These are coming down in price. Saw a B&W at Cabelas bargain barn for $80. Anybody want to share experience they may have with cameras? I know sonar would be more practical, and easier to set up and use. The long cable seems like it would present a tangling issue. Underwater pictures would be cool, though.
Thanks,
Pon
a
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[cool][#0000ff]We have quite a few BFTers in Utah who own and (occasionally) use the cameras...mostly for ice fishing. They will never replace good sonar but there are some things they can do that sonar can't. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]One example is accurate identification of species. How many times have you seen fish on the bottom, with sonar, and been unable to get them to bite...or at least wondered what they were? Sometimes the species prove to be an unwanted species. Other times they turn out to be what you are after but simply in an inactive or neutral mode. But, at least you know.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]One of the big attractions for ice fishing is being able to see how the fish react to the bait or lures you are sending down. Even more revealing is seeing your lure get slurped in and then spit out by a fish without it registering anything on your rod tip. Hit and run without leaving any evidence. Some guys start watching their lures on TV and strike when they see a fish bite rather than waiting for the feel. That can result in a few more fish.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Sadly, the cameras are best in a stable situation, such as ice fishing or from an anchored boat. They are so difficult to properly aim and maintain that if you are moving it becomes impossible to see and understand anything. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Turbidity and light levels are critical too. The cameras work well only in very clear water with good light. Otherwise they do not see far enough into the water to show you much.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]One of the side benefits of the cameras are being able to look for something you have lost over the side of a boat or through the ice. Once located you can use magnets or hooks to try to retrieve it.[/#0000ff]
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This may or may not help, but it's a link to a video shot at one of the lakes I fish. It was not taken on a commercial underwater camera like an AquaVu, but on a "rigged" system made from a security camera.
I learned a lot by watching it, so in my opinion there is definite value in having an underwater camera. Really helped me to put the pieces together regarding whether the fish are there and not biting, or if they're just not there.
There are actually at least two that he posted, but this one is the more "entertaining" of the ones I've seen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v2ll1jtUz0
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awesome video ODB... [
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I should clarify, I didn't shoot this video. It was shot by someone that posts on another forum I frequent, at a lake that I fish regularly.
But yeah, it is awesome! The turtle is classic...
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All I can say is I would try something different unless they target Turtles. Not much action on the lures of choice.
On the DEFIANCE, I see more denial and flat out refusal.
Dang that could be frustrating. I mean it happens to all of us, but watching it really bites.
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sorry for any confusion.. I just thought the video itself.. no matter who did it.. was awesome to watch.. and.. as FG said.. frustrating.. but totally awesome.. loved the turtle and the defiant critter.. LOL.. thanks again for sharing.. made my afternoon for me..
MacFly [
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