Underwater Cameras

[DanM]

I am thinking it might be fun to get an underwater camera. I have ZERO experience them. I don't ice fish so cold won't be a consideration. I would like to stay under $400. I have several questions:

Are they worthwhile or a waste of money?

What features are "must haves?"

Any recommendations?

Thanks

DanM

[harvey lee]

At first I thought they were very useful and at times, they can be.

Now, I take it along to watch the fish bite once in awhile to see how they react to my jigging. Also nice to locate weed edges.

I have owned many cameras and brands and the one that I believe is the best bang for your buck is the MarCum VS380. It's a black and white camera but for the money a very good one with a very good picture. I believe this model runs about $300.00

One also has to remember that the water clarity plays a huge role in viewing and the snow depth on a lake also factors into the viewing in regards to light.

It is also nice to have the camera be able to pan and one can for a few bucks, purchase the MarCum disc that holds the camera cable and one can simply turn the disc. It works pretty good for a less expensive option. This would be for ice fishing.

Great to have along if you have kids with.

About the only time I use mine is ice fishing. For open water, I have a hard time viewing the picture in daylight.

IMHO for me, not worth it for open water.

[ozzie]

I am in the same boat as you Dan as I am looking for a camera as I get sick of being on top of fish that aren't biting and I would like to get a view and make sre that some times I am not sitting on a school of carp or bullhead. I also would like to use it for locating structure and bottom content. I am willing and thinking of going top of the line with the Marcum VS825SD as I think the color option will be good also to keep the kid interested. I just want to hear other opinions also on the different cameras out there and the likes and dislikes.