??Camera's??

[Capt'nJosh]

I am contemplating getting an underwater camera. Those of you that have them, do you consider them an essential tool, or more of an expensive toy? Also what models would you recommend?

Thanks in advance!

Capt'nJosh

[Bob Horn]

I had an Atlantis Mini I sold it. If you ice fish alot it can be a get learning tool. On ice and open water you can see what type of bottom you have and what kind of fish are down there.I would buy the FL-18 for ice fishing and a good graph for open water. I did`nt use my camera enough( 3-4 times a year) to justify the cost for me. If you use it alot it would be a great tool but I would have a good graph first .

[Guest]

I would reccomend buying a Vexilar before a camera. Cameras are fun to play with and do help with fishing, but a Vex is a must have. I own a Vexilar FL-8 and play around with an OVS-500 underwater camera. Both are good choices but I would purchase the Vex first.
Good Fishing, Matt.

[smallies24]

I have to agree with bhorn. The cameras are good learning tools, but it's hard to fish and use them at the same time. As far as models go the OVS cameras are definitely one of the best models for the money. The infared seems to be a step above any of the Aqua-views I've used. Plus, they take up less room than other models, about the same as a vexilar value pack. Personally though, I wouldn't use one often enough to spend the $400.

[Guest]

I have a camera and love it. But I would Make sure that I had a vexalar first. I have learned more about fish in the last 2 months that I have in the last year. I am still learning fishes reactions to different lures in all kinds of differnt conditions. I have a Aquaview ZT 60 and seem to think it is alright. I have used one for summer fishing only once but I can't wait to use mine this summer. I would say go for it if you already have a vexalar. Besides it is always entertaining to watch perch before the walleyes move in.

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[Guest]

I have a Vista Camera and a Vexilar and you can't beat having them both.

Check under the "Equipment for sale" forum, I see there is a Vista Camera there for like $175.00, that's a steal! I've had my Vista camera for about 3 years now and I have no complaints.

[rap]

i've used a camera before and own a vexilar, and i also have to say you should get a vex before a camera...

[Capt'nJosh]

I do have an FL8 and wouldn't venture on the ice without it. I'm wondering if I would feel the same way about a camera if I had one... What about the different LED's... do they really make that big of a difference?

rip them lips...

[This message has been edited by Capt'nJosh (edited 02-11-2002).]

[Bob Horn]

I just want to add that if you do`nt have gin clear water you wo`nt see far. Even with clear water it seams you can only see up to 10 to 15 feet. In stained water maybe a couple of feet. I`m not trying to talk you out of it, but just trying to inform you of some of the things I was`nt told. If you have the extra cash and will use it often enough to offset the price then I would buy one. I did`nt use mine enough that`s the only reason I sold it. I did learn from it though. Fish On

[Guest]

I own a Aqua Vu Z series with the multi colored lights. When I bought it I felt I should have the best there is. After using the camera a few times I have found that the lights scare fish away. I have experimented many times by turning the lights on when there is a fish on the vexilar. You would be supprised how fast most fish will disappear. Fishing with the lights on is a waste of time if the fish are not super agresive. I say this because when I am out on the ice I want every thing I can get in my favor. I would have to say a camera will never be as big of a tool as a flasher. Also if you plan on doing a lot of moving the camera will just get in the way esspecaily if it is cold out. My opinion is if you have the money and feel you need to own one start with a less expensive modle.

[RogersResort]

The OVS is a very good unit but don't expect too much in the customer service department. My unit has been missing parts for almost a month now and now they tell me I can't have them until they get the cash in their greedy little hands. They should have told me this a month ago when I ordered the parts. Looks like I won't be using mine this winter!

[Capt'nJosh]

I ended up getting the multicolor Aquaview. It worked GREAT on Winni this last weekend during the day. Once dusk hit I switched the lights on and saw... NOTHING! I knew going into it that I wouldn't be able to see as far at night, but this was rediculous, you couldn't see more than 2-3 feet in front of the camera. I took it back to Gander Mountain and had to listen to the store manager tell me that I didn't know how to use a camera and that I wouldn't be happy with anything but the MC2X. Finally after 45 minutes, I was able to talk him into taking it back in trade for the IR model. I figure the $100 difference in the 2 models was better off going twards a GPS unit.

[Guest]

http://www.HotSpotOutdoors.com/forums/boards/viewposts.cfm?Thread_ID=15398
here are some videos from an aqua-vu.

[This message has been edited by icefishmann (edited 01-02-2003).]

[Guest]

I love mine... only for ice-fishing though, I haven't found it useful in the summer... It is a great learning tool that I wouldn't be without.

I have the pepped up aqua view with colored lights, etc.. I'd get the lower cost one with IR, you likely won't use the lights anyway...

I have a vexilar as well and to choose between the two I'd go with the camera as long as you have a sonar of some sort to get quick depth readings... the camera is very useful in finding structure and getting on fish...