MarCum/Vexilar or OVS-560/AquaView??

[NWBuck]

To all you veteran ice fisherman...if a guy were trying to get set up with the proper ice fishing equipment and had, say, $500 to spend on either a Vexilar or an underwater camera, which would you choose? I'm trying to make that decision and am leaning toward the camera because then it could double in my boat during open water season. Don't really want to drop the coin for both. Thanks.

[hip_hop_fisherman]

Ever since I started using a flasher, I won't fish without it.

[Matt Breuer]

If you have to choose one, buy the MarCum/Vex.

Or... spend a little extra, buy an LX-3/FL-8 and an OVS-560 orAqua-Vu Scout.

[Got_Ice]

Never fish without my LX-3. Cameras are fun but not a must have. Go with the flasher.

[Carp-fisher]

I would definitely go with the Vex. I usually just fish with the Vex, but this weekend I was fortunate to fish with both the Vex and an AquaVu scout. The camera was really cool, but large schools of crappies and other fish were suspending several feet above the viewing area of the camera--I only caught them because of the Vex.

[outdoor ran]

Camera's are fun at times. Like when its warm and when you have kids with. It just seems like you don't get much fishing in while your using a camera. That and you need some clear water. The vex works all the time and really helps you catch fish. I would chose the vex. Alot of stores rent both. Try them both out and then you'll know whats best for you.

[Guest]

Fl8 and aquaivu, you can use one or the other during the day and when it comes to eve or dirty water then you still have the vex. and will still be able to catch fish. I love my Scout, but if Iam in dirty water or late night, then the vex is my go to equipment.During the day in clear water usually just use the camera.

[Big Dave2]

If you are definately only going to buy one or the other, definately buy the vex!!!! I made this mistake once about 4 years ago and the camera went back the next day! Got a vex and could not be happier.

Another thing to consider, as long as you have a $500 budget don't be afraid to look into used equipment. A lot of people are getting rid of fl-8s in order to purchase an fl-18. dont be afraid of these units, they last a long time with proper care. If you take the time to look around you might be able to buy both units used for the $500.

A friend of mine ended up buying an fl-18 at a pawn shop for $200!!!!!

Dave

[walleyehawk]

Buy the flasher! The camera will not work well on bog stained or muddy waters, and visability will diminish in the evening, so the flasher is better. The flasher works well in any water. Plus you can get depth information from the flasher. Vex or Marcum, what an arguement!

Then, convince a friend that has the flasher to buy a camera and fish with him, or borrow it when you go alone.

[anyfishwilldo]

Most definatly a FL18. The camera is nice, but doesn't always work that well. A Vex will work in clear water and stained water alike, and can see the entire water column, not just part. I can't fish without my Vex, but can leave my camera at home, and not really miss it that much. If your concerned about using it in the boat, why not use the vex in the boat. I do, and it works great.

[hanson]

Simple answer- Flasher!

I just recently started using a camera and you just can't see really far on some lakes.

You will catch more fish with a flasher, period. You know the depth, you know where your lure is at, and you know where the fish are at. The rest is up to you. A camera can't tell you all this info at once.

[Deitz Dittrich]

I really dont like this either or question... the truth of the fact is, you are really going to want both some day.. The one you should buy first is the flasher. You will catch more fish using a flasher.. no doubt about it.. but you can learn more from a camera...Again, not a good either or question.. get the flasher now.. save for the camera!