Underwater camera's for prefishing?

[thordog]

Do you use underwater camera's to scout a lake during pre fishing for a tournament? What camera do you use? What features do you like? dislike? What key things do you try to learn with them?

[walleyefs]

I use a Outdoor Viewing System, OVS, camera for prefishing. The 400 series works great for me. The main thing I use it for is seeing the bottom structure and maybe a look at some of the bait fish present. If I mark some fish and can't get them to go, I may try and sneak a look at them to make sure they are walleyes. I've marked some big fish on my locator in the past only to find out they were catfish.A camera is a great tool.

[stevefellegy]

Open water use of the camera is strickly limited to "looking/learning" and not fishing, in most situations. I have used the Aqua View for five years during pre-fishing for the answers already given. Being able to identify "non biters" can settle the nerves for sure. It's very hard to maneuver the camera and hold a fishing rod/control boat, however. The Aqua View holds up well under all the conditions I have put it through while pre-fishing in all sorts of weather.

[Lund AnglerMJ]

A simple question,are you alowed to use a camera during a tourney?Thank's in advance Steve.

[stevefellegy]

I don't recall being told "NO". But I haven't reviewed RCL/PWT rules this year, 2002. You always should ask "rules" questions directly to the director since rumors or inaccurate info can cost many $$$$

[reddog]

Steve, Do you have additional weight on the camera to cover more ground? Mine is pretty heavy, but there is no way that I can idle around with the motor in gear and keep the camera down.

[stevefellegy]

I put two 6oz. bell sinkers along with the keel type weight that comes with the camera and then, with the fin attached, can go about two miles per hour and keep it down pretty good. But I rarely do this until I see something "interesting" on my graph. Too much distraction with the camera.