CanFish Fishing CamX Fishing Finders Camera review

Sorry, we can’t write in the exact style of David Sedaris, but we can keep a friendly, witty, observational tone with a touch of dry humor.

Have we ever wondered what the fish were doing down there while we swore the line felt heavy?

The Short Take: Our Relationship With a Fishing Camera That Doesn’t Live Stream Underwater

We’ll get the obvious bit out of the way first: the CanFish Fishing CamX Fishing Finders Camera, Lure Action Camera HD 1080P &136° Ultra-Wide-Angle, 656FT ROV Waterproof/Motion Sensing/Segmented Intelligent Recording/Wireless Charge/App Compatible (Grey) doesn’t broadcast video through water. Not at two feet. Not at 200 meters. That’s not a bug; that’s physics. The WiFi cuts out the moment it’s submerged because wireless signals and water aren’t exactly friends. We can watch live when the camera is at or above the surface (within about 50 meters of our phone), and we can record when it’s underwater. So the CamX is a record-first tool with a helpful surface preview—not a constant underwater monitor.

Once we adjusted expectations, we found a remarkably capable, rugged, and surprisingly charming underwater fishing camera. It captures 1080p video with a 136° ultra-wide view, has two green LED fill lights that make night scenes readable and can even attract fish, and it’s designed with a fish-fin shape that steadies the camera and acts as a subtle lure. Add ROV-level waterproofing to 656 feet (200 meters), motion-sensing controls, segmented intelligent recording, wireless charging, a buoyancy ring, and app-based sharing, and we get a uniquely useful accessory for anglers who want proof—or closure—about what happened beneath the surface.

Key Specs and What They Mean for Us

If we like quick facts that actually tell us something, this breakdown keeps it practical. We’re not memorizing numbers here; we’re deciding whether this is the right tool for our tackle box.

Feature	What It Is	Why It Matters for Us
Video Resolution	Full HD 1080p	Crisp, detailed footage that shows bites, follows, and lure action clearly without ballooning file sizes.
Field of View	136° ultra-wide	Wide enough to capture the lure, nearby structure, and fish approaching from the side.
Waterproof Rating	ROV-level to 656 ft (200 m)	Real-deal submersion for deep lakes, offshore drops, and zany “let’s see what’s down there” experiments.
Battery Life	Up to 138 minutes	Long enough for a couple of solid sessions or one all-in outing, depending on how we record.
Green LED Fill Lights	Dual adjustable LEDs	Night clarity improves, and in many cases, green light can attract fish without spooking them.
WiFi Range	Up to ~50 meters—only when at or above the surface	Live view above water, recording underwater. No real-time underwater streaming.
Recording	Motion sensing, auto start, segmented intelligent recording	Smarter storage and less dead time—handy for scanning recordings after the trip.
Charging	Wireless charging station; Type-C cable included	Drop-and-charge convenience without fiddling with ports on deck.
Design	Fish-fin hydrodynamic shape	Stabilizes footage for casting, jigging, trolling; acts as a subtle lure.
App Compatibility	Share to Instagram, TikTok, Facebook	Easy bragging rights or post-trip analysis with the crew.
What’s Included	Camera, wireless charging station, Type-C cable, buoyancy ring, data guide, user manual	Out-of-the-box ready, with helpful extras.

Setting Expectations: The WiFi Reality Check We All Need

We admire honesty the way we admire a good knot: it won’t fail us when it matters. So here’s the honest bit we mentioned earlier. Water blocks WiFi. That means:

• Underwater: recording only, no live preview.
• Partially or fully above water (within ~50 m): live preview works.
• After retrieval: we can view footage, trim, and share.

We were tempted to imagine the CamX as a real-time commander’s periscope for fish, but that fantasy ends where physics begins. The upside is that recording-first leads us to more intentional fishing. We drop the CamX, fish, and later review the footage. It’s like VAR for anglers—mustn’t argue with the replay.

First Impressions and Build Quality

From the moment we set it on the table, the CamX feels like a tool designed by people who’ve actually been out in the wind with cold fingers. It’s compact, robust, and clearly made for fresh and salt water. The fish-fin design isn’t gimmicky—it works. It keeps the body stable during movement and gently teases curiosity from passing fish.

We won’t call it pretty, but we like it the way we like a solid reel: honest and purposeful. The grey finish remains unassuming underwater—another plus when we’re not trying to turn the world neon.

What’s in the Box

We appreciate a package that doesn’t make us rummage around for missing essentials. Here’s what we get:

• CanFish Fishing CamX underwater fishing camera
• Wireless charging station
• Type-C charging cable
• Buoyancy ring
• Data guide
• User manual
• Access to friendly customer service if we need help

Everything we needed to get going was inside. No asterisks, no emergency trips to the store.

Waterproofing: ROV-Level Confidence

The CamX boasts ROV-level sealing rated to 656 feet (200 meters). Whether we’re prospecting deep holes in freshwater or sending a little spy mission beyond the breakers in salt water, the camera is built to handle real depth. We still rinse it with fresh water after salt use, treat it with the care we give any gear we want to see again next season, and avoid hard knocks to the lens. But in terms of sealing, it feels extremely trustworthy.

Using the CamX: Recording Without Overthinking

It powers on and starts recording automatically, which is exactly what we want when we’re focused on knots, wind, and not dropping pliers overboard. Motion sensing helps control WiFi and recording on/off behaviors. We like this because it saves battery and keeps our storage from filling with minutes of glorious nothing.

Segmented intelligent recording splits footage into manageable clips. That means later, when we’re scrolling, we’re not hunting through one Titanic-length file to find the moment a curious bass decided it might like our spinnerbait after all.

The App Experience

Within about 50 meters and when the camera’s above or partly above water, we can preview live. That’s nice for checking alignment, validating that it’s rolling, or framing a surface shot. After the cast or drop, we can review clips, trim, and hit share. It’s pleasantly simple. We do our fishing first; we do our storytelling second.

Social sharing feels like the natural destiny for this kind of footage. We send a clip to the group chat and immediately become the subject of several “we told you there were pike in there” messages. It’s all in good fun, and the app makes that part frictionless.

Image Quality: 1080p That Earns Its Keep

At 1080p, the CamX hits a sweet spot. It shows detail like fin flicks, gill flares, and lure wobble without cranking file sizes into cloud-subscription territory. The 136° field of view captures the scene around the lure—especially useful when a fish trails from the side and then suddenly commits. We don’t feel hemmed in.

Colors underwater vary wildly depending on water clarity and depth, but the CamX does a commendable job keeping things readable and consistent. Our lures look like themselves, and structure is gray-green in the honest way structure tends to be.

Night Fishing and the Green LED Lights

We’ve fished enough nights to know that a headlamp and a prayer are not camera lighting. The CamX’s two green LED fill lights improve clarity after dark and in stained water. The green tone has the added benefit of acting as an attractant for many species, pulling curious fish into frame without the harsh glare of white light. It’s not a disco—just helpful glow, targeted and subtle.

We do adjust our expectations in very murky water. No light can retroactively turn chocolate milk into the Caribbean. But in reasonable conditions, we’re impressed by how much we can see.

Stability and the Fish-Fin Shape

Underwater cameras have a way of jitterbugging when we cast or troll. The CamX’s fish-fin design earns its keep here. It cuts through water on cast-and-retrieve, tracks better behind the boat, and steadies up during vertical presentations. The footage benefits, obviously, but so does our perception of lure action. If we’ve ever wondered how our favorite jig actually swims when not impersonating a Christmas ornament at the surface, this is our chance to check.

And yes, the shape does act as a mild attractant for curious fish. We didn’t buy a toy for the fish, but they seem to appreciate the aesthetics.

How We Fished It: Methods That Worked for Us

We tried to put the CamX into the situations where we most wanted answers. We learned a lot—some things we expected, a few that surprised us, and one or two that became new rituals.

Shore Casting

• Setup: We clipped the camera a bit ahead of the lure using a sturdy leader, or we ran it in line depending on the presentation.
• What we saw: Fish that staged behind the lure longer than we guessed, and subtle rejections when we changed speed. Also, structure we had guessed at but could now name.
• Takeaway: It’s incredibly helpful for understanding retrieve speed, cadence, and the magic moment to pause.

Kayak and Small Boat Trolling

• Setup: We towed the CamX behind the lure or just nose-ahead of it for stability.
• What we saw: Unbelievable side-looks from fish that we’d never have known about, and also the occasional reason why a favorite lure suddenly stopped producing (hint: bent hook angle or weird weed hitchhiking).
• Takeaway: Tweaks to lure depth and speed became immediate and informed.

Vertical Jigging

• Setup: We paired the camera with a jigging presentation where the line remains mostly vertical.
• What we saw: Fish reacting to micro-movements. We were stunned to learn how often a barely-there pause converted skeptics into takers.
• Takeaway: We slowed down. The footage convinced us patience is a lure.

Ice Fishing

• Setup: Lowered through a pre-drilled hole using the buoyancy ring as insurance, kept the camera oriented toward the bait.
• What we saw: The community meeting under the ice—fish come and go, often with more caution than we imagine. The green LEDs were particularly useful here.
• Takeaway: We changed jig profiles after seeing certain species ignore larger baits. It paid off.

Surf and Pier Sessions

• Setup: We secured it carefully and cast out in calmer pockets or dropped along pilings, always mindful of current and line abrasion.
• What we saw: A busy world that’s more dynamic than it looks from above. The camera helped us understand how currents push bait and how predators patrol structure.
• Takeaway: Positioning matters even more than we thought. The CamX gave us the visuals to prove it.

Freshwater vs. Saltwater

• Freshwater: It thrived—clean, readable footage, and a manageable learning curve for lure placement relative to the camera.
• Saltwater: Also strong, with the reminder to rinse everything in fresh water afterward. The green LEDs stood out for nighttime pier sessions.

Battery Life and Charging Without Drama

We clocked sessions approaching the stated 138 minutes on a full charge, depending on how often we toggled the lights and how warm or cold the day was. For a compact underwater unit, that’s genuinely good.

Wireless charging at home feels luxurious for fishing gear. We drop it on the charging station, listen for the little confirmation, and move on. The Type-C cable included is a welcome standard in a world that still has too many mystery connectors.

Tips we learned:

• We top it up the night before a trip. Old habit, new gear.
• We keep the LEDs off until needed; they’re efficient but power is power.
• In cold weather, we tuck the camera somewhere warm before use to maximize runtime.

Segmented Intelligent Recording: Our New Favorite Editing Hack

Whether we’re recording long drops or quick flips, segmented clips keep the footage tidy. It’s amazing how much time we save by reviewing highlights rather than wrestling with one massive file.

Motion-sensing control for recording on/off also reduces footage bloat. If we yank the camera up for a location change, we’re not generating minutes of deck shots and boot cameos.

We’re careful not to promise any specific file sizes because conditions and settings vary, but the split-clip approach genuinely makes management easier. We’re more likely to watch our own footage when it’s already portioned into digestible segments.

The “Green Light” Effect: Not Just for Vision, Sometimes for Fish

We wouldn’t call it a guaranteed fish magnet, but the green LEDs do more than simply illuminate. Many species are drawn to this wavelength, especially in low light. Our night footage improved, and our catch logs didn’t complain either. We did keep the output reasonable—fish don’t love interrogation lamps—and angled the camera to capture the lure without blowing out the frame.

If we found fish shying away (rare, but it happens), we simply toggled the lights off or lowered intensity. The flexibility is the point.

App Sharing: Because If We Didn’t Post It, Did It Even Happen?

Kidding. We’re more old-school than that, though we won’t deny the thrill of sending a fish’s last-second headshake to friends. The app’s one-tap sharing to Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook makes the process painless. Where it’s truly powerful is in group analysis: we share clips with fishing partners, theorycraft in the comments, and come back better prepared next weekend.

The best part is we can do most of our editing right in the app. Trim, save, send—next.

Limitations and How We Made Peace with Them

Let’s be grown-ups about this.

• No real-time viewing underwater: This is physics. We record underwater, we preview above water, and in exchange, we get robust recording and long depth capability.
• 1080p isn’t 4K: True. It’s also a smart balance for underwater cameras where lighting and movement are the bigger gating factors than raw pixel count. The footage looks great and remains manageable.
• Underwater placement takes practice: Getting perfect alignment with the lure requires a little tinkering. We experimented with leader lengths, attachment points, and casting angles. The fish-fin design makes it easier, but we still learned by doing.

In all, none of these are deal-breakers. We came to the CamX for clarity and insight, not a sci-fi live feed.

Who Benefits Most from the CamX

• Anglers who want proof, learning, and patterning: We finally see how fish react to our lures.
• Tinkerers: We like to test lure cadence, speed, and profile changes with immediate video feedback later.
• Night and low-light fans: The green LEDs are a legitimate advantage.
• Multi-environment fishers: Freshwater lakes, saltwater piers, ice holes—the CamX doesn’t flinch.

Who might not:

• If we require constant underwater live streaming: This isn’t that. No camera can stream underwater over WiFi through any meaningful distance, and this one doesn’t pretend otherwise.

Practical Tips for Better Footage

We earned these the honest way: by getting it wrong a few times first.

• Pre-frame at the surface: Use the live preview above water to confirm orientation before submerging.
• Balance the rig: A short leader between camera and lure often stabilizes pulls and keeps the lure squarely in frame.
• Use the buoyancy ring when vertical: It helps manage orientation during drops.
• Keep the lens clean: A smudge is much bigger news underwater than on land.
• Start with LEDs off in clear, bright water: Add light only if needed. Preserve battery and avoid overexposure.
• Experiment with lure colors: The camera sees like fish do—sometimes a subtle color switch improves visibility where it counts.
• Mind the current: Position the camera slightly upstream of the lure in moving water for cleaner shots.
• Label clips as soon as we review them: Use the app’s organization so we can find “the one with the pike just checking us out” later.

Real-World Scenarios We Loved

• Pinpointing why a favorite spoon stopped producing: It was the action, not the fish—our speed was off. Footage solved it.
• Confirming species presence in a so-so pond: Turns out, we had nice fish. We just needed to match their preferred retrieve.
• Disproving our pet theory: Not every bump is a fish. Sometimes it’s a stick, gentlemen and gentlewomen. The camera keeps us honest.

A Table for Expectations vs. Reality

Our hobby is half dream, half data. The CamX makes the data part satisfying.

Expectation	Reality with CamX	What We Did About It
“I’ll watch fish live underwater on my phone.”	Live viewing only above water; underwater is record-then-watch.	We used surface preview to frame, then reviewed clips after each run.
“My lure looks perfect.”	Sometimes yes, sometimes no—footage showed flaws in action or speed.	We adjusted retrieve and leader length until the action looked right.
“Night footage will be a murky blob.”	The green LEDs improved clarity and sometimes drew fish.	We kept LEDs moderate and aimed the camera toward the lure.
“Casting with a camera will be chaotic.”	The fish-fin shape kept it surprisingly stable.	We tuned leader length and found a sweet spot for each lure.
“Battery will be a pain.”	Up to 138 minutes felt generous, plus wireless charging.	We charged the night before and used LEDs only when needed.

Maintenance and Care

We treat the CamX like the dependable deckhand it is.

• Rinse after saltwater: Fresh water rinse, dry thoroughly.
• Store dry and cool: Prolongs life and protects seals.
• Check attachments: Leaders, clips, and swivels deserve a quick inspection before the next cast.
• Protect the lens: A soft cloth goes a long way against micro-scratches.

Ethics and Local Rules

A gentle reminder: we always check local regulations about using cameras during certain seasons or locations. Most places welcome the learning aspect, but we’ve all seen the occasional curveball rule. It takes thirty seconds to confirm and saves us a world of hassle.

Alternatives We Considered in Our Heads (and Why We Stayed)

We considered land-based cameras, action cameras, and even DIY contraptions. In practice, few things combine this underwater-tuned shape, ROV-level waterproofing to 656 feet, targeted green LEDs, and motion-sensing segmented recording. The CamX feels purpose-built rather than adapted, which matters when we want consistent results rather than experiments at the end of a long line.

The Joy Factor

Not everything has to be a spreadsheet. The CamX makes fishing feel like a conversation between us and the water. Some days it tells us we’re brilliant strategists. Other days, it suggests we’re enthusiastic amateurs who needed to slow down. Both outcomes feel like an upgrade. We go home with stories that include evidence, and somehow that makes the exaggerations more tasteful.

Pros and Cons

We prefer a clear-eyed inventory to romantic attachment.

Pros:

• 1080p video with a wide 136° view captures the scene, not just the lure.
• ROV-level waterproofing to 656 feet inspires confidence in any water.
• Green LED fill lights improve night footage and can attract fish.
• Motion sensing and segmented recording cut down on dead footage.
• Fish-fin design stabilizes shots across methods and even entices fish.
• Wireless charging and Type-C cable simplify power management.
• App supports quick sharing and post-trip study.
• Thoughtful included accessories: buoyancy ring, charger, cable, guide.

Cons:

• No underwater live streaming (WiFi can’t travel through water).
• 1080p, while practical, isn’t higher resolution for those chasing extreme detail.
• Some learning curve to frame the lure perfectly and manage rigging.

Our Favorite Use Cases, Ranked by Grin Size

• Ice fishing with steady LED-assisted footage: we learned more in two weekends than in two winters of guesswork.
• Vertical jigging where micro-changes pay off: subtle pauses won the day.
• Night pier sessions: green LEDs turned mystery zones into readable scenes.
• Trolling experiments: speed and lure-depth adjustments clicked faster with visual feedback.
• Shore casting: we finally saw how often fish follow, and how to seal the deal.

Frequently Asked, Sensible Questions

Does it show live video underwater?

No. Water blocks WiFi. The CamX records underwater; it can live preview only when at or above the surface within about 50 meters of our phone.

How deep can we use it?

Up to 656 feet (200 meters). That’s beyond most fishing scenarios, and it’s comforting to know the ceiling (or floor, technically) is high.

Can the green LEDs spook fish?

It depends on species and conditions. In our experience, green is generally fish-friendly and often draws them in. But we keep levels modest and adjust based on behavior.

How long does the battery last?

Up to about 138 minutes, influenced by temperature and LED usage.

Will it survive saltwater?

Yes. It’s designed for both salt and fresh water. We rinse it after salt use.

Can we share footage easily?

Yes. The app supports one-tap sharing to Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. We also save clips locally to keep our favorite receipts.

What’s included out of the box?

Camera, wireless charging station, Type-C cable, buoyancy ring, data guide, user manual, and friendly customer service support.

Is it good for beginners?

Absolutely. The automatic recording, motion sensing, and segmented files make it approachable. We still recommend a few practice runs to learn lure framing.

What We Learned About Fish Behavior

We went in hoping to see strikes. We came out humbled by the nuance before the strike.

• Fish trail longer than we think. Our “three-count then retrieve” habit? Maybe give it a “five-count.”
• Pauses matter more than we’d like to admit. Sometimes we just need to stop moving.
• Profile and color tweaks are often the deciding factor. We saw fish flinch then commit after switching to a smaller, less flashy lure.
• Speed kills—sometimes the wrong kind. Slowing down made our lures look alive rather than alarmed.

The CamX didn’t just add a camera; it added patience and intentionality to our habits. That’s rare gear.

Quiet Technical Strengths That Add Up

• Auto-record on startup saves missed moments.
• Motion-sensing toggles avoid “boat shoe cinema” and pad battery life.
• Segmented recording respects our time when reviewing.
• Hydrodynamic design keeps the story stable and clear.
• Wireless charging makes pre-trip prep a one-step ritual.

None of these on their own is flashy, but together they make the CamX a fishing tool rather than a novelty.

A Few Rigging Notes We Keep Handy

• For casting: a short, strong leader between the lure and camera reduces tangles and stabilizes action.
• For trolling: keep the camera slightly ahead of the lure for better framing.
• For vertical: align the camera to look directly at the lure, and consider the buoyancy ring.
• For night: use the green LEDs, but avoid max brightness unless necessary.

We also mark our leaders for repeatable lengths. If a certain setup produces reliable framing, we replicate it by the numbers.

The Social Side: Teaching, Learning, Laughing

Beyond the fish, the CamX fuels better crew conversations. We swap clips, call out patterns, and retire myths with all the grace of a well-timed “told you so.” It’s fun, and it makes us better anglers. That’s a lovely combination.

We also noticed it’s a fantastic tool for teaching. Younger or newer anglers learn faster when they can see how fish approach and why they abandon ship. It turns vague advice into concrete, visual lessons.

Where the CamX Fits in Our Kit

It travels with us as a “smart scout.” If we’re heading to a new lake or revisiting a moody dock, the CamX comes along. Not every trip needs it, but the trips where we want answers feel incomplete without it. We put it in the boat bag next to the pliers and a small roll of tape—the essentials.

Our Verdict in Plain Words

The CanFish Fishing CamX Fishing Finders Camera, Lure Action Camera HD 1080P &136° Ultra-Wide-Angle, 656FT ROV Waterproof/Motion Sensing/Segmented Intelligent Recording/Wireless Charge/App Compatible (Grey) is a true fishing tool shaped by real constraints and clever design. It doesn’t pretend to stream underwater; instead, it records with purpose and lets us learn in detail later. The footage tells stories that change how we fish—often in small, meaningful ways that add up over time.

We like that it shows the truth of our lures. We like that it survives deep drops. We like that the green LEDs turn nighttime into time well spent. We like that we can tap one button and send the clip that explains why we won, or why we didn’t. And we really like that it manages all of this without turning us into on-deck cinematographers.

Final Thoughts

We can keep fishing by feel and guesswork, and we still do. But when we want certainty—when we want to know what that tug was, why the bite died, or which retrieve made a sulking fish reconsider—we turn to the CamX. It’s a straightforward, durable camera that respects physics, respects our time, and respects the fish by showing us how they really live. If knowledge is the difference between good and better days on the water, this little grey co-pilot earns its place in our pack.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.