Any Point Getting Underwater Camera for Fishing?

[TSCTSC]

I think they sell some of these underwater camera for less than 200USD that shows a video of what is under the boat. Any use of it and does it really show good images?>

[Hookmaster]

I purchased an underwater camera last winter. With it my 9-year old son caught as many sunfish as I did fishing with a flasher. He just waited until he couldn't see the jig, then set the hook. So for finicky biters, it's a plus. They are also helpful in setting up on the spot-on-the-spot because you actually see the bottom. In open water it would be tougher to actually fish with it. I have used it to look at the bottom for transition areas or to see how big a rock pile is. One rock pile in particular was many times larger than I thought by feelilng the bottom with a heavy jig. I am glad I bought it.

[TSCTSC]

What do you recommend to get then?

[GenzisGod]

If you want a good, cheap camera, I would go with the Scout. For the price you pay, I don't know if you can get better clarity and value. Just my opinion.

[fishermn]

In terms of a tool for learning about the fish and lake structure you can't beat these units. I have learned a lot in the short time I have owned one.

[TSCTSC]

Wasn;t there one recently that retailed for about USD200 and had like a 360 degree of coverage?

[Hookmaster]

I bought the Aqua-Vu ZT ($299) over the Scout since it is waterproof while the Scout ($199) is water resistant. Take a look at the Aqua-Vu thread.

[BIG DS]

The Aqua-vu Scout is the cheapest underwater camera in the market currently. It has a 120 degree feild of view from the camera. To turn the camera you actually need to twist the cord. Don't worry the cord is designed for that. The monitor is a 5' diagonal black and white. The camera does have a video output so you could hook it to a bigger screen. The camera has infared lighting which is good for about 1 1/2' to 2' of viewing in dark or low-light dirty water conditions. More in clear water. The IR light will not spook the fish when you turn it on like some if the LED versions will. Underwater cameras are a must for identifying species and picking out some structures. If you are learning to fish or would like to refine you skills, especially jigging, an underwater camera is the best tool. There are a lot of different models available from Aqua-vu and a couple from Marcum. Check into one of the bigger box stores that carries both brands and look at the differences and options available and I'm sure you will find one that fits your needs.

[Guest]

I love my AQUA VIEW as when im fishing for panfish,I can jig the bait and watch to see how the fish react.You can check the bottom surface,watch fish,find weed edges and just about anything else.Great tool for fishing.Used it last winter and wouldnt go fishing without it.Have not used it much this summer,but I do plan on it.Great for the kids to watch and keeps them busy also.I bought the scout.

[TSCTSC]

Hmmm....should not the camera be waterproof rather than water resistant? It is going in to the water right?

[Hookmaster]

The camera is waterproof for all models. It is the monitor that is waterproof (Aqua-Vu's Z style cameras) or water resistant (Scout).

[TSCTSC]

OK....how do you guys then use this camera? Do you just drape the camera and cable over the side of the boat and lower it to the depth and then twist the cable to look around? Is this something that you do when the boat is stationary or can you do it trolling? How do you manage the cables and do you actually install the camera on the boat or keep it portable?

Thanks

[Hookmaster]

When I use mine in open water, I am usually looking for bottom content and if I see a fish fine. I hold the cable in on hand and the monitor in my lap. I am either drifting or moving slowly with the electric motor. I leave mine portable, not attached to the boat.

[fishermn]

I use mine pretty much the same way. Hold the monitor on the lap and drop the camera over the side and drift thru the area of interest. I use mine to find structure or see where on the structure the fish might be holding.

[BLACKJACK]

Are there any models that let you choose what direction you're looking? I've seen a couple of cameras in use in the winter and with the camera spinning it takes forever to find your jig and bait... How about in the summer, if you're drifting with the camera out, how do you know what direction you're looking?

[TSCTSC]

Well, you guys sold me. I went to get a Scout. Tried it on the lake yesterday. Granted the lake was a little cloudy. But once I was more than a feet deep, visibility was like less than one feet and I could not see anything on the screen. I played with the settings (contrast, brightness) and still nothing. The only clear image I was able to get was when the camera is out of the water. What should I do?

[Gissert]

If the lake was cloudy, or having an algea bloom, that is what your screen is going to look like.

If you can, go try it on some clearer water.

If you are looking for TV quality video underwater, you will need to be in extremely clear water, and most lakes are not like that at all.

[Hookmaster]

Blackjack,

Aqua-Vu has a model that views in 360 degrees. Marcum has models that the camera turns around in a circle. I know I am looking in the direction I am moving because the camera has a fin that orients the camera in the direction of movement.

[fishermn]

I have used my camera in varying water conditions without too much difficulty. How poor was the water quality in the lake you were trying the camera in? i.e. when you drop you jig or lure down how far can you see it?

Generally, you can expect to see about the same distance on your camera as you can looking down into the water. SO if you can see about 5 feet down, you will likely be able to see 4 - 5 feet near the bottom.

Play around with the unit ouside first, and make sure your contrast settings etc are where you want them. After you get it set pretty much where u want it , try it from the boat again. The first thing I would do is make sure when you put it in the water that you can see the bottom of your boat. From there, drop it down until you reach the bottom. I typically like to cruise along just a foot or two off the bottom. The other option would be to just try it off the end of a dock and make sure everything is working properly before you head out.

[BIG DS]

There are several models that tell you what direction the camera is facing. However, the cable is kevlar reinforced so the cable does not twist unless you are twisting it. There is a fin kit and a downrigger weight available for all Aqua-Vu cameras so that they can be used while the boat is moving at slow speeds. Check with a Aqua-Vu dealer in your area. He should be able to show you all the options available and show you some cameras as well.

[LocalGuide]

Well first Did ya go all the way to the bottom and see that then go from there? If you didnt its like looking at a blank screen.

Second, make sure you are out of the sunlight. I have heard that with the scout it can be hard to view in the sun. If its kind of bad just put a shirt or a coat over your head and monitor. Looks weird but it works like a charm.

Im still on waiting for marcum to get things situated and get this new 560 out. I want one as my Aqua-Vu MC2X is going to the grave yard on me very soon.

[Dave]

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Im still on waiting for marcum to get things situated and get this new 560 out.

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LG, do you mean to get more 560's on the store shelf or, what does Marcum have to get situated on the 560?