Ice Fishing Gear: 4 Elite Underwater Cameras

Underwater cameras reveal the icy depths in ways sonar simply can't. Pros are using it and you should, too. 

By Cory Schmidt

Here's a look at four underwater cameras, any of which could become one of the most valuable ice-fishing tools in your arsenal this winter.

Aqua-Vu | Micro 5.0 Revolution

An integrated camera-cable retrieval system highlights this handheld underwater viewer, with high-res Micro camera, 60 feet of cable and a 5-inch smartphone-grade LCD. $349, aquavu.com

MarCum | LX-9

Combines sonar and underwater viewing in one 8-inch LCD unit, including DVR and 75 feet of cable. MSRP $1,299, marcumtech.com

MarCum | Recon 5 Plus

Color CMOS camera, dual LED/infrared lighting and a built-in DVR recorder top this camera's list of features, along with a 5-inch LCD and 50 feet of cable. $429, marcumtech.com

Aqua-Vu | HD10i Pro

Touchscreen 10-inch LCD plays dynamic high definition video and is RAM mountable for your boat or wheeled ice house. $999, aquavu.com

UNDERWATER WI-FI

The video element of underwater viewing can yield dramatic, often viral social media material.

Recent Wi-Fi innovations now allow anglers to view and record compelling underwater footage right on their smartphone, and instantly upload the best clips to Facebook, Instagram or other platforms.

Most Wi-Fi systems feature a workable range of about 100 feet from the source underwater camera itself. 

Beyond Wi-Fi-recording and Wi-Fi-sharing functions, on-ice video applications include monitoring deadstick and tip-up lines remotely, watching as fish bite in real time and adding a thrilling, interactive element to otherwise static fishing approaches.

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