Underwater camera for open water

[trollneyes]

I was watching Al Lindner's show this past weekend and noticed that he had his aquaview down with the camera cable tied off to a cleat while he was fishing. I have seen people use them in open water to search for structure but never while actually fishing. I know they are used alot during the winter and work great. Do any of you use your camera while you are fishing? Have you found any tricks to rigging your camera to see your lure? How do you keep your line from constantly tangling in the cable? How far can you typically see in fairly clear water?

[eyepatrol]

I've used my aquaview on limited occassions during open water. I don't know what others think, but I have a HECK of a time trying to keep that thing at the right depth when trolling along (not while fishing...just looking). If ya slow down a bit, the camera moves toward you and into the lake bottom. If ya speed up, it moves up the water column and ya got to let more line out, and then ya slow down again. It's a bit of a pain in the arse for me, so I don't often use it. I'm usually too busy fishing anyway (don't have a rig to connect the cable to). As for seeing in clear water...the clearest water I've used it in was in Canada on Rainy Lake. I suppose I could see 6' - 8' or so. Saw a few pike and walleye on a couple occassions.

[harvey lee]

I have used mine on a few lakes to check bottom and structure while drifting or anchored.I could see well,but a little hard in the direct sunlight. I have also used it drifting and trolling.Works O.K. for me drifting slow but when trolling a little faster I have a very hard time.Now,I only use it in the summer for checking lake out and still fishing and in the clear lakes you can see a few feet depending on clarity.On cloudy days I have better luck with the viewing.Maybe I need to use it more to get better with it.I bought it mainly for ice fishing and that is what I really use it alot for.