Underwater cameras

[MrBigStuff]

Looking for anyone that has some experience to share. I'm interested in an underwater camera for fishing. Actually, mainly to view structure, fish and general entertainment. Looks like AquaVu has most of the offerings and I'm leaning toward the SP-80 but the 4" screen is concerning. The other unit is the Scout SRT since it has a 7" screen but requires a sun shield. Own one? Used one? Any advice to share? Thanks!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Underwater cameras

A few topics on the subject:<br /><br /> web page <br /><br /> web page <br /><br /> web page <br /><br /> web page

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Underwater cameras

Thanks Rick!<br />I did search this forum on the subject prior to posting but didn't see anything in particular about the SP model. I wish more people in those postings had stated which model they had. AquaVu seems to have too many models without a clearly defined migration path. The features and capabilities are all over the map. Their naming convention appears to have changed often too, adding to the confusion.

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Underwater cameras

I have the aqua view scout and take it with me when I fish. It is best for Ice fishing. Read this THREAD I posted a link there showing actual footage for the aquaview. Mine has the sunfish camera which does not spook fish. I have actually had Northern Pike attack it before and it was a good thing that I was fishing out of a 6 inch hole or I would have lost the whole system I use a stinger hook now on the camera

 

[Packers4ever]

Re: Underwater cameras

Mr. Big.<br /><br />I own the Srt Scout with the 7 inch screen I got it about 3 months ago from Bass pro shops in Toronto and I love it battery lasts for at least 8 hrs of straight use it comes with a zip up sun shield I would definetly not recomend the 4' screen 7 is small enough.<br /><br />If I had to do it again I would get a colour screen it doesn't seem important but sometimes with the black and white its hard to see the contrast.<br /><br />Hope that helps<br /><br />Skipper

 

[Packers4ever]

Re: Underwater cameras

I Mailed mine back and they mailed me the 100 foot cable which we need for fishing on Lake Simcoe up they were very helpful.<br /><br />Skipper

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Underwater cameras

Thanks for the info!<br /><br />I ordered the Scout SRT shortly after posting this, should be here any day now.<br /><br />The color screen option worried me because it appears to have less contrast under normal conditions. That, and it was a 4" screen.<br /><br />I got a good chuckle out of the stinger hook comment! The downside of not spooking them, they try and eat it!<br /><br />I can't wait to get it. It's actually a gift for my fiancee but I suspect I'll be hogging it at first

 

[MajBach]

Re: Underwater cameras

I recently purchased an Aqua-Vu with a 5" screen and it's a fun litle toy. However, I wanted a camera system from Atlantis. A friend of mine has one and I found it to be superior in design and ruggedness - slightly cheaper too. Unfortunately, Bass Pro doesn't sell/ship it to Canada - something to do with hazardous material they told me. Go figure. Personally, for the money involved, I find these 'systems' to be poorly built and designed, particularly the Aqua-Vu. What a pain having to respool the cord. The electronic connections leaves something to be desired too.<br /><br />I have to comment on the post regarding the camera design that mimics a fish so that it won't spook real fish. Simply laughable that the mfg's use this as a selling point!!! If a fish's eyesight is acute enough that it can detect the sublties of the colour and shape of a camera that mimics a real fish, it likely also notices the 10 gauge wire, the huge third 'eye' in the centre and a big tumor of lead attached to it. On the other hand, if a fish's eyesight is so poor as to not make out these details, it probably doesn't matter what the camera looks like. I don't find the fish are spooked regardless of the camera profile - since I have used two. Besides, you don't it looking like a fish else you run the risk of it getting eaten!

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Underwater cameras

>Personally, for the money involved, I find these 'systems' to be poorly built and designed, particularly the Aqua-Vu.<br /><br />As you can see by the number of responses, and by the number of manufacturers, these products are in their infancy and have a small following. As with any product, they tend to start out kind of rough and get refined as the usage base grows and they have some time in the field.<br /><br />>What a pain having to respool the cord<br />This is a prime example of product evolution. If you recently bought, perhaps you should have bought the SP series which has an integrated spooling method. I considered that option but wanted the larger screen which isn't offered on the SP models (yet).<br /><br />>Simply laughable that the mfg's use this as a selling point!!!<br />Interestingly enough, I have at least three different reports of this behaviour with these fish-like cameras. I haven't heard one person say they had a strike on their Atlantis head. Have you?

 

[MajBach]

Re: Underwater cameras

MrBig: My point exactly. If it is a clever enough disguise that it invokes a strike....well, where I use my camera, the muskies can reach 60 lbs!<br />Have any of them stated that their camera spooks the fish?

 

[Packers4ever]

Re: Underwater cameras

Where abouts in Ontario are you from MajBach?

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Underwater cameras

When I fish in the winter under the ice I pan the camera around and it sure looks like the sunfish (bluegills) hang out with the camera. It almost looks like they are schooling with it. I have read in fishing minnesota that people believe that the camera actually spook walleye which I believe because they tend to spook easy. I have had visibility issues with the screen during full sun. I have a place under the steering wheel that shields it pretty good so it is still workable. I have not had a problem with the spooling of the cable. To me it is no big deal and only takes a few minutes. The scout is only 200 however there are cameras over 700 dollars if you want to pay for the bells and whistles. Me I just wanted to see structure and fish. I have chased too many bullheads looking for Walleye. At least this way I can confirm what my depth finder is telling me and what the species is or isnt

 

[MajBach]

Re: Underwater cameras

I live in Lindsay. I typically boat in G. Bay. (Moon River basin). Sorry, nothing you didn't already know.