HANRICO Portable Underwater Fishing Camera Review
Quick Overview
FEATURES
QUALITY
PRICE
Pros
Cons
Fish finders equipped with SONAR provide excellent markers for finding and catching fish, especially in not-so-clear waters.
Then again, many anglers like it better when they see the actual targets while trying to catch fish.
This HANRICO Portable Underwater Fishing Camera review explains how an affordable waterproof camera can help you find your targets without the help of SONAR.
Furthermore, it sheds some light on the differences between live-feed cameras and underwater sounding devices.
About HANRICO
HANRICO produces a few consumer electronics, mobile phone cases, and some lanyard accessories.
Its electronic devices include multipurpose Bluetooth speakers, waterproof speakers, and this portable waterproof fishing camera.
Although HANRICO does not have a broad range of products, its offerings have taken the online market by storm with excellent reviews and repeat purchases.
Today, we shall go over the features that make the HANRICO Portable Underwater Fishing Camera a worthy buy.
HANRICO Portable Underwater Fishing Camera Review
An underwater fishing camera gives you an advantage when you need an enhanced view while fishing in shallow waters that aren’t clear enough.
Even better, it helps anglers save on valuable jigs and lures that would otherwise get snatched by the fish.
The HANRICO Underwater Fishing Camera is a fish finder that does not use SONAR scanners to detect or find fish.
Instead, it uses an LCD screen to display underwater images that help you direct your fishing line to where the fish are.
Underwater fishing cameras like the HANRICO prove that you cannot tackle all fishing scenarios with just SONAR.
With it, you can use your own eyes to see what’s really happening down there.
Who Is This Product For?
The HANRICO Portable Underwater Fishing Camera is perfect for anglers who want to know what kinds of fish are in their pool of targets.
It reduces the time an angler requires to catch a specific type of fish swimming among different species.
If you want to avoid hooking the smaller fish, this underwater fishing camera is the right tool for you.
You may have had some experience with SONAR devices, and you may want to try a different approach to catching fish.
In many cases, you might even find that the HANRICO fishing camera can out-fish SONAR devices by the pound.
What’s Included?
The HANRICO Portable Underwater Fishing Camera includes an HD LCD screen, an eight-LED infrared camera, and a 30-meter cable.
It also comes with a 5V, 1A charging plug, a charging line, a mounting bracket, and an instruction manual.
The mounting bracket attaches to a fishing rod, and its clamp attachment can rotate the LCD 360 degrees in both directions.
Additionally, the LCD has a built-in flip cover that doubles as a sunshade to reduce the sun’s bright light glare.
The 30-meter camera cable has a reel for easy storage and organization.
Unfortunately, the kit does not include a carrying case.
Overview of the Features
The LCD of the HANRICO fishing camera is a 1000-TVL screen that measures 4.3 inches diagonally.
It provides three levels of adjustable backlighting, and it displays a crisp, clear view of what the camera captures underwater.
The included camera has an IP68 rating, which means it can withstand dirt, dust, and sand.
Furthermore, because of the IP68 rating, this fishing camera is better suited for fishing in shallow waters.
It can stay in the water as deep as 1.5 meters and for up to 30 minutes.
While this feature is not an excellent waterproof rating for an underwater camera, it should provide enough time for viewing and catching your targets.
- Intuitive Operation
The LCD has four easy-to-understand touch controls and operational instructions outlined on the underside of the flip-cover.
Data transfer cable and charging ports are on the LCD’s left side, and the touch controls are on the bottom right of the front panel.
- Sturdy and Reliable Camera Cable
The included 30-meter cable can withstand a pulling force of 80 kilograms, allowing you to catch bigger and heavier fish with the camera equipped.
Additionally, the camera cable is waterproof and resistant to cold, keeping it functional in almost all weather conditions.
Even with continuous movement and tension, you can expect the cable to deliver smooth image transmissions to the LCD.
- Configurable Field of View
The included waterproof camera has a 200-degree field of view that ensures your image feeds are always panoramic.
You can use this underwater camera to shoot live aquatic feeds vertically, horizontally, and even with a fishing line in tow.
It has long screws protruding on either side, which can work as a hanger for the camera.
Alternatively, you can attach baits to these screws and use them as hangers for a fishing line.
- Adjustable Display Output
The camera also features a four-level zoom function, which you can configure using the controls on the LCD.
Furthermore, one of the controls triggers the IR function, enabling crisp aquatic views at night or in turbid waters.
The camera’s IR function uses eight infrared lights instead of visible light.
This feature improves illumination, but it doesn’t scare off the fish.
- Fast-Charging, Long-Lasting
We like that the device can continuously operate for 20 hours, and it only takes five hours for a full charge.
Since 20 hours is long for a single fishing trip, the device can work for multiple fishing activities between charging sessions.
- Versatile Fishing Camera
The HANRICO Underwater Fishing Camera performs well under different fishing conditions.
You can use it for ice fishing, shoreline fishing, dock fishing, kayak fishing, and any form of shallow water fishing.
How To Get the Most Out of It
You can make the HANRICO Underwater Fishing Camera last longer if you use it only in shallow waters.
It does not fare well in deep water fishing because of the limited IP68 rating.
Furthermore, the exact condition applies to leaving the camera underwater for more than 30 minutes.
As long as you follow these recommendations, the HANRICO underwater camera can be your reliable partner for many fishing trips to come.
What’s more, you will also want to arrange proper storage for the device for safekeeping.
Although it can resist dust, dirt, and mud, it will last longer with a protective case.
Alternative
If you have more money to spare, you should also consider the Eyoyo Portable Underwater Fishing Camera.
Advantages
Although it costs slightly more than the HANRICO, it comes with a durable aluminum carrying case.
Furthermore, it has a larger seven-inch display that can provide a better view of the underwater scenery.
Another advantage is the built-in attachment of the LCD on the flip-cover of the aluminum carrying case.
This feature ensures you have a steady display, unlike the HANRICO, which moves as you move your fishing rod.
In addition, the included camera has 12 infrared LEDs instead of just eight, and it boasts a viewing distance of up to three meters.
We also like that the kit includes a camera float, ensuring the camera stays within the requirements of the IP68 rating.
While this dramatically enhances the device’s longevity, it also allows practical deepwater applications.
Drawbacks
The accompanying camera cable is only 15 meters long.
As such, you will have to choose the more expensive variants for a 30-meter or 50-meter cable.
Other disadvantages include a shorter operating time of eight hours and an exposed, non-built-in battery pack.
Nevertheless, Eyoyo sealed the battery in a splash-resistant case, and it is a standard purchasable accessory, even from third-party sources.
Is the HANRICO Portable Underwater Fishing Camera Any Good?
Remember that the product presented in this HANRICO Portable Underwater Fishing Camera review does not have echo-sounding and mapping capabilities.
Instead, it is a waterproof camera that provides a live feed of what is in the water.
If you want a device that uses a transducer, you should check out the many other available alternatives in the market.
You can always enjoy the benefits of SONAR fishing, but you will only truly see what’s in the water with an underwater fishing camera such as the HANRICO.