Underwater Cameras Vs Fish Finders

[jagrrich]

My wife and I are in the middle of a delimma. I currently have a Hummingbird LCR-4ID and I've been wanting to upgrade. My wife thinks that an underwater camera would be better.

So...... What do you guys think?

I've already got a fishfinder picked out but I don't have any clue what to get for a underwater camera. My budget would top out at about $450.

[Mattman]

Depth finder.

Camera's are fun and a very good learning tool. But they are darn near impossible to fish with. Theres something about looking at that screen that really disjoins you from what you're doing elsewhere. My brother has a Z series Aqua View and it comes along every fishing trip. Its handy, entertaining and educational. A good depth finder is much more valuable to me than a camera though.

[MoKan]

Aqua-Vu is certainly entertaining. Fun to have around a boat or dock.
Cabela's has several models http://www.cabelas.com
Look up key word Aqua-Vu.

[Nitroman77]

fish finder, because you cant go 70 with an aqua vu hangin out the back. The Aqua View is nice for stationary lookin, but not for an overall view of the bottom and the contours. look at a lowrance!

[MoKan]

I also agree on buying the Depth Finder. It's a hundred times more useful than an Aqua-Vu.
The fun wears off of the underwater camera after awhile. And, it's just an expensive fun, toy. That's all.
A fish finder is a much better purchase.
The Aqua-Vu is a novelty item. And, everybody agrees. But, they're still a fun way to kill some time.

[kbookert]

The camera would be nice. The next time I go looking for anything, I am going to take a serious look at Humminbird Matrix 47 3D Fishfinder. That 3D could just be so handy.

[Zander]

Agree 100%. Get the fish finder. It will provide you with a lot more useful data for fishing, even better if it is coupled with a GPS so you can mark all your hot spots. The cameras are great for entertainment value though....great for testing lures too.

[MoKan]

I agree with what Zander said 100%.
The GPS is an excellent tool also.

Good luck and good luck fishing.

[kbookert]

jagrrich make sure you check out DAVES before you buy whatever you get. Sometimes you can get the same product for about $40 less. That's where I got my color GPS from.

[jagrrich]

Thanks for all the replys that were in my Favor!

I have my heart set on a Hummingbird. I talked to them about a trade in program and I can trade in my old one and get a great deal off a new one. I really want the 3d one but I think I'm gonna go with the Matrix 37 because I get a much better deal over the Matrix 47 3D.

Thanks again fella's.

I knew you guys would side with me! So if I end up in the dog house are you guys gonna keep me company?

[Hammer]

Now that your done Jaggrich, id like to jump on to this thread with a few questions of my own.

Im also interested in a 3D sounder but i dont really know anything about them. They certainly look cool though. I was wondering if anyone here has any experiences with them?

Do you find the 3D useful? Does it help you locate fish better than 2D?
Can they be as accurate as 2D sounders in terms of discrimination of fish and bottom?
What sort of depth water are they good for?

Basically, im looking for a sounder with all-round purpose. Mainly dam and estuary and inshore work, not over 120ft. Would a 3D sounder be capable and suitable?

[kbookert]

Hammer, the main advantage to this 3D is to see the contour better. According to its specifications, it is good in 3D down to 240ft. This will show the bottom and associated structure. I do not have this one yet, but it is on my list of wants. Maybe a christmas present.

[Hammer]

Sounds good. Put that one on my christmas list as well.

[MoKan]

kbookert is right.
The fishfinder w/GPS connections is an awesome fishing machine.
Sure to put you on fish.


http://www.humminbird.com/products.asp?ID=492

[jagrrich]

Ok now that we've got that squared away I've got another question.

When a fish finder shows a "good prime spot" but doesn't show a fish does that mean its not worth fishing??

Does that make sense?

In other words are there times when there could be fish present but the fish finder doesn't pick them up and vicea versa?

BTW I'm going with the Matrix 37 with GPS. I'm going with the 37 over the 47 3D because of the 90 deg. angle.