Choose One - Vexilar or Aqua-Vu?

[Turk]

I'm in the market for either a Vexilar or an Aqua-Vu. My budget allows for only one. Which one would you choose and why?

[Chuck Pederson MN]

They are two seperate things I have a Vexilar which I would not be without. The Aqua View is a camera which could be handy but not as necessary as the locator. It's like asking yourself what do I need more to catch fish a fishing rod or binoculars. Good luck.

[waterfowler]

Hands down, the vex. It's a must for any ice fisherman. The cameras are nice toys. Not that they won't help you catch fish, but the vex tells you depth, type of bottom and many more things a camer just won't. Buy the vex this year, and the cam next.

[Jig Master]

Vexilar!

[Worm Dunker]

The Aqua-Vu can be a great tool to catching fish through the ice, However, I too would buy the Vexilar first. It is much more versitile. Save your pennys, and get an underwater camera next year next year. I have a Vista Cam, and love it, but wouldn't trade it in for a good flasher!

[Jeff ND]

The Vexilar would be my fisrt pick. Which Vexilar unit are you looking at the FL-8 or FL-18? Both are great units. I would get the FL-18 if it is in your budget. I have used both side by side and you can pick up the bottom fish much earlier with the FL-18. At times we could see the fish on the bottom with the FL-18 and not show anything on the FL-8. When the fish came up to bite we it then would show on the FL-8. Hope this helps.

[risor39]

I was at the same point about a week ago,I picked up a new fl-18.Get the 18 first like wormdunker said then the aqua-vu.The zoom on the vex is awesome,and i hear the bottom lock is also.Can't wait to get it out on the boat.

[suzuki]

Flasher. (vex)

[Fishingdog]

My vote is for the flasher if you don't already have one. I know the LCD is not as good for immediate response but I use my X-85 in the warm fish house and it works great. My cousin just got the aquaview and I was amazed at how neat that thing was. We watched several walleyes turn up their noses at a minnow only to swim over the the jigging swedish pimple and nail it. That was awesome to watch. I have to get myself an AquaView.

[ex lacs]

the vexilar is the tool and the camera is the toy

[Backwater Eddy]

Vexilar hands down.

A all season tool.

><,SUMO,>

Backwater Eddy.....><,,>

[s.f.]

if you have any kind of depthfinder, get the aqua vu. once you locate yourself, you will do better with the aqua vu. even the cheapest depthfinders will shoot through the ice. the 'flashlight' lookin' unit which i think is only 100 bucks works for depth. then it's aqua vu entertainment and education...
#49

[Dan(MI)]

I just got the Aqua-Vu for x mas. It has been more than valuable on Lake ST Clair for perch this past week. Each day I have learned something new and I have no doubt doubled the amount of fish caught because of it. There were times I would have left the spot, but then a school of perch came in. There were times they would take in hole minnow but not even move the bobber, so I set the hook. I learned how they wanted the russian hooks, etc. Thats my success in only one week. You have to ask yourself what are you fishing for and where. Perch are bottom oriented fish. While if fishing for bluegills or crappie, your searching for suspended fish as well then go with the flasher to locate your fish.
Thats my input.
Good Luck
Dan

[WAeyes]

Just my opinion...but I think the underwater camera goes too far when it comes to the "challenge of fishing" when it is used next to your fishing lure. Some things are just more challenging if you don't know everything. Most of the fun of fishing is figuring out for yourself what works and what doesn't and why. Now using the camera as a learning tool when not fishing is a great idea if you have the time and money. Get the Vexilar to use while fishing, it leaves a little bit to the imagination.

[perchjerker]

I knew what the answer would be when I saw the post. 'Ol Vex is one of my best fishin buddies...and doesnt drink all my beer, either!

[Hookmaster]

I would get the Vexilar first. It will still work in dirty water where a camera may not. It is a more versatile tool.

Formerly John in MN

[Jbob]

Go with the Vexilar. The camera is nice but doesn't work on all lakes where the vexilar does. The camera is nice to see how the fish react to your lure presentation. Buy the vexilar this year and the camera next year.

[Mark @ Hawg Heaven]

I am a guide on Little Bay de Noc and would not leave for the ice with out my vexlar. You can watch the whole water column were with the cam you only watch a small column. Vexlar is a great tool a cam is a just a toy. Just did the sport show in Chicago at Arlington Heights and had this same conversation with Dave Genz on this issue he made the same comments.

Mark @ Hawg Heaven http://www.hawgheaven.upmichigan.net

[Mckoz]

This is an easy one - if you are a jig fisherman get the flasher - but if you primarily tip up fish the camera is the way to go.

When we drill holes in spots we have fished for years the camera still helps us get right on top - much better than a gps, drop it in the hole check to make sure its the right place and set it up.

If I am jigging I don't bother with the camera, takes too long, just drill a bunch of holes and keep looking - it is amazing how fast you can locate fish on the bottom and find a presentation that gets them active with the flasher.

Mike