Teaching with cameras

For kids, underwater cameras are a terrific source of entertainment and education.

Looking back on my ice fishing trips, I can truly say that having an underwater camera is the most entertaining piece of equipment I have added to my fishing trips.

My 8-year-old nephew is keen on setting up the camera at our locations. He has become adept at how to work our "fish tv" and I can tell he’s very proud to participate in this manner.

He gives feedback on any fish sightings and thoroughly enjoys the on-camera fish action.

Understanding how fish react to certain lures and bait is very interesting and can be a useful educational tool on fish behaviour, especially during high and low pressure systems.

It didn’t take long upon one of our arrivals to an ice fishing spot for the first time, when the thrill of the first nibble broke into an excited chatter as my nephew crowded around the camera and the line pulled tight on a nice walleye. He worked hard to keep his prized catch on the line as he reeled it in. A simple tutorial on how to securely unhook and handle the fish was followed by the release, and the "eater" walleye was kept for supper. All day and into the evening, it was the thrill of watching for walleye and pike on the camera, curiously investigating the lures and striking. My nephew observed the array of behaviour the fish had towards each lure. By the way, the best lure was the simplest one. A jig and a minnow were the order of the day. I try my best to keep fishing upbeat and interesting during the times when there aren't any bites, and the addition of the aqua vu eliminates the bordom for the kiddos. The camera we like is the user-friendly and lightweight Aqua Vu Revolution 5.0 pro. It fits in your pocket, tackle bag, or jacket pocket and is nearly the same size as a large smartphone. It lasts for hours upon hours on one charge, and records on an internal memory and is easily connected to a computer afterwards for downloading videos. The camera itself has night vision and is great for deeper waters. Murky waters, not so much. However, even in silty water with plenty of debre, it will get clear visuals of fish that come close enough to the camera.

I know for sure that this added gadget has brought both added entertainment and useful education to our trips. I highly recommend adding one regardless of the brand-the kids love "fish tv" and the same goes for the adults! The bottom line of fishing is getting out and enjoying all that mother nature has to offer and quality time with family and friends. Leave the video games behind, bring the fishing gear, and don't forget the underwater camera to enhance the learning experience. Happy fishing!