It’s crazy how good cameras in most smartphones are these days… I used to bring along a waterproof point and shoot digital camera like the one pictured below on my fishing outings to snap photos for the blog or whatnot while out on the stream, but the quality of the photos I’d take from my phone’s camera always ended up so much better, I’ve migrated toward that as my typical solution.
Even though some phones are advertised as somewhat “waterproof” these days, you’ll still probably want to find some level of protection for your phone should you use it to take photos or video while fishing. You can really go crazy if you’d like (particularly if you’re an iPhone person) in finding a waterproof case that is made especially to fit your smartphone. Lifeproof is a very popular brand for iPhones.
But if you’re an Android person, it’s a little more difficult because there are so many different phone manufacturers using that OS. Unless you have the latest Samsung or Google Pixel, true waterproof cases can be hard to come by, and when you find one, they’re typically rather expensive.
I fall in the Android bucket, and as such have been using a simple waterproof “bag” case for the last year or so. It’s the kind that has clear “plastic” windows on each side so you can work your phone and take photos, a “ziploc” type closure at the top that also folds over and gets clamped shut. Most of these also come complete with a “necklace” cord so you can wear it around your neck.
The case I use is from Seattle Sports. It’s about $20.
They also make a larger version for some of the bigger phones on the market.
They also make a larger version for some of the bigger phones on the market.
I bought it from REI last summer with a gift card, and it’s served me very well. I was originally concerned that the clear windows in the bag would possibly distort or make the pictures cloudy. You can’t even tell these photos were shot through a plastic wet bag. Right?
There are a ton of options out there, so I’m not trying to sell you on this particular bag. Just sharing a great experience I’ve had with a solid piece of gear. Now these DO NOT provide impact protection from drops on rocks, etc… but for simple waterproofing, they might come in handy as “cheap” insurance on the water, especially if you are an Android phone user like I am.
Heck, if you want to go super cheap, Dragontail Tenkara has their “Nirvana” branded version on sale right now for $3.99… I’ve never used it, but it looks very similar in form and function to my Seattle Sports version. At less than $5, that’s a pretty killer deal!
Thanks for posting about this Mike. I've been thinking about it a lot, especially after I got my new $900 phone. I've had 2 Lifeproof cases and both of them failed. So these bags look like they might be a better solution. I'm glad you showed actual pictures taken with them to show the plastic doesn't distort the pictures because I was worried about that too. Plus, I like the idea of having a strap I cna hang around my neck so I don't have to fumble through my pockets to get my phone out to take a picture of a fish.
I have used my iPhone all along, no case. It’s in my front shirt pocket or my pants pocket ready to grab and take a picture. For all those pics packrafting, two trips to Japan, countless trips to mountain streams, no case. Not bragging at all, iPhones are now splash/waterproof. I just keep mine out of the water. I did it a waterproof Nikon wp300 which I never use, I’m a minimalist. Not being contrary, not saying you are wrong, you aren’t. My experience is different. You get good at what you do. I always enjoy your posts. Take care.
Good idea especially since I'm going to be Yakking a lot more this Summer. In the past, a Ziploc bag was the preferred method, but you still had to take out the camera/phone to shoot the picture. Thanks, Mike.
The only thing I've noticed in regard to the plastic windows is they will slightly distort an image if you take a photo looking into the sun. What a normal lens would portray as “lens flare” through the plastic window, it more of a bright haze.
For each their own, glad you have a solution that works for you.
I still use a ziploc all the time for storage of things I don't want to get wet. For photography, this is definitely an improvement.
I've been struggling with this for years. I love my DLSR camera but the risks taking it on a stream at too great. Kind of like stumbling around a stream holding 8 $100 bills with two fingers. I like the bag idea but I also like the idea of quick access and a camera that takes pictures instantly. I hate the process of unlocking my phone waiting for the stupid camera app to do it's thing then focus and take a pic. I want the convenience and picture quality of the DLSR with the durability of a camera in a case.
I feel your pain. Not sure what sort of phone you have, my phone (Google Pixel) automatically unlocks just the camera when you push the power button twice quickly. It's great for the exact issue you're mentioning.
MichaelI gone to the my Iphone for all my pics now, actually the quality for me is much better than my point and shoot camera.I use the Magellan Silicone Lanyard Phone Keeper instead of a waterproof cover. The lanyard gives me the option to keep the phone around my neck. https://www.magellans.com/itemdy00.aspx?T1=MF7649+AFL&srccode=NXCMC6&utm_source=google&utm_medium=comparison&utm_campaign=datafeed&source=pla&gclid=CjwKCAjwqLblBRBYEiwAV3pCJpfRf6O94v3Fjs8a6ES2EMrZevorgQIuqRviBaBiKTNQ0lSbk_0guBoCKw8QAvD_BwEthanks for sharing