Aqua-Vu Micro 5C - Am I doing it wrong???

[FishSmith]

Just picked up an AV Micro 5C. This is my first underwater cam. I love the small size, I have enough other stuff I pull out with me that I didn't want another large and heavy thing to tote along.

I've used it twice now ice fishing and I'm finding it hard to get the camera positioned to show anything really helpful. The camera works fine above water - reasonably clear picture (not HD of course) so I'm pretty sure it is functioning as intended. The picture quality below water is nowhere near as sharp as it is with the camera above water. It also seems like it needs to be really close to see anything, like it is too much of a wide angle view, so if my jig and minnow are more than a couple of feet away it's pretty hard to see. Getting the camera to hold a position (viewing my bait) is challenging too, like it's too small and light so it tends to spin or drift a bit.

Maybe I'm expecting too much, or maybe I just need to play with it more, but right now I'm having a hard time understanding the utility of this camera - especially for $400.

Any suggestions?

[Boar]

I have the a micro second from he top of the line, and dig it, but in stained water there almost useless, any camera, Ive been on leech in very clear water and it works awsome, but red lake is a little tough and LOW is a bust of course it s rootbeer. I also spent some money on a tri pod rotator wich helps positioning,

[DTro]

To be honest, I don't really use it as a fishing aid, instead mostly use it for identifying weeds, rocks, or fish species. I do agree it is a real PITA to keep positioned on your bait. One thing I did that helped quite a bit is hang a 2oz sinker on it.

[tipup]

To be honest, I don't really use it as a fishing aid, instead mostly use it for identifying weeds, rocks, or fish species. I do agree it is a real PITA to keep positioned on your bait. One thing I did that helped quite a bit is hang a 2oz sinker on it.

Same here more for looking around to see what I am dealing with under the water. Works great and does what I want. I got the flasher to see and catch the fish!!! Use it as a tool, and not a do all, and you will learn to love it!!!

[DTro]

You could always try doing something like this too

[Boar]

now thats smart.

[FishSmith]

I love it! That is right up my alley! My wife already thinks I'm some kind of MacGyver, now she'll think I'm either brilliant or gone over the deep edge!

A couple of serious questions though - your vid seems so much clearer than what I'm seeing. I've used mine only at/after dusk - Is it common at night to have the screen full of (I'm assuming) plankton? And, your picture quality is definitely better than what I'm getting. Which model do you have?

[DTro]

Yep, most cameras, (even the most expensive) are almost useless after dark.

I will say though that the infrared light on this micro view will work in even the most darkest water. That doesn't help the plankton though.

This vid was shot after dark in 30 feet of water, you will notice the poor visibility, but still fun to play around with.

[FishSmith]

OK - you got me, I'm hooked! I've got to give that a try. Thanks!

[trapperdirk]

You cheater Dtro .lmao Nah Well done and looks like fun . Two thumbs up .

[Boar]

Holy snikies, thats cool, yup doing that!

[gunner55]

Yeah way I have 1 of the very early AVs & it's much bigger(screen & camera) than your micro.I think the camera alone must weight a pound or two so I'm not sure I could do that with mine.But you got me thinking.....thanks for sharing your "mn rig" DTro

[mr_jman]

I expect we'll be seeing something like this in stores soon enough (for a LOT more money) Very very cool!