How important is a camera?

[datvbdad]

I have a Vexilar that serves me great, but how important is a camera for ice fishing? What is thier viewing range (how far from your fishing hole do you put them down or do you put them down the same hole?) Never used a camera, so need lots of input and how they really get used on ice. Thanks in advance.

[pushbutton]

I personally use the down view, above my bait in the same hole. This can be a pain, have lost fish because of the cord, but my comfort zone; this is probably not the norm. Usually only use them when marking a lot of fish and the bite is tough, as they really allow you to see how the fish are reacting to your presentation; sometimes you will even see that the bait is in their mouth but could not feel it. Keep in mind this often is maddening because the camera/fish are just mocking you and you still won't be able to catch the them They can also be used very effectively right before the ice onset locating green weeds and specific transition areas. Mine is usually set about 5 to 7 feet off the bottom. How well you can see ultimately depends on the clarity of the lake and how much you want to spend. Also, it is a favorite of Jr. and if fish tv keeps him occupied and fishing longer, no half hour limit from me

[hunt fish repeat]

I tried an aqua View Scout a few times for me it was useless, it all depends on the time of day you fish, water clarity (#1), and depth.

[Mid-Lake Rock]

I think they are very important at certain times. I always thought that the flasher was good enough, however there are some great reasons to have a camera.

First, when the fish are not aggressive and spitting baits the camera is very helpful. I've fished perch on Mille Lacs were I mark them on the flasher, but can't detect bites. Watching them on the camera allows the fisherman to set the hook when the fish inhales the bait, before it spits it out.

Second, when fishing large schools of perch or panfish the cameral allows me to "sort" through fish before I catch them. When you get on a good school of perch use the camera to keep the bait away from the small ones and target the bigger fish.

Third, locating structure. Pretty much speaks for itself. One time, we also located something we didn't want. We were in a large rental sleeper and we are catching a lot of fish. However, one hole just wouldn't produce. Dropped the camera down and saw some cigarette butts and food had been dropped down the hole by a prior user of the house.

I like to use a different hole for setup. The distance will often be dictated by water clarity. Everyone seems to have a different opinion on distance. I like to get as wide a view as possible.

[mww24]

I would love to have one for looking at what the bottom is. I have used them on red before and it was cool but at nite it was no good. If you got the money what the heck give it a try.

[Knoc]

I own one and to be honest with you, I think its more of a entertainment thing. I know if Im going fishing in a portable where Im moving more, it stays at home. In the permanent though, its pretty cool. I wouldnt say "needed" though.

[ClownColor]

I think they are very important at certain times. I always thought that the flasher was good enough, however there are some great reasons to have a camera.

First, when the fish are not aggressive and spitting baits the camera is very helpful. I've fished perch on Mille Lacs were I mark them on the flasher, but can't detect bites. Watching them on the camera allows the fisherman to set the hook when the fish inhales the bait, before it spits it out.

Second, when fishing large schools of perch or panfish the cameral allows me to "sort" through fish before I catch them. When you get on a good school of perch use the camera to keep the bait away from the small ones and target the bigger fish.

Third, locating structure. Pretty much speaks for itself. One time, we also located something we didn't want. We were in a large rental sleeper and we are catching a lot of fish. However, one hole just wouldn't produce. Dropped the camera down and saw some cigarette butts and food had been dropped down the hole by a prior user of the house.

I like to use a different hole for setup. The distance will often be dictated by water clarity. Everyone seems to have a different opinion on distance. I like to get as wide a view as possible.

I'd agree here.

First off though I don't own one but someone always seems to have one around. They are nice (on clear lakes) when the fish aren't aggresive. It's fun to see what actually intices a fish to bite (you don't always get that from a flasher).

I also found a camera helpful when the fish were right below the ice. The flasher could not pick them up and nobody was catching any fish. We finally spotted them right below the ice when we set the camera down.

Overall, I'd only buy one if I had money burning a whole in my pocket...used ATVs' or SNOwmobiles.... had a wheel house.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

I have a Vexilar that serves me great, but how important is a camera for ice fishing?

[Stick in Mud]

I guess it also depends on what kind of fish you're after. I'd be willing to bet my weekly salary--$150--that walleyes don't like the things. Yes, I've caught a few walleyes with them down the hole, but not nearly as many. Others I've talked to have had the same experience (this seems to be a perennial thread on here...maybe I'll go ask the question in the main board . But for perch, they're absolutely wonderful...in fact, I have a hard time fishing for perch on Mille Lacs now without the camera, as it allows me to avoid the dinks that inevitably congregate below the hole.

Oh, and it's a lot of fun to have a camera down there.

[aquafang]

I agree with most of the above. But if you want a simple answer,it is this............

if you don' t have a flasher, get that first. and if you then have money get a camera. It will help on those light bite days....IF YOU ARE IN CLEAR WATER.

[hookncook]

I used mine two years ago when I was doing some research on northern pike. It was really cool to watch fish behavior around my lure.

Flashers tell you that there are fish under your feet but they don't tell you what kind of fish there are. so it's kind of nice to have a camera to pop down and see what's going on.

They aren't worth a lick a salt if it's dark or of you're in deeper water. even with the light, it only amplifies the dust and plankton in the water.

[reinhard1]

i use the camera for a few things. as far as northerns and tip ups i use the camera when i know i'm over weeds. i set my bait above the weeds so the bait is not hidden. i also use it for entertainment. i drill a hole about 6 feet away from my portable when i fish for rainbows. i lower my camera a couple of feet under the ice. i fish shallow and this way i can see the rainbows comming at times and other species swimming around. the camera is in my portable so i can turn it on or off. it also keeps my grandson busy when panfishing as he watches panfish attack his presentation. i think it's almost like a video game with him with the pole being the controls.

i also use the camera to check the bottom of the structure i'm fishing at times. i have used it to see what species of fish i'm seeing also. i do agree with the night vision and deep water. i dont know about the newer models but my aqua vu [black and white] doesn't do much for me in that area. i have drifted accross a bay one time [fishing was real slow] to entertain myself on Rush Lake. i was in 30 feet and sometimes had to pull up on the cord comming onto structure. i seen perch, and crappies at times but a lot of cans, bottles, and a couple of anchors. so in general i like the camera, but i dont use it all the time. they are handy and also fun. good luck.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Here are some videos of when I fished a lake in 20foot of water with about 1-2 feet of snow cover on top. You can see the number of times the perch take the head of the jig and not the hook side.

U Tube video Perch fishing in 20 foot of water with about 2 foot of snow cover on a muddy bottom.

Another Short Video perch fishing.

Another perching video.

[grizrunner]

If you can afford it, buy one. Color is really nice. I use mine often, even in the boat. For panfishing you'll find that you'll never leave home without it. Especially w/ kids. It's really like cheating being able to cull your catch before you even hook them. It has also taught me much about subtle jigging techniques, and what kind of jigs work most often. Many times I've been able to bring home a meal when my partners' pails are empty.

They're also great for retrieving items that slip down the hole!

[PerchJerker]

I've been using cameras for years. A lot of times the kids and I use them for entertainment, but you can learn a lot with them too.

When my kid was 4 years old he started learning how to jig and how to detect bites without a bobber. When he got a little older he wanted to do it without seeing the bites on the camera. I think it made him a better fisherman faster than he would have learned without the camera.

I like watching fish reactions to different baits, different jigging actions, and different colors --- most people say color can make a difference and you can see it on camera. And at times the reaction you get to different baits or different jigging actions is really interesting.

I am always watching my flasher even when I have my camera in the water. The camera is very helpful for teaching you what you're really seeing on your flasher --- bottom content, rocks, weeds, multiple fish, fish species, etc. I am positive that a lot of self-proclaimed "flasher experts" would be in for a big surprise if they dropped a camera to see what was really down there.

I use my camera more and more in my boat now too. It used to be that I'd only bring the camera along when I knew I was going to use it, but now I never take it out of the boat except to charge the battery.

[gurkster]

I feel a camera is more for entertainment and a luxury than a need, but it does have its time and place as others have pointed out. I feel a flasher is far more of a need.

[TruthWalleyes]

I haven't used my camera in two years. Why? Because it is a hassle for what you get out of it. Aqua view scout 2

[tsande00]

75% of my ice fishing is done at night (after work). That's the biggest reason I haven't invested in a camera yet. Worthless after dark. Would be nice to take some late fall boat cruises though and mark the green weeds on the GPS. I plan on getting a cam eventually, but its a ways down the priority list.

[muc33]

Depends on the type of fishing. When I fish panfish, a camera will out fish a sonar every time. Mainly from being able to catch the light bite. I can't count the number of times I've watched the panfish bite the lure from the wrong end and not have the hook in the mouth. The camera lets you see it and react accordingly to it. It's also handy to know when the pike come around when panfishing.

My feeling is the camera makes fishing more enjoyable by taking a lot of guessing out of whats going on under the ice. You don't need a sonar either, the old slip bobber and dead stick worked just fine. However, what makes the outing more enjoyable for you.

Agronomist, I will do two thing here, none of which are meant to be anything but difference in opinion. Your first comment is 100% debatable, I fish the same waters you do and don't fish with a camera down. I catch plenty of fish, what would be a suggestion based on the video you chose to show, downsize your bait and see a greater pick up than the playing that you got. Finesse plastics without any meat, or simply a smaller jig. Line size really is a factor as well, make sure you don't have too large diameter line, it all about size sometimes... yes, sometimes size does matter! I would love to agree with you on the second paragraph. It is fun to watch and I view it as a great piece of enjoyment, I love watching, you can learn a lot, but I don't think it makes it a sure fire to catch panfish. The only way I know this is that I do it on a regular basis. Again, nothing personal, just an opinion.

[Fergus Mor McErc]

If you have the money, buy a camera. I've not, for one second, regretted buying mine. The pro's are many the con's few if any. The thrill/dread of having a huge Musky consider your tiny ice fly is, alone, worth the cost. I drill a second hole about 2-4 feet away depending on water clarity and if you get one with a good light system, after dark is no problem.

[toughguy]

If I were to start from scratch today without any of my ice gear a camera would be at just about the bottom of my list. Don't get me wrong on the right day on the right lake they are a ton of fun but IMO they are more of a toy than a tool most days. That being said if you have the extra cash go for it just not before you have a flasher, GPS, power auger, or portable.

[Stick in Mud]

Well put, toughguy. I agree an impossible 110%.

[Agronomist_at_IA]

Quote:

Agronomist, I will do two thing here, none of which are meant to be anything but difference in opinion. Your first comment is 100% debatable, I fish the same waters you do and don't fish with a camera down. I catch plenty of fish, what would be a suggestion based on the video you chose to show, downsize your bait and see a greater pick up than the playing that you got. Finesse plastics without any meat, or simply a smaller jig. Line size really is a factor as well, make sure you don't have too large diameter line, it all about size sometimes... yes, sometimes size does matter! I would love to agree with you on the second paragraph. It is fun to watch and I view it as a great piece of enjoyment, I love watching, you can learn a lot, but I don't think it makes it a sure fire to catch panfish. The only way I know this is that I do it on a regular basis. Again, nothing personal, just an opinion.

I never said that guys can't catch panfish with sonar or without a camera. I just made the claim that by using a camera to catch light bites I see people catch way more pan fish. I understand the size of the jig concept you're talking about, however on that day it was the smallest we had in the tackel box. I understand the statement is debatable, but I truely believe that over at the lakes on many days it's way more helpful and puts a lot more fish on the ice. No offense taken, looks like we will just have to agree to disagree.

[reinhard1]

i remember the old days when the old timers told me when fishing for crappies in deep water suspended all you needed to know was two and a half armlength of line and there you place that crappie minnow. once in awhile just for laughs i test that out and it's often times the case when i look at the flasher.

when the old green box flasher came out it became an instant succuss with the fishing crowd. why? because it increased the catch rate. then technology took off and everyone knows where we are today. a flasher can tell you if there is hard bottom vs soft and can tell you weeds from barren streches, contours, reefs, ect.

the camera provides entertainment plus an educational experience at times. you can watch fish behaviour, how they take baits, how they shy away from your presentations, underwater structures, weedlines and more.

just another tool for the fisherman. does it increase your catch? same question could be asked about the flasher, gps, and snowmobiles or wheelers that take you from place to place. in the end it is a little bit of luck and knowledge of years of experience that put fish on the ice, and these "tools" are just part of the experience. fish still have to bite. good luck.

[V-12 Merlin]

I have a cheap camera, and love it for ice fishing (open water, not so much). You need fairly clear water, and it works better in the daytime, even though mine has an IR light. The light reflects even the smallest particles in the water, and makes it look like a snowstorm.

But, I've been sitting next to guys with flashers and can outfish them , simply because I can see the bite. I've found my camera to be extremely useful in that.

The other thing I like about it is I can see structure, and identify the kind oif fish down there. As other shave said, I've pulled my bait away from fish I didn't want to catch. I know what kind of bottom it is, and what kinds of weeds are down there.

It has some fairly major limitations, though. Distance is one thing - I can only see 5-10 feet in lightly stained water. The other thing is it doesn't help you locate fish, which is probably the most important thing.

I think you need to either have both or fish with someone who does. The first few trips out with my camera, I went without my flasher and got skunked every single time. With the flasher, I locate fish, and then sink the camera in a different hole to watch them.

One last thing - some companties make their camera look like a fish, so it doesn't scare the ones you're trying to catch. In reality, the fish don't care. Mine doesn't look like a fish and they swim right by it. I've had them bump the camera, or swim up to it and look at it. They simply don't care.

It's been a cool investment, and I'm glad I bought it.