Drone Fishing in the UK

Drone Fishing in the UK (2025): Laws, Tips & the Best Waterproof Gear

Drone fishing has gained huge popularity along UK coastlines in recent years, helping anglers reach deeper waters, place bait precisely, and explore new marks. But before you attach bait to a line and send a drone seaward, it’s crucial to understand the laws, risks, and best practices involved.

This guide explains UK drone fishing legality, essential rules, gear recommendations, and how to stay safe and compliant.

✅ Is Drone Fishing Legal in the UK?

Yes — drone fishing is legal in the UK.

However, anglers must comply with:

  • Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations

  • Local bylaws

  • Landowner permissions

  • Wildlife restrictions

There are currently no UK laws that specifically prohibit the use of a drone for fishing — but how you use it matters.

⚠️ Dropping Articles from a Drone (IMPORTANT)

Under standard UK drone law, it is illegal to drop any article (including bait or line) without a specific Operational Authorisation from the CAA.

This directly affects the common practice of using a bait-release mechanism.

Penalties can include fines or, in serious cases, prosecution.

✅ How Anglers Are Doing This Legally: Article 16

There is a legal pathway.

The Article 16 Operational Authorisation allows certain additional activities — including dropping items — when flying as a member of recognised model flying organisations such as:

Both organisations offer:

  • Access to Article 16 flying privileges

  • Public liability insurance (typically up to £25m)

  • Safety guidance

  • Supportive training and community

Membership grants access to additional permissions, provided:

  • You follow club rules

  • You operate within defined safety limits

  • You fly responsibly

Joining such a club is currently the safest, most legitimate route for bait-dropping activities.

Note: Article 16 does not override bylaws or environmental protections.

📜 Other Key UK Drone Rules to Know

Registration

If your drone weighs:

  • 250g+, or

  • 100g+ with a camera

…you must obtain BOTH:

  • Operator ID

  • Flyer ID (via an online theory test)

👉 Apply here:
https://www.caa.co.uk/drones/getting-started-with-drones-and-model-aircraft/get-an-operator-id/

Visual Line of Sight (VLOS)

You must be able to directly see your drone at all times.

Binoculars, FPV goggles, or screens do not count.

Height Limit

Maximum altitude is:
120m (400ft) above ground or water.

Distance from People & Areas

Unless operating under Article 16 conditions:

  • Keep 50m away from uninvolved people

  • Do not fly over crowds

  • Keep 150m from residential, recreational, commercial and industrial areas (unless your drone is under 250g)


Landowner Permission: Beaches & Foreshore

All UK land has an owner — including beaches.

Much of the foreshore (the land between mean high and mean low water marks) is owned by the Crown Estate.

The Crown Estate generally permits recreational access, including launching drones, without explicit permission, provided:

  • You are operating below the high-water mark,

  • It is non-commercial use,

  • You comply with CAA rules,

  • You do not endanger people, wildlife, or property,

  • No local bylaws restrict drone use at that location.

However:

  • Not all foreshore is Crown Estate

  • Harbour authorities often restrict flying

  • MOD-controlled coastline is off-limits

  • Local councils can introduce drone bylaws

  • Conservation bodies may impose seasonal restrictions

Always verify ownership and bylaws before flying.

Wildlife & Environment

Avoid flights that may disturb:

  • Nesting birds

  • Marine mammals

  • Protected habitats

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) may require guidance from Natural England. To see these areas near you can check out The Drone Safety Map.

Safety & Responsibility

You are personally responsible for:

  • Pre-flight checks

  • Weather monitoring

  • Awareness of people nearby

  • Taking immediate action if something changes

Non-compliance can be a criminal offence.

🎣 Why Anglers Use Drones

Drone fishing offers:

  • Longer reach beyond casting distance

  • Accurate bait placement

  • Reduced tackle loss

  • Access to deeper troughs

  • Better chances in tidal variation

UK beaches like Chesil deepen very quickly offshore — perfect drone territory.

🌧️ The UK Weather Factor

British coastal weather is harsh:

  • High winds

  • Salt spray

  • Sudden rain

This can destroy hobby-grade drones.

That’s why anglers overwhelmingly choose waterproof, corrosion-resistant, marine-rated systems from SwellPro.

🥇 Best Drone for UK Drone Fishing (2025)

SplashDrone 4+

Engineered for marine conditions:

✅ IP67 seawater-proof body
✅ Corrosion-resistant motors
✅ High wind tolerance
✅ Optional bait-release
✅ 4K camera for scouting shoals

Perfect for:

  • Bass

  • Cod

  • Smoothhound

  • Mackerel

  • Pollock

👉 View the SplashDrone 4+:
https://swellpro-uk.co.uk/products/splashdrone-4

👉 Compare fishing drones:
https://swellpro-uk.co.uk/blogs/news/fishing-drones-comparison-guide

💪 If You Need to Lift Bigger Baits: Fisherman Max FD2

For stronger payload lifting (over 3kg), consider:

Fisherman Max FD2
Designed for heavier lines and bigger baits — while maintaining waterproofing and stability.

👉 View here:
https://swellpro-uk.co.uk/collections/fisherman-max-fd2

🧰 Recommended Accessories

To get the most from a fishing drone:

  • Bait release mechanism (within legal limits)

  • Buoyancy kit

  • Spare batteries

  • Waterproof hard case

  • FPV goggles (observer must keep VLOS)

👉 What’s needed for drone fishing:
https://swellpro-uk.co.uk/blogs/news/what-is-needed-for-fishing-with-drones

🌊 Top Drone Fishing Locations (UK)

Examples include:

  • Chesil Beach, Dorset

  • Brighton Marina

  • Holyhead, Wales

  • Swansea Bay

  • South Shields

Always check local bylaws first.

🧼 Maintenance After Saltwater Use

Even waterproof drones require care:

  • Rinse with fresh water

  • Dry thoroughly

  • Inspect bearings and payload mounts

  • Update firmware

  • Check props for damage

Salt corrosion is subtle — and expensive.

⚖️ Is Drone Fishing Cheating?

Traditionalists said the same about:

  • Bite alarms

  • Bait boats

  • Carp rods

  • Sonar

Drone fishing still relies on:

  • Tide knowledge

  • Rig selection

  • Bait choice

  • Timing

The drone simply extends your reach, helping you place bait further into deeper water. It can also make angling more accessible for those with limited mobility or difficulty casting, allowing more people to enjoy the sport.

📦Buy A Fishing Drone & Start Drone Fishing Now!

If you’re looking to start drone fishing safely and legally, explore our range of IP67-rated waterproof marine drones here:

👉 https://swellpro-uk.co.uk/

Our team provides expert guidance, after-sales support, and training assistance.

✨ Final Thoughts

Drone fishing is an exciting, innovative way to explore the UK coastline — but it must be done responsibly. By choosing the right hardware, joining a recognised club for Article 16 permissions (with insurance included), and respecting bylaws and wildlife, anglers can enjoy the benefits while staying on the right side of the law.

Back to News

Collections

Fisherman Drone
Fisherman Drone
Splashdrone 4
Splashdrone 4
Splashdrone 4 Spares & Repairs
Splashdrone 4 Spares & Repairs
Accessories