underwater camera

[Muskygary]

Thinking about getting a Aqua View camera to see what's on the bottom. Any of you guys have experience with them, or what models do you like best?

[andrewlamberson]

I have the ice fishing version...and it's amazing. I would say that it has changed the way I ice fish.

Using it ice fishing:
The fish are a LOT more active than I thought.
They can be in very shallow water....5' or even less.
After watching how they bite....I ONLY fish horizontal jigs now!
No matter how sensitive your rod or strike indicator is...some bites you can only see!
If you jig disappears... set the hook!
Bass are wimps
Bluegills are aggressive
Yellow Perch are fussy...but when they want it..they EAT it!
Northern Pike like to stare at the camera!
Crappies are aggressive when eating.
When a Dog Fish shows up...everything else leaves!

It's as much fun to watch the fish as to catch them!

But...you need clear water....and sunlight to get a really good picture.

I've really been tempted on the new handheld....but the river is seldom clear enough...and the current would probably be an issue.

[Muskygary]

So, Do you have the Aqua View, what model and how many feet would you estimate it can see under the ice? I keep finding fish on my hummingbird unit and they don't bite. Then I wonder what species they are? That is why Im thinking about getting the camera, so I can see what's going on down there.

[Muskygary]

I've also had guys tell me, they drill several holes through the ice, then walk around looking with the Aqua View. If they don't see fish; they move on without fishing.

[eyedo]

I have an aqua view camera.It doesn't work very well in stained or dirty water .about 1 to 2 feet in wi. river

[andrewlamberson]

I have a MarCum and am really pleased.  I put the camera hole one foot (or more accurately one boot) away from my fishing hole...and the other hole is another foot away.

You can clearly see the fish take a bait at one foot. Pretty good at 2 feet. You can see them coming from probably 4-5 ft away.

From what I've read (and seen)...MarCum or AquaView are both good units. Just don't go for a a cheap brand (Cabela's for example)...you get what you pay for with cameras.

[Muskygary]

Thanks for the information guys. I'm going to take a look at the Marcum before I make up my mind.

[efishnc]

I know I'm getting in late on this, but clarity is key for these cameras.  I bought the Aquaview Scout several years back, and although I was sold on horizontal jigs in my pre-camera days (when I was still looking down the hole), everything is pretty much as Andy said. 

I just don't see its benefit as far as open water fishing because a person can cover so much more water with good awareness and accurate casting.  If you're not going to use it for ice fishing, I'll bet you won't use it after the initial experimenting phase is over.

[eyedo]

I didn't.