Contents
Ice fishing is not always successful, often the angler has to change more than one hole in order to find the place where the fish stay in the winter. A camera for winter fishing will greatly simplify the process of searching for fish inhabitants, having it you can see not only the fish itself, but also its quantity, consider the bottom topography in more detail, and determine the direction of movement of the fish.
The need for a camera for ice fishing
Some believe that the use of underwater cameras for winter fishing is the so-called “show-off”. So they think until they themselves use such a device, having it at the angler immediately has many advantages. Using the device, you can:
- to study the relief of an unfamiliar reservoir;
- see the location of the fish in the pond;
- find out what types of fish are;
- understand where the wintering pits are;
- do not miss a bite and make a cut in time.
Until recently, fish sites were found using echo sounders, but these devices gave a lot of erroneous information. The camera for winter and summer fishing brings more accurate information to the angler.
Description of the winter underwater camera
Now on the market there are a lot of different underwater cameras from different manufacturers. Each firm calls to buy its products, pointing out the main advantages of their models. It is difficult for a beginner to make a choice, so you should first study the description of the product and remember the package.
Устройство
Each manufacturer can complete products for inspection of water depths in different ways. The main components are:
- camera;
- monitor;
- cable;
- battery;
- Charger.
Many additionally install a sun visor on the monitor, this will allow you to clearly see the resulting image in any weather. A carry case would also be a nice addition.
Before buying, pay attention to the length of the cord, 15 m is enough for small reservoirs, but this will not be enough to inspect larger ones. It is better to give preference to options with longer ones, up to 35 m.
How to catch more fish
Not everyone will believe that with this device you can increase the size of the catch, but it really is. In winter, when fishing from ice, most fishermen search for a place blindly, only a few use echo sounders. The use of an underwater camera will help you quickly find a fish stop, examine specimens and determine a more accurate place to cast the bait. In this way, fishing will become more successful, you will not waste a lot of time blindly searching, but use it for fishing.
Capabilities
Most models have certain limitations in capabilities, but there are options with an extended set of functions. There are options with video filming, later it will be possible to review the received material and study the reservoir. Almost every camera has built-in infrared LEDs, depending on their number at night or in cloudy weather, the view of the fishing spot will increase or decrease.
There are models with a remote control to control the camera. For many, this function is important, since the viewing angle immediately increases and with one dive you can view a large area of the reservoir.
The camera itself and the monitor are most often made of waterproof materials, which is important in most cases. Moisture will not spoil the product, even if it rains or snows outside.
Criteria for choosing a camera for ice fishing
Online stores and local points of sale will offer a wide variety of underwater cameras for winter fishing. It will be easy for a beginner to get confused, because the choice is huge, and the difference in functions will confuse anyone.
Forums and advice from more experienced anglers who have already tried this miracle of technology will help you decide. The majority also chose on the basis of advice or having studied the rating of underwater cameras of Russian and foreign production. There are several main criteria, below we will study them in more detail.
Sensitivity
The sensitivity of the matrix is very important, the clarity of the picture on the monitor depends on it. In other words, at low rates, the angler will not be able to properly consider either the bottom of the reservoir, or the accumulation of fish, or its size. It is necessary to choose options with sensitivity indicators as high as possible, only then the fishing will be excellent.
backlight
Infrared LEDs should be in sufficient quantity if there is not enough illumination at night or in cloudy weather. Accordingly, the fisherman will not be able to see everything.
Depth
A do-it-yourself camera for winter fishing from a smartphone can have different depths. Factory models offer anglers a line length of 15 to 35 meters. The minimum size is enough to inspect a small reservoir, for deeper places it is worth looking at products with a long cord.
Viewing angle
A clear image on the monitor can be achieved at a small angle, but a wider one will allow you to view a large area in one camera dive.
Monitor features
It is more convenient to use and attach options with a diagonal of 3,5 inches to the bait, but with such dimensions it will not be possible to clearly see everything that happens in the pond. A 7-inch screen will show everything in more detail, you can see a lot on it. Special attention should be paid to expansion, this is an important parameter when choosing a product for fishing.
When choosing this device for fishing, it is imperative to read the reviews, only positive ones will write about the good. In addition, when choosing a camera, you should pay attention to the operating temperature of the product. For winter options, the minimum should be -20 degrees, this characteristic will allow you to use it even in severe frosts.
TOP 10 best underwater cameras for fishing
A large number of products of this direction without prior acquaintance will not allow you to choose the most suitable option. To help you navigate, we offer the top ten underwater cameras for fishing, ranked by customer reviews and best-selling models.
MarCum LX-9-ROW+Sonar
This option belongs to the elite models, among the rest it is distinguished by such functions:
- the possibility of video surveillance;
- possibility of video recording;
- using the device as an echo sounder.
In addition, the video camera is equipped with a sonar, which makes it possible to navigate even on a completely unfamiliar body of water much faster. There is an adjustable zoom, noise reduction function. The minimum allowable use temperature is -25 degrees, which allows you to use the camera even in severe frosts. The positive aspects include a capacious battery and a large monitor.
Cabelas 5.5
The camera has a large screen, the image is transmitted to it via a 15 m cord, which is quite enough for exploring water bodies in our regions. A distinctive feature is the ballast on the camera, it can be reset, while the viewing angle will change very quickly. The advantages include low cost, waterproof case, use in significant frosts. Among the shortcomings, there is one black-and-white picture, but it is quite clear. Another plus is that it comes with a carry bag.
Rivotek LQ-3505T
This model belongs to the available options, but its characteristics are excellent. Most fishermen use it both in winter and summer. The small size allows you to place the camera next to the hook, and then move them together in search of fish. Recording will not work, the camera is not designed for this.
The advantages include a wide-angle lens, it will be able to show everything that happens in the perspective of 135 degrees. It is worth noting the good characteristics of the battery, autonomously it can work up to 8 hours. The disadvantage is the infrequent breaking of the wire in the area of uXNUMXbuXNUMXbattaching to the monitor.
Lucky FF 3308-8
The model is very convenient, but its significant weight is attributed to the negative sides. Complete with a case and charger, it weighs about a kilogram. Yes, and the camera itself is very large, use it carefully so as not to scare away the inhabitants of the selected reservoir.
Aqua-Vu HD 700i
In the ranking, the model is located in the middle, but it is she who can be the first to shoot or simply watch the pond in HD digital format. The display is color, liquid crystal, has a bright backlight. The screen has a heating function, the cable length is 25 meters. The disadvantage is the high cost.
Sitisek FishCam-501
This model of a product for fishing has a clear picture, the brightness makes it possible to see everything in the water column and at the bottom of the reservoir even in sunny weather. Due to the streamlined shape, the camera sinks to the bottom very quickly, it does not scare away the fish. Another positive feature is the complete waterproofness of the camera and display.
The disadvantages include increased fragility of the cord in the cold and automatic focusing, which does not always accurately betray the data.
Piranha 4.3
The model differs from the rest in a large viewing angle, up to 140 degrees, to the angler’s hand and an elongated cable. The degree of illumination is adjustable, this allows you to see everything to the smallest detail in muddy water and during night fishing. The kit comes with a rod mount and a powerful battery. The disadvantages are tight buttons, which are poorly developed over time, the small weight of the camera sometimes contributes to its periodic demolition by the current.
Cr 110-7 hds (3.5)
This model is chosen because of the high sensitivity of the matrix, this allows you to display a picture of excellent quality. Additional lighting is not needed, the existing LEDs are sufficient. The case is durable and does not let water through at all. The disadvantages include the lack of a sun visor and mounts.
Fish-cam-700
This model is in demand among anglers with incomes above average. The high quality of the reproduced picture, the ability to use both in the water column and at the bottom of the reservoir, a capacious battery allow you to record everything you see. In addition, it comes with a 2 GB memory card.
The disadvantage is that often the fish takes the product for bait and attacks it. High cost is also considered a disadvantage.
Piranha 4.3-2cam
This model attracts attention with its low price, small dimensions, and the ability to adjust the position of the camera under water. The lens has a wide viewing angle of the reservoir, infrared illumination does not scare away fish. The negative sides include the lack of water resistance of the case and the location of the batteries under the back cover. In addition, for many, the front camera quickly failed.
Purchase on Aliexpress
Often anglers order fishing equipment from China, reviews about this product are very diverse. Most often, cameras for underwater fishing are bought on the Aliexpress website:
- Ranger;
- Fisher;
- Chip;
- Calypso.
Russian-made products are also popular, the most famous is the Yaz 52 asset, the underwater camera for winter fishing Chip 503 and Chip 703 are also in demand.
If you have a question about what is better than an echo sounder or an underwater camera, then preference should be given to the latter option. In addition, if funds are available, you can purchase a 2 in 1 product with the functions of both devices to improve the results of fishing.