Aqua-vu Cameras

[Environmentor]

Wonder if anyone has used any of the Aqua-vu cameras. Are they really worth the price? I am really into fisheries biology and would think it would be fun to use; however, I question its ability in stained water. Are the cameras good in various water, or do you have to use it in ultra-clear water? I've been to the aqua-vu site and they say it works, but every company claims their product is GREAT! But, of course they are not going to tell me "don't buy one, it won't work in stained water". So, I want your opinions? Also, I would like to hear from you who don't have one - is it something that anybody else wants?

[Illinoisgiller]

I have the Aqua-View Scout. I've had it two years and like it in clear water for entertaining the grandkids.
I got it for checking out the walk in Snakeden strip mines. I haven't gotten around to it yet, but someday.
I and the son took it ice fishing once and after some effort, found the tiny ice jig. We baited up and dropped it back in front of the camera. A small gill came up to the jig and stopped to look at it . A larger one flashed by and grabbed the jig. It got wrapped around the camera cord on the way up. I got it untangled and the next time I thought about the camera, the ice was covered with nice gills.:)
Another time at Morristown the excited grandsons called me over to see a decent.bass nose to nose with the bluegill shaped camera.:) . Mike

[Schoe]

Mike, sounds like a neat toy or "tool" if you like. I am kicking around the idea of buying one but there are very few places that I fish that it could be used effectively. Schoe

[Environmentor]

Yeah, Schoe that's kind of why I am wondering. I don't know if there is anywhere around here (Quad-Cities) that I could really use it effectively. I originally wanted one for the Muscatine Sand Pits, but since they stopped giving away fishing passes I don't really know any clear water lakes/ponds within about an hour of here.

[Illinoisgiller]

Schoe and Environmentor- - Before you just buy one, take mine out and try it out. Just PM me with a bit of advance notice. Mike

[Illinoisgiller]

Very good point Capt. I and the son were laughing about that very thing when we used the camera under the ice. It's sort of neat to get a look at the bottom and the fish, but it was a bunch more fun when we got it out of the way and went fishing. :D

[Environmentor]

Thanks for the offer Illinoisgiller. I also agree about the electronics. I actually haven't used my fish/depthfinder in about 2 years (I might start using it again). I just think these cameras would be fun (since I am really into science and observing wildlife). It's not like you can really "observe" fish; however, on several occasions I have just stood along the bank without fishing (or putting my gear down) just to watch carp roll for 10 minutes or watching surfacing fish. I think if I had one of these cameras, I would spend all my time watching fish (or trying to locate fish to watch). I probably wouldn't get any fishing done the whole day, I'd be to busy watching fish on that little T.V. screen. Then my fishing conversations would sound weird.
People on the boat ramp will ask: "Did you catch anything?"
I'll have to reply, "nope, just watched T.V. all day!"
"Didn't you just come off the lake?"
"Yeah, but I was just out there watching T.V."
I am sure that will leave them in a stupor.