Finding the best watch for hunting and fishing can be a bit of a chore. Believe me – I’ve spent weeks looking for a useful GPS device that I can easily strap to my wrist and rely on to find the best spots. While plenty of fishing and hunting gurus prefer to rely on their wits when it comes to finding the best spots and sources of game, there are plenty of great reasons why a hunting or fishing watch is worth your money.
I’ve found a handful of great watches for hunting and fishing which are really worth looking into. Not sure whether or not a watch is worth your money? Struggling to make any headway while hunting or fishing? I’ve set up a complete buying guide for you below to help you on your way.
Buyers Guide
As you can imagine, there are always going to be a few features and functions which make a hunting or fishing watch worth the money. They are going to need to do much more than tell the time or show you how far you’ve come.
However, you should also be looking for watches that offer more than just brand appeal. Just because you’ve heard of a technology brand doesn’t always make it the best choice for a hunting or fishing watch. Therefore, make an effort – where you can – to look for watches that offer genuinely appealing features, and ones which are going to make a difference to the way you hunt and fish.
Here’s our breakdown of what you should be looking for when shopping around for the best watch for hunting and fishing:
Watch Type
Believe it or not, there are a few different types of hunting and fishing watch you should be looking out for if you want the best experience. For example, you might find that G-shock watches appeal to you if you are looking for the best durability and most rugged build available.
However, most leading hunting and fishing watches will likely make navigation the main focus. That’s why it should be pretty easy for you to look for navigation watches on the whole. These watches give you some fantastic stats and data. For example, not only will they help to tell you where you are, it’ll tell you the local temperature, and will even tell you what phase the moon is in.
Ok – you might not need all of these fancy features to start looking for fish or hunting grounds – but you’re going to need all the data and help you can get if you’re heading out into the wild regularly.
Comfort and Style
Choosing the best watch for hunting and fishing can be a challenging task, especially when it comes to finding one that is both comfortable and stylish. A good hunting or fishing watch should fit well on your wrist and be easily adjustable, allowing you to make quick changes while on the move. It is worth investing in a watch that provides added support, as this can help prevent wrist fatigue during long hunting or fishing trips.
When it comes to materials, you should look for a watch that is weatherproof and water-resistant. Rubber-based watches can be very comfortable, but they may cause skin irritation for some people. A synthetic band or strap is a good choice for those who regularly go hunting and fishing, as it is lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. To make sure you are choosing the right watch for your needs, take the time to read reviews from other users and verified buyers.
Water Resistance
If you are an avid fisherman, a water-resistant watch is a must-have. It is important to note that a waterproof watch is even better, as it can withstand more than just a quick splash. Some watches can handle depths of hundreds of meters, but it is still important to get your watch out of the water quickly if you accidentally drop it in.
Having a water-resistant watch can save you a lot of trouble and money in the long run. If you are fishing in a lake and your watch gets wet, it could potentially ruin the watch or render it useless. Always check the water resistance rating of a watch before purchasing, and make sure it matches your specific needs.
Durability and General Resistance
A great hunting and fishing watch should be able to withstand the challenges of the great outdoors. This means that your watch should have a tough case and a hard-wearing strap. In addition, it should be able to withstand dust, dirt, and water.
Stainless steel or fiberglass watches are some of the best options for hunting and fishing enthusiasts. Fiberglass watches, in particular, are incredibly water-resistant, which makes them ideal for fishing trips. You do not want a watch that will fail you the moment there is a light sprinkle of rain or when exposed to rough outdoor conditions. Look for watches that are built to last and can handle anything the great outdoors can throw at them.
By focusing on comfort, water resistance, and durability, you can find the best watch for hunting and fishing that will last you for years to come.
GPS Connectivity and Functionality
GPS connectivity and functionality are essential features for any good hunting or fishing watch. While traditional watches use a compass for orientation, modern watches offer GPS location technology. With GPS technology, you can easily check your location and plan your route, just like you would with a vehicle sat-nav.
More advanced watches offer Bluetooth connectivity and smart features, making them even more useful. While advanced watches may come with a higher price tag, they are often worth the investment if you have the budget. However, GPS is not always necessary for hunting and fishing. A reliable compass and map may be all you need for solid orienteering.
Battery Life
The best watch for hunting and fishing should have a long battery life, especially if it comes with GPS functionality. A watch with a powerful battery will ensure that you don’t have to stop and charge your watch midway through your trip. Look for watches that offer hundreds of hours of solid usage while running the GPS function.
Most watches should run for days on a single charge if you are only using them to tell the time. However, when it comes to hunting and fishing watches, you should look for watches with extended battery life. This way, you can focus on your trip without worrying about your watch running out of juice.
Added Features
Some of the best hunting and fishing watches come with impressive features and functions. While you don’t necessarily need all the bells and whistles, it’s always good to keep them in mind when shopping around.
Some of the added extras you can expect from leading watches include barometers, altimeters, and moon phase indicators. A barometer can be useful for predicting changes in the weather, while an altimeter can help you measure your altitude. A moon phase indicator can help you plan your fishing trip according to the best lunar phases for fish activity. When choosing the best watch for hunting and fishing, consider what features are important to you and your needs.
Thermometer
If you know how much temperature can affect your hunting or fishing experience, then a watch with a built-in thermometer is a must-have. Temperature can affect fish behavior, and if it gets too cold, you might not expect the best bites from your usual spots. Look for a watch that can give you an accurate reading of the temperature around you, so you can adjust your strategy accordingly.
Calendar
While it may not seem like an essential feature, a calendar can be useful for planning future hunting or fishing trips. If you have a specific season starting up or want to make plans with your buddies, a watch with a calendar function can be very helpful. This is a standard feature on most leading hunting and fishing watches.
Moon Phase Data
Knowing the phase of the moon can be important for many hunting and fishing enthusiasts. For example, some fish are more active during a full or waning moon. If this information is important to you, look for a watch that offers moon phase data.
Survival Features
Some of the best hunting and fishing watches come with added survival features built-in. For example, you might find a watch with a built-in whistle or a scraper that you can use to start fires. These features can be incredibly useful in a survival situation. Look for a watch that has the features you need, so you can stay safe and prepared on your trips.
What Makes for the Best Hunting or Fishing Watch?
The best watch for hunting or fishing depends on your individual needs and experience. If you go hunting or fishing regularly, you may need a watch with excellent GPS functionality to ensure you stay safe and on track.
In general, the best watches are durable and comfortable. Look for watches that can withstand outdoor conditions and are comfortable to wear for extended periods. Flashy or spectacular watches may look great, but they may not hold up against water, dirt, or other outdoor elements.
To help you find the best watch for your needs, we’ve created a buying guide with a wide variety of hunting and fishing watch choices. We wanted to make sure that we provided a diverse range of options, so you can find the perfect watch for your next trip.
6 Best Watches for Hunting and Fishing to Improve Your Game
Here, I’ll take a closer look at the best hunting and fishing watches available online right now. I’ll run through the pros and cons of six of the best I’ve found online and will point out some key features worth bearing in mind along the way.
This way – it should be easier than ever to find your ideal hunting or fishing watch! Let’s get started.
Product 1: Casio Men’s G-Shock 100-1A1
Looking for a watch that can withstand the harsh conditions of hunting and fishing, while still maintaining style? Look no further than the Casio Men’s G-Shock 100-1A1. This military-grade watch is built to last, with water resistance up to 200m down and magnet resistance. Its analog and digital technology provides accurate time in both 12 and 24 hour formats, while the battery life lasts for up to two years.
But the benefits don’t end there. The Casio Men’s G-Shock 100-1A1 is also a stealthy watch, perfect for staying hidden during hunting trips. And not only is it durable and resistant, it’s also comfortable and stylish.
However, some may find the lack of GPS functionality a downside. Additionally, while the backlight is sufficient, some may find it inferior compared to other watches.
Overall, the Casio Men’s G-Shock 100-1A1 is a great precision watch to take on your next hunting or fishing trip. Its durability, water resistance, and sleek design make it a solid investment. Don’t wait to add this watch to your collection and enhance your next outdoor adventure.
✅ Pros:
- Durable and resistant
- Great-looking, stealthy watch for night hunts
- Comfortable and stylish
- Battery lasts for ages
➖ Cons:
- Doesn’t offer the GPS functionality many hunters and fishers are looking for
- Some may find the backlight a little inferior to other watches
💡 I love this watch because it not only looks the part, it’s seriously durable, and it’s really reasonably-priced. It’s a solid brand, and a great precision watch to take on the hunt.
Product 2: Timex Men’s Expedition Resin Strap Watch
If you’re looking for a hunting watch that can withstand the elements, the Timex Men’s Expedition Resin Strap Watch is a great choice. The solid resin strap means it can handle wear and tear, while the 100m water resistance makes it ideal for getting up close to the water’s edge. Plus, the chronograph runs up to 100 hours and the watch boasts shock resistance, making it an all-around great asset for hunting or fishing trips.
But the benefits don’t end there. The Timex Men’s Expedition Resin Strap Watch also features dual time zone technology, alarm functionality, and military time, making it easy to use and set up. And for those early morning or late night trips, it’s easy to illuminate at the touch of a button.
However, some may find the simple look of the watch a downside, and sizing may be a little off for some wearers.
Overall, the Timex Men’s Expedition Resin Strap Watch is a great hunting and fishing watch for functionality and durability. While the look may not appeal to everyone, its rugged and robust design will more than do the job you ask of it. Don’t wait to add this watch to your gear for your next outdoor adventure.
✅ Pros:
- Stealthy and solidly built
- Easy to illuminate at the touch of a button
- Extremely shock-resistant
- Features are easy to set up and use
➖ Cons:
- May look a little simple or cheap to some
- Sizing can be a little off for some wearers
💡 This is a great hunting or fishing watch for functionality alone. However, the look and feel of this watch may well put a few people off – though I think it’s rugged and robust to more than do the jobs you ask of it.
Product 3: Casio Men’s SGW-100-2BCF Twin Sensor Watch
If you’re looking for a hunting and fishing watch that offers a lot of data in a simple format and display, the Casio Men’s SGW-100-2BCF Twin Sensor Watch is a great option. With its built-in temperature and direction detection, it’s easy to know where you’re at, while the clear, concise LCD offers all the information you need.
But the benefits don’t end there. The Casio Men’s SGW-100-2BCF Twin Sensor Watch is also tough yet comfortable to wear, and its stainless steel casing makes it durable. It’s colorful yet professional, and even has a stealthy vibe. And with its easy-to-use functions and modes, you can easily switch between them on your hunting or fishing trip.
However, some may find that it’s not as shock-resistant as high-end watches, and it can be hard to read in the dark.
Overall, the Casio Men’s SGW-100-2BCF Twin Sensor Watch is a great option for those just starting out in hunting or fishing. It’s a sturdy, professional watch that offers tons of data through a simple interface, making it easy to use on your outdoor adventure. Don’t hesitate to add this watch to your gear for your next hunting or fishing trip.
✅ Pros:
- Offers tons of data in a simple format and display
- Tough yet comfortable to wear
- Colorful yet professional and even stealthy
- Easy to switch between functions and modes
➖ Cons:
- Not as shock-resistant as high-end watches
- Can be hard to read in the dark
💡 This is a sturdy, professional hunting and fishing watch which gives you tons of data through a simple interface. It’s a great choice if you’re just starting out.
Product 4: Suunto Core All Black Sports Watch
The Suunto Core All Black Sports Watch is a sleek and impressive hunting watch that is perfect for those who want to know where they are and what they can expect from the local area at all times. With built-in barometer and altimeter functions, this watch is accurate and reliable.
But the benefits don’t end there. The Suunto Core All Black Sports Watch also features a full barometer, storm alarm, weather predictor, trend graphs, and a built-in compass. And with its solid construction, it can take a whack on your hunting or fishing trip.
However, some may find that it doesn’t come with GPS, and the display might not be as bright as expected.
Overall, the Suunto Core All Black Sports Watch is a great pick for the average hunting or fishing enthusiast. It’s reasonably priced and the air pressure feature alone makes it worth the investment. Don’t hesitate to add this watch to your gear for your next outdoor adventure.
✅ Pros:
- Great, round, sleek design
- Brilliant weather and temperature accuracy
- Solid construction, takes a whack
- Very reasonably priced
➖ Cons:
- Doesn’t come with GPS
- Display might not be as bright as you expect
💡 For the average hunting or fishing enthusiast, this watch is likely to give you more than enough support. I think it’s great for the air pressure feature alone!
Product 5: Casio Men’s Pro Trek Watch 20.2
The Casio Men’s Pro Trek Watch V 20.2 is a professional hunting and fishing watch that offers water and temperature resistance. Its key feature is its solar power, which means it can keep charging up even on your outdoor adventure.
But the benefits don’t end there. The Casio Men’s Pro Trek Watch V 20.2 also offers 200m water resistance, a built-in thermometer, calendar, time zones, and an altimeter. And with its ability to illuminate well in dark areas, you can rely on it no matter the lighting.
However, some may find it fairly expensive, and it may be a little too chunky for some.
Overall, the Casio Men’s Pro Trek Watch V 20.2 is an energy-efficient, diverse hunting watch that not only looks the part, but is likely to hold up against the worst that Mother Nature has to throw at you. Don’t hesitate to add this watch to your gear for your next hunting or fishing trip.
✅ Pros:
- Illuminates well in dark areas
- Keeps going and going and going
- Accurate data for temperature and air quality
- Tough to look at, tough against the elements
➖ Cons:
- Fairly expensive
- Might be a little too chunky for some
💡 This is an energy-efficient, diverse hunting watch which not only looks the part, it is likely to hold up against the absolute worst that Mother Nature has to throw at you.
Product 6: Suunto Traverse Alpha
The Suunto Traverse Alpha is a rugged-looking hunting and fishing watch that is scratch-resistant and comes with automated GPS tracking. Its breadcrumb trail function is great for tracking back on your outdoor adventure, and it can easily sync up with your smartphone or similar device.
But the benefits don’t end there. The Suunto Traverse Alpha also features a stainless steel bezel, moon phase feature, and clear display. Its GPS battery lasts ages, making it great for planning ahead on your hunting or fishing trip.
However, some may find it a bit expensive, and some functions may take some getting used to.
Overall, the Suunto Traverse Alpha is one of the best hunting and fishing watches on the market. While it may take some adapting to, it’s great for laying down a digital trail on your outdoor adventure. Don’t hesitate to add this watch to your gear for your next hunting or fishing trip.
✅ Pros:
- Stylish and rugged in the same package
- Great for automating your trails if you’re traversing new areas
- GPS battery lasts ages
- Great for planning ahead
➖ Cons:
- Might be a bit expensive for some
- Some functions take some getting used to
💡 This is one of the best hunting and fishing watches I’ve found – it takes some adapting to, but it’s great for laying down a digital trail.
Conclusion
Finding the best watch for hunting and fishing is no easy task, but the above products all offer impressive features and benefits that make them great options for any outdoor adventure. Whether you’re looking for a durable and stealthy watch, a watch with built-in temperature and direction detection, or a watch that can automate your trails, there is something for everyone in this list.
The Casio Men’s G-Shock 100-1A1 is a military-grade watch that is impressively durable and water-resistant, making it ideal for hunting when you want to stay hidden. The Timex Men’s Expedition Resin Strap Watch is a functional and durable option, with easy-to-use features and shock resistance. The Casio Men’s SGW-100-2BCF Twin Sensor Watch is a great choice for those who want a lot of data through a simple interface, while the Suunto Core All Black Sports Watch is a reliable and accurate option with a sleek design.
The Casio Men’s Pro Trek Watch V 20.2 is an energy-efficient, diverse hunting watch that offers a lot of features, while the Suunto Traverse Alpha is a rugged and stylish option with automated GPS tracking. While each watch has its own unique features and drawbacks, they are all great options for any hunting or fishing enthusiast looking for a reliable and functional watch to take on their outdoor adventures.