How Does a Bait Boat Work? Bait Dropper Boats Explained

What Is a Bait Dropper Boat?

A bait boat is a radio-controlled boat built to carry fishing line, a hook and bait. You drive it out over the water with a hand-held controller, and when it reaches your spot you tell it to release. Your bait lands exactly where you want it, which can be hundreds of metres further than you could cast.

The same product turns up under plenty of names: bait dropper boat, bait release boat, RC fishing boat, remote control fishing boat. They all describe a bait boat.

How a Bait Boat Drops Bait, Step by Step

Step 1: Set Up on the Shore

Put your rod in a rod holder. Attach your line to the boat’s bait release mechanism, then load your bait and hook into the hopper.

Step 2: Launch and Navigate

Drive the boat out using the radio controller. Boats built for surf have motors strong enough to push through the waves.

Step 3: Mark Your Spot

On a GPS model you can save a location with the press of a button. The Joysway Fishing Surfer stores four spots, so you can return to a productive area on later drops.

Step 4: Release the Bait

At your spot, use the controller to open the hopper. The line, hook and bait drop where you chose.

Step 5: Bring the Boat Home

Press the GPS return button and the boat navigates back on its own, or drive it back manually if you prefer.

Step 6: Wait for the Bite

Your bait is now out where the fish are, well beyond casting range. Let the rod do the rest.

Bait Release Types

Boats differ in how they hold and release bait. The main designs are:

• Single rear hopper: a simple layout that suits fishing one rod at a time, like the Manuowell D001.
• Dual hoppers: two hatches let you drop bait in two spots on the same run, or carry two different baits. The Manuowell V018 has two rear hoppers.
• Side-opening hoppers: hatches on the sides of the hull keep two rigs separated and reduce hook tangles, as on the Manuowell D007.
• Middle-drop release: bait drops from the centre of the hull for precise placement, as on the Manuowell Assassin.
• Two radio-controlled release points: the Joysway Fishing Surfer lets you drop line and hooks precisely on command.

What Controls the Boat

• A 2.4GHz radio controller: steers the boat and triggers the release. Good boats reach about 500 metres.
• GPS: saves fishing spots and returns the boat to shore, including if the signal drops.
• LED lights: front and rear lights help you track the boat in low light, and some boats warn you when the battery runs low.

What You Need to Get Started

The Joysway Fishing Surfer ships with the boat, battery, Australian-plug fast charger, GPS radio transmitter, boat stand and carry bag. You add:

• 4 AA batteries for the transmitter (not included)
• Your rod and a rod holder
• Your usual bait and rigs

If you fish salt water, rinse the boat with fresh water after every session.

Where You Can Use One

Anywhere you are legally allowed to fish: beaches, rock platforms, estuaries, bays, lakes and dams. The boat you need depends on the water. Calm freshwater suits a budget boat, such as our cheap bait boats. For surf and salt water you want a self-righting boat built for it, which is why we recommend the Fishing Surfer for the beach.

Already own a budget boat and think you have outgrown it? Read about upgrading from a cheap bait boat to a saltwater boat. Still comparing options? Our guide to the best RC bait boat for surf fishing covers what to look for.