Top Underwater Cameras for Fishing: Westin Hands-On Reviews

When you spend enough time on the water, you start to notice things most people don’t—like the way fish approach a lure from behind, or how they’ll hover for a moment before drifting off like they were never interested in the first place. You begin to realize just how much is happening under the surface that you never get to see.

And like most of us, I’ve had my share of skunked trips, tangled lines, and half-second strikes that left me wondering what actually happened down there. So, as a fisherman with a background in video production (and a B.Sc. in Media gathering dust somewhere) I was naturally curious when I first heard about underwater fishing cameras. I’ve spent years behind a lens, so the idea of capturing footage from below the surface felt like the perfect excuse to mix work with fishing. (And naturally, the idea of rigging a camera on a fishing line was too cool not to reel me in.)

Underwater fishing cameras have come a long way in recent years. Back in college, I worked with plenty of video gear, and just like most of the gear that made up those pro rigs, underwater fishing cams have now gotten lighter, more durable, and a lot more affordable than they used to be.

When you're trying to find the best underwater camera for fishing, it's helpful to focus on what really makes these type of cams worth owning: picture quality, ease of use, battery life, and durability—in addition to all the cool things you can actually do with them. (Check out these pro tips for using underwater fishing cameras if you're interested in more of a "deep dive"—no pun intended.)

Helpful Hands-On Reviews from Westin Cam Users

In this article, I’m sharing some reviews from users who have actually gotten their hands on two of the top underwater cams for fishing: the Westin Explore Cam and the Escape Cam. These reviews from Amazon are included exactly as they were written by actual users, so that you can get a feel for exactly how this fishing camera gear performs when it goes beneath the surface.

But first—For a closer look at the Escape Cam in action, check out this video:

User Points Out the Camera is Light, Tough, and Surprisingly Capable

Unlike bulkier or more expensive models on the market, the Westin Explore Cam offers pro-level footage in a compact, affordable package. At first, I worried about weight and drag on the line, not to mention the camera scaring or "spooking" the fish. Turns out, both concerns were unwarranted.

Westin Explore Cam - Helpful user review:

“This is a really well made camera - I can't believe it's so light - just 28g, and apparently fully waterproof - no issues using it in deep water!
It's designed primarily to attach to the fishing line - either to float just under the surface or to sink down into the water depending on which fin you attach to it.
The picture quality is good although dependent on water visibility obviously and light levels - in clear water you can get some great images.
The ability to watch in real time on your phone is useful too for determining the underwater environment and working out the best places to fish from. It helps to use something like a headset here so you can view your screen out of the sunlight - remember the better the sunlight, the clearer the pictures, but the harder to view your phone screen.”

The dual fin setup gives you options—whether you’re jigging deep, slow-rolling through structure, or skimming just beneath the surface. And yes, real-time viewing is possible on many models, which turns your phone into a live fish cam. Pretty wild.

Learning From What You Didn’t Catch - The camera’s not just about showing off your catches. Some of the most useful clips come from missed strikes or fish that follow and never commit. Honestly, that’s one of the biggest game-changers. If you're someone who tweaks lures, changes cadence, or fishes structure-heavy spots, having video of the fish’s behavior tells you why something worked—or didn’t.

A Whole New Way to Watch the Strike

There’s something addictive about watching fish approach lures on video. I didn’t expect just how useful that footage could be to analyze what worked and what didn’t.

Westin Explore Cam - Featured customer review:

“This is a very neat concept. Who doesn't want to video while [fishing]. You can get a great quality video. It is very easy to use. The clarity is great and very functional. Great value and an awesome gadget for your fisherman.”

That pretty much sums up the first impression. The best underwater fishing cameras are plug-and-play. Clip them on, drop them in, and hit record. No fiddling with settings while the bite window slips away.

Better Than Expected, and Addictive Once You Start

Even skeptics find themselves hooked after one or two uses:

Westin Explore Cam - Helpful user review:

“I wasn't too sure how much benefit this would bring, but as it turns out it really does enhance the entire fishing experience. It's light but powerful, and integrates easily into any fishing setup.
The picture quality is pretty amazing, giving you a really immersive view of what's going on below the water, and it's fascinating. You get to see a whole world of activity you're usually oblivious to, and you can watch it live on your phone as it happens (you can also control it from your phone).
I've only tried it once fairly briefly so far, as the current weather isn't exactly my preferred fishing weather, but I'm more impressed than I'd expected to be. This is going to get some serious use once things start to warm up.”

If you’re already daydreaming about spring bites and bait schools, this camera might just become your new secret weapon.

Better Fishing Through Observation

Once you get the hang of it, the real-time feedback starts changing how you approach the water.

Westin Explore Cam - Helpful user review:

“Like many men, I am a big fan of fishing and the underwater world. To expand my experience, studying the underwater world and better understand the behavior of fish at different times of the day, I decided to get this underwater camera.
This camera can be used at great depths, and thanks to the built-in battery may operate for 1.25 hours underwater, while its weight is only 28 grams. It is perfectly waterproof and supports a wireless connection, which makes it convenient and reliable for underwater exploration.
The camera is simple and easy to operate, which makes the fishing process as comfortable and effective as possible. Thanks to this camera, my catch has noticeably increased, since now I can easily determine the most promising places for fishing and get maximum pleasure from each trip to the water.”

If you’re the kind of fisherman who takes mental notes, who’s always watching water temps, light angles, and bait response, this tool fits right in. You’re not just casting and waiting—you’re scouting, adjusting, improving.

Quick Comparison Table

Specification	Explore Cam	Escape Cam
Weight	1 oz.	1.41 oz.
Dimensions	3.07" x 0.87" x 1.06"	4.17" x 0.87" x 1.06"
Video Resolution	1080p Full HD	1080p Full HD
Video Frame Rate	30 or 60 fps	30 or 60 fps
Depth Rating	650 ft	650 ft
Battery Life	1h 25 min @ 30 fps (68°F)	2h 30 min @ 30 fps (68°F)
Battery Capacity	4.35V / 720 mAh	4.35V / 720 mAh
Power Supply	DC 5V 1-5A	DC 5V 1-5A
Interface	USB-C	USB-C
Memory Card	32–256 GB MicroSD (OTG)	32–256 GB MicroSD (OTG)
Live View / Phone Access	Yes – View & share via phone	Yes – View & share via phone
Waterproof	Yes – to 650 ft	Yes – to 650 ft
Color Accuracy	Vibrant colors with underwater AWB	Vibrant colors with underwater AWB
Country of Origin	Designed & developed in Denmark	Designed & developed in Denmark

The Best Underwater Cameras for Fishing—Period.

Whether you’re filming solo missions, teaching the grandkids, creating fishing video content, or just curious what’s lurking near your favorite dock, an underwater camera is a great tool that gives you a deeper understanding of what’s happening beneath the surface.

Ready to see what you’ve been missing? Check out the Westin Explore and Escape Cams—and start seeing what you've been missing.