Hanging a camera on a bow opens up footage that handheld rigs simply can’t reach: the moment an arrow clears the rest, the swing of a fishing rod at dawn, the angler’s-eye view from a kayak. The right mount keeps that camera steady through shock, vibration, and weather without getting in the way of the shot itself. Whether you shoot for the trophy wall or the highlight reel, the ten mounts below cover the most common setups, from recurve and compound setups on land to low-profile kayak rigs and crossbow-first-person views.
An Overview Of The Picks
YakAttack PanFish Portrait Pro 11.5″ Kayak Camera Mount
SmallRig Field Monitor Mount Holder with Cold Shoe
SmallRig Camera Monitor Mount Lite with Cold Shoe
Kolasels Easy-Mounted Gun/Rod/Bow Camera Clamp
NEEWER Camera Monitor Mount with Cold Shoe (MA002)
UTEBIT 11 inch Straight Flash Bracket
Kolasels Gooseneck Clamp Camera Mount Kit
YakAttack Articulating Camera Mount 5.5″
Taisioner Super Camera Clamp Double Socket Arm
Kolasels Crossbow Camera Clamp Mount with 1/4 Thread
Why These Options Stand Out
Stability on a kayak is the whole ballgame, and this YakAttack pole keeps the camera close to the deck where wave slap and paddle chop barely register. The 11.5″ length puts a GoPro or compact DSLR right in the angler’s-eye zone, which is exactly where most paddle and catch footage wants to live.
The base uses YakAttack’s LockNLoad track system (a tool-free, click-in mounting plate found across many fishing kayaks) so swapping between boats or repositioning along a track takes seconds. Compared to a generic clamp, the track-mount approach resists the slow drift that vibration can cause over a long day on the water.
Reasons It Performs
- Low deck profile keeps footage level during paddle strokes and minor chop
- Dual mount heads include a 1/4-20 ball and a GoPro-compatible foot for mixed cameras
- LockNLoad base allows full 360° rotation plus angled articulation for framing
- Track-mount design lets you reposition along the kayak without drilling new holes
Points To Keep In Mind
- The 11.5″ reach sits short if you want over-the-bow or elevated POV angles
- Requires a compatible YakAttack track on the kayak hull for a clean install
Whose Shelf It Belongs On
Anglers and casual paddlers running a track-equipped fishing kayak who want stable, low-angle footage without fussing with clamps every launch.
A Better Fit Elsewhere
The YakAttack Articulating Camera Mount 5.5″ suits those who want a shorter footprint and easier adjustment on a ScrewBall-style base rather than a fixed-height pole.
SmallRig built this mount for shooters who already carry a cage or top handle (a cage is a metal frame around the camera body used for accessory mounting). The cold shoe foot slides into most standard rig setups, and once a 5″ or 7″ monitor is bolted on top, the thumbscrew tilt adjustment replaces the Allen wrench dance that older mounts forced on you.
Where it shines for bow work is in a hybrid rig: a hunting or trad-ach sequence where you also want a monitor for focus pulling or low-angle framing. The 180° tilt plus 360° swivel handles both top-down and side-mounted positions, which is more range than most clamps offer.
Where It Helps
- Tool-free thumbscrew tilt cuts setup time on cold or gloved hands
- Universal cold shoe foot pairs with most cages, handles, and rig plates
- Supports 5″ and 7″ field monitors up to a comfortable working weight
- Full 360° swivel gives clean left or right monitor placement
Trade-Offs To Consider
- Monitor-side mounting hardware sometimes shifts after heavy bumps
- Cold shoe is the only attachment option, limiting direct pole or barrel mounting
Feature Snapshot
Built With In Mind
Solo videographers and run-and-gun shooters who already run a SmallRig cage and want a quicker way to position a field monitor during long takes.
Swap It Out When
The NEEWER Camera Monitor Mount with Cold Shoe (MA002) suits shooters who want a similarly tool-free experience but with a different bracket geometry for handheld rigs.
This is the Lite version of SmallRig’s monitor mount family, and the name says it all: less metal, less mass, same basic articulation. For bow shooters who want a compact monitor or LED attached to a rifle, recurve, or compound setup without adding front-end weight, the trimmed-down frame is the appeal.
Unlike the heavier SmallRig 2905B, this mount drops the weight burden while keeping the 360° swivel and 180° tilt. The detachable locating pins on the 1/4″-20 top screw also keep the monitor from creeping sideways after recoil or sudden movement.
Strengths Worth Knowing
- Lower mass keeps the rig balanced during long carry-ins
- Detachable locating pins resist sideways rotation under recoil
- Cold shoe foot and 1/4″-20 screw pair with cages, handles, and LED lights
Where It May Fall Short
- Maximum 3.2 kg load at 90° tilt means heavier monitors are off the table
- Lite construction can flex under sharp impacts
Key Product Details
Who Should Grab It
Hunters and field shooters who want a minimal-weight monitor mount and don’t push heavier 7″ production displays.
Not Your Match When
SmallRig Field Monitor Mount Holder with Cold Shoe is the better fit if you want a sturdier bracket for full-sized 7″ production monitors on a heavier rig.
Kolasels leans on nylon instead of plastic for the clamp body, which makes a real difference when a GoPro is bouncing along on a rod, gun barrel, or bow riser (the central grip section of a bow where accessories mount). The clamp accepts poles up to about 1.3″ in diameter, covering most hunting and fishing setups out of the box.
The 1/4″-20 tripod thread comes with a GoPro adapter, so swapping between action cams and a small mirrorless or compact camera only takes a few seconds. Anti-slip rubber pads on the clamp faces keep the camera from drifting when the bow cycles or the rod flexes hard.
What Pays Off
- Nylon clamp resists fractures better than typical plastic alternatives
- Rubber pad grip limits slip on smooth or wet pole surfaces
- Multi-joint articulation opens up unusual camera angles
- Broad GoPro compatibility covers older and newer Hero models
Things To Weigh Up
- Clamp pressure can mark thin rod finishes during long-term mounting
- Multi-joint design introduces more potential wobble than a single-arm rig
Best Suited To
Hunters, bowfishers, and anglers running a GoPro who want one clamp that travels between rod, gun, and bow without needing extra adapters.
Look Elsewhere When
The Kolasels Crossbow Camera Clamp Mount suits crossbow hunters specifically, with a fit and framing tuned to that platform.
The NEEWER MA002 follows a similar playbook to the SmallRig cold shoe mounts but at a friendlier weight class. The thumb knob tightens by feel, so you don’t need an Allen key or coin in the field. That’s a small thing until you try to adjust a monitor with cold fingers halfway through a shoot.
Designed around 5″ and 7″ field monitors, the bracket sits well on a camera cage, handle, or hot shoe. Compared to the SmallRig 2905B, the MA002 leans toward simpler rigs where you want a single thumbscrew tension system rather than a more engineered dual-knob layout.
Everyday Advantages
- Tool-free thumb knob speeds setup and breakdown
- Works with standard hot shoes, cages, and SmallRig-compatible gear
- Carries 5″ and 7″ monitors comfortably for typical video work
Honest Caveats
- Swivel range is narrower than some competing mounts, limiting extreme positions
- Plastic components can wear faster if overtightened by hand repeatedly
Feature Rundown
Right Fit For
Vloggers and indie filmmakers who want a no-fuss monitor mount for cage-based rigs and don’t need extra swivel range.
Reach For A Different Pick When
SmallRig Camera Monitor Mount Lite handles the same monitors with broader 360° swivel for shooters who reposition frequently.
Flash brackets aren’t a traditional bow accessory, but the UTEBIT earns its place in this list because archery photographers often need a sturdy, extended offset arm to mount speedlights or LED panels away from the camera body. The aluminum-alloy build and roughly 5 kg load rating give it a confidence level that plastic brackets can’t.
Standard 1/4″ and 3/8″ mounting points in the center slot open up tripod, ball head, and cage integration. Bow photographers shooting stills at the line will appreciate how this bracket holds a flash steady during a long string of follow shots.
What Stands Out
- Aluminum-alloy construction carries heavier flash or LED loads
- Multi-thread mounting point accepts common tripod and ball head interfaces
- Straight bracket design keeps lighting aligned for repeatable framing
Small Caveats
- 11″ length is bulkier than compact rig mounts for travel
- Designed primarily for still-photo flash setups, not action-cam mounts
Who It Suits Best
Archery photographers and event shooters who need a rigid bracket to offset a flash or LED panel away from the camera body.
Consider Something Else When
Kolasels Gooseneck Clamp Camera Mount is the better fit for action-cam or webcam setups that need a flexible bend rather than a straight, rigid arm.
A gooseneck arm earns its keep when you can’t quite reach the angle you want from a fixed clamp. The Kolasels kit pairs a flexible neck with a wider clamp that fits flat surfaces and round poles from about 0.5″ to 1.6″ in diameter, opening up desks, mic stands, bow risers, and rod handles to one mount.
The included 1/4″, 3/8″, and 5/8″ screws broaden compatibility well beyond GoPros, covering LED lights, microphones, webcams, and field monitors. For bow streamers juggling cameras and audio gear, that single mount handles a surprising share of the loadout.
Real-World Strengths
- Flexible gooseneck reaches awkward angles that rigid clamps can’t
- Three included screw sizes cover GoPros, LEDs, mics, and monitors
- Wide clamp diameter range fits both thin shafts and chunkier handles
Points To Note
- Gooseneck can droop under heavy camera weight over time
- Rubber pads may need replacement after extended outdoor use
Made For
Streamers, podcasters, and bow shooters running a mix of GoPros, webcams, and LED lights who want one flexible mount that covers several devices.
Skip It When
YakAttack PanFish Portrait Pro 11.5″ Kayak Camera Mount suits dedicated kayak anglers who want rigid, low-profile mounting instead of a bendable arm.
The shorter sibling to the PanFish Portrait Pro, this articulating mount trades pole height for a ScrewBall base that drops into any standard YakAttack track. For boat and kayak anglers who already run a track system, it’s a near-universal mounting point that swaps between rod holders, accessory mounts, and camera positions in seconds.
At 5.5″ tall, the arm keeps the camera close to the deck without pushing the lens too high. Compared to the 11.5″ Portrait Pro, this version gives up reach in exchange for a smaller footprint that doesn’t snag on rigging or paddle strokes.
Where It Delivers
- ScrewBall base fits standard YakAttack track hardware
- Compact 5.5″ height reduces snag points on busy decks
- Includes 1/4-20 thread and GoPro compatibility in the same ball
- Articulating arm allows angled framing without re-mounting
Worth Bearing In Mind
- Shorter reach limits overhead and bow-mounted angles
- Track system compatibility is the assumption for a clean install
Perfect Match For
Boat anglers and kayak anglers with existing YakAttack track layouts who want a low-profile camera that can swap positions across the deck.
Where A Sibling Pick Shines
YakAttack PanFish Portrait Pro 11.5″ Kayak Camera Mount is the better match for anglers who want a taller pole and stable forward-facing framing over the bow.
The double socket arm format, with two ball joints at either end and a tightening knob in the middle, is a classic for a reason. Taisioner’s version leans into that flexibility with a clamp that fits 0.67″ to 1.49″ tubes, covering rod handles, bow risers, and similar mid-sized poles.
The 1/4″-20 ball head at the top covers compact cameras and accessories, while the super clamp base holds firm once the screw is tight. It’s the kind of mount you grab when you know the angle will change mid-shoot and you don’t want to repack a separate arm.
Benefits That Matter
- Double socket arm reaches awkward angles with one knob
- Broad clamp range fits most rod handles and bow risers
- 1/4″-20 ball head pairs with cameras, lights, and monitors
Potential Sticking Points
- Tightening knob is small and easy to lose in grass or on a deck
- Clamp can rotate under heavy load if not torqued firmly
Who Will Love This
Mixed-sport shooters and bow anglers who frequently change camera position between setups and want one adjustable arm that handles most jobs.
Another Choice May Suit
Kolasels Easy-Mounted Gun/Rod/Bow Camera Clamp is a better fit for hunters who want a quieter multi-joint setup tuned specifically to bow and gun use.
Crossbow shooters live in their own corner of the camera-mount world: the rail geometry, scope position, and stock profile are different from a recurve. Kolasels’ clamp is built specifically for that crowd, with a non-slip rubber pad that grips the rail without creeping during a shot cycle.
The 1/4″ thread with a GoPro adapter means a quick switch between a Hero action cam and a small still camera. Quick release is the selling point for hunters who don’t want a permanent mount eating into the crossbow’s balance.
What Makes Sense
- Crack-resistant nylon clamp handles crossbow rail geometry
- Quick install and release for hunters who swap cams often
- Non-slip rubber pad keeps the camera fixed during bolt travel
Where It Is Less Suited
- Designed for crossbows specifically, not a general-purpose clamp
- Up to 1.3″ diameter limit rules out wider risers
The Right Fit
Crossbow hunters who want a first-person view of the bolt impact without committing to a permanent rail mount.
Look Elsewhere When
Taisioner Super Camera Clamp Double Socket Arm is a more flexible pick for shooters who run both crossbows and recurves and want a single arm to span both.
How To Pick The Right Bow Camera Mount For Your Setup
Match The Mount To The Platform
A kayak rig demands low deck height and water-friendly materials. A crossbow wants a clamp that hugs the rail without creeping. A hunting rifle or compound bow needs a clamp that resists recoil and stays quiet during a stalk. Choosing by platform first prevents frustration later, because a clamp rated for a 2″ pipe may be too loose on a 0.8″ riser.
Look At Thread And Interface Compatibility
Most action cams use a GoPro-style three-prong foot (the small folding tab that locks into a GoPro mount). Compact and DSLR cameras rely on a 1/4″-20 thread, which is a standard screw size used across photography gear. Mounts that ship with both adapters cover more use cases. Cold shoe (a rectangular slot used on cameras and rigs) and track mounts serve different needs, so picking the interface your gear already supports saves adapters.
Consider Vibration, Weight, And Frame Rate
Heavier cameras pull on gooseneck arms and flex lighter brackets. If you shoot at 60 fps or higher, even small wobble shows up as motion blur in the final cut. For action sequences, a rigid pole or articulating arm usually beats a flexible gooseneck, which can droop under sustained weight.
Decide How Permanent The Mount Should Be
Track-mounted systems like YakAttack’s LockNLoad are easy to move between positions. Clamp mounts come on and off in seconds. Permanent threaded mounts feel rock-solid but require tools and commitment. For bow hunters covering long miles, a removable clamp typically wins on portability.
Mistakes Worth Dodging And When To Pay More
Pitfalls Shoppers Hit
Buying a clamp sized for a thicker pole than you actually run leaves it loose and prone to slipping. Forgetting to check thread compatibility means another adapter on the shopping list. Treating every mount as weather-resilient ignores rubber pads that degrade under UV exposure.
What Separates Premium From Basic
A higher-tier mount usually means better material (aluminum instead of plastic), tighter tolerances on moving parts, and accessories that survive recoil and weather without loosening. The upgrade pays off when you shoot often, in harsh conditions, or with heavier cameras, and it makes less sense for a casual weekend angler who runs a lightweight GoPro a few times a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Pole Will A Typical Bow Camera Mount Fit?
Most clamps on this list fit poles from about 0.5″ to 1.6″ in diameter. Always check the listed clamping range against the diameter of your bow riser, rod handle, or rail before ordering.
Can One Mount Work For Both A Bow And A Fishing Kayak?
Some clamps, like the Kolasels gooseneck and Easy-Mounted clamp, are general-purpose enough to move between platforms. Dedicated track systems, such as the YakAttack PanFish Portrait Pro, work best when the kayak already has a compatible track.
Do I Need A Special Adapter For A GoPro?
Most mounts in this roundup ship with a GoPro adapter or include a compatible mounting foot. If your camera uses a 1/4″-20 thread, look for a mount that accepts both thread types in the same head.
Will A Gooseneck Mount Droop Over Time?
Under heavy cameras, a flexible gooseneck can sag after extended use. Lighter action cams at moderate heights usually hold position without trouble.
How Do I Reduce Vibration In Bow Footage?
Keep the camera close to the deck or riser, use a rigid arm rather than a long gooseneck, and shoot at a frame rate your stabilizer or editor can handle cleanly.
Closing Remarks
A solid bow camera mount comes down to fit, interface, and the kind of vibration your platform throws at the lens. Match the clamp to the pole, double-check thread compatibility, and decide how permanent you want the rig before you buy. With those basics handled, any of the ten mounts above will earn its place on your bow, rod, or rail.