underwater viewing cameras

[zen leecher aka Bill W]

Anyone here use the cameras to check out structure and/or look for fish? What's your thoughts on them? I would imagine it's not all that easy to move a fake fish (camera) close to fish without spooking them.

How far out do the cameras look in PNW waters?

[YellowBear]

Good morning Bill,
I use mine quite a bit.
Its great for finding structure and fish. Some days the fish just don't care if its there or not and other days they will spook pretty easy. I have had fish swim right up to the darn thing. As for how far you can see with them it all depends on clarity. The only time that I can't see anything with it is when the lake is turning over. I have used it through the ice and as long as the snow is not so deep that light can't get through your okay.
They are a great tool if you fish a lot.

[zen leecher aka Bill W]

which of the models do you prefer? I see there's a few different Aqua-vu ones. Does camera direction and water temp help any? I'm assuming one shows depth also.

[YellowBear]

I find the temp useful as its good a tool for locating the thermocline.
As for a directional feature, as long as you are moving you know which way you are looking.
If you anchor up, it dosen't matter.
I have one of the older Aqua-views and it has been well worth having.

[Mike Carey]

just curious, what's the energy consumption on your video?

[YellowBear]

Hi Mike,
I charge the Batt 4 or 5 times a year. The only time that I ran out of power was a winter trip and I had not charged it. It was one of those freezing rain days and the ice covered everything, lol.
The Batts run around $20.00 and I have only had to replace mine one time in 5 years.

[zen leecher aka Bill W]

Thanks for the info Yellowbear. Cabelas has two models in their bargain cave and I ordered one. Hopefully I will find someone to run the boat while I look at the bottom.

My wife's about all done with her traveling project (ends in June) so I may start getting over to your side of the state again.

[gpc]

Yellowbear, do you remeber how much you paid for yours?

[zen leecher aka Bill W]

Cabela's current sale prices are 279 and 299.

[YellowBear]

Good morning Bill,
Now that the holidays are over I will be getting back to fishing.
If you head over this way give me a shout.
Be careful with that new toy they are addictive, LOL.

gpc,
I am not sure what my camera cost as it was a gift from Santa but I believe it was around $400.00 they have come down since then.

[zen leecher aka Bill W]

I figure if it's as interesting as the Fishing Buddy side viewer I got a number of years ago the first use will be bad. I had the side viewer on the boat and was screwing it all around looking for fish. I hit a couple of stumps before my buddy took over running the boat. I would probably be just as bad using a camera.

I'll let you know when I'll be over. My wife's project should end in June. It's been about 2 years of no eastern WA fishing vacations for me because of scheduling problems (her work).

Cabela's regular prices are in line with what your previous present cost. They are closing some models out and that's why they are cheaper. If anyone is interested they are in the "Bargain Cave" portion of the website.