Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Underwater cameras

Anyone have experience with underwater cameras such as those offered by Bass Pro like the Aqua-Vu? It would sure be nice to observe the underwater circus in my pond. I'm particularly interested in trying to view some recently stocked SB Hybrids in their quest for survival amongst the LMB. Can these devices actually be used to observe fish as claimed or are they a waste of about $500.

Meadowlark, what is a SB hybrid?

Meadowlark, I have had an Aqua-vu for a few years now. I bought it primarily for ice fishing. I drill a hole a few feet away from the hole I am fishing in and point the camera at my hook. It's really changed the way I fish because you can watch how the incoming fish react to different presentations and baits. There is a whole lot going on down there that you never see. I've seen large Walleye chase off pike and Rainbow trout devouring small perch. I hook a video camera into it and record for watching later. I find the clarity to be excellent even in 30 feet of cloudy water. I have tried it in summer, but find it hard to position with the movement of a boat. You get a little seasick watching the monitor sometimes. Now that I have a pond, I use it to look at bottom structure, check for dead fish, I also like watching the aerator. The newer models have an led display showing water depth and temp on-screen. I've often thought it would be a good tool for pond owners, as I see a lot of people wondering about what species and size classes they have. I posted plans on how to build your own camera awhile back. If you are interested, I can find it for you. Wood

Here it is. Video Camera

Thanks for the response. That sounds better than I expected. I think I'll give it a try.

p.s. I was referring to hybrid stiped bass...SB hybrids

Wood summed it up perfectly. I got my AquaVu this past winter so I've only had it out a few times. I looking forward to logging more hours with it. Sometimes when you have it on the boat, you can't decide whether to fish or spy on 'em.

I rigged my camera with a post type thing so you can hang some bait from a short line in the field of view. I haven't tried it yet so I'm not sure if the design is good.

I think it's a good thing to have.

I bought an aqua vu this past winter and have used it a few times. I don't like trying to twist the cable to turn the cammera. I hang it off the dock when it is time to throw out the fish food. I find that the cats are the most curious about the cammera. They swim right up to the cammera. I can't wait to take it Perch fishing and I'm also hoping to buy the downriger attachment for salmon fishing. I think in the great lakes with clear water it will be worth the money. As far as for the pond I will probably only use it when feeding. Once the pond blooms you can only see as far as you can see looking into the water. Still it is a cool thing to have!!!!

I have a Aqua View UW video and never thought of using it on the pond until reading your post. I just finished building the last of 4 underwater habitats of empty 20 gallon plastic drums bolted together into pyramids, ends cut off and cement in the bottom of the lower course. I attached a stainless cable to one side of the habitat and placed a wire nut about 3 feet from the drums to act as a stop. The other end goes to a stake on the end of the pond and 3 feet above the water level. The cable is tight so the camera can slide down the wire to the stop on a slide I made to hold the camera. By sliding the camera down the cable I can watch the action around the new habitat. To speed up the action a bit, I added a small clamp to add bamboo skewers (the kind you use for bbq'ing shish kebobs) just in view of the camera, then I impale a worm on the bamboo and send it down and watch the fish come in to eat. It's not cable TV but it is pretty cool.

PaPond,

A really cool idea!