Even the best sports fishermen need assistance when it comes to finding areas where the fish are abundant. From the most technically advanced drone-assisted fish scouting, to having a plain old sixth sense, the fish are out there, if you know where and how to look. To catch fish, first, you have to find them.
But First, A Little Fishing History
Called the Popeil Pocket Fisherman, The Pocket Fisherman was invented in 1963 by Ron Popeil's father after the tip of a fishing pole nearly injured him. Today's version sells for $29.99 and has a double-flex rod hinge that unfolds to a fully extendable position. Together, both versions of the Pocket Fisherman have sold more than two million units. It's a cool, inexpensive gadget to leave in your car or throw in your travel bag. While working at an RV resort camping store in Colorado, I had customers ask what fishing gear we stocked. Not much for fishing, except some toy poles for youth under 14 years, and artificial bate. When no adult fishing gear is near, the Pocket Fisherman is handy to have.
Featured below are several fish finding units that range from high tech to low, and vary in price. There are hundreds of fish finding devices, monitors and cameras on the market. In addition to reading about them here, do a little research on what works best for your fishing skill level.
PowerRay Wizard Underwater ROV Kit from PowerVision - Underwater Drone.
Capture photos and incredible 4K video of the world beneath the surface--from the comfort of your boat--with the PowerRay Wizard Underwater ROV Kit from PowerVision. The PowerRay vehicle and base station includes a wireless transmitter/controller, batteries and chargers, and a 64GB memory card. Additionally, you'll get a generous 230' tether, along with a PowerSeeker Fishfinder and bait drop line. With this package are provided a pair of ZEISS VR ONE Plus Goggles, which work with your smartphone to enable access to immersive, real-time, streaming 3D video from below the surface--so you can feel as though you're actually riding inside the ROV. The contents of this versatile kit can be neatly stowed and easily transported in the supplied, wheeled carrying case. $798.95
Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder/Depth Finder
Rated the Number 1 fish finder by Focus Fishing in 2021, the Lowrance Hook features include The Lowrance HOOK2 7 Fish Finder features auto-tuning sonar and phone-like menus, giving you more time to spend fishing and less time dealing with settings. Plus, its screen coverage offers WIDER SONAR COVERAGE: The HOOK2 7 offers a wide-angle CHIRP sonar cone giving you double the coverage of traditional fish finders. EASY SETUP is another feature. A single transducer can be mounted on the transom, inside the hull, on the trolling motor or through a scupper hole. Five-inch screen. $387.59 - Nine-inch screen $839.16
Fishfinders Underwater Fishing Camera
4.3 inch DVR Monitor, 10PCS LED Night Vision Waterproof Camera for Lake Sea Boat Kayak Ice Fishing with 25M Cable
This underwater video camera system includes two parts: an underwater camera and HD LCD monitor. Those who like sea fishing or ice fishing monitor the fish and observe the underwater topographic, and watch the fish bite the hooks or not. Multi-function LCD monitor: Portable high-resolution LCD fish monitor has a sun visor, and highlight LED backlight. Can be used under the sun, HD 4.3in LCD display comes with multiple functions such as: Monitor supports IP67 waterproof, low battery power reminder, high fidelity video output functions, and power-saving mode. $257.72
GoFish Cam® and Live-Streams
The GoFish® Cam Wireless Underwater Fishing Camera is an in-line underwater camera that sits on your fishing line. The GoFish Cam can be used in freshwater and saltwater environments and capture underwater video and live stream when casting, trolling, bottom fishing, and float fishing. It is 11.5cm long and pre-weighted to an optimized 94 grams, with a 1,000 lb tension rating and a 500' depth rating.
The camera will only record underwater, but once out of the water, you can download the footage to your mobile device via its onboard Wi-Fi signal. It will live-feed when used in conjunction with the included bobber accessory above water. The accessory allows the sensor to be out of the water and will live-feed between 20-30' away from you. If the line breaks, you will lose your camera. The manufacturer suggests a high-pound test braid as your mainline and a lighter mono leader. It assures the weakest point between the lure and camera and not the mainline between camera and reel. $199.99
The best fishing days are those where the wind is at your back, the seas are smooth, and the fish are bountiful.
Fair Winds/Smooth Sailing
To obtain more information about the products and services mentioned in this article, please contact CLR Marine https://www.clrmarine.com/.
Award-winning author Cheryl Kuba has been at the helm for more than 30 years sailing the Great Lakes, with side trips to the British Virgin Islands and St. Maarten. She has served as past- Commodore of Great Lakes Fleet 21 -Chicago region. 3happycampers.com
©Copyright Cheryl Kuba, 3happycampers.com
