08-04-2009, 09:20 PM
[cool][#0000ff]We have quite a few BFTers in Utah who own and (occasionally) use the cameras...mostly for ice fishing. They will never replace good sonar but there are some things they can do that sonar can't. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]One example is accurate identification of species. How many times have you seen fish on the bottom, with sonar, and been unable to get them to bite...or at least wondered what they were? Sometimes the species prove to be an unwanted species. Other times they turn out to be what you are after but simply in an inactive or neutral mode. But, at least you know.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]One of the big attractions for ice fishing is being able to see how the fish react to the bait or lures you are sending down. Even more revealing is seeing your lure get slurped in and then spit out by a fish without it registering anything on your rod tip. Hit and run without leaving any evidence. Some guys start watching their lures on TV and strike when they see a fish bite rather than waiting for the feel. That can result in a few more fish.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Sadly, the cameras are best in a stable situation, such as ice fishing or from an anchored boat. They are so difficult to properly aim and maintain that if you are moving it becomes impossible to see and understand anything. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Turbidity and light levels are critical too. The cameras work well only in very clear water with good light. Otherwise they do not see far enough into the water to show you much.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]One of the side benefits of the cameras are being able to look for something you have lost over the side of a boat or through the ice. Once located you can use magnets or hooks to try to retrieve it.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]One example is accurate identification of species. How many times have you seen fish on the bottom, with sonar, and been unable to get them to bite...or at least wondered what they were? Sometimes the species prove to be an unwanted species. Other times they turn out to be what you are after but simply in an inactive or neutral mode. But, at least you know.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]One of the big attractions for ice fishing is being able to see how the fish react to the bait or lures you are sending down. Even more revealing is seeing your lure get slurped in and then spit out by a fish without it registering anything on your rod tip. Hit and run without leaving any evidence. Some guys start watching their lures on TV and strike when they see a fish bite rather than waiting for the feel. That can result in a few more fish.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Sadly, the cameras are best in a stable situation, such as ice fishing or from an anchored boat. They are so difficult to properly aim and maintain that if you are moving it becomes impossible to see and understand anything. [/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]Turbidity and light levels are critical too. The cameras work well only in very clear water with good light. Otherwise they do not see far enough into the water to show you much.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]One of the side benefits of the cameras are being able to look for something you have lost over the side of a boat or through the ice. Once located you can use magnets or hooks to try to retrieve it.[/#0000ff]
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