"Short Wave Sportfishing" wrote in message
...
On 22 Feb 2004 18:20:38 -0800, (mark s) wrote:

I am thinking about getting an underwater camera to attach to the
downrigger ball. Aqua-vu seems like a decent choice (model SV or MC w/
120 ft cable). Does anyone have any experience trolling w/ this
system?
Is it a hassle to use? How do you like it? Any advice prior to
purchasing?

I will be used primarily to target salmon and walleye on the Great
Lakes.

First, a personal opinion.

THAT'S CHEATIN'!!!!! :)

Ahem - anyway, it's a lot of fun actually although I don't use mine
for trolling. I use it a lot just looking at the fish themselves and
their habitat. I've seen stripers take actual live bait like eels on
Hackett's Reef off Saybrook with the thing. Want to have some real
fun, watch a bluefish blitz sometime - it's like watching pirhanas
attack a cow!!!

I now have one that has the low light option and video feed - I'm
planning on taking some video this summer and putting it on the web.
I have a lens/sender that has a fin to it will track in a direction.
Works great.

This is the camera I have now - it works well, although I bought it
late in the year and only used it once.

http://www.aquavu.com/downrig.html

Get the best you can afford - you will be amazed at what you can see
with these things. And get the low light option.

Good luck - have fun.

Later,

I have an AquaVu and it is really fun. One caveat for this application.
The lens is pretty wide angle which makes sense considering the relatively
low visibility conditions in most fresh water. So depending on how far back
you run the lures and how fast you troll, it might be hard to see much.

They work in air also so you can get an idea of what stuff would look like.

del cecchi