I bought my son and I an AQUA-VU as an early Christmas present. I was kind of skeptical about it's worth, but it is great.

My son spends more time with his face in the viewer than he does fishing. I didn't buy it as a fish finder, rather I felt that it would be a good way to increase his knoweledge of behavior. I couldn't be happier.

The other day we sounded some good arches on a main lake point in about 30 feet of water. An angler on a passing boat mentioned that he too had seen some good marks at that depth. We dropped the camera right into the middle of a small school of stripers. We had assumed they were largemouth. With the AQUA-VU you can find out the species of the arch. Later, he saw a bluegill swim by the camera. We were at Skinner, which is known for some good gills in the east end tules, but we saw him at the edge of a cove near deep water between launches 1 and 2. I had never imagined that a good gill spot in this lake.

The fish do not seem overly alarmed by the camera. we had a huge largemouth flair its gills at it once.

One thing that really sucks is seeing the crap on the bottom of our lakes. I never realized how much litter some fisherman throw into the water. A videotape of the bottom of a popular fishing spot would be great ammo for those looking to close waters.

Just my two cents on the AQUA-VU in case anybody is sitting on the fence.


NoTrollMotor

How much was the aqua vu? Would it be worth puttin on an 11 foot inflatable?
Thanks,
Mike

It was about $550. I went for the model (DirectTech) that has an arrow or compass heading on the screen to let you know which way the camera is pointing, and the 11 multicolor lights. I'm glad I got the direction thing but I wouldn't suggest the better lights unless you're going to use it at night. During the day, we've never even turned the lights on.

I've found that I can either fish or watch fish. It would be okay for the inflatable for the watching but I wouldn't suggest taking it on a fishing trip on a small boat. It is fairly heavy, and the cord tangles easily
NoTrollMotor

Interesting thanks for the info. Sounds like it could a fun thing

The Aqua-view is a very effective tool for not only locating the fish,but examining the structure that they live around. I have seen several people on the big tournament circuits that spend half of their prefish time looking at the Aqua-view. It has paid off for some, thats for sure. The only thing that gets me is......when you fish the spot for an hour and dont get bit, then drop down the camera and see a bunch of fish. Man thats frustrating!!!

I find it interesting when you use both the electronics and the Aqua-view at the same time. Thats a very good way to learn how to read the electronics on your boat. It will show you the difference between rocks, sticks and fish.

They also have a smaller model that would probably be more for the smaller boats.


Merry Christmas and a Bassy new year
Cam