Cameras

[fishndad]

Hi All......I was considering getting a camera this fall for ice fishing & would like to use it next summer also. I'm sure some of you have had the opprotunity to compare the toprated cameras & I'm interested in knowing what options are important, (depth, temp, motorized cable, lights, etc.). Also, how fast can you travel & still see anything?? For instance, a slow troll?? I know water clarity will make a difference, but how about night fishing, right after sunset for example. I would like to stay around $500 if possible. It seems like everything I read is a sales pitch, & I'm just interested in what you guys have experienced. I don't want to wish I never got one, or that I would have chosen something else. I realize that some of you will suggest a flasher & I have already have the FL18. This is just something to add to my gear. Are OVS & Aquavu the two major choices?? If so, which do you feel is better?? Thanks to all........Mike

[Backwater Eddy]

From experience I would recommend the Aqua-Vu SV-Series. You get a very user friendly package that will serve you well in open water and under the ice. The compass and temp features serve you well all season long.

The SV incorporates the most handy feature I have found on a underwater camera system, a compass. You see the direction and bearing displayed at the top of the screen. In the Relative mode, an arrow moves around the screen to show the camera's direction relative to the monitor. The ability to orient yourself and track fish on structure is key to consistently finding fish.

Watching fish is only half the fun, you learn so much about structure with the Aqua-Vu. I often forget to fish, it's that fun. :D

Aqua-Vu has many new handy gizmo's out this year that make viewing much more productive, like the Mo-Pod. A remote operated system for manipulating the camera, very handy.

Aqua-Vu also have a new VMM image capture system that will be available in January. The VMM module plugs into an Aqua-Vu unit and enables the user to capture pictures that can be replayed on the Aqua-Vu monitor or on a home TV/VCR. Simply press the "store" button on the VMM to capture the desired image. That gizmo's looks pretty dang interesting too Eh.

I do recommend having a back-up battery pack for longer trips. Underwater Camera systems tend to use them up when you view for long periods in the cold. It pays to have an extra on hand, just in case. They are so much fun to use that it is easy to watch them for 10 hours in a ice hut.

Ed "Backwater Eddy" Carlson

><,sUMo,>

[Bob Jensen]

Cameras can be fun. It is really interesting to see what the bottom of the lake looks like and how fish react to baits, etc. However, it can be a distraction from your fishing. I still like to watch the flasher instead of the camera while fishing. But, the camera definitely adds to your knowledge of how baits and fish react. The camera can be mesmerizing.

In demonstrations, I have seen features from Aqua-Vu, OVS, and Atlantis that are appealing. Aqua-Vu is the pioneer in this area as far as I can tell.

Please let us know which camera you decide on and why, and then let us know how you like it.

If Backwater Eddy is a camera fan, then I like them too.

And I didn't let those frogs go.

Best Fishes,