? It’s cool, but it’s not invisible, and a propeller hitting someone isn’t going to end well.
Also, watch for birds. Seagulls love drones… but not in the way you think. They might attack it. Keep your drone high, and away from anything with wings.

3. Weather Can Ruin Everything (So Don’t Let It)

High winds? Bad idea. Wind gusts will knock your drone into the water faster than you can say "I should’ve checked the forecast." Keep an eye on the weather and avoid flying when it's gusty.
Rain? Even if you’ve got a waterproof drone like the FD1+ by Swellpro, don’t risk it. Visibility drops, performance tanks, and if you’re out in a storm? You might as well toss your drone in the water yourself.

4. Sharks Aren’t Puppies (Handle with Care)

You hooked a shark—great. Now, let’s not lose a hand over it. Use heavy-duty gear that can handle the pressure. Sharks are strong, and your line needs to be stronger. No weak rods or flimsy reels. Invest in quality.
If you’re doing catch-and-release, be smart about it. Don’t drag the shark onto dry land. Keep it in the water, use long pliers, and watch your hands and feet. Release quickly and safely.

5. Know the Rules (You Can’t Just Fly Anywhere)

There are laws for drone use, and they’re not optional. Some places have strict rules about drones near beaches, parks, and reserves. Check local laws before you fly, or you could end up with a fine instead of a shark.
Also, shark fishing might need a permit in certain states (looking at you, Florida). Get your permits sorted, so you’re not in trouble when you should be reeling in a shark.

6. Post-Flight Care (Don’t Skip This)

After a long day of flying and fishing, take care of your gear. Rinse your drone with fresh water, especially if it’s been near saltwater—corrosion is real. Don’t store your drone salty and wet unless you want to replace it next season.
And the batteries? Store them safely. Fully charged batteries lose their lifespan if stored too long, so discharge them a bit before putting them away.

Bottom Line: Stay Safe, Catch Big Sharks