Ice fishing has emerged as a popular practice of catching fish in cold, icy regions. People living in such regions consider it as a great way to spend time either by themselves, with friends or with family. However, with the rapid increase in interest, more and more people continue to look for better means of fishing.
One of these is the use of an ice fishing camera that allows them to take a look at the terrain under the ice and determine if they are in a good fishing position or if they should consider looking for another spot.
If you’re one of those people or only just diving into the world of ice fishing, you’ve come to the right place. Here, you will find everything that you should know about ice fishing cameras.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Ice Fishing Cameras
- OUR TOP PICK: Eyoyo Q1506 Fishing Camera
- BEST MARCUM ICE FISHING CAMERA: Marcum Recon 5 Underwater Camera
- BEST ICE FISHING UNDERWATER VIDEO CAMERA: Lucky Underwater Fishing Camera
Comparison Chart of the Best Ice Fishing Cameras
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Can Any Camera Be Used for Ice Fishing?
The simplest answer to this is no. Not just any camera is suitable for use under ice, and the major reason for this is that they are not waterproof. Regular cameras are likely to malfunction and might even break down beyond repair if put to use underwater.
Secondly, ice fishing cameras are usually equipped with more features that help the fisher in the overall fishing task. These features may include sensors to measure temperature or depth, all of which regular cameras tend to lack. An ice fishing camera also provides water clarity in the dark, murky water as well as being unobtrusive to the users’ view.
What Purpose Does an Ice Fishing Camera Serve?
Chances are, you are still wondering if you need an ice fishing camera. These products can be a great aid on your ice fishing trips. Here are a few uses that they provide and prove that they are indeed worth the investment.
Maximized Catching Time
Without an ice fishing camera, you have no visual of the nearby surroundings underwater. With a camera, you can have a better look at the surroundings and fish accordingly.
If you see that the area where you decided to fish does not have many fishes around, you can move to a different location. This maximizes the chances of you catching the fish and ensures your time is used efficiently.
For Recording Your Performance and Exciting Views
Just sitting around, waiting for your prey to take the bait, can get extremely boring. With an ice fishing camera, you have a better view of what is going on under the water while you wait.
Watching how the fishes and other underwater creatures interact in their natural habitat can be a treat to watch. You can record your catch too, which can be used later to review your performance and make necessary improvements.
Protecting and Controlling the Line
Without an ice fishing camera, you have no view of what is under or around your fishing line. There may be obstacles underwater that may damage or even break the line. But with an ice fishing camera providing you with a better view, you get greater control over your fishing line.
What to Look For When Buying an Ice Fishing Camera
It can really be a daunting task when it comes to finding an ice fishing camera from the many models available. However, it can be made much easier if you know the exact features that your ice fishing camera must have. Some of the most important features are as follows:
Screen
The screen of your camera in terms of size, brightness, and image quality needs to be of a suitable range. The screen size of 5” to 7” is considered best. The greater the size of the screen, the better is its resolution.
Portable
Fishing out in the cold, you’re already carrying a lot of weight on yourself. The last thing you want is extra weight that comes from your oversized camera. Ice fishing cameras need to be small and light enough to be considered suitable for scouting.
Battery
An ice fishing camera should last long enough for a single session of ice fishing that may range from 4 to 8 hours. However, the temperature of the water also goes hand in hand with battery life. The colder the water, the sooner the battery tends to run out.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
Video Capture Resolution: The quality of the recorded images is called resolution. Video is usually measured in pixels (p). The number refers to how many pixels are captured which indicates the clarity of the recording.
Recording Time: The maximum amount of time the camera can record before needing a recharge/replacement of batteries.
Max Depth: The maximum water depth the camera can operate at.
Screen Type and Size: The type and size of the screen. Screen measurements are done diagonally.
Cable Length: The length of the cable the camera is attached to.
Memory Capacity: The amount of digital memory either onboard, via SD card, or Cloud storage for images and videos. This is measured in gigabytes (GB) or megabytes (MB).
Review of the Best Ice Fishing Cameras
Now that you know what to look for in an ice fishing camera, you can take a look at our top picks. Each of them is followed by a detailed description of all their features and performance to help you choose the one that you think will work the best for you.
Best Overall:
Eyoyo Q1506 Fishing Camera
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The Eyoyo camera is considered to be a great item for ice fishing. People seem to be very pleased with its overall performance. The image quality is liked the most because it is an extremely high definition and allows you to have a crystal clear view.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Although this camera has many features, the most-loved one is its removable sun-visor. It enables the ice fisher to have a clear view under the water even in the brightest of environments with the sun shining right inside. It is also removable, so you just set it aside when not in use.
Who Will Use This Most
Keeping the features in mind, this Eyoyo ice fishing camera can be used by just about any fisher, from a newbie who does it for leisure to someone who takes it as a serious practice. It carries all the necessary features that all fishers would need to look into the water.
Bottom Line
In short, Eyoyo does its best to bring its customers a great ice fishing camera that carries all the important features. It provides a high-resolution image to allow the fisher to get an idea of the terrain under the ice.
Product Specs
Video Capture Resolution:
1000 TVL
Recording Time:
8 hrs
Screen Type and Size:
7-inch LCD
Cable Length:
50 ft
Best Marcum Ice Fishing Camera:
Marcum Recon 5 Underwater Camera
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers are pleased by the performance of this unit. It gives an adequate image of fish school and other marine life, but many think it can be further improved, particularly in dark water. Otherwise, it holds up pretty well and gets the job done.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It comes with a special color-kill technology that helps fishing even in poor lighting conditions or stained water. In such conditions, you can switch from a color picture to black and white to gain a crisp image of the fish and enable yourself a better catch.
Who Will Use This Most
This camera is good for use for anyone and everyone. However, those on a budget should really consider this item because it is fairly cheaper and does its job well enough. It provides a decent image and can allow a wide range of observations, both of which are necessary for ice fishing.
Bottom Line
With this product, Marcum aims to target its customers who are on a budget constraint but are not willing to compromise on the quality and performance of their ice fishing camera. It is a good model that provides value for money.
Product Specs
Video Capture Resolution:
800 x 480
Recording Time:
6 hrs
Screen Type and Size:
5-inch LCD
Cable Length:
50 ft
Best Ice Fishing Underwater Video Camera:
Lucky Underwater Fishing Camera
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Many buyers seem to enjoy using this product, calling it ‘fun’ to use during ice fishing. It does its job well and gives a good view of the fish under the ice to the ice fisher. The picture quality is decent enough and allows you to have an idea of what the situation of the fish in the water is.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The best part of this camera is that it is equipped with four infrared lights to act as night vision and enable the ice fisher to catch fish even in the darkest of waters. Not only this, but to provide a clearer view, it also has a 120-degree rotating angle and a 19Ft. (9m) detecting range to offer ample observing space.
Who Will Use This Most
Just about any fisher can use this device and be pleased with it. Be it ice fishing, sea fishing, or lake fishing; this camera is bound to provide you with a great view to make fishing quick and easy.
Bottom Line
All in all, this Lucky camera is a good enough model that you can really consider buying because it provides value for money and does its job quite well. It is equipped with all the necessary features that an ice fisher might require.
Product Specs
Video Capture Resolution:
480 x 272
Recording Time:
4 hrs
Screen Type and Size:
4.3-inch LCD
Cable Length:
65 ft
Memory Capacity:
16 GB
4. Aqua-Vu AV 715C
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users who invested in this product have found it to be an absolute delight to use. They love the quality of display that it provides and the overall features it offers. Being pleased with their investment, they highly recommend it to all other users that are looking for an ice fishing camera.
Why It Stands Out to Us
Ice fishing can get tricky when there isn't sufficient light available underwater. A camera can only provide you with a view, but there isn't a view without the light, right?
With this product, you can have the best of ice fishing experiences even with low-light conditions.
This product features infrared lighting reflecting on the surroundings to provide an illuminated view, even when there isn't sufficient lighting. And since the infrared light is non-spooking, you do not have to worry about scaring away the fishes.
Bottom Line
If you are in search of the best ice fishing camera, then this is the one. With all of its features, you will be able to catch more fish and have a great time while you do so. All you will have to do is set up your camera and fishing line, sit back and enjoy.
Product Specs
Video Capture Resolution:
644 x 488
Recording Time:
10 hrs
Screen Type and Size:
7-inch LCD
Cable Length:
50 ft
Memory Capacity:
No onboard memory
5. Moocor Underwater Fishing Camera
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Plenty of buyers are extremely satisfied with the performance of this camera, especially due to its low price point. It provides a great view of the marine life while providing good battery life, allowing you ample time to catch fish. The storage bag it comes with is only another advantage.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The most unique feature of this camera is its digital zoom function that can enlarge the image to about three times (1x, 2x, 3x). Moreover, the switchover function allows a complete 360-degree view by rotating in all 4 directions. Both of these only enhance the fishing experience.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a camera that almost any fisherman would gladly use. It can prove useful for ice fishing in a frozen hole or for kayak fishing or even dock fishing. No matter where it is used, it will prove useful to observe the topography under the water.
Bottom Line
In short, this is a great device to add to your ice fishing gear. It is a strong and sturdy piece of equipment that can endure serious water pressure. The image quality, along with its many other features, makes it a complete all-rounder.
Product Specs
Video Capture Resolution:
1000TVL
Recording Time:
4-6 hrs
Screen Type and Size:
5-inch LCD
Cable Length:
98 ft.
Memory Capacity:
8 GB
Best Cheap Ice Fishing Camera:
Olymbros Underwater Fishing Camera
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This product is one that has failed to disappoint its users. Recent buyers have reported being very satisfied with their investment and found this camera to be great and highly reliable. While they do recommend using different swivel clips, they are sure that this unit is worth the money.
Why It Stands Out to Us
We think this unit has a great number of features packed into it. But what makes it stand out is not the fancy features, but the design that makes it perfect for ice fishing. Manufacturers do not usually put much thought into designing such products, but this unit is different.
Its aerodynamic body and lightweight design are what makes it stand apart from the rest. This unique design is what allows the camera to be more stable underwater, despite the disturbing surrounding.
Bottom Line
Looking for a product that will provide you with good features without weighing too much on your pocket? Then this model is the one for you. It will enhance your ice fishing experience and allow you to get a better catch.
Product Specs
Video Capture Resolution:
1280 x 720
Recording Time:
4 hrs
Max Depth:
65 ft
Screen Type and Size:
N/A
Memory Capacity:
32 GB
Best Underwater Camera for Ice Fishing:
Ricank Underwater Fishing Camera
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of people consider this item as a great help when ice fishing. They say that it gives a good view of what lurks under the water, allowing them to assess when the fish has taken the bait and where a large school of fish is. All of these enable a good catch on a fishing day.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The screen design is of the utmost level as it is a wide LCD monitor. It enables the user to use it in bright light, directly under the sun, or even in dark water with its LED backlights. These lights provide night vision, enabling the fish finder to locate their catch.
Who Will Use This Most
All kinds of fishers, such as ice fishers, kayak, and river fishers, including shore fishers, can have fun using this item. It does its job extremely well and provides a good view of marine life. It also serves as a great gift for your friends and family who enjoy fishing.
Bottom Line
In short, Ricank has brought a great ice fishing camera to the market. It comes with ample helpful features and gives a good picture of the fish underneath. It is also priced well, which means it is great for everyone.
Product Specs
Video Capture Resolution:
1000TVL
Recording Time:
8 hrs
Max Depth:
328 ft
Screen Type and Size:
4.3-inch LCD
Cable Length:
100 ft
What Are The Components of an Ice Fishing Camera?
Before you go ahead and invest in an ice fishing camera, you must know about its different components to better understand how it works. Here are some of the basic components that you can find in every ice fishing camera.
LCD Screen
The LCD screen is the most obvious component of the camera. It gives you a view of everything that your ice fishing camera is recording. It usually comes with a screen protector that blocks the sunlight for a better view.
Fish Camera
This is the component that goes underwater. The camera isn't like the one we normally use in our daily lives. It is designed to be waterproof with some enhanced features that allow viewing under the water to be a lot better.
Cable
The cable connects that camera to the main body of the device, where the screen is located. The longer the cable, the further your camera will be able to go underwater.
Battery
The entire system is connected to a battery that powers it and allows it to function. This battery is usually rechargeable and comes with a charger.
Moocor Underwater Fishing Camera
Types of Ice Fishing Cameras
The cameras that you find on the market are all more or less the same. The basic features provided by all of them are also similar. However, they may vary in terms of their cost and functionality, depending on the type of uses they provide.
Here are the different types of ice fishing cameras that you can invest in.
Eyoyo Q1506 Fishing Camera
Budget-friendly Range
These products are designed with fewer features to fit a smaller budget and perform well enough to get the job done. The prices for these low-budget underwater cameras can range from $100 to $350.
Features provided by such models may not be the best, but they are ideal for someone who is new to using these cameras and is still learning. The best part about these is that they're built sturdily and can survive some mishandling, making them perfect for learning stages.
Mid-Priced
There exists a range of cameras that are not up in league with the professional units but provide better results than beginner-level products. These models are designed for those who know how to use these cameras but do not want to invest too much in them. In a price range of $400 to $700, these models can provide you with a near-professional experience.
High-End
These high-end products are designed for those who think of ice fishing as more than just a hobby. These units are usually accompanied by a complete kit put together to aid the fishing process. This range features an excellent battery life along with a longer cable, so you get the best of all features needed for the perfect catch. Given the features that they provide, these models can cost anywhere from $700 to $1,000 or even more.
How Do They Compare?
Users often find themselves confused between the different types of underwater cameras. Without the knowledge of how these different products compare, making a decision can be tough. Here is a quick comparison that can help you decide which one to invest in.
Ice Fishing Flasher vs Underwater Camera
An ice fishing flasher and underwater camera are significantly different devices that have different functions and provide different results. Here's how the two compare:
Use
The key difference between these two is their use. An ice fishing flasher, as the name might imply, is used specifically for ice fishing. However, an underwater camera has multiple uses since it can be used underwater and provides a good view.
Display
Another important difference between the two products is their display. An underwater unit shows you exactly what is under the layer of ice while you're ice fishing. Meanwhile, an ice fishing flasher doesn't give you an image of what's around but can detect the presence of a body around it.
Underwater Camera vs Sonar Ice Fishing
An underwater camera and an ice fishing sonar provide you with underwater images, but how they specifically do that can be very different. Here's a comparison between the two:
Display Quality
The purpose of an ice fishing sonar is similar to that of an ice fishing flasher.
However, the former can give you a picture of the fish around it. An underwater camera still provides you a better quality display of what is around.
Useful Details
Using a sonar, you get the image of the bodies present around the device and get a measure of some useful details like temperature, depth, etc.
With an underwater camera, these details are not available, and you have just the image to rely on.
Olymbros Underwater Fishing Camera
Pros and Cons of Ice Fishing Cameras
Although ice fishing cameras serve a great purpose and are extremely helpful to fishers, there are also a few drawbacks to them. A few pros and cons are mentioned below.
Pros
Let’s first go through the pros:
Improves Time Management
An ice fishing camera helps you determine if there are fish under your position or whether you should look for a more ideal location. Without this piece of equipment, you’ll end up waiting for hours on a stretch looking for non-existent fish.
Understanding the Prey
With one of these, you soon begin to learn how the fish respond to different factors such as change of bait, etc. You can study and learn more about different species and begin to fish faster.
Improved Quality and Quantity
You can switch locations to find an area with a higher concentration of fish after taking a look under the water with your ice fishing camera in order to catch a higher quantity.
Similarly, when viewing under the water, you can also find out about the quality of fish and make a quick decision to move or to stay in the same place.
Cons
Meanwhile, some limitations include:
Scares the Fish
Most ice fishers complain of this issue, particularly when the cameras have a bright light. Also, if the model is too intrusive, it may end up scaring the fish away, leaving the ice fisher with little to catch.
Lucky Underwater Fishing Camera
Battery Life and Temperature
These two go hand in hand as the lower the temperature, the faster it will make your battery run out. Most ice fishing cameras also have short battery life and run out within a few hours.
Ice Fishing Tips, Tricks, and Hacks for Success
Ice fishing isn't the easiest thing to get around. While those who have been doing it for a while maybe more successful, beginners can often find themselves struggling. Here are some useful tips that will surely come in handy and make the struggle easier, even for a beginner.
Evaluate Before Choosing a Spot
When you go ice fishing, ensure that you don't just choose a spot that looks good over the ice. What matters is the surroundings of the spot under the water. Therefore, before you settle down and start fishing, pick a spot, drill a hole for your camera and get a good view of the underwater surroundings.
If it looks like there are enough fishes, you can proceed with putting in a line. If not, find another spot and repeat the process till you find a good one.
Rewatch the Footage
Once you are back from your fishing trip and have had some rest for yourself, make sure that you go through the footage from your fishing trip. And that isn't to bask in the glory of all the catches you've had. Instead, try observing the fishes and their behavior so you can learn more about how to catch them easily.
Don't Be Hasty
Ever been waiting for a catch, felt a tug on your fishing line, and then reeled it in only to find nothing at all? This happens mostly when you reel the line too soon without waiting for the fish to take the bait. Ensure that you don't act on the tug but see the fish taking the bait on the camera before you reel the line.
If you wish to learn more hacks for ice fishing, you can refer to the video below.
Conclusion
Nowadays, there are many options available when it comes to ice fishing cameras. They carry a number of different features and might even be quite expensive. However, using this guide, you can find a fish-finding camera that has all the necessary features, good performance, and does not burn a hole in your pocket.
People Also Ask
Often, users have a few questions regarding ice fishing cameras. Of course, they are not regular cameras and require a certain procedure. Among the many questions, the most common ones are as follows and have been answered to help put all queries to rest.
Vertical or Horizontal For Fish Camera When Ice Fishing?
Choosing between a vertical and a horizontal camera for ice fishing depends upon what you are more comfortable with. While the vertical camera provides more flash, a horizontal one would provide a better field view. You can choose which feature you like better and take your pick.
How to Use an Underwater Camera For Ice Fishing
Using an underwater camera for ice fishing is quite simple. All you need to do is drill a hole in the ice that is big enough for your camera to go through easily.
Turn on the screen and observe the surroundings as you slowly let your camera deeper into the water. If you feel there are enough fish around, you can set your camera to go in as deep as you want and then set your fishing line.
How Much Are Underwater Cameras?
On average, a good-quality underwater camera can cost you anywhere from $400 to $750.
How Deep Should an Underwater Ice Fishing Camera Go?
The depth to which you take your ice fishing camera usually depends upon the type of fish you are trying to catch. You can reel your camera accordingly. And if there is no specific type of fish that you are trying to catch, you can keep the camera at a depth that allows you the best view of the fishes around.
How Far to Set Fish Cameras With Ice Fishing?
This is a factor that is highly dependent on the clarity of the water. The water could be dark or murky, or if you’re lucky, it might just be clear enough. However, most ice fishers set their cameras about 3 feet away to give them a decent view of what’s going on under the water.
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