Underwater Camera Help

My brothers and sisters are looking at purchasing an underwater camera
for Dad for Christmas. He does a lot of ice fishing in the winter and
goes to isle royale about 3 times each summer. I am wondering what
would be the best one to get him. Any ideas? I looked at the aqua-vu
explorer and breifly reviewed the fish yv stuff. I have not been able
to find a lot of reviews on these. Any help would be appreciated.

I am considering getting one, too. Anybody got first hand experience
with them?


http://fishing.about.com

"Ronnie" wrote in message
...
I am considering getting one, too. Anybody got first hand experience
with them?

I've got an Aqua-View and it works well in clear to lightly stained water.
I've used it as deep as 50 feet in Lake Michigan's Green Bay and been able
to see about 8 - 10 feet in distance.

I think they're great for ice-fishing, to look over structure or to verify
fish species holding tight, but it'll never replace my locator.
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service
http://www.herefishyfishy.com

wrote in message
...
My brothers and sisters are looking at purchasing an underwater cam. Any
help would be appreciated..snipped

For the past year or so I have had access to an Aqua-Vue Gamma DT. This
model shows the depth on the screen as well as the temp at the depth at
which the camera is located. I have used it on Center Hill and Dale Hollow
as well as Percy Priest. It works better in the clear water of CH and DH. In
the summer Priest is cloudy and one attempt on Ky. Lake was relatively
useless. The biggest gain I have found in using this piece of equipment is
that I have learned about water temps at various depths at different times
of the year. In addition I have become much more proficient in interpreting
what I am seeing on a depth finder by actually getting a picture of what is
there.

I have caught some fish that I have spotted but as far as I can remember
those fish were holding on structure at about 25 feet. I generally fish deep
structure with a drop shot rig. I think using the camera in shallow water
has a tendency to scare the fish as the fish shaped camera is somewhat bulky
and does create some turbulence as it moves through the water column.

My grandchildren were here in the early spring and we had a ball dropping
the camera off a marina dock and then after a bit, dropping a cricket down
very close to the camera in order to watch the bluegill hit it. They had a
ball.

The biggest draw back to the unit is that a lot of times I end using the
camera rather than fishing. All in all it has made me a better fisherman, I
think. I would have taken it with me to Canada last spring but airline rules
are getting to strict for an old guy like me.

I hope this rambling info helps a bit.

Jack in Brentwood, TN.