Whether you’re kayaking, fishing from a boat, or canoeing, keeping your cell phone dry while on the water can be a challenge. The problem gets worse if you actually drop your cell phone in the water (if you manage to find it once it’s fallen in). While a number of modern cell phones have started becoming water resistant, it’s still better safe than sorry to have a reliable waterproof container for your cell phone and other valuables.
Options for Keeping Your Phone Dry
There are two main options for keeping your phone dry on the water. It really depends on if your phone is the only thing you want to keep dry and whether you plan on actively using your phone while on the water.
Dry Bags
Dry bags are a great way to keep your phone and other valuables dry. They come in a variety of sizes so you can store whatever you need in them. The bags work by first filling the bag with what you need to stay dry and then folding over the top multiple times until it is waterproof. The downside to these bags is that you won’t be able to use your phone while it is in the dry bag.
To keep the dry bag from getting lost, you can attach a rope to it and anchor the rope to you fishing boat or raft so that even if the dry bag ends up in the water, it will be easy to find.
Waterproof Phone Cases
Waterproof phone cases come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some are simply soft, waterproof cases that can fit any size and offer flotation protection. Others are simply hard cases that attached directly over your phone and act as a normal phone case when not in the water. The best part about these phone cases is that you have full use of the phone while it is in the case.
We recommend the soft, flotation phone cases since these will make finding your phone easier if it goes overboard. Great floating cases come with lanyards that attached to either you, your life vest, or your boat so finding your phone if it does fall into the water will be easy.
See Waterproof Cases on Amazon
Ziploc Bag
Arguably the most cost effective method for keeping your phone dry, we wouldn’t recommend this option except for keeping your phone dry from splashes. While brand-name Ziplocs can keep your phone from getting wet while submerged for a short period of time, we can’t recommend that this be your only form of waterproofing. Ziploc bags are best paired with a dry bag or waterproof case above for optimal protection.
Best Dry Bag for Fishing
After testing multiple dry bags, we found that the Ultra Dry brand held up against water the best. The covering is made from Pure Grade Y7.5mm thick 500D (Denier Density) waterproof polymer so the pack is tear, rip and puncture proof. The straps make the pack easy to carry when you’re not in the boat. The best part about this dry bag is that it comes with a waterproof case for your phone, you don’t have to buy it separately! You can’t beat the price either at under $25.
See Details and Pricing on Amazon
Best Waterproof Cell Phone Case for Fishing
If you choose to instead go with a waterproof cell phone case, you want to make sure that it is of highest quality so that you don’t ruin your cell phone. The JOTO waterproof case is our recommended waterproof cell phone case. Not only was it the best performing phone case of the ones we tried, it also has the highest rating and number of reviews on Amazon so we aren’t the only ones who agree.
The case fits cell phones up to 6″ in diagonal size and features a clear window on both the front and back so that you can take crystal clear photos while the case is on. The case is certified to be waterproof up to 100 feet so it is suitable for most outings.
See Details and Pricing on Amazon
Other Waterproof Options
Otterbox 2000
The Otterbox 2000 will not only keep your cell phone dry, but also protect it from drowning. While the box looks solid, it will float when dropped in the water so you can easily retrieve it. The only downside to the phone case is that you will not be able to use your phone while it is on.
See Details and Pricing on Amazon
Pelican 1040 Micro Case
This sturdy case by Pelican is water resistant, crushproof and dustproof. You can store your phone, keys, or anything else you want to keep dry in this small case. The secret to its waterproofness is the O-ring inside of the lip which keeps the water out. The case also features an interior liner that allows the case to be shock-resistant so your valuables don’t get broken.
See Details and Pricing on Amazon
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