Underwater Camera

I’d like to go pick up a camera today. I’d like to hook it to the TV. I suppose it’s as much for entertainment as a aid to catch fish.

For you guy’s that have them does it increase your catch rate?
These are the two I’m looking at.
Thoughts?

I have 2 of the older models from Acuvue and Marcum…look like tiny tube TVs. I don’t use them much anymore, but I hold on to them for my boys that aren’t quite fishing age yet. It will keep them entertained, make it more fun, etc. They are bulky though and unless you are hunkered down, probably wouldn’t recommend hole hoping with that variety.

I can’t see what 2 you are looking at, but if they are small and easily portable, they can definitely help. I’ve heard mixed reviews that the long cord can scare the walleyes away, but I caught plenty of eyes with mine down. Can’t be any different than hitting them with a sonar from a boat or flasher. They can definitely help to find that spot on the spot, edge of weeds, the one large boulder, etc. I mainly used mine perch fishing…you could selectively harvest so to speak. Keep it away from the dinks, drop it back down for the larger ones.

Things to remember with a camera, it has to be pretty clear water to see any distance. Mille Lacs, Winnie they can be a great help. Really stained water like Red you might only see a few feet. They come with lights for use at night, but I’ve never seen that work at all.

Good luck.

I have a marcum with the single composite video (yellow) plug. It works ok with a TV, but is pretty grainy.

It is a huge plus for the entertainment factor, especially with kids or non-fisherpeople. On the flip side it is discouraging if you are not mobile and you can see there are absolutely no fish.

Thanks guys!
This was double posted and I couldn’t get the pics to load.

These are the ones I’m thinking.

Marcum vs485c. $380
Vexilar fish scout 800IR. $350

Alex Fox gave good info. I still have one of the original Aqua-Vue cameras, and yes…it’s like a little B&W TV with a glass screen.

Always did and still does work great but is now stored away as a novelty since I’ve upgraded to the color Marcum 485c, yes…the same one you’re considering. Works great, I enjoy it although I’m content with the built in screen. I’ve not bothered to hook up to a TV.

Alex is correct in that it’s much better in clear water and the lights do little at night.

I will add that they can greatly increase your catch rate. Not as much for walleye as they tend to just move in and thump your bait.

Panfish though, definitely. Once you’re on them they tend to be schooled in the area. As finicky as they can be, they can just nose your bait. On a flasher you see the fish is there, but not if the baits in the fishes mouth.

Watching on camera you can see them nibble, even seeing them get ahold of the waxworm but not the hook. Watch patiently until you see them suck it all in their mouth.

With the camera, there’s far fewer swings and misses and much higher hookups. It’s fun to watch.

Thanks for the info guys! I got a pm from a member and bought his. It’s the Vex fish scout.
Now I just need to buy 18″ of ice!

Again, thank you!

I’ve got a Marcum VS625SD that I will am selling for $350 if you’re interested? It’s the bigger and better unit, with camera directional arrow, temperature and depth on the screen if you want it. I also have a Marcum VS825C that I would consider selling for $350, older battery though. Both work excellent. I’ve also got a wired panner for $15. I could meet somewhere in Woodbury this weekend.

I don’t know about not working at night. This, now old video was shot at night in the Mississippi River. Mostly near or in the scour hole of Pool 4. Even in the day it’s dark down there.

At about :36 the camera is dropped from the water line into the darkness and the lights were turned on. It’s clear that a person can see as far as the lights shine.

I do agree that cameras seem to spook >walleyes<. You’ll see them but I’ve only seen one bite on camera. I guess others might have better luck with this then I did.

Some of the video is a little “jumpy” as I was drifting down stream with the current since I didn’t have the boat operator manning the controls.

Very cool Brian!

Brian, I remember a few years ago when you posted this video. Outstanding, some great footage.

My trials with the camera lights after dark have been mostly on Mille Lacs. Despite the clear water, after dark there’s thousands, millions, billions of small water bugs.

You don’t really notice them during daylight, but after dark when you turn on the camera light, they all reflect back. Picture your headlights on during heavy snowfall.

All you can really see is the screen filled entirely with all kinds of illuminated specks.

BTW, I didn’t know playing the banjo was one of your many talents.