Underwater Video Camera's & Crappie Fishin

I have been looking at various underwater video cameras because on most of my Crappie video collection, the producers utilize underwater cameras to demonstrate various behavorial aspects of the fish and other fish. On one of the videos, a older man and his adult son used their sonar to locate fish and once located, dropped their camera into the water to "verify" the species.

A couple of questions...
Has anyone else utilized one of these devices?
What success have you had with these?
How deep can you "see" with one of these?
Is it difficult to point/aim and determine the direction?
What brands seem to work better than the others?

I've researched various models ranging from $100.00 to $2000.00 in price. I don't know what type these video producers are utilizing but they seem to get good quality but it's hard to determine depth & visibility range.

Looking forward to any info / discussion.

I had a good one, aqua view water clarity determines the quality of the picture. I watched walley at 40ft. on stockton lake, good clear sunny day. I droped it and broke it and dont think I will get another one, pretty expensive to just play with. I really liked it arround boat docks, If you fish dingy water or worse save your money. as far as pointing it no problem

I have a Aqua Vu and if the water isn't gin clear your not going to see far. I can't say knowing what I know now I would ever buy another one. Our water in the Tennessee lakes I fish just don't get that clear. Also if you turn on the led lights on the front of the camera it scares the fish before you see what they are.
LOL

I use the Aqua-VU scout. The water must be clear. Here is a video on Bay Springs Lake in Mississippi. Man look at the Crappie.

YouTube - Crappie Fishing - Using the Aqua-Vu

Yeah, I've seen that one. Very good vid. I've scoured the net for videos and found quite a few but on none of them can I find where the information posted helps potential buyers, ie., water clarity, location?, depth, etc. I like seeing the vids but would like to know the conditions they were taken in.

I've yet to find anywhere where there's a comparison of what's available. All the sites I've located are obvious attempts to promote one product or another.

It seems this technology has come a very long way and gotten itself into the affordable range with many offerings available, but there's still not allot of info out there for the consumer beyond discussing it with his/her fellow consumers. In cases like that you typically end up learning with your wallet instead of making informed purchases.

I've decided to get one but will not make a purchase until I've determined which device is superior. I have noticed that the lighted models, which some people indicated would spook fish during the daytime, might be handy doing some night fishing as there would already be lights anyway.

I have had a camera for 2 years and it works ok.I forget who makes it but it works good even in stained water.On my cable I took different colored electrical tape and marked every foot.From 1 to 10 feet is white,from 11 to 20 is red and 21 to 30 is yellow and doing that helps to figure out how deep your camera is.If I had the money I would go with the aqua vu 4x4 that shows 4 sides.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by CRAPPIEHUNTER68

I use the Aqua-VU scout. The water must be clear. Here is a video on Bay Springs Lake in Mississippi. Man look at the Crappie.

YouTube - Crappie Fishing - Using the Aqua-Vu

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After watching the you tube video I'm itching to go fishing. I never got more than a fish or two in sight of my camera. Maybe the fish in my area are camera shy.;)

I got the Aqua View for Xmas. Pretty nice rig depending on water clarity. Couldn't see very much in stained water. Was surprised at how well it picked up the bottom. Most all I saw was stumps, trash,& beer bottles. I'm hoping when the water clears I'll be age to see more. Still not a replacement for fishfinder.

I have the Aqua View & as a novelty item it's fun , but for locating fish, your money would be better spent on a fishfinder. You have no control over camera aim, cord & camera are cumbersome. Fun to play with but not a fish locator.

No its not a great fishfinder but it can be used as a training aide for learning whats under you compared to what is actually on you sonar screen.I used one to learn how to tell a stump from a rock or brush as it appeared on my fish finder.:D

I have an Aqua Vu and a Marcum. I can see about the same distance with both units. However, in my opinion, there is no comparison between the two units for a couple reasons. The Marcum displays depth, temperature, battery strength and most importantly, direction. My Marcum is the VS 560, so it is still B/W, but the 825C (color) is absoulutely incredible. The other thing my Marcum has is a remote control. That is very handy as well.

I have found that if I want to fish, I need to leave the camera at home. If I have the came along, I inevitably play with it more than I fish.