Behind The Lens GoPro Setup for Fishing

August 2, 2025

About this Episode:

I break down my current GoPro setup for capturing all my fly fishing adventures on YouTube. I’ll walk you through the cameras I use and why I chose them, plus the key accessories that help me film epic footage while exploring the stunning waters of the Ozarks.

If you’re looking to buy your first action camera or upgrade your current setup, I hope this video helps guide you in the right direction. As always, feel free to reach out with questions or ideas. I’m happy to help.

Products Discussed in this Episode:

Disclaimer: This video is NOT sponsored. I use Amazon affiliate links. As a customer, you do not pay any more or less because of an affiliated link. We receive a small percentage of the sale which helps support our channel. Thank you for your support!

GoPro 13 Configuration

Below you'll find the current configuration details for my GoPro 13. I’m constantly testing different settings to combat glare off the water and those bright, washed-out skies that can oversaturate footage—but as of August 2, 2025, this is the setup I’m using.

YouTube Tip: It’s no secret—more and more people are watching YouTube on their TVs. In fact, over 60% of my viewers are tuning in from their television screens, often binge-watching episodes like a traditional sitcom. That’s why shooting in 4K (or better) is so important—you want your content to look its absolute best on the big screen.

GoPro 13 Camera Settings

Profile: Standard

Framing: 16:9
Resolution: 4K
Frame Rate: 30
Digital Lens: W
HyperSmooth: On

Capture Section

Scheduled Capture: Off
Duration: Off
Hindsight: Off
Timer: Off
Zoom: 1.0x

Protune Section

Bit Depth: 8-bit
Bite Rate: High
Shutter: Auto
EV Comp: -0.5
White Balance: Auto
ISO Min: 100
ISO Max: 800
Sharpness: High
Denoise: High
Color: Natural

Audio Section

RAW Audio: Off
Audio Tuning: Voice
Wind Reduction: On
Media Mod: N/A

Dashboard: Off

Shortcuts Section

Lower Left: Digital Lens
Lower Right: Settings
Upper Left: Hypersmooth
Upper Right: Framing

Preferences Section

General | QuikCapture: On
General | Default Preset: Last Used Video
General | Auto Power Off: Never
Displays | Screen Saver: 1 minute
Displays | Brightness: 40%
Displays | Grid: On

Navigation Screen

Front Display: Off
Voice Control: On
Camera Volume: On
Screen Saver: On
Screen Lock: On
Orientation: Locked
LEDS: All On

Developing A Solution That Works

When I first started my YouTube channel, I shot everything on my iPhone. That’s what I had, and honestly, I wasn’t ready to fully commit to buying an action camera. But after just a few short months, I was all in—determined to create the best content I could and the CASTAFLY YouTube channel was created.

My first action camera was the GoPro Hero 8. It served me well and captured a ton of great memories. As I kept learning and leveling up, I realized I wanted more than just chest-mounted footage. I wanted B-roll—those wide-angle shots, closeups of nature, scenic landscapes, and casting sequences that help tell a fuller story.

That’s when I hit my first wall: GoPro’s stock batteries. Simply put, they sucked. I needed to be able to hit record and fish—not worry about swapping batteries mid-session or, worse, during a fish fight (yep, that happened). So I dove deep into research mode, determined to find a better power solution.

That search led me to 3BR Powersports, a company making custom all-weather external power kits. I grabbed one for the GoPro 8 and paired it with a solid battery pack that gave me 3–4 hours of continuous recording. As for carrying the battery? I found a basic nylon pouch with a belt clip—originally made for flip phones—and rocked that setup for over three years. It worked like a charm.

Over time, I kept refining the system. Then came the release of the GoPro Hero 13, and with it some game-changing accessories: the GoPro Magnetic Latch Mount and the GoPro Contacto. Around that same time, I also discovered the STUNTMAN High Stability Chest Mount. These three upgrades opened the door to a much cleaner, more stable, and flexible setup.

After getting approval from the CASTAFLY administrator (aka my wife), I upgraded my entire camera setup. After a few outings, I still hadn’t found the perfect way to carry the battery—but with some R&D and a little Velcro magic, I finally had a solution that worked.

Right now, I couldn’t be happier with the setup. The only thing I’m still tinkering with is finding a small, clear dry bag that can hold the battery pack, mount with Velcro to the back of my chest rig, and keep water out—even with the power cable connected.

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