Cameras Afloat

[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]During much of my earlier tubing career I went afloat without a camera...and often regretted it. No on the water shots. Only dead fish pictures after returning to shore.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]When I finally upgraded from film to digital I had even more motivation to have a camera with me out in the tube. Like most anglers, I feared dropping my camera over the side. So I attached it to an elastic cord and hung it around my neck.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I have fished with this camera system for over ten years now. I usually drop the camera down in between outer layers of shirts when not in use, but it is quickly and readily available when a "photo op" presents itself. It remains protected from hot sun or from extreme cold...or rain. And I have never had even any "near misses" at losing it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Until recently, I was using a non-waterproof Olympus 330-D camera. I virtually wore out the opening and closing mechanisms on two different cameras. They still take great pictures but are not reliable for opening and remaining open for a quick shot. I have lost a lot of brief opportunities.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]A while back I bought a little Pentax Optio W-90. It is smaller than my old Olympus and it is waterproof down to 90' deep. It won't float if I drop it in the water but it will not suffer from a shoreline mishap while launching or beaching...or from a heavy downpour without protection.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I carry this compact little gem on a sturdy lanyard and clip. I keep it in a small flexible case for glasses when not in use...to keep the camera and lens as clean as possible. It can get messy when the fishing is good.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The final part of the component puzzle came together when I got a new chest pack. Actually, it is a small fanny pack to which I add a neck strap and use to store miscellaneous goodies on my chest. And it has a couple of round compartments on either side for holding water bottles...or other refreshments. I adapted those loops for carrying my sunglasses on one side and my camera on the other side. See the pics at the bottom.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]So far this has proven to be a great system. My camera is both readily available and protected from the elements. It remains securely inside the little pocket even while I am going through the motions of launching and beaching. But if it did slip out, it would still be attached to my neck with the lanyard.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I am amazed at how many cell phones...and cameras...I find near launch ramps as water levels recede each summer. It would appear that a lot of boaters (and maybe tubers) are either careless with their electronics or deliberately dump them in order to justify getting new ones.[/#0000ff]
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/forum/Float_Tube_Fishing_C66/Float_Tubing_General_F81/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=77119"][#63626b]FANNY PACK.jpg[/#63626b][/url] (560 KB)
[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/forum/Float_Tube_Fishing_C66/Float_Tubing_General_F81/gforum.cgi?do=post_attachment;postatt_id=77120"][#63626b]FANNY PACK 2.jpg[/#63626b][/url] (601 KB)
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[toadly]

Looks to be a efficient way to organize your nick-nacks.
I haven't dropped my phone or camera yet, but Joe (my son inlaw) has. I copied the pictures you posted and emailed them to him. He has lost two phones now to a dunking.[crazy] I have considered using a plastic baggie to protect my phone, I found a phone works just fine in one.
Good idea! TD
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[CoyoteSpinner]

As always helpful tidbits, gadgets and gizmos. I guess a Batman style "utility belt" - would be harder to reach from a tube. So what goes in the middle pocket? Nibbles for fish or fisherman?

So where DO you have your cupholder? I added a couple cupholders to my benches - but they always end up full of changed out lures, spinners when I end up opening something bubbly on board.

I trust you know what they call a fanny pack that's worn on the front side instead of the backside? Though - that's a waist reference. Rhymes with Decker.

There was a question posted about 'what kind of camera to get' - this would marry well with that. Hmmm- me seems to recall it got moved from the reports page. And counting. . . .

[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]I do not take can or bottle beverages on my tube. Instead, I take a metal water "bottle" that lays flat in one of my tube's side pockets. The loops provided on the front pockets of my tube hold either scent bottles or a marker buoy. During cooler months...while wearing waders...I try to limit my liquid intake both before and while on the water. What goes in must come out.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The front/back pack system I got...for only $12.99 at the Army/Navy store close to where I live...has three zippered compartments...front to back. One contains pharmaceuticals...sunscreen, lip balm, headache pills and leg cramp pills. The second and largest holds spools of leader and other frequently used small tackle items. The third is just the right size to hold a smashed sammich.[/#0000ff]
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[retch_sweeney]

I use an Olympus Stylus Tough camera. It's waterproof and shock resistant but doesn't float so I bought a floating lanyard for it. They're cheap, removable and effective.
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[catfish-logic]

Thanks for the reminder TubeDude. I lost my camera at Willard when my stupid kayak tipped(it didn't capsize) and I left the darn thing in my bottom coat pocket. My coat pocket was over the side of the kayak and it got underwater, bummer. Although this was over 4 years ago you reminded me,you got me on a nostalgia trip[:p]

I'd like to think I was being ummmmmmm.......stupid? But I didn't think the kayak was gonna tip that much ugh! [:/]
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[utahgolf]

I lost my camera phone down the ice hole this past season and had my phone get wet in my canoe again this summer! def need somethin like that!
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]I carry my camera the same way for ice fishing. By keeping it on a lanyard down inside my clothing layers the batteries stay warm and it holds up better longer.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The only time I had a problem was when I went through the ice. Not cool...but very cold. Also killed that camera.[/#0000ff]
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[catfish-logic]

[#0000ff]The only time I had a problem was when I went through the ice. [/#0000ff]

Gadzooks! You have fallen through the ice?

Holy unpredictable-life-threatening-downwards-we-go-towards the realm of death Batman!
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You were ok? How deep was the water? You never got water down into your waders and it ..............oh never mind.

Glad your OK[cool]
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[TubeDude]

[cool][#0000ff]Fear not. My life was not in peril. It happened in fairly shallow water around the edges of Pelican Lake. Lots of guys have gone through there either on the way out or the way back in...after a day of warming weakens the ice in the shallows. See the pic below.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]My problem was that I slipped forward as I went through the thin ice and I plopped into the water. I bounced up and out quickly but not fast enough to keep some water from getting into my camera. I suspected I had a problem when I went to take my first picture and water drained out of the camera when the front cover slid back.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The skinnier and lighter guys I was with assured me that the 1.5" of ice would hold me too. They had gone across with no problem. And they thought it was really funny when I didn't make it. I'm glad I had brought a change of clothes and extra boots. Needless to say I picked my own spot to get out on the ice on my second try.[/#0000ff]
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[fish_fear_me2]

Geeez I am doing it backwards. I always send the big guy out on the ice first. If he doesnt fall through I figure my 160 lbs will be ok. It is always an unwanted surprise to break through no matter how shallow.
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