Aqua Vue camera works like a decoy

[Sod Farmer]

I got a new Aqua Vue (ZT series) with the camera that looks like a perch. The Northern Pike really seem interested in it. I have had several of them try to eat it. They come at the camera, head-on just like they would naturally try to swallow a perch (head first). You get a really good look down their throat. So far, none have been big enough to get a good hold of it. The camera just slips out of their mouth as they try to close down on the smooth plastic. I think that I probably catch more northern because the camera acts like a decoy. Pan fish seem to ignore it unless I move it to pan around to quickly.

Has any one else had similar experience?

[arbuck]

Thats cool . It would be neat to record that so you could re-live it in the sumer time. I know I would like to see it.

arbuck

[SCHAAKATTACK]

In The "hits" you have had has there been any damage to the camera or cable? I am probably the 1%(or less) actually hoping to see that happen with mine.One side question I have is how far away should the camera be to get a good "field of view" of your tackle?

[frabillfisher]

Yup my buddy also has the zt-series and I've seen this happen a couple of times..cant say it helped bring in any more fish..also heard that they hit the jsut plain old black cameras...just out of curiosity i would suppose?

[Lost]

That's cool. I figured that would happen and even mentioned that possibility to several well known people in the ice fishing industry. How strong is the cable? If it's strong enough not to get damaged while pulling the camera in, add a large treble hook to your camera. There's extra holes in the fish designed casing. Or run a quick strike rig down along with it that can be used to hook them hungry fish and pulled up separately.

[Sod Farmer]

arbuck -

I thought of recording a hit and playing it on a loop as a screen saver for my computer. I wish I knew how to get it on as a screen saver once I have it on video.

[Sod Farmer]

Shaakattack -

No damage to the camera or cable (the cable is rated at 300#) but the northerns I have been catching have been running no more than 30 inches. If a really large fish decided to give it a whack I might want to have my hand on the monitor because I have 10 inch holes and I am sure it would fit through.

[arbuck]

Here is a thread that should have some info about taping from Aqua Vue and then getting it into your computer. I am by no means a computer guru so all of this is forign to me but it may help you out if you want to try it. That would be awsome as a screen saver.

Now lets see if I can get the link to work.

http://www.fishingminnesota.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=442145&page=8&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

arbuck

[frozen toes]

Yep, I too have had the opportunity to see down a northerns mouth . Everytime I use the camera, I have northerns come in and take a look. The panfish also seem to like it. They will come right up to it and stick around for quite a while.

As far as how far to set it depends on your situation. In my Otter, I drill 3 holes in a triangle with about 3 feet in between all holes. I put the camera in the top hole and fish out of the other 2. Just turm the camera until you see the bait in which you want to fish. With my Scout, I drill 2 holes about 2 feet apart. Camera in 1 fish in the other.

[Jigging Bob]

We have a yellow sportsman that doesn't look anything like a fish & that baby gets nailed alot. It just seems to [PoorWordUsage] those northerns off. It is awesome to see. Kind of like jaws coming after you.

[frabillfisher]

I know this is of subject but those sportsman cameras Dont seem to be to clear on the screen..I know i tried one on new years and wasant very happy with it but it wasant mine so....how is yours working for you?

[eurolarva]

I am not sure about older models but the scout cable is made with kevlar. Same stuff bullet proof vests are made of. I doubt a musky or northern are going to be able to cut through that. I cant see how they can damage the camera. It is hard as a rock.