Underwater (fishing) cameras?

[PAkev]

When the underwater (fishing) cameras were first introduced to the recreational fishing marketplace, I thought these were absurd. However, I recognize the presence of these in more fishing catalogs I receive and also have seen a demonstration at a sportsman show a few months ago. Impressive technology but what is actually compelling folks to buy them? I have no immediate intentions of owning one but am curious to understand their practicality compared to the intrinsic gratification of locating and catching fish based upon experience and other external factors. I am trying to keep an open mind about it because I am sure similar sentiments were shared when sonar became an affordable alternative to many recreational fishermen and now it is commonplace on any boat. <br /><br /><><<br />Kevin

 

[JJ57103]

Re: Underwater (fishing) cameras?

Ah yes - probably "cheating" - but theoretically, a depth locator that marks fish could be considered cheating, and we all have those. My cam is cumbersome to use, and like the depth locator, just because you can see fish, you still have to make them BITE. I like the camera because it's neat to watch the fish in their environment. It does help for seeing structure and such. I use mine alot more ice fishing than open water fishing. I've seen alot of trophy fish that swim right past my bait without ever giving it a second glance. The purchase of the cam should be for what you'll SEE, not for any real added success in livewell results - That's my theory anyhow.

 

[lakeman1999]

Re: Underwater (fishing) cameras?

I would love to have one for three reasons, 1) to study fish, and see how they react to my bait, such as in the previous post. 2) just for curiosity to study the under water world. 3) to possibly treasure hunt, and see what I could possibly find, as lost items (OB motors, etc.) Buuuttt!!! I would have to have a windfall, of some kind to justify to myself the spending of funds for such a purpose, that may not be too satisfactory in performance for these purposes.

 

[Capn Mike]

Re: Underwater (fishing) cameras?

Buddy of mine has one, and we've strung it out behind his boat while in a salmon hog line. Can't say it's helped our catch rate any better; visibility is always a factor in the Columbia River. For example, this time of year, it's amazing how much vegetable matter is floating at all depths. <br />Our most illuminating discovery has been the way colors appear on lures. Even though water visibility may be the same, cloudy skies, bright days, various times of day, depth of the lure: all make a huge difference in how a lure color looks....to us. And then we have to wonder if fish see colors the same way humans do. In any case, it's still necessary to place the lure in the right place, in front of the right fish.<br />I may have to spend many more years researching!

 

[eurolarva]

Re: Underwater (fishing) cameras?

One advantage to the camera is when you have spotted fish on your depth finder the camera will tell you if you are on walleye or you are just tracking a school of carp. The disadvantage is that I would think the the camera would spook the fish.

 

[Bco128]

Re: Underwater (fishing) cameras?

i do not currently own one.but have been thinking of buying.my main purpose would be to get a better idea of the structure the fish are holding to as well as what the bottom consists of such as sand or fine gravel and such.knowing these things may not help me in the short run but in finding patterns that we cannot see with a depth finder may be a very valuable asset in all types of fishing.are you certain that is a stump 15ft below the surface or is it an old fence post?of course seeing fish in their natural habitat will be very interesting also seing fish of a size i do not normally catch.but ill be flat honest.i think if properly used it may very well increase your succes rate in all types of fishing. by knowing how those deep running crank baits really run at what depth?i believe you may also recieve more enjoyment in the sport by better understanding the fish and their environment as well as how they act within it.we cannot see these things from the surface nor can we see them very well with a depth finder.and the fishing shows only show closeups not often do you see the surroundings that the fish are in.i think that they are very justified for use by the public.as in hunting the subject of our interest is becoming smarter all the time so i will take any advantage i can find.so long as it is legal.the rest is an ethical decision wich must be made by each angler or water sportsman (sportswoman) by what they believe to be fair chase.as they said above you must still use a good bit of knowledge and skill to be succesful.im just looking for more knowledge to inhance those skills.