Underwater camera worth it?

[SPAZ]

I'm thinking of picking up a MarCum or AquaVu underwater camera to use to confirm structure and spots on the lake. Do you guys think an underwater camera is worth it?

[BobP]

JMHO -  Unless you have a system that automatically deploys or you run the camera while a buddy runs the trolling motor, you have a heck of a time doing both at the same time.  It's a major PITA.  It takes time and effort to use a camera.  Use it or fish - not both.  Most times, I'd rather fish.  Also, cameras work well in clear to lightly stained water.  The more stained the water, the less useful they are.  All that said, it's fun and informative to see what's really down there when you have the time.  I've owned an Aqua-Vu for a number of years.  It got some use when first purchased.  Now it mostly gathers dust in the garage.  I'm more likely to cruise around and graph structure on my side-scan sonar when the fish aren't biting, than screw around with the camera.

[B-Dozer]

A friend of mine has one. Nice toy, but not really useful for fishing. Very limited field of vision, they work best at night. If you are looking for something dropped overboard, fine, but like was said you can't fish at the same time.

[Grey Wolf]

Not to me. If you have crystal clear water , maybe.

[SeanW]

I had an Aqua Vu and they work great. Yes even in dirtier water. Problem is all it does is frustrate me when I see how many fish are there, and none will bite.

[Bluebasser86]

I had an Aqua Vu and they work great. Yes even in dirtier water. Problem is all it does is frustrate me when I see how many fish are there, and none will bite.

X2

[SoFlaBassAddict]

I'm not sure I'm willing to buy one.  I'd love to use one for a day just to have a look around my lake and see what it looks like.  I've tried diving in it.  Once you get off the edge of the bank, it's like looking into a bottomless pit.

[Raul]

Unless you have crystal clear water year round what you can see is proportional to how clear is the water, my take ? save thta money and you 'll be closer to a side image depth finder, that thing is absolutely awesome and it doesn 't matter if the water is crystal clear or so muddy that you literally plow it.

[Uncle Leo]

I have a Aqua Vu I use for ice fishing and it works well to see fish and structure. I tried it for open water but with out a deployment mount which is a must to hold the camera still. It does work even in off colored water but takes too much time working with it in open water.

[Lcomfort]

Unless you have crystal clear water year round what you can see is proportional to how clear is the water, my take ? save thta money and you 'll be closer to a side image depth finder, that thing is absolutely awesome and it doesn 't matter if the water is crystal clear or so muddy that you literally plow it.

I agree 110% with this statement! They are awesome and I couldnt live with out mine now that I have had one for a while.