Underwater cameras

[upnorthfishin]

I just bought an underwater camera. I'm unfamilar with them and never used one. I have always just relied on my vexilar. I figured it would be fun to monkey around with one of them so I bought it.

Use Red Lake for example since I will be trying it out there first. I know Red isn't that clear. How far from bottom do I need to have the camera off? How far down will these cameras shoot if it is just under ice? Do most of you guys keep the camera down in the water the entire time you are fishing or just once in a while to see what is down their? Do you find that it spooks fish or are they not bothered? I would assume they are not bothered but maybe I'm wrong. Any information would be appreciated thanks.

[JeffB]

You will want to return it after your trip to upper red. But hang in there they can be kind of fun on some other lakes. The fish will have to be real close to see on upper red. Most fish either are not bothered or are curious.

[upnorthfishin]

Well Jonny P mentioned in his report the other day that he used his up their and it worked. Red does clear up quite a bit as the season progresses. I will be going up right after X-mas so we will see what the cards play I guess.

[Quackaddict9]

Quote:

You will want to return it after your trip to upper red.

No you won't, I love mine... I have had it for the last 4 years and it helps me find fish that don't get on the vexilar and see whats down there and its a fun tool. I have used it on URL before and sometimes the water was pretty clear and one time a friend dropped my camera in one of the holes and had 6 or 7 crappies on the camera and quickly dropped our lines and caught all of them real quick, that was fun.

Although other lakes that are clear, they [cameras] work great but URL is not the best place but I'd give it a try, dont hit the bottom or it will get really dirty. I don't use my camera at nights though, the fish dont like the lights on my aqua vu.

Good luck and have fun!

[luckydog25]

I agree with Quack, I have used my aqua vu srt for 3 years on URL. It works great, does it work better on clearer lakes...of course. One thing I have done is used a wire or zip tie and tie the tail of the camera to the wire. You can really see the bottom consistency better. On URL that makes a world of difference. Small differences in bottom help. Rocks...gravel...ect. DO NOT hit the bottom with your camera though you won't be able to see for a while. Also buy the marcum compass for cameras or make something to help you direct it. I love mine...if you use it correctly you will too. Good luck!!

[sparkydm]

You will love it! 2 years ago on URL I watched a nice pike nail my crappie rig! 34" on an ultralight rig-what a blast. Drag doesn't work so good now Enjoy!

[Random guy]

For a good example of what the Marcum 820 can do on Upper Red lake check out the Hunt Fish TV show from Upper Red Lake. Much of the underwater footage was filmed with the 820 camera.

Outdoors with Jonny P/Hunt Fish TV

[upnorthfishin]

That was good stuff. Thank you for sharing. Does your Marcum shoot all the way to the bottom if the Trans. is just below the ice; or do you have to have the camera a foot off bottom or so to get a clear view? Probably a stupid question, but I have never used one. Thanks

[Random guy]

On Red you will need to have the camera just off the bottom to sse the most fish.

[gritsnham]

They can work well at time on URL and if you cant see well then pull it up and use the vex. Well worth bringing along though.

Good LUck

[Big_Cahuna]

I have used the one directional camera and have seen some cool video of fish coming in. Also was able to see the way certain types of fish reacted to different baits, jigging etc. The absolute coolest event happened when I took my old Navy buddy and sons out for his first time on the ice. We caught the usual walleye and a few crappie which everyone enjoyed very much. A huge northern made its way toward the camera. My 8 yeal old likened it to the scene from Independence Day when the clouds are foaming and all of a sudden the ship comes into view. Well this northern was difficult to make out until it kept getting closer. Took his time small fins bringing him in ever closer. Checked out all four presentations and honed in on one all the while we are checking out his every move. It did seem like right before the northern attacked it raised its behind up and then hit the line. This happened quite a few times and really added a lot to the weekend. I did get tired of trying to twist the cameras cable. They sell a tripod deal for 99.00 that will turn the camera with a remote. Not sure if it gets in the way with a fish on. So I bought the 360 view camera and will try it out on URL Jan1-3 in a Washkish Minnow Sleeper. Cant wait.

Big Cahuna

[luckydog25]

I have had northerns hit the actual camera. I guess it looks like a big fish to them. It happened last year 2 times, one time he took down 4 lines with him also. Never did get him up to see how big. Came in so fast on the camera all I saw was silt from the bottom. Fun stuff!! Will be up this coming weekend for 4 days can't wait!!!