How to Use the Payload Release on the Xpece ONE
Attaching your rig, timing the drop, and getting it right every time. Everything you need to know about the Xpece ONE's bait release — from your first session to your hundredth.
The payload release is the feature that turns the Xpece ONE from a drone into a fishing tool. It's what lets you fly your rig 300–500 yards offshore and drop it exactly where you want it — on a depth change, over structure, or right in the middle of an active bait school.
Using it correctly takes about five minutes to learn. But doing it wrong — a tangle on takeoff, a premature drop, or a rig that won't release — can cost you a session. This guide covers everything: how to attach your rig, how to fly it out, when to drop, and the most common mistakes to avoid.
Why every fishing drone needs a payload release → Not all fishing drones include one. Here's what to look for before you buy.How the payload release works
The Xpece ONE uses an electromechanical release mechanism built directly into the drone body. When you press the designated button on the waterproof remote, an electrical signal opens the release clip and drops whatever is attached to it — cleanly, instantly, with no secondary action required from you.
The release supports up to 7 lbs of payload, which covers virtually every fishing scenario: light surf rigs, full shark setups with wire leader and heavy bait, live bait rigs, and multi-hook bottom rigs.
The Xpece ONE payload release — built into the drone body, 7 lb capacity, remote-triggered.
Step-by-step: attaching your rig
Prepare your rig before powering on the drone
Set up your rod, reel, and rig completely before touching the drone. Your line should be spooled, your leader tied, and your bait hooked. You want to attach the rig to the drone as the last step — not be fumbling with hooks while the drone is powered and armed.
Tip: set your reel to freespool before attaching — the drone will pull line as it flies out and you don't want any resistance.
Use a snap swivel to connect to the release
The standard connection method is a snap swivel on your wind-on leader, clipped directly into the Xpece ONE release mechanism. The snap swivel allows quick attachment and detachment, and rotates freely so the rig doesn't twist during the flight out.
Tip: use a swivel rated for at least 150 lbs — the snap point takes the full weight of your rig plus the force of the drone lifting off.
Let the rig hang directly below the drone
The bait should hang vertically below the drone body — never clipped to the side, never resting on top of the frame. A vertical hang keeps the center of gravity stable and prevents the rig from swinging into the propellers on takeoff.
Tip: if your leader is long, coil the excess and secure it loosely — it will unspool cleanly once you're airborne.
Do a quick pre-flight check
Before takeoff: confirm the release is locked (not accidentally triggered), confirm the rig is hanging freely with no tangles, and confirm your reel is in freespool. A 10-second check before every flight saves hours of frustration.
Flying out and dropping the bait
Flying out: keep the drone low and steady — altitude creates line drag that pulls the drone off course.
Take off slowly and climb to 20–30 ft
Don't rush the takeoff. Lift off vertically until the rig clears the ground, then begin your flight out. Keep altitude between 20 and 30 feet — low enough to minimize line drag from the spool, high enough to clear any wave wash or obstacles on the beach.
Fly out at a steady, moderate pace
Speed creates swing. A rig flying at high speed will pendulum back and forth, which can cause tangles and makes precise placement impossible. Fly at roughly half throttle — smooth and controlled. The Xpece ONE's stabilization system handles the wind; your job is to steer, not fight the controls.
Tip: use the underwater camera feed on the remote to read the bottom as you fly out. Look for depth changes, weed edges, or structure — that's where you want to drop.
Hold position over your target spot
Once you're over the target, come to a hover. Let the rig settle and stop swinging before you release. A moving rig at the moment of release will land 10–20 feet from where you intended — patience here pays off in placement accuracy.
Press the release button and fly back immediately
One press. The rig drops cleanly. As soon as you release, begin flying the drone back toward shore — don't hover and watch. You want the drone on the ground and secured before any fish activity starts. The last thing you want is a shark running your line while the drone is still in the air.
Tip: use the return-to-home button for the flight back — it frees your attention to get to the rod.
The drop: one button press, clean release, rig hits the water exactly where you aimed.
Most common mistakes — and how to avoid them
Attaching the rig to the side of the frame
The rig must hang below the drone — not clipped to the side or resting on the frame. Side attachment throws off the balance and risks the rig contacting the propellers on takeoff or landing.
Flying too fast with a heavy rig
Speed creates pendulum swing. With a heavy shark rig, a fast flight out can cause the bait to swing violently and tangle the leader around the drone. Slow and steady wins every time.
Releasing while the rig is still swinging
Drop when the rig is stable and hanging vertically. Releasing mid-swing sends the bait several feet off target and can cause the line to snap back toward the drone.
Leaving the drone in the air after the drop
Get the drone back to shore immediately after releasing. A fish running line while the drone is still airborne creates serious tension on the release mechanism and risks losing the drone.
Not testing the release before the first session
Always do a dry run at home or on a calm beach before your first real fishing session. Clip a weight to the release, hover at 5 feet, and test the drop. Muscle memory on the remote button matters when you're managing a rod at the same time.
Payload release tips by fishing scenario
Surf fishing (light rigs)
For standard surf fishing with sinkers up to 4 oz and light bait, the release is straightforward. Fly out to your target depth — typically 200–300 yards — hover, and drop. The light payload makes the flight stable and the drop clean. Good for beginners starting out with drone fishing.
Shark fishing (heavy rigs)
Heavier rigs require more care on takeoff and in flight. Take off slowly, keep altitude conservative, and fly at reduced speed. At the drop point, wait for full stability before releasing. For shark sessions specifically, read our complete shark fishing drone setup guide for the full rig and technique breakdown.
Live bait
Live bait moves, which creates unpredictable weight distribution during the flight. Use a bait bucket or live bait cage attached to the release to contain the bait during the flight out — this keeps the rig stable and keeps the bait alive and active when it hits the water.
Frequently asked questions
How do I attach a rig to the Xpece ONE payload release?
Use a snap swivel on your wind-on leader, clipped directly into the release mechanism. The snap swivel allows quick attachment, rotates freely to prevent line twist, and detaches cleanly when the release is triggered.
How much weight can the Xpece ONE payload release hold?
The Xpece ONE payload release supports up to 7 lbs — enough for full shark rigs with wire leader, heavy sinker, and large chunk bait. Most surf fishing rigs come in well under this limit.
Can the payload release accidentally trigger during flight?
No. The release requires a deliberate button press on the remote to trigger. It won't open from vibration, turbulence, or accidental contact. The mechanism is locked until you intentionally activate it.
Do I need a phone or app to trigger the payload release?
No. The release is triggered directly from the Xpece ONE waterproof remote — no phone, no app, no Bluetooth pairing required. One button press from the remote drops the bait instantly.
What's the best altitude to fly at when dropping bait?
Between 20 and 30 feet. Low enough to minimize line drag from the spool on your rod, high enough to clear wave wash and beach obstacles. Flying higher than 30 feet with a heavy rig creates significant drag that pulls the drone off course.
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