Ontario Perch Fishing

Ontario Fish Species

Bay Of Quinte 

Total Snowshoes

Getting the Most From An Underwater Camera on Ice
By Tim Allard

Once a fringe gadget, today underwater cameras are mainstream, “must have” items for serious ice anglers. Units range from $200 for a base model to $900 for a unit featuring flat screen, colour/black and white display, superior optics, temperature probe, among other things. Here’s how to maximize returns on this investment and ice more fish using these effective electronics.

Curiosity Rewarded
A camera is a useful tool to learn about the aquatic environment and understand why certain areas are better than others at holding fish. Weed type, contours, bottom composition, edges, forage, and structure are just a few habitat factors a camera reveals. If the unit has a temperature probe take note, as slightly warmer water stacks up fish in winter.

Also watch and learn fish behaviour. As an example, the slow pectoral fin reverse from a bluegill means it’s loosing interest and is the sign to adjust tactics before it retreats. A camera also shows how different moves alter a lure’s action, helping improve various presentations.

A Refined Scouting Tool
When covering ground and drilling holes, a portable sonar is the best exploration tool to gather depth and other essential data; however, when a good looking area is found, dunking the camera reveals a true picture and displays things a sonar can’t, such as weed type and health.
A good approach when hole hopping is to strip out enough cord based on depth and then lock the cord in the keeper so more doesn’t unravel. Cradle the camera in your arm while holding the cord. Use your other hand to lower the camera down the hole and adjust its position. I write “F”, “W” “R” and “D” in the snow with an arrow to record the location of fish, weeds, rocks and drop offs.

Rob Jackson of www.rjnbirdeesoutdooradventures.ca is a big fan
of using a Vexilar camera when camping out in his ice house.

Fishing Views
It’s best to drill a hole specifically for the camera to avoid tangles when playing a fish. A screen displaying camera direction makes it easier to position the unit to see the lure. Investing in a tripod or cable grip accessory secures the cord and camera direction, maintaining the desired view.

Seeing Clearly
Visibility is influenced by water clarity and light penetration as well as the quality of a camera’s optics and lighting system. Viewing is best in clear water, and when it’s dirty using a camera is rarely worth the effort. Even in clear water, the field of view shrinks significantly around 17 to 20 feet (sooner when it’s murky, cloudy, or beneath snow covered ice).

Side viewing in shallow, clear water during prime conditions can deliver good visibility of 10 feet, sometimes more. Remember, it’s not about being able to count fish scales; a silhouette’s all that’s required for species identification, while moderate contrast is enough to see the telltale white flash of a fish’s yap as it sucks-in a jig.

Also note that switching from a colour display to black and white delivers more contrast and better viewing in low light conditions.

Difficult Moves
Occasionally a camera can foster the bad habit of staying in an unproductive spot. This happens when its set up and take down is difficult and anglers get complacent about moving. Staring at the underwater environment via the screen can also be mesmerizing, even when the fish aren’t biting. Caution: don’t let a camera anchor you down when you should be moving to find better fishing grounds.

Make it Easy to Use
Although today’s models are easier to set up, use, and store than earlier generations, managing the camera cord remains a challenge. Regularly unravel cord twist and neatly wrap it on its keeper limits tangles. If problems continue try swapping the cord wrap for a larger one available at hardware stores. Keeping the cord and screen unit in a milk crate stored inside a shelter makes it easily accessible and protected during transit.

Maintenance
Always fully charge the camera battery after each use for maximum lifespan and capacity, and dry the unit before storage. Refer to the owner’s manual for screen and lens cleaning procedures.

Company Links
AquaVu: www.aquavu.com
FishTV: www.getfishtv.com
MarCum Technologies: www.marcumtech.com
Vexilar: www.vexilar.com