How Do I Use Underwater Cameras for Fishing?

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Anglers can fish the bottom more effectively by fishing with an underwater fishing camera. Bottom feeders and fish species such as walleye, crappie, perch and panfish can be hard to find, but with an underwater fishing camera you can look before you cast. While there are a wide variety of underwater cameras and other underwater fishing equipment--each coming with its own set of instructions--most perform similar functions and are deployed in the same way.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Underwater camera
Lowering cables

Step 1

Grip the tag end of the lowering cables, which are affixed to the camera and in many cases contain grip handles for easy handling.

Step 2

Lower the underwater camera under the surface of the water. Create slack on the cables until enough length is available for the underwater camera to reach the desired water depth, preferably within inches of your fishing hook below.

Step 3

Settle the camera at the desired water depth and lock the camera into place as directed by the camera manufacturer. Wait for a reading, which can take several minutes while the water around the underwater camera settles.

Step 4

Scrutinize the shape and size of nearby fish and be aware of the number of fish that are near the area you are monitoring.

Step 5

Search for brush, rocks and other bottom obstructions where large game fish are prone to hide and take shelter. Lower the underwater camera until it reaches 2 to 3 inches above the bottom. Though underwater cameras are covered to protect against sand and water damage, a hard hit to a rocky bottom or other obstruction could cause damage.

Step 6

Place the camera in the smaller hole. Set it down to the same depth of your bait as well as pointing in the same direction as your bait.

Tips & Warnings

Pay attention to how fish respond to your bait. Look for signs of interest and action near your fishing hook.

Fish nibble and bite food that is visually appealing and aromatic.

Employ zoom and night mode features for added help in finding fish.

Underwater cameras are available for lake and river and/or ice fishing applications.

Refer to the manufacturer's instructions before setting up or using your underwater fishing camera.

Be careful lowering your camera because a hard hit can cause damage.

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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