Winter fishing attracts more and more fishermen, even despite its weather conditions, which are sometimes extreme. But even experience cannot guarantee a good catch. After all, the place for fishing has to be determined blindly. In order to know for sure that there are still fish under the ice, you can use modern technologies - an ice fishing camera.
As part of this article, we will review several of the most worthy camera models for winter ice fishing.
What is an ice camera for winter fishing?
With this camera you can:
- understand exactly where the fish are and even their quantity;
- conduct full observation of the behavior of the fish;
- watch the fish’s reaction to a certain type of bait.
While in an aquatic environment under ice, the camera produces a very high-quality and clear image on the monitor. If desired, you can capture individual moments. And this is not only pleasure, but also an opportunity to gain a great experience for a novice fisherman.
What does a modern ice fishing camera consist of?
- Monitor for image transmission.
- Camera with backlight function for better image transmission. Such a chamber is always sealed, since it is constantly under water.
- The long-length waterproof cable will not hamper your movements and capabilities.
- Charger.
How to use an ice camera
If you have purchased an ice camera, then you understand well that for winter fishing it is not a whim, but a necessity. Your catch is now completely guaranteed. Even those fish that like to hide in great depths will now be visible to you.
Before taking a new camera fishing, you need to thoroughly study its instructions for use and operation, read all its functionality.
The following video shows footage from filming fishing, and highlights the key points of working with an underwater camera. Review with recommendations for use.
Today, the range of cameras for ice fishing is much wider. Therefore, they may have different functions, although the principle of their operation is similar.
In order to begin directly studying the aquatic environment, you need to purchase a cable to organize the lowering and subsequent lifting of the device out.
Stages of working with an under-ice camera
- Insert the cable, which most often resembles a very thick fishing line, into a special hole in the camera. It is very good if the manufacturer previously provided a comfortable grip - a special handle.
- Next, carefully and slowly lower the camera under water. This must be done until the device is 50 mm below the hook level.
- Now adjust the position of the camera yourself and fix it in the desired direction. The instructions for use will fully help you understand this issue.
- Don't worry if the image looks cloudy and blurry right away. Wait a little until the water calms down and the mullah settles. The picture will become high quality in a couple of minutes.
- Take a good look at the water and pay attention to nearby fish.
Some tips for catching a big trophy
- The habitat and gathering place of large fish is most often found in uneven areas and other snags.
- During the first dive, the camera should be at a distance of 10-15 cm from the bottom. This is the only way you can see the full picture of what is happening. Well, then keep an eye on the desired catch.
- Stop in time to avoid damaging the camera on the bottom. This may cause it to become deformed and cause further malfunction.
How underwater fishing cameras work
A fishing video system is a portable electronic device that is used to film, transmit, record and visually observe the underwater world. The principle of operation of underwater cameras for fishing: using a video device, the bottom topography is examined, it is possible to monitor the habits and activity of the inhabitants of reservoirs.
The design of the video camera consists of:
- lens in a waterproof molded housing;
- long cable;
- display with a visor for protection from sunlight;
- infrared illumination;
- temperature and depth meter;
- packing case.
To obtain complete information about what is hidden under the surface of the water, you must:
- immerse the underwater camera in water;
- the cable is wound onto the reel and smoothly lowers the camera to the required depth;
- the signal to the display is supplied via cable;
- transmitters process the received signal and a picture appears interactively;
- An underwater fishing camera produces images in color or black and white.
When choosing a video device for fishing, you should adhere to the technical capabilities of the installation and compliance with the requirements of lovers of passive recreation for the equipment of the device.
Characteristics and parameters (what you should pay attention to when choosing)
The process of choosing a device for ice fishing requires a serious and responsible approach. Only this will allow you not to regret your purchase in the future. Please pay attention to the following points:
- The quality of the resulting image on the monitor depends entirely on the sensitivity of the device. The higher this indicator, the better the picture will be;
- illumination, of course, significantly improves visibility in the aquatic environment, but it can also frighten the fish;
- in order for your camera to be able to descend to great depths, you will need a waterproofing housing for the device - this protects the device in an aquatic environment;
- The viewing angle is good, but the larger it is, the less detailed the image. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase devices with two cameras. But at the same time, each of them will have a smaller viewing angle;
- To get a clear and high-quality image, you should pay attention to the capabilities of the monitor - its size and display capabilities.
- At the same time, it is important to understand that it is better to pay more, but choose a camera from a reliable and trusted manufacturer.
Comparison of prices and parameters of different models
Today, ice fishing cameras are just beginning to enter the lives of fishermen. But many manufacturers have already appeared that have a good and dubious reputation. Since the reliability and quality of the device depends on the manufacturer, it is necessary to know everyone by sight. The pricing policy for devices today is within 20 thousand rubles.
Vodoglaz underwater camera
Vodoglaz cameras can be used not only for fishing in winter, but also at home. Because it is perfect for viewing what is happening in hard-to-reach places. The devices from this manufacturer are convenient, compact, have very decent technical characteristics and cost around 10 thousand rubles.
JJ Connect Underwater Camera
An amazing device that, despite its compact size, allows you to display a clear and high-quality color image on the screen. Thanks to the presence of several LEDs, the camera works easily even at night, transmitting an excellent picture to the screen.
Camera price from 6 to 15 thousand rubles. depends on the configuration.
Underwater camera Aqua Vu
The Aqua View brand appeared one of the first on the market of electronic devices of this kind. And thanks to the use of innovative technologies and specific functions, it has become one of the leaders in this direction.
One of the newest and very popular models is the AV Micro Plus with DVR. It has a high-quality build, low cost, and a decent set of functions, which is why it is so in demand today.
LQ underwater camera
Devices from this manufacturer are distinguished by their low cost (around 9 thousand rubles), clear images, frost resistance, small dimensions, lightness and ease of use. You can take it with you fishing on the day of purchase. After all, you can learn the basic features and functions without much difficulty.
Model overview
The Internet is full of various kinds of ratings and top video cameras for winter fishing. The criteria by which the advantages of some models are determined remain unclear. Therefore, it is difficult to quickly figure out which underwater camera is better. In our review, we will look at models that will serve the fisherman well, and will not make you dance with a tambourine trying to see something in the murky dark haze.
Ide 52
In our ranking of the best underwater cameras for ice fishing, this gadget takes first place. It seems that, at first glance, this complex does not have any impressive characteristics. They are ordinary. The same as their Chinese counterparts. And the electronic components, of course, are also made by the Chinese.
- Matrices – Sony or Sharp, photosensitivity 0.001 lux.
- The presence of IR and LED backlighting, but their inclusion is required only in very poor visibility conditions.
- Bright large monitor 7 or 9 inches (depending on configuration).
- 4500 mA battery.
- Operating temperature range -20 to +40 degrees Celsius.
- There is the possibility of installing an SD card, and, accordingly, recording.
This Russian-assembled system is distinguished by the quality of its components. Everything is done conveniently and simply. The camera does not dangle on the bottom, but stands straight. Cables, connectors, buttons are large and strong. The screen has an anti-glare coating and a sun visor. Everything is placed in a case with soft pads to prevent damage to the elements during transportation. The cable has a hook for placing a load (up to 200 g) when used in a current. The complex is sold on the official website fishing-centr.ru, the cost is from 12,000 to 17,700 rubles, depending on the configuration.
MarCum
American ice fishing cameras from MarCum are the best of the best. Why are they in second place in the ranking? The answer is simple. The cost of such an underwater camera for fishing is from 30,000 to 100,000 rubles. But this is already professional and high-quality equipment with the highest class of technical characteristics and reliability.
Other models and their disadvantages
Several other models of cameras for ice fishing are quite good in terms of price-quality ratio:
- Water-Eye,
- FishCam
- Aqua Vu (hd700i, micro 5),
- JJ Connect
- Rivotek LQ.
But all of them are to some extent worse than the two above - either the camera dangles on the bottom and is difficult to fix in the desired position, or the display glows and nothing is visible, or simply the image quality, especially in the dark, is poor. You can buy an inexpensive camera for connection to a smartphone or tablet, or a cheap complex from aliexpress. But you can work comfortably with them only at shallow depths in good lighting conditions.
Budget models
For most fishermen, all it takes is seeing the fish that are under the ice. And at the same time, the size of the image is completely unimportant, whether it is color or black and white. It is in this particular case that you can choose budget plan models that are low in cost. For example, the JJ-Connect FishEye Basic camera.
JJ-Connect FishEye Basic
This camera is perfect for use from the dock, from a boat and, of course, from the ice. This device allows you to perfectly see the fish located nearby, its size and even its reaction to a certain kind of bait. It is compact, neat, with LED backlighting for better vision in the dark and in bad weather. And most importantly, it has a low cost along with the reliability and quality of the mechanism itself.
The Aqua-Vu Scout ice fishing camera is also good. This model is perfectly protected from moisture, provides a good picture, has a 50 m cable that is disguised as a fish, and much more. Therefore, such a camera is perfect for a fisherman with a small amount of money to purchase an “assistant” under the ice.
The best manufacturers of fishing cameras
An underwater camera is a relatively new device on the Russian fishing market. Modern fishermen are just beginning to take a closer look at this unusual device, so the list of the best, and most importantly, proven manufacturers of underwater video cameras for fishing is still very small. These are the American companies Aqua-Vu, Cabelas and MarCum, the German company BestWill, the Chinese company JJ-connect and the Hong Kong manufacturer Chinavasion.
However, the products of not all of these manufacturers are widely distributed within the country. For example, it is almost impossible to find underwater video cameras for fishing from BestWill and Cabelas in Russian fishing stores. The reason for this is partly the excellent work of competitors, offering anglers devices of quite decent quality at relatively affordable prices.
Despite the fact that many fishermen still doubt the usefulness and effectiveness of an underwater video camera for fishing, it is this modern device that allows for the most efficient search for the most suitable and promising areas of the reservoir for fishing.
Summary of customer reviews of under-ice cameras
When doubt arises about purchasing a tablet, echo sounder or camera for ice fishing, users of the worldwide Internet begin to look at people’s reviews of this or that product.
So, the LQ-3501 often delivers good responses, even though it's a budget model. The viewing range is the one that is most often praised. If we talk about expensive devices, then pay attention to the Aqua Vu Micro device. This camera is very compact and multifunctional. But, in general, the matter is up to you.
Winter underwater fishing cameras will give you the most accurate picture of the conditions under the ice. You can not only see where the fish are, but also observe their reaction to bait and bait. This innovative device will significantly increase your catch, even in extreme winter conditions.
Good luck on the pond! We hope our recommendations were useful to you.
Comparison table of characteristics
To visually compare the models presented above, we use a comparative table of characteristics.
| Model | Resolution (pix) | Diagonal (inches) | Depth (m) | Weight (g) | Price, rub) |
| AQUA-VU HD700i | 320x240 | 7 | 15 | 300 | from 11,990 to 15,300 |
| RIVOTEK LQ-3505T | 320x240 | 3.5 | 15 | 193 | from 14,550 to 16,740 |
| CABELAS 5.5 | 380x240 | 5.5 | 15 | 279 | from 15,900 to 19,340 |
| EYOYO 4.3 15M | 960x240 | 4.3 | 20 | 375 | from 6,700 to 7,200 |
| PIRANHA 3.5 | 960x240 | 3.5 | 30 | 240 | from 6,880 to 7,370 |
| CRAFT FISHEYE 110R | 480x272 | 4.3 | 15 | 320 | from 8,200 to 9,990 |
| RIVOTEK LQ-3215 | 320x240 | 3.2 | 15 | 138 | from 10,230 to 12,850 |
