Under water camera systems????

[sycamoreredneck]

I am looking to buy an underwater camera system for the ol' tub this year. I was amazed when i seen the Aqua View for the first time. And at over $300.00, I was amazed at the price too. The other day I received my good ol' Harbor Freight catalog. They have a Aqua View knock off for $99.00!!! Its got alot of the same fetures, just not all the bells and whistles that the Aqua View does. My question is do any of you hardcore fisherman own an Aqua View or even better one from Harbor Freight?? How much can you actualy see with them??

[sycamoreredneck]

I take it no one has an Aqua View??

[brian]

My uncle brought his up to erie and left it on the boat for the summer. It was a pretty neat novelty at first but then it was just more trouble than it was worth. For ice fishing (which we never did) I think it would work great. With the water clarity not being all that great in the western basin and wavy conditions it was just not worth the hassle. If the $99 one worked good though, it would be worth it IMO to have even if you used it only a few times a year. We lowered it off the dock a few times and the kids really got a kick out of it

[Hoss5355]

I got an aqua-vu MC-2x this winter, but have yet to use it. We should have some safe ice this weekend to try it out. I know a lot of people that use underwater cameras with pretty good success, others that say that aren't worth the plastic they are made out of.

If you check out the Michigan Sportsman's website, go to the ice fishing forums, and search for harbor freight, you will find a boat load of information. I've saw quite a few posts about people that bought them. I don't ever read them, but I know that they do talk about them. Atlantis is another brand that makes cameras. I had a buddy who had one, but we never got it to work right. I think his was a dud. He took it back and that was the end of his camera days.

I'll let you know how this one works this weekend hopefully...:D

Kevin

[sycamoreredneck]

I think I am gonna hold off till spring to buy that camera that way if its junk I will have time to take it back.

[baitwell]

i just bought an aqua view for ice fishing and tried it several times. i 'll be returning it . its very hard to maintain the position of the camera on your lure, it spins in the water. in cloudy water you can't see anything and clear water the camera at best doubles what you can see with the naked eye. my opinion is keep it stupid simple and forget the camera its a hassel.

[sycamoreredneck]

Thanks BW point well taken

[Buckmaster]

......and keep them out of the swimming pool :)

[Hoss5355]

Baitwell, I'm surprised that you had that kind of results with yours. I have used mine the past two weekends at Mogadore lake, and it has been quite the tool. I have found that the best use of this camera isn't to sit and watch your bait....but to find cover. I have a whole new understanding of that lake. I know where weed lines are, and tree stumps, and brush piles. Between that and the Vex that I bought this year, I have made huge bounds in understanding where these fish are sitting. I can set my shanty up right on top of stumps, or inbetween two stumps if I want to. I can put them on weed beds, or on the edges. I have also used it to identify fish that I have been watching on the vex, so that has been helpful.

I guess to each his own, but I wouldn't sell you mine after I used it...I fell in love with it. The only complaints I have is....1..the cable is a pain sometimes, but until they got a wireless one, this will have to do and 2. using it at night is pretty much worthless. Daytime it works good.

Kevin

[sycamoreredneck]

I think after posting this tread, I have decided to skip the camera purchase this year. I think my money will be better spent on other fishing needs, and stuff for the boat.