How bad do I need an Underwater TV?

[Judd]

Thinking of getting an Aqua vu this year. Those of you that have one have any tips or advice? One thing that concerned me is I was at the Cabelas in Mitchell SD (pheasant Hunting) and they had 4 Mc2x units in the bargain barn that had been returned. I know on the forum last year guys were saying the lights definately scared off fish. Also, how hard is it to get the camera positioned on the bottom?

[Rick]

The lights can keep walleyes away during the day. Perch, pike and crappies seem unaffected.

Vista Cam offers a light free camera that can be special ordered. I've used both the Aqua-vu and the Vista Cam and personally I prefer the Vista Cam. Of course it was a couple of years ago that I used the aqua vu.

The aqua vu only had a 4" screen and to see it in daylight you had to stick your eyes in the box.

For ice fishing I'll stick with the Vista Cam and it's priced right as well.

you can check it out at
http://fishingmn.com/vista-cam/

[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 10-25-2001).]

[Guest]

I've got a Vista Cam and have yet to figure out how to effectively point the camera. I haven't a clue as to where it is pointing once I let out 10 or more feet of cable. Other than that the picture is fine.

[Guest]

I had a Vista Cam and returned it. The screen is not waterproof. The camera is a lot bigger than other ones out there. I bought a camera from Outdoor Viewing Systems and the unit is completely waterproof. Which is a plus considering it is around water all the time. I haven't had any problems with it and the battery lasts alot longer.

Fisheatsleep>>>>>>>

[Pherris]

Just shows you different people have different preferences. I had a OVS camera and replaced it with a Vista cam.

[Guest]

I have an Aqua-Vu and love it. The only drawback is if the sun is just right it can be hard to see the screen. I haven't had a chance to try the Vista Cam, but have heard nothing but good things about it.

Paul
[email protected]

[Guest]

To Rick....which Vista Cam do you have. I have noticed that they have three different models to select from (Elite, Deluxe/Deluxe Pro and Combo) I am looking to buy a camera as well, any info is appreciated!!

------------------
Blair B
[email protected]

[jimBo]

This may beopening up a can of worms .But here goes I have seen these cameras work and
personaly don't see how they would help you catch fish.
The one I seen did not tell how deep they are unless you look at the lines on the cable.plus don't you get tangled on the cable with a fish on.I would think so.
Not bashing them but dont seem pratcial
If you want to look at fish that a different story.
I would put the money on a vexilar.
then you know you on active fish.
but it's your money.
jimBo

[This message has been edited by jimBo (edited 10-25-2001).]

[Rick]

The Vista Cam Deluxe is the model I was talking about. The Combo is a great icefishing unit. Also, I have had no problems with it because of water when I kept it in the carrying case.

As for helping to catch fish, JimBo has some valid points, catching fish while viewing is not always as productive as using the good old Vexilar. I have to add that it has helped me catch fish. I use it in conjunction with my vexilar or depth finder.

How it has helped me catch fish:
1. I have altered my jigging technique because of it. I now know how to effectively make differant lures imitate dying or wiggling bait because I can actually see how it reacts to my motion.

2. I also know when fish are around and I can watch what kind of effect my jigging is having on the fish. Many times I have brought a fish back for a strike after altering my jigging technique.

3. It is a confidence tool, I now know fish that I am seeking are down there.

4. I am learning more about what my fishfinder is telling me, especially about bottom content, breaklines, and structure.

Is it a worthy tool, you bet. Is it fun, yes sir it is. Has it helped me catch fish, I believe it has, but not by itself.

As for the direction, when ice fishing I use my plastic minnow dipper and clip the cable to the slotted end of it and gradually turn it until I have it pointed at my lure which is in a hole a few feet away. It works pretty good.

If you are on open water and moving there are fins that keep it pointed in the direction you are traveling.

It's not for everybody, but I sure do love it.

http://fishingminnesota.com/vista-cam/

[Paul S]

I have owned a Vista Cam for 3 years now ( actually 3 yrs in Dec. ). Haven't had a bit of trouble with it. I use it in summer time and ice fishing. Rick is right about the fin keeping it headed in the right direction during the summer. For winter, I bought one of those "noodles" that kids use for swimming, cut it into 18" chunks and slit it to the center. I slide the cable into the noodle and use that as my directional indicator - works well for me. It has helped me identify fish and structure many many times. Nothing worse than sitting on a lake seeing fish on my X - 85 and thinking they are walleyes only to drop camera down after trying to get them to bite, and find out its a nice school of suckers! I know I'm not the only one this has happened to. As for brands, I have fished with people who have Aqua Vu and Catch Cam also....they all have their good and bad areas, overall they are a blast.
Paul S

[Insp Gadget]

I've had a vista cam 3 seasons now, use it mostly in winter, and it is great! Had the same directional issues as the rest. Here is what I did and reccomend it highly.

I scavenged a bulk line spool from Gander Mtn and drilled a couple holes in it to run the plugs out the side and then made a plywood stand by screwing a 6" "L" bracket to that, then running a 6" bolt through the top hole on the L for a handle, and one in the middle for the spool. slide the spool on and screw a cheap drawer knob to the outside of the spool and you can reel the line up with the camera on the outside.

Only leave 4" of wire with the plugs stick out the side of the spool so they can freely spin so they don't get all twisted. then take the rig to radio shack and match up the power plug with a blank, the video is standard "rca" plug, and make a 6' - 10' extension cord. In the big house I use the corner hole that rarely gets fished in. When In the protable I drill an extra hole about 4' outside of one corner of the house. Using the camera with the fin, I have a 6"piece of light wire that goes from the cord above the camera to the hole on the back top of fin. this points camera down at 30 - 45 degree angle. Drop it down till it's about 5' off the bottom, and plug in the extension cord. Then I put the lines down with a spoon on it.

The cord wrapped on the spool will allow you to turn the camera to where you want it by turning the plywood base. only if there is a current will you spend more than 3-4 minutes getting it pointed just right. When in the portable I can see all 4 lines (speed shak xl) and in the 10 x20, I can see 4 or 5 lines. being off the bottom and looking down at the angle seems to spook less fish. Last winter a 20" walleye came in and circled my jigging bait and stopped, looking at the bait and straight into the camera that was 5 feet above and 4 feet over from the bait. He looked at it for about 3 hours (Minutes really) and then sucked it in for a taste.

On Mille Lacs we have seen 40" class muskie, 30+" class pike and walleyes up to 30". The extension cord also allows me to plug it into the big tv in the 10 x20 and that is a very nice way to watch! Fish on!

Gadget

[This message has been edited by Insp Gadget (edited 10-28-2001).]

[Guest]

I have used a couple of underwater viewing systems and they are nifty gizmo's to tinker with and can be educational if your fortunate to be on clear water 80% of the time.

Unfortunately in my experance 4 out of 5 trips that I have had a camera with the water clarity was dump, so it just become extra hardware to tote and baby sit. A cool toy but in my book the cash could be better spent on good electronics or a good auger so you can cover more ground and fish more efficiently on any body of water.

OK, before anyone jumps me I am not bad mouthing them but they do have there limitations in my experance. Go for it if you need the more tech-toy amusement on the ice as gadgets are cool in my book, so is learning whatever you can under the ice.

If I had 3-4 hundred extra fishing ice toy dollars to burn I would consider a new Vexilar FL-18, or even a set of high Tec winter outer wear and boots to make time on the ice efficient on any body of water. But hey, that's just me?

Toys are cool but always consider there overall effectiveness on all trips.

[icedog]

I agree with Backwater on most of his inputs. I bought the Aqua Vu MC2x last winter and tried to use it as many times as possible. Here are some of my personal opinions/findings:
1-Need very clear water to get a decent pic.
2-Difficult to position the camera to see fish and structure-at times VERY frustrating and cost me fishing time! Unless you are in a permanent shack where it could be set up once and left alone.
3-For portable users like me it is really more hassle/weight than good most of the time.
4-The MC2X lights definitely scared off everything except Bluegill and Perch.
5-The few times I was actually able to see fish and watch them strike or NOT! it was pretty darn cool...just didn't happen very easily or often enough to make me want to lug the darn thing around.
6-Seems I bought an expensive toy that I will once again try to get some good out of this year.
After that glowing endorsement, anyone interested in a used MC2X? Ha!
Where's the dang ice?
doggone

[tjwierz2]

You dont need an aqua-vu for ice fishing....you NEED a Vexilar. The Aqua-Vu is AWESOME for open water. But the Vexilar is all you need on hard water.

[Guest]

All,
I thought i would put my two cents in here; basically i am not all that familiar with these units, I have seen them advertised and demonstrated, but they fail to impress me. I think they are a great tool, for learning about fish behaviour and stuff, but a vital piece of ice fishing equipment, I don't think so. For me i am out there to fish, and that means bringing only what is absolutely essential for staying comfortable yet remaining mobile enough to cover water as necessary. I also enjoy the mysteriousness of the underwater world, i am happy to leave my understanding of the fishes aquatic environment at a terrestrials level (lake maps, vexilar, what i can see down the hole, how it feels when i tap my depth sounder on the bottom, etc) I do fairly well at this level, enough so that i do not feel that a underwater video, camera would be any use on the ice, I think it is much more important to bring a camera of the 35mm type, to photograph the big ones, quickly, before they are released.

[Judd]

To all who somehow read into my question that I don't have a Vexilar, I have one.. have had one for 5 years.. They are awesome. Just wanted some feedback on those who have underwater cameras. I'm going to wait til at least January to upgrade to the fl-18 after I see one in action. I agree that anyone who doesn't have a Vexilar needs to get that first.

[tjwierz2]

Well, if you got the Vexy...then you're set. I love the Aqua Vu to scout for fishing in open water, and the units are AWESOME. Ive learned a lot about fish behavior...and where to find fish in what particular parts of the year. I dont trust fish finders alot, but when you see the fish in different locations throughout the year...you learn A LOT. But for ice fishing...I think it would be a waste of money, but you could have it year round too.

I used the Aqua-Vu on a lake with 15 foot clarity, and you can see for about 15 feet under water, theyre amazing.

[Rick]

tj,
you gotta try the Vista cam ice fishing, it's a jewel. I would go as far as saying it definitely does help you catch finicky fish.

You can watch their reactions to your jigging technique. Nothing like watching a big pike explode on your bait.

Of course the Vista Cam hurt me once. I was watching a pike swim around checking my bait, leaving and coming back and I kept teasing as she left. This happened several times.

I was then so shocked - watching that pike attack so fast - I didn't even set the hook.

Of course, that only happened to me once. If you get the kids out ice fishing, they are entertained for hours if you get it into a large school of perch and they can watch their jigs as the perch are checking them out.

If your serious about mobility the Vista Cam Combo is the way to go for ice fishing. The Deluxe is very portable as well, it does have a larger screen though and that helps for viewing.

[This message has been edited by Rick (edited 10-31-2001).]

[tjwierz2]

Ok, I'll have to consider that. I guess the novelty of the vexilar hasnt worn off me yet. Im still locked on that flasher...seeing the bright red marks head for my green jigging spoon on the screen. Thats one of the coolest things a fisherman can experience, just knowing a tug is coming after you can actually see the fish heading for your lure!

Someone get me out of this darn cube at work right now!!!

[jkrash]

I'm looking for a camera for the house this year.
Has anyone checked out the Ice Cam by Vista Cam.
It's just the camera you use your own TV.

If you have seen one in action let me know.

[rap]

if you don't already have a flasher and you want to buy a camera, i would definitely think about getting the flasher. i have a vexilar and have used underwater cameras... i'd have to say you will catch alot more fish with a flasher. plus once you get to know everything on a flasher, you will find the same things out that you think you'll see only with a camera. for instance if a fish doesn't like your presentation, the lines will start to decrease and go away. i have also never caught a fish down the hole with the vex in it without seeing it on my screen first and knowing that i was going to get a bite. a flasher also won't have any chance of scaring fish away... one more thing about the cameras that is very important to know is that you only see a small part of the water column, a flasher tells you if a fish is anywhere beneath you..

[Guest]

i must say that the camera is a great idea! last winter we bought a aqua vu, not thinking of the visibility in the water we couldnt see anything. only once it worked awsome but also on that same trip we had some connection in the cord go bad. we took it back and traded it for a fish trap voyager. which i think is the best ice fishing investment yet!!

[Rick]

The combo cam is great for ice fishing. It has a place to mount your vexilar and you can view both the vista-cam and the camera in the same area.
Although, I must admit, I did get kind of attached to the camera.

Please don't take that as an endorsement over the vexilar. I would rather have my vexilar. The camera is sure entertaining and it does help build your knowledge base on how to fish your lures in deep water.

http://fishingminnesota.com/vista-cam/

[Guest]

I have the new Aqua vu SV Series.

These systems have come a long way with in the last year. The new AV SV Series has a temp. gadget built in to the camera and a directional indicator. It lets you know the temp. at the camera depth and it has a new feature that tells you the camera's direction and it's position relative to the base. Once you get the hang of it, things work very well. I have also found that these units are better used as tools to pre-locate structure and fish it later. It's hard to fish and "view" at the same time. I have found a ton of structure holding fish with a depth finder then identified the fish species. It's also nice to see how fish relate to your presentation. I have seen walleye just sit six inches from a minnow and stare at it for a second and just swim away. Switched to a finesse rig and caught a bunch.

This site has a bunch of information about the cameras. Check it our at www.stamar.com.

[Guest]

I just bought an (brand new) outdated, 2 year old Vista Cam TV/radio/camera combo and absolutely love it. It is a more complex unit where all the pieces have to fit together. I love the TV/radio part if the camera doesn't work
The camera and the large TV screen shows awesome detail. I was amazed and located some interesting stuff on the bottom of the lake (an old 5 gallon bucket, and a spear!) It also has great reception to all TV and radio stations too.

I ran the TV, camera and Vexilar all at once for a period of approximately 5 hours on a little dry cell battery.