I love the sport of fishing, don’t get me wrong, it’s super relaxing, but, my gripe? The long hours that are involved with nothing else to do other than to just sit and wait until you run out of beer! That’s where the best underwater ice fishing camera come in.
No more long sitting hours in a boat or sitting on the ice without any action. These devices are easy to use and beginner friendly for people of all ages. Stop fishing and start catching when you’re using an underwater fishing camera to spot your next fish.
Read on about how this piece of technology can change how you fish for the better.
Best Underwater Ice Fishing Camera – Quick Chart
Best Underwater Ice Fishing Camera [y] – Unbiased Review
But be rest assured, because we have made sure to give you the top 10 best underwater fishing cameras for [y].
Aqua Vu AV Micro Plus Underwater Fishing Camera
The Aqua Vu is the best small underwater camera for fishing.
- This is a compact device that has a small camera that is the size of a coke cork.
- It comes with infrared lights that can be useful for fishing at night and in dark waters.
- It is very easy to use, and it is rechargeable.
For the best compact underwater camera for fishing, we have picked the Aqua Vu AV Micro Plus.
There are a few interesting features that come with this model like its 2 infrared LEDs and a camera that is super small with a 3 x zoom. There are some great bonuses to owning this small underwater camera for fishing. You can charge it using a USB cable, and this means that you will be able to recharge it while you are on the move in the car, in your boat, with a portable charging unit or with a laptop.
This device can also easily fit into your pants pocket and not feel heavy when you are fishing from a boat or on the ice with your ice auger. Ice Fishing with a camera increases your chances of chasing and catching fish.
Just like a smartphone, this device has a high quality display screen which lets you see in great details. It has a screen guard and a sun shield, although, seeing as this is a tiny device, you can simply move it around into the shade without thinking twice.
One other thing we were not expecting to find with this model was its strong metal box that the device was packed in. When you are in the market trying to get something small, there usually is a high possibility of it getting lost or slipping from your grip. With this device’s storage case, we were okay knowing that this device is going to be durable. Check out the Aqua Vu accessories available online which make this camera even better!
You might be thinking that all these are too good to be true, you just might be right there.
The price of this device costs nearly $300. You could get 3 cameras that come in regular sizes for that price. This begs the question, is it worth the buy?
Our answer? Yes. The price is certainly deserving as it is a very long-lasting model, it is trustworthy and simple to use for a fishing camera.
Aqua Vu Micro Plus Underwater Camera Features
- It is great for ice and lake fishing.
- Monitor Size:5-inch LCD.
- Lights: 2 infrared LEDs.
- Quality: Standard camera.
- Video Recording: Not supported.
- Length of Cable: 15 meters.
- Battery: 8 hours.
- Warranty: 1-year warranty.
Marcum Underwater Camera RC5P 5 Plus Fishing Camera
Best underwater video camera for fishing.
Marcum Recon 5 Specs
- The Marcum ice fishing camera records 6-hour long footages to a 32 GB micro SD card.
- It comes with a 50-meter cable that works in ice, lake, river, and saltwater fishing.
- It has a 5-inch display screen with adjustable color, brightness, and contrast.
If you are looking for the best camera for underwater fishing that can record your video, then you should look no further than the MarCum recon 5 Plus. This camera doesn’t come at a cheap price, but when it comes to its quality recordings, you will love this great portable camera.
Its carrying pack is made of a red material that really is not very impressive. When it comes to underwater fishing cameras, Marcum has a sturdy waterproof case, which is durable and can handle accidental drops in the water or in light rain. One good thing about this product is that its handle is comfortable to grasp.
The camera of this device records video to a micro SD card of up to 32 GB while it is also transmitting it to your screen in your carrying case. As you watch the display screen, whenever you choose, you can adjust the brightness of the screen.
This is one reason why we fell in love with this underwater video camera. You can easily keep an eye on what you are doing underwater and, also keep the footage at the same time without having to sacrifice on battery and the quality of your video. For example, the wireless option will record the video of your fishing activities and send it straight to your smartphone, for, say, a total of 3 hours. The MarCum fishing camera will record for up to 6 hours.
If having to have a visual record of your fishing adventures is what you prioritize, then you should consider this model for fishing.
MarCum Underwater Video Camera Features
- Suitable For: Ice, lakes, saltwater, etc.
- Monitor Size: 5 inches.
- Lights: Infrared LED.
- Quality: 800 x 480 pixels.
- Video Recording: Supported
- Length of Cable: 50 meters.
- Battery Time: 6 hours.
- Warranty: 1 year.
Anysun Fishing Camera AS-SY3800
- This is a remote-controlled underwater camera with a view that goes 360 degrees.
- It has 16 high power bright white LEDs to brighten dark and murky waters.
- It comes with a professional kit and a 7-inch display.
The main feature that has made us really pay attention to this underwater fishing camera by Anysun is its ability to be controlled in a 360-degree mode. This camera is controlled by a remote and this will help with the revolution of the camera once it is dropped into the water as deep as 20 meters.
This is not something that you will find on your typical underwater fishing video camera. This, of course, does not mean that this model is priced on the high side on the market.
It is designed with sturdy waterproof materials, and these we found to be really strong and ideal for choppy, cold, and salt waters. This camera comes with 16 LEDs that are usually very bright and they help to brighten murky waters, although, they are not strong enough or not fitted with infrared to help you for those times when you go fishing at night.
The display of this device is 7 inches wide and its TVL rating is lower than some other cheaper models that are in this article.
When it comes to the technology, its price, and the level of construction that was put into this model’s camera controls, we were hoping that we would get a little more action from the screen. One other downside we found on this model is its battery life. It wasn’t up to 10 hours as stated by its manufacturers, Anysun. We only were able to get 4 – 5 hours before the device’s battery depleted, requiring a recharge.
We would suggest this camera for anyone that would love to know exactly what is happening, not just when they go fishing but when they try to find wreckages and exploration that are under the water, in clarity through dark water. Things to love about this device are its bright lights and its 360-degree revolution.
Anysun Features
- It is suitable for, ice, ocean and lake fishing.
- Monitor Size: 7 inches.
- Quality: 800 TVL HD video camera.
- Video Recording: Not supported.
- Length of Cable: 20 meters.
- Battery: 10 hours.
- Warranty: 1-year warranty.
GoFish Cam: Wireless Underwater Fishing Camera
- This device has a wireless camera that you can set out like you normally would in both saltwater and fresh water.
- It’s an underwater video camera that keeps a 3-hour long video recording at 1080p HD quality.
- It is great for taking note of small fish and for the recording of your best catches.
The GoFish Cam is one neat wireless underwater fishing camera that records wirelessly and, also sends your recording to the GoFish app on your Apple or Android smartphone.
To make use of the device’s camera, you would need to turn it on, making sure that it is fully charged, and then you can set up the fishing app that accompanies it, enabling you to send the video to your smartphone as you record. Another thing you can do is to record on an SD card that you can take out once you reel it in. Hook it up to your fishing line and then set it out like usual.
The battery of this device can last up to 3 hours at 720p, and when it is at 1080p, it can stay for as long as one hour as you live stream to your smartphone. Seeing as this is a wireless camera, this is one good feature.
Once it is reeled into the water, you can then remove the memory card and send your recorded footages to your laptop, or you can just share it through the app. It is modern and it is also reliable. This underwater video camera harmonizes fishing and the twenty first century and this is one thing we love about it.
Another thing that impressed us about this device is how well-designed the camera is. The GoFish Cam is able to film in both still and rough waters, keeping you assured that it will not go off your hands once you set it in the water.
In all, we feel this is the standout wireless underwater fishing camera that we will recommend to the 21st century fisherman that does not need a fussy camera, and one that you can easily sync with a smartphone.
Need the instructions or some How To Videos? Check out the GoFish Cam Manual here.
GoFish Cam Features
- Great For: Fishing in both fresh and saltwater for small fish.
- Lights: It has night vision with green LED.
- Quality: It has up to 1080p HD.
- Battery Time: 2 hours.
- Warranty: 1-year.
- Video Recording: Supported
Eyoyo Fish Finder O0417MG – Best Underwater Ice Fishing Camera
Eyoyo Fishing Camera Specs
- This model comes with a complete fishing package with 50m depth
- Adjustable LEDs and a 1000 TVL HD camera.
- It comes with a monitor display that is 8 inches and is very detailed and sufficiently bright for when you use it in dark waters
- Detachable sun visor.
- It records and saves video on a micro SD card while you are fishing under ice, in lakes, rivers, and in larger bodies of water.
As you will find out, many of the underwater fishing cameras on this list come with one unique feature, it does not matter whether it is the large display, cable’s ability to reach deep into the water, or the strong battery time.
This Eyoyo Fish Finder is packed with everything you need.
This underwater fishing camera is made to go anywhere, from the deepest parts of the ocean to shallow lakes. It also comes with a cable that is cold-resistant and reaches as deep as 50 meters. The camera records 1000 TVL, and for underwater fishing cameras, this is the highest quality available. It’s fitted with 12 infrared LEDs with light levels that can be adjusted for your night fishing.
The Eyoyo fishing camera design is silver-colored and comes in the shape of a fish, and this is the typical shell for all Eyoyo cameras despite their model. It does not scare the fish, and it is, as you might imagine, waterproof.
This underwater fishing camera has a micro SD card of 8 GB already installed; what we loved is just how one could get the camera out of the box and start fishing without needing any much setup. There is a float, battery charger (this is for when you fish for longer than 6 hours), sunshade and fishing equipment all come in the waterproof carrying case.
You could switch the 8 GB if you see the need to.
In all, this model ranks high with the best all-in-one kit for underwater fishing that we were able to test out. The image quality of this device is great and, although this model comes at a high price, we can say that it is certainly worth the price.
Eyoyo 9 Inch Features
- Suitable For: Ice, freshwater and saltwater, clear and dark water, too.
- Monitor Size: 9 inches
- Lights: 12 infrared LEDs
- Quality: 1000 TVL HD camera.
- Cable Length: 50 meters
- Battery Time: 6 hours.
- Warranty: 1-year limited warranty.
- Video Recording: Supported
Eyoyo Fish Finder EF07 – Best Choice for Budgets
Eyoyo Fishing Camera Specs
- It has a 1000 TVL HD camera at a depth of 12 meters for a price that is a little over $100, a great price, wouldn’t you say?
- It comes with a 7-inch HD screen that has a removable sun visor.
- It has a waterproof carrying case that helps to keep the entire kit.
The Eyoyo’s Fish Finder EF07 is the best budget underwater fishing camera. It has all the essentials that you would need to help you fish under the water for up to 15 meters with a very clear image. This model has a high 1000 TVL HD camera – some models come with lower TVL but they are more expensive – with 12 infrared LED lights.
There is a float, cable reel, and a battery charger that will all easily fit into the waterproof carrying pack.
The Eyoyo Fish Finder does not support video recording, but there are other models similar to this one that also comes from the same maker, Eyoyo, that will. You can also choose various cable lengths all the way up to 50 meters, for this, you would need to pay something extra. One attractive thing about this model is the value for the money that it offers.
This model’s rechargeable battery can last up to 8 hours and this is about the typical battery strength for other models from other makers. You cannot modify the camera once it has been reeled in.
In all, we would surely recommend this camera for those who are budget-tight and for beginners who do not want to spend a lot on an underwater fishing camera.
Eyoyo 7 Inch Features
- Great for ice, lake, and boat fishing.
- Monitor Size: 7-inch LCD.
- Lights: 12 infrared LEDs
- Quality: 1000 TVL HD camera.
- Video Recording: Not supported.
- Length of Cable: 15 meters.
- Battery time: 8 hours.
- Warranty: 1-year warranty.
BOBLOV Camera For Ice Fishing
- It comes equipped with a HD 1000 TVL camera that transmits to a 7-inch brightly colored display.
- It can get footages, when you are under the ice, fishing and in lakes or in saltwater for as low as 30 meters.
- Its battery can last for up to 10 hours of consistent use and it can be charged, coming packed with a charger.
BOBLOV’s Fish Finder underwater fishing camera is a great fishing package. One thing we loved about this device was its quality. This is a small package that are all fitted in one small case, although the camera can only go as low as 30 meters, this is a superb, cold-resistant, waterproof fishing camera.
In the package, you have a 7-inch TFT monitor, the underwater camera with 30 m cable and wheel, a lithium battery that is rechargeable, its battery charger, a carrying case, user manual, and a fishing float.
You cannot video record, since it is not an option, what you do is you can comfortably sit and keep watch over your line for as long as 10 hours through the 7-inch display. It constructed into the top of the storage box with dimensions of 9.1 x 5.5 x 7.9 inches, and a carrying handle that weighs about 4 lb., with a detachable sun visor.
This device is good quality and very simple to use. The camera, though, is not easy for you to move when you are fishing under water, even though the LEDs can be turned on and off as you choose, seeing through dark water is not exactly a possibility with this one.
In all, we would suggest this underwater camera for the times when you will be fishing in waters that are not murky if you would like to see what is happening. This model is ideal for the beginner fisherman. It would be great for those who want to explore under the water, for those who want to observe life under the sea, and also for general sea viewing.
If you are looking for a pro camera package that can record video, then you can look at some of the more intricate underwater fishing cameras on our list.
Its Features
- It is suitable for ocean, ice, and lake fishing.
- Monitor Size: 7 inches.
- Lights: 12 infrared LEDs.
- Quality: 1000 TVL HD camera.
- Video Recording: Not supported.
- Length of Cable: 30 meters.
- Battery: 10 hours.
- Warranty:
Moocor Portable Fish Finder Camera LQ-3505D [ Top Rated for Ice Fishing]
- This device gives you a very clear image with the image sensor chip that you can find when you are in ice or saltwater to its 3.5-inch display.
- The device’s cable is made for conditions where there is ice with waterproofing and anti-pressing design.
- Its battery is made to tough out the cold and to also deliver up to video for up to 8 hours.
This underwater camera for ice fishing from Moocor is also one of the most compact on the market, but do not let that make you turn away from it. The 3.5-inch display is HD, and it is always giving you the best clarity with a sun visor and LED backlight.
Although it has a small monitor screen this device is not fiddly. Even with your gloves on, you can easily flip it open and access the buttons. With this device, you can tap into the video outlet of its monitor so that you can watch the video on a screen that is much larger. It has a cable that is cold-resistant and has a length of 15 meters, with waterproof features. Of all the products that we tested, this model was easily one of the strongest cables of all, with the ability to hold up to 30 kg.
The camera has a CMOS sensor, image sensor chip that has 440,000 pixels and it is made to help you record with clarity for when there is an absence of sufficient lighting. More so, this model has an infrared LED light for fishing at night or in dark waters.
With this device and its features, you will be amazed. Another thing about this underwater fishing camera is that it is made to work well when in icy situations, it has some of the best tech of all the cameras that are featured on this list.
If you are someone that goes fishing in icy situations on a regular basis, we recommend this small portable fish finder. It is very reliable, and it gives you a very clear image.
Moorcor Underwater Fishing Camera Features
- Suitable For: It works well in both ice fishing and saltwater fishing, and in dark waters.
- Monitor Size:5 inches.
- Lights: Infrared LED.
- Quality: 700 TVL HD camera.
- Video Recording: Not Supported.
- Cable Length: 15 meters.
- Battery Time: 8 hours.
- Warranty: 1 year.
Anysun Underwater Fishing Camera: Fish Finder 700 TVL – 15 M
- It has a very long battery life that gives you power of up to 12 hours, with a clear HD video.
- This device is great for fishing in both cold and light-less conditions, even during night time with its 12 infrared LEDs.
- It has a 1-year warranty and 30 days return policy.
Unlike any other product by Anysun that is featured on this list, this model is one compact kit. This is a model for those that are on a budget that we so enjoyed giving a test drive. In the box, you will find a camera, a 15-meter cord, battery, charger, carry case and float.
It is simple to use, and it has all that you will need for a day of fishing. It has a waterproof line, cold-resistant, and pull-resistant, and this means that it is not going to get damaged while under ice or if it happens to get snagged on rocks or other debris underwater.
This model’s infrared lights are quite limited, but it will provide you with some night vision that will help for times when you go out to fish at night or in murky waters. With this device’s cable that is 15 meters in length, it is not ideal for when you will be fishing in deep waters. We would advise that you stay on waters that are still.
The picture quality of this device is at 700 TVL, and it is not great, but it is brightly lit, giving you a vivid image of the fish that are close to the camera.
It is not the most durable of all the models listed, with its plastic parts, but this is something that you would naturally expect from a fishing camera that is below $100. We surely feel that it is worth the spend. There is everything you need in the box that you would get from the BOBLOV or Aqua-Vu models only at a lower price.
Overall, the most amazing thing about this device is its long-lasting battery life. It can last up to 10 – 12 hours and this is the most impressive on this list. We will recommend this if you want a basic fishing camera.
Anysun 15 m Underwater Fishing Camera Features
- It is suitable for ice and lake fishing.
- Monitor Size: 7-inch.
- Lights: 12 infrared LEDs
- Quality: 700 TVL HD camera.
- Video Recording: Not supported.
- Length of Cable: 15 meters.
- Battery: 10 – 12 hours.
- Warranty: 1-year warranty
Best Underwater Fishing Camera Ultimate Buyers Guide
The History
The use of video cameras can be followed back to as early as 1845. An English inventor by the name of Francis Ronalds found that he could record images by gradually pulling a photosensitive surface at an opening in his camera. This technique has proven to be useful in the recording of many scientific findings in laboratories for almost a century.
In the year 1876, the first film camera was introduced by a man named Wordsworth Donisthorpe. He was well-known for the kinesigraph. He made use of this device to record the Trafalgar’s Square traffic in London. Although, all of the 10 frames of the original recording were lost.
And in the year 1887, William Friese-Green experimented on the celluloid film. His own idea became a hallmark standard used in the centuries that followed his invention. Of course, in his own time, his inventions were seen as advanced. But, the camera, as expected, especially with today’s standards, was unreliable and it suffered from low frame rates.
Kinetographic Camera?
In 1889, a Scottish inventor known as William Kennedy Laurie Dickson made history in camera technology. He invented the kinetographic camera. Unlike the cameras that were invented before it, it had a faster frame rate. It was also powered by an electric motor. This was considered to be the basis for what we know as cinematography today.
On another hand, the first underwater camera was introduced by Louis Boutan who was a French scientist. It took around 30 minutes for the camera to expose just a single frame. Boutan contrived the first underwater camera in the year 1893. He used a water-tight housing plus a compressed air bladder. This is very analogous to the available underwater fishing cameras we have on the market today.
Hand-Held Camera
In the year 1911, the first hand-held film camera was launched, and it was named the Aeroscope. Unlike the other cameras that came before it, the Aeroscope did not need the operator to crank the film, with this, both hands are freed so that they can focus on steadying the camera’s focus.
Before the year 1923, the 35 mm film stock was the standard that was used for the movie cameras. Although, the Eastman Kodak released the 16 mm film stock. And as such, this low-cost alternative inspired amateur movie makers to start film making.
The 16 mm film remained in use until the late 2000s, but it was later dismissed to be of lesser quality. At this time, digital cameras were gaining a foothold in the market.
Digital Cameras
Digital cameras can capture images digitally. It would then record the images in the hard disks or memory cards instead of films. Over the years, the cost of the digital components has been gradually declining. And now, shooting on digital is getting more accessible than with the use of films. Since the year 2010, the digital movie cameras have dominated the motion picture industry.
How Does an Underwater Camera Work for Fishing?
The first underwater cameras were used by commercial fishermen to find and track large schools of fish and crab. Today, underwater fishing cameras make use of the digital technology. With this, you can transmit images from underwater to the boat.
Underwater cameras for fishing are designed in such a way that they can capture images in murky dark waters, and in flowing water, depending on which one you buy. This is how they are different from a regular camera. Also, they have a waterproof housing which protects the internal parts of the camera from any damage. There are also various models that use filters to help produce better quality images.
How Did We Pick the Best Underwater Fishing Cameras?
The main function of the underwater fishing camera is to give you visuals on what is going on in the water. Are underwater ice fishing cameras any good? Here are the top things we considered when choosing our best underwater fishing cameras to test.
- Quality of Camera: You have to know if this device gives you a view of what exactly is going on. Many of these devices are measured in TVL like the security cameras.
- Battery Strength: You should check to see if this device will keep running throughout the day or will there be a cut in transmission while you are fishing?
- Ease of Use: Check if the device is easy to set up. Are its functions easy to use? And is it easy to pack it away after use?
- Applications: Can this device be used for ice fishing? Can it be used in saltwater?
- Price: We also checked if the device was worth the investment?
- Quality: Just how prone to breaking is the device? And would it rust or malfunction?
There also were some features that we saw that made us nix some of the models. Let us take for example the camera styles, the lights, the shapes that could potentially scare the fish. Other models that were displayed as ice fishing underwater cameras could not work in the cold and they could not be handled with gloved hands.
Do Underwater Cameras Scare Fish?
Fish are fish. They spook easily. So if you lower your camera in their general area, then yes, an underwater camera will scare off fish. But, once the camera is being held still in the water, it won’t care off any fish. We recommend lowering it slowly and cautiously to reduce any movement in the water and scaring any fish away from your fishing spot.
3 Pointers for Choosing the Best Underwater Fishing Camera
Are you thinking about how you can choose one off this list? Well, go through these questions.
- Where and when will you be using the camera? You should consider the location and how regularly you will be using the device. You don’t want to spend too much on a camera that you will only be using once in a season. You also don’t want to get an inexpensive camera that you won’t be able to use in the winter without knowing it. You should consider how much you will be using it and the effort that you will be putting into maintaining it.
- Budget? What is the amount you can afford to spend on a fishing camera? What features are so important to you that you can’t live without them?
- Does camera/display matter to you? For anyone who wants to record video or that would like to monitor the various types of fish in a particular place, viewing in vivid detail is very important.
- What kind of water are you fishing in? Though, there are many models that say they are able to support ice fishing, they are mostly made for lake fishing waters that are clear. If you’re fishing is not typical, it’s better for you to get an underwater fishing camera that is made for your specific type of fishing. You don’t want to grab a camera that just can’t handle your fishing environment.
In all, you will have to keep in mind that it does not matter what camera you choose for your underwater fishing, it will still need to be maintained and cleaned it so that it will last you a long time.
Must Read: Best Shallow Mount Subwoofers
What is the Best Underwater Fishing Camera
Eyoyo 50 m 1000 TVL Fish Finder
In our research, we found that many of the fishermen and fisherwomen praised the models by Aqua-Vu. And, we do agree that these are very authentic and are the favorite among those in the fishing community, but after we tested all the models, we decided that the Eyoyo was far better. It has a lot of functions only at a lower price, and it also gives a better image.
Our Pick for Best Wireless Fishing Camera
We will also like to state that our pick for the best wireless underwater camera is the GoFish, does not come without its own faults. It is probably the frailest camera in this article, still, it was the best that we found in the wireless section. We do hope that we will get more wireless underwater fishing cameras in 2020.
What is the Best Underwater Camera for Ice Fishing?
We love and recommend the Moocor Portable Underwater Unit for ice fishing.
The cable length is super long at 15 meters (49 feet) and the battery time is a whooping 8 hours. It rocks at spotting fish in saltwater and dark, murky waters. The camera and image quality is super good, but we would maybe like a bigger screen.
Conclusion
The best underwater fishing camera can see through murky waters, has a long enough line to reach the depths of your favorite fishing spot, is waterproof, and can handle the extreme weather of ice fishing.
