Stoty Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 I'm thinking about getting an underwater camera for the upcoming ice fishing season, and just wanted to know which one you would recommend? Aqua Cam, Aqua-Vu and Fish TV are the ones that I've heard of. Are there any others? What should I be looking for? Any help is much appreciated. *Stoty Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyb Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 I like my Aqua-Vu...but I'm just wondering...do you already have a flasher/sonar device? I only ask because I bought the camera first, and regret it...wish I had've bought the sonar first....it shows you what's going on from top to bottom, not just one limited window of view. Just my $0.02 If you're getting a camera, go Aqua-Vu Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoty Posted November 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 I have a portable sonar unit already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishermccann Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 I have a Aqua-view Quad-360 Four cameras to show all directions. I love it for ice fishing on Simcoe as it has enough lights to see down 70 feet in the dark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uncle Buck Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 I got 1 last year... i got the cabelas one... great deal on the panning camera on the US site... $130 i believe... Would i get one again... NO to much of a hassle, big/heavy need to properly orient it, cable is always in the way... cable/camera shows up on flasher... again, if i had to do it over, i wouldn't buy one... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnnyb Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 There ya go...then you know my answer My A-V has been very reliable...they seem to have the most up-to-date product line, and customer service is excellent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDunn Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 (edited) What Johnny said!!! Customer service is amazing. I shipped my view off for repairs and had it back in under 2 weeks fixed and shipped for free.....If you get a UW cam you cant go wrong with an aqua view. Oh and purchase the tripod....its worth the extra $20.... TDunn Edit: It was my fault the cam broke by the way. I will never take it through rough terrain in a sleigh behind a snowmachine ever again! Buy or find something to use as a case. i use a shimano soft tackle bag I had no use for anymore. Edited November 25, 2009 by TDunn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dara Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 I have seen them usefull for whitefish, but other than that, is a camera really that usefull. I can see the flasher being good, but a camera just doesn't have the range in my point of view. Can anybody educate me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDunn Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 Dara, For our area I find it very useful for mainly whitefish, steelhead and perch. I have used it for other species but not very often. I do bring it when fishing other species to help locate structure tho. What I began doing last year is setting up the cam on my set line outside the shack. With this set up I can constantly watch my set line outside from the inside of the shack while using a flasher inside. It is pretty wild using the cam for whities at the pier, leighs bay or up north for whities/perch/steelhead. TDunn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lpu_ofn Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 This one looks interesting: http://forum.yorkbbs.ca/showtopic-1470765.aspx Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest ThisPlaceSucks Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 i can't help but feel that some fish would speak by lowering a device such as this in the water... here some of us gear down our line diameter because we don't want fish to see them, while others are lowering cameras down? between the visual distraction and scents possibly carried on your unit, i'll take my chances with just the flasher. they are neat though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDunn Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 (edited) I agree I know they do spook fish....sometimes..... But I am also sure the noise of a flasher does too.... It great when the fish dont mind they are on TV tho! TDunn Edit: kinda getting off topic here....Stoty my vote is for a Aqua view...Hope you are happy with whichever you get Edited November 25, 2009 by TDunn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBW Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 I'm thinking about getting an underwater camera for the upcoming ice fishing season, and just wanted to know which one you would recommend? getting the Christmas wish list ready? I've asked for the Fish TV unit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dara Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 Dara, For our area I find it very useful for mainly whitefish, steelhead and perch. I have used it for other species but not very often. I do bring it when fishing other species to help locate structure tho. What I began doing last year is setting up the cam on my set line outside the shack. With this set up I can constantly watch my set line outside from the inside of the shack while using a flasher inside. It is pretty wild using the cam for whities at the pier, leighs bay or up north for whities/perch/steelhead. TDunn I did fish for whitefish with one last year. Made it almost too easy. I guess it could help locate perch as a friend of mine said he found that he was fishing in weeds and had tp move away from them to get fish. For lakers and such I guess not Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tdel Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 Should be lots of Aqua vu camera's still out there but, I believe Nature Vision and Aqua Vu are no more, with the acquisition of Marcum and Nature Vision by Versa Electronics according to this release Sept/09: To our MarCum Technologies and ShowDown Digital Fish Finder partners and friends: Minneapolis, MN – Electronic Technologies, LLC, d/b/a Versa Electronics, a Minnesota limited liability company, is pleased to announce, effective immediately, the acquisition of the assets of MarCum Technologies and ShowDown brands, including inventory, tooling, intellectual property and designs formerly owned by Nature Vision, Inc. In business for over 50 years, Versa Electronics has been involved with MarCum products for the past three years, manufacturing all the MarCum sonar products during that time. Combined with our experience in the manufacture of the MarCum brand, our continuing commitment to quality and delivery makes this a perfect fit. We will bring this commitment and attention to detail to the underwater camera side of the business, as well. In addition, and based on our experience in sonar, we recognize the value of the ShowDown product and are equally committed to continued development and growth of this brand. In order to ensure timely deliveries of products currently under development and maintain the consistent quality that you are accustomed to receiving from the brands, we plan to introduce features both into existing and new products and release those designs and products only after they have been thoroughly tested and are deemed ready for the marketplace. MarCum Underwater Viewing Systems VS380, VS820, and VS825C, the LXi Handheld Sonar, and ShowDown sonar products will ship on schedule. Other MarCum sonar products, including the VX-1P, LX-3tc, and LX-5, will continue to be manufactured here in the U.S. at Versa Electronics to ensure continuing quality and performance of the brand. These MarCum sonar products will deliver on or before November 13, 2009. We anticipate a seamless transition from Nature Vision, Inc. to Versa Electronics. All pricing, UPC numbers, product descriptions, programs, terms, etc. will be assumed and honored by Versa Electronics. In addition, all consumer warranty claims and repairs, returns, credit requests, and all other functions for servicing both the consumer and our trade partners become functions of Versa Electronics, effective immediately. For any customer service related issues, we invite you to contact us at 888-778-1208 or email us at [email protected]. All of us here at Versa value your business and understand the urgency and importance of ensuring that you receive on-time delivery of the products reflected on your existing open purchase orders. In our efforts to satisfy your requirements and exceed your expectations, we will work to meet deadlines and deliver the high quality products you have come to know and expect of the brands. We very much look forward to supporting you and working together to grow the MarCum and ShowDown product families. Regards, Kevin Johnsrud CEO 3943 Quebec Ave. N Minneapolis, MN 55427 763-512-3988 Steve Hanson Sales Manager Mark Slater Slater Sales Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perchslayer666 Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 I have had an Aqua View Scout SRT going onto it's 4 season (after one replacement thanks to Bass Pro - The ON/OFF button got stuck...) And let me tell you, it is AWESOME!!! It's great for fishing in shallower water bodies (unless the water is very clear ie. Simco) to see what is going on underneath the ice, and ultimately watching fish behavior. I have never noticed the cord drawing attention, as i would see schools of fish swim around the camera with out being spooked. For deeper water where the visibility isn't so good, i'll use my Lowrance Ice Machine The Aqua View is a great investment, you'll have a ton of fun with it and you'll be amazed seeing fish coming out of no where to smack your lure. Make sure you by the tripod! Oh, yea if I have the cash I would pick up the Color Marcum camera….check that one out too! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greencoachdog Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 Underwater cameras are great for ice fishing because the water clears due to no wind or rain mudding up the water after the ice forms, they also very good in very clear lakes... but!... for lakes that don't freeze over and aren't clear they're of little use. I bought one and have only used it a couple of times because the visibility on the lake I fish is never more than a foot or so and I can't see diddly! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoty Posted November 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 Thanks for the replies so far! The cameras themselves are shaped like fish, not sure if those of you who said it might spook them knew that or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishermccann Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 They do not spook fish. We have had many Whitefish ,Lakers, Perch come right up to the camera with the lights on and nibble on the camera. It is a good joke among us when someone gets the " fin ' , a fish comes up to the camera and puts its fin on the lens. I have a Quad360 so all four guys in the fish-hut get their own lens and get to watch their own spreader. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paully Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 Underwater cameras are great for ice fishing because the water clears due to no wind or rain mudding up the water after the ice forms, they also very good in very clear lakes... but!... for lakes that don't freeze over and aren't clear they're of little use. I bought one and have only used it a couple of times because the visibility on the lake I fish is never more than a foot or so and I can't see diddly! There's not much to see Glen.... Im sure dams look simular below water as above Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stoty Posted November 25, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 HAHAHA, nice one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave524 Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 Is it not illegal to use an artificial light to attract fish? The cameras with lights could be seen as attracting fish if you have a baited line down as well. Maybe something for those with these units to research. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Posted November 25, 2009 Report Share Posted November 25, 2009 they have minimum light....they are not illegal if you put more lights on the camera, then maybe a problem Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GBW Posted December 30, 2009 Report Share Posted December 30, 2009 So Stoty, ya get one? I got the Fish TV unit this year. for those looking to get a battery to power the unit rather then 10 "C" batteries I found a place called Sayal Electronics. You can get a 12V 7AMP for $25. there rather then $40+ at CTC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LucG Posted December 30, 2009 Report Share Posted December 30, 2009 Which models/brand have the capability to record your image? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now