Joysway Australia
Fishing Surfer RC Boat
Joysway Fishing Surfer FP3251 V2 puts bait where the fish are, reaching up to 500 metres offshore. G…
$1,399$1,499
Built for Aussie fishing
RC Fishing Boats
Experience the best in RC fishing boat technology engineered for Australian anglers who demand performance and reliability. Baitboats offers a select range of RC fishing boats built for precision bait placement and effortless line delivery across lakes, bays, rivers and open surf. These RC bait boats combine powerful drive systems, generous hoppers and intelligent controls to help you target fish at greater distances and in hard-to-reach spots.
Whether you're chasing Murray Cod in freshwater, hitting the surf for long-range bait drops or testing new fishing spots on the river, our fishing RC boats provide the stability, battery endurance and wireless control you need for a successful session. Our RC bait boats for surf fishing deliver exceptional handling through waves and strong currents, making complex drop-offs surprisingly easy.
Precise bait delivery
Up to 500m range
GPS ready
RC Fishing Boat Range
Joysway Australia
Joysway Fishing Surfer Bait Boat with Fish Finder
Everything the Fishing Surfer does, plus a Toslon TF520 colour fish finder so you can see what's…
$1,999$2,299
Jabo Bait Boat
Jabo S80 Highspeed Bait Boat
Brushless-motor bait boat for ocean and freshwater. 22,000mAh battery, 400-500m GPS range, and a wat…
$1,199$1,299
Actor Bait Boat
Actor Boatman Bait Boat
Up to 5 hours on the slow setting, dual hoppers, class 3 wave resistance. A solid workhorse for rive…
$1,200
Manuowell Bait Boat
Manuowell Assassin Bait Boat
Manuowell's flagship. Middle-drop precision, 12V high-torque motor, 20+ GPS spot memory, and the…
From$559
Manuowell Bait Boat
Manuowell V018
Dual rear hoppers, 7.4V Blade motor, GPS optional. Drop two baits in two locations on the same run.
From$455
Manuowell Bait Boat
Manuowell D007
Dual side-opening hoppers cut hook tangles. The Classic hull's double-drop workhorse with a 7.4V…
From$455
Manuowell Bait Boat
Manuowell D001
Single hopper, 7.4V 10,000rpm motor, 500m range. Manuowell's value entry into the Classic series
From$405
Beginners Bait Boat
Entry-level freshwater bait boat. Simple controls, durable plastic hull, rechargeable battery. Built…
$350
Jarvis Walker Double Luminous Rod Bell
Clip-on luminous rod bell with double bells. Attaches to rod tips and rings on the slightest bite. E…
$2
Joysway
Fishing Surfer Battery 9.6V 16.2Ah
Genuine replacement LiFePO4 battery for the Joysway Fishing Surfer FP3251V2. 9.6V 16.2Ah for extende…
$329
Buyer's guide
5 Things to Match Your RC Fishing Boat to Your Water
An RC fishing boat is only as good as the match between its design and the water you fish. Getting this match right is more important than any individual spec. These five considerations help you choose correctly from the start.
Hull Design for Your Water Type
Surf boats need self-righting capability and real motor power. Freshwater boats prioritise quiet operation and battery runtime. Buying a surf-capable model for freshwater is fine. Buying a freshwater model for surf limits performance and risks the boat.
Brushless Drive System
Brushless motors deliver longer service life, better energy efficiency, and stronger thrust than brushed equivalents. Most current models use brushless systems. Older budget designs sometimes still use brushed motors, which are louder and shorter-lived.
Range with a Safety Margin
Control range needs to exceed your practical working distance by a comfortable margin. At 300m of working range, a 500m-rated control system gives you buffer for conditions that reduce effective signal range without putting the boat at risk.
Bait Hopper Design and Capacity
Hopper size, opening width, and release reliability determine how useful the boat is in the field. A large, easy-loading hopper with a positive release mechanism is worth prioritising over spec-sheet features that sound impressive but rarely come into use.
Lithium Battery Chemistry
Lithium batteries (LiPo and LiFePo) deliver better weight-to-capacity ratios and more consistent power delivery than NiMH alternatives. LiFePo chemistry is more thermally stable than LiPo and better suited to saltwater environments specifically.
Why Baitboats
Why Australian Availability Matters
Importing RC bait boats from overseas leads to high shipping costs, complex warranty claims, and long waits when you need spare parts. Buying from an Australian supplier gives you:
- Rapid, affordable shipping direct from Australian warehouses
- Local warranty support for fast, hassle-free resolutions
- Immediate access to spare and replacement parts
- Australian-based setup advice and troubleshooting expertise
★ Limited deal
Special offer
Fishing Surfer + Fish Finder
Everything the Fishing Surfer does, plus a colour Toslon fish finder so you see what's beneath the boat before you drop. $300 off while stocks last.
$1,999$2,299Save $300
Shop the deal
Get the most out of it
Tips for RC Fishing Boat Success
Match Your Boat to Your Primary Environment
Surf models are heavier and more powerful for wave penetration. Freshwater models prioritise quiet operation and runtime. Choosing the right hull for your most common fishing environment makes every session better than forcing a mismatched design into the wrong conditions.
Start on Calm Water with No Snags
An open lake or bay with no obstacles lets you learn the controls without pressure. One session of calm-water practice is worth more than five sessions in difficult water with unfamiliar controls. Get comfortable first, then graduate to challenging environments.
Carry a Spare Prop in Your Kit
Props are the most frequently replaced component on any RC bait boat. A rock, a submerged branch, or a hard bottom contact can damage a prop in seconds. Having a spare means you fish on rather than packing up. They are small, light, and inexpensive.
Stop Short of the Shore in Shallows
Driving the boat right to your feet in gravel shallows risks prop and keel damage. Stop the boat a few metres out and net it in or wade to it. Ten seconds of care at retrieval saves the prop and hull from unnecessary contact with hard or rocky bottoms.
From the field
What RC fishing boat owners say
✓ Verified
★★★★★
"Got it out past the second bank at Stockton and dropped a bait right on a mulloway I could never have reached by hand. Worth every cent."
Mark D. · Surf fisherman, NSW
✓ Verified
★★★★★
"Sent a big shark bait 400m off the beach at Mandurah on my first session. Had a bronze whaler on within the hour. Could never have done that with a rod."
Pete R. · Mandurah, WA
✓ Verified
★★★★★
"Had a cheap one pack it in after a season. The Joysway is a completely different animal. Been using it for snapper and flathead out in the bay. These blokes know fishing."
Sam T. · Hervey Bay, QLD
Common questions
RC Fishing Boat FAQs
Are RC fishing boats legal in Australia?
Yes. RC bait boats are legal for recreational fishing across Australia. They operate on unlicensed 2.4GHz radio and are treated as standard recreational fishing equipment. State fisheries rules may apply to species and methods, so check local regulations for your area.
What is the difference between a RC fishing boat and a standard bait boat?
The terms are used interchangeably in Australia. Technically, a RC fishing boat covers any radio-controlled boat used for fishing purposes, while a bait boat specifically refers to a purpose-built boat with a hopper and release mechanism. In practice, the boats in this range are all purpose-built bait boats with RC control systems.
What is the best RC fishing boat for beginners?
The Manuowell D001 is a strong entry-level choice. It includes GPS, dual hoppers, and a straightforward remote layout. The Beginners Bait Boat is the most affordable way to start if budget is the primary constraint.
Can I use the same boat in salt and fresh water?
Joysway models are rated for both saltwater and freshwater. Most Manuowell and Jabo models are designed primarily for freshwater and calm bay use. If you fish both environments regularly, the Joysway range handles both with proper post-use rinsing after saltwater sessions.
How long do RC fishing boats last?
With proper care, quality models run for four to seven years. The most common wear components are props, bait release mechanisms, and battery cells, all of which are replaceable. Australian stock means spare parts arrive quickly rather than waiting on international freight.
Still have a question? Send us an enquiry →
Keep exploring