Underwater Systems versus Fishfinders

[BassProAddict]

Is this a one system against the other or do most of you have both?

I'm thinking of getting one of those fancy underwater cameras but does that take the fun out of fishing or does it actuall increase the fun?

Any recommends for a budget conscious basser?

[Mid-Lake Rock]

Two points. One, they work very well to distinguish between mud/rock/sand in the summer months and can help greatly. Sonar can find these changes, but the camera confirms what you see on the sonar. Two, they are awsome in the winter. We usually drill a hole away from the shack and set a camera down to view the bait. It is fun watching fish look at the bait then hit. I depend much more on sonar during the open water season, but it comes down to personal preference. Everyone has their own opinion.

[BassProAddict]

What would be a nice affordable underwater camera brand for non-ice usage? Say regular summer lakes and ponds that get grassy and murky.

[Sandmannd]

Harbor Freight has one for around $100 that's decent. Can't hook a DVR up to it, but you can see just fine.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Basspro- I have both.. if I were to only choose 1.. it would be a depth finder. It just tells you more information faster. However, your not going to pry my Aqua-vu out of my hands. For me, it increases the fun... and frustration some days. To know they are there and not be able to get them to bite is frustrating.

keep in mind. having an underwater camera is like scuba diving without all the breathing stuff. If you have murky water, your only going to see as far as if you stuck your head under water. These things are not majic, just make it easier to get deeper without holding your breath and getting all wet.

[BassProAddict]

For all of you who have the underwater cameras, how far between fish (especially big ones) sightings are there typically in the summer? What I mean to say is that do you see fish in the summer every few minutes or so?

[Deitz Dittrich]

BPA- Well, thats really going to depend on the lake you are on, and most of all.. How good a spot you are on.. If you just drop the camera down in the middle of nowhere, I doubt you will see any big fish... but I have dropped mine down and seen 10 hogs all at once. When I am searching out new areas.. I may go hours before I see a bigger fish, or if conditions are tough and they are holled up in the weeds, you may not see a big fish..

[BassProAddict]

If I was willing to spend no more than $200 on an underwater system that I can mount or use on any boat, which would be the best in terms of reliability, clarity and over all best function?