Iowa farm ponds and underwater cameras....

[tjslim3271]

Fish mostly farm ponds in NW Iowa. Have a flasher and been looking for a new "toy." Water is fairly clear at most of the ponds. Is it worth the money for a camera?? Any input appreciated...

[tysontia]

I have both. but I actually bought a camera first then got a Marcum Showdown sonar.

I will say that the camera is more of tool if you don't move a lot.  If you are sitting in a spot that will produce fish or a good while then it is pretty cool to have.

Not only can you watch their reaction to your baits, you can take the guess work out of a tentative bite.  Simply watch them inhale and set........almost not fair when you have it set up.

Just use your sonar to line up your bait with the camera and enjoy.

FYI......I don't use as much as I used to, as I am starting to move around a lot more than I used to.

[chris71383]

I would have to say the opposite. I have an aqu-vu micro and use it mainly when I'm moving around alot to check and locate structure as well as the size and species of fish I'm targeting, and then use my flashers to locate the fish and monitor their mood/reaction to my bait. It really excells in clear water because I can spin the camera and cover alot more area than the beam of my flasher.

[jumbo chaser]

Good post Chris that makes a lot of sense

[squ1rr31_]

Alot of Iowa farm ponds and lakes are pretty silty,  as long as you can keep it from hitting the bottom and stirring it up is an invaluable tool, really helps to see how you need to present the lure to your target.

[Trump]

I'm interrested in getting a micro ii how are they ive heard mixed emotions on it i had one of the fish tv's from back in the day and traded it off for pbr tickets lol but the technology of today should be pretty good is it worth 250 bucks

[Iowan]

Have used a camera, but wouldn't give up my flasher.  I would like to have a camera for my daughters to use when they go with.  Easier to understand and would be great fun for them to watch the fish swim in to the bait.  They would learn a lot from being able to watch the reaction to presentation. 

[Oldbear]

From the ones I've peeked at on the ice of other peoples I have no desire for one.  Visibility was the problem and of course at night it won't work.  Do like my flasher though and just move until I find fish.  To each his own though.

[Adamdogg44]

I've been on some farm ponds with people that have cameras. They are great if there hasn't been a thaw lately. Most farms ponds get cloudy quick when it rains or with a little snow melt. I'd still like to put it in my arsenal. Question I have is this. Has anyone purchased one of those contraptions that holds the cord steady above the hole so the camera doesn't spin? Is it all it's cracked up to be?