Bathyscopes for fish viewing

[the gecko]

I keep thinking that I must get one of these to check out structure in places that I fish regularly.

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/BATHYSCOPE-Perfect-for-Underwater-Fish-Viewing-395650_W0QQitemZ150193027122QQihZ005QQcategoryZ274 14QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp 1638Q2em118Q2el1247
I see bias has em cheaper than this at 69 ea.

Has anybody used one? What sort of depth do they see to?
What sort of water clarity do you need?

Would they work in rivers of 10-20ft depth, when the water is a bit murky after rain?

Can they be used at night with a spotlight?

TIA
Andrew

[For Steve]

Sorry Andrew, I don't know but these have always interested me. I too would like to know answers to these questions.

Would it be similar to putting your head in the water with a dive mask on?

Regards
Brad

[Outsider1]

I have not used one myself, but have seen the Trouters using them out on the Swains. They used to (still do i suppose?) target individual fish with them.

The visual effect is basically as Brad has said, like a dive mask in the water. So water clarity will be the biggest limitation I would think.

Cheers

Dave

[Didley]

Good thoughts Andrew, I've had similar thoughts. I don't think the visibility would be there in spot X, but I hope I'm wrong. Give it a try, if it works, can I have a look?;D. I was thinking hightec, video camera in a housing, direct to a monitor in the boat, trolling with the electric. Incoming and top of the tide I reckon.

Cheers "The dreamer"

[ronnien]

yep, seen a few live trout fishermen using them to find the "plate" size fish. wearing a mask or looking through a glass bottom boat much the same.

ron.

[Scott nthQld]

it'd be interesting to see the sort on ground I fish over, I might get one next pay and see how it goes and let you know.

[Outsider1]

Just remember that your boat needs to have low enough sides for you to be able to lean over to look and have the Bathyscope in the water. They are only 510mm long, and most offshore boats will have a higher freeboard than that. Unless you can buy longer ones than I have seen?.

Cheers

Dave

[FNQCairns]

Are they a glass or a plastic lense? I suspect plastic, if so do they still behave optically like a diving mask does underwater?

The Bias/Whitworths one for $70 looks the goods, nice wide base.

cheers fnq

[Didley]

At that price, I’d want a glass lens.

[ronnien]

glass would be better, they are easy to make & would be alot cheaper.

depending on how clear the water is this will tell you how far down you will see, the trout boys use them up close to the reef.

ron.

[jakethemus]

once again its all going to depend on visibility but have a look at this if you havent already http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-FISH-FINDER-UNDERWATER-VIDEO-CAMERA-LCD-TV-MONITOR_W0QQitemZ310064557917QQihZ021QQcategoryZ29 723QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[cormorant]

Have used one and you need a low sided boat in very flay conditionds unless youwant a fat lip. Visability is just like a diving mask although you have poor perrifferal vision. The kids enjoy a larger one with tempered glass front along the shore and in rock pools when they were younger and not snorkeling.

I have one I have used on the kayak that is a black plastic 150mm irrigation pipe with some lexan sikaflexed onto it. The other end has section of a orange road cone as a soft face mask and it is hard to hold unless in calm conditions and a bit disorientating on a kayak. . As it is long it gives tunnel vision but good to get a glimpse of structure for fishing later

They are only good looking down vertically

Can't say i would recommend one but it has kept kids occupied for hours and I have seen what sone shallow structure looks like so maybe I can recomend it after all.

[Didley]

once again its all going to depend on visibility but have a look at this if you havent already http://cgi.ebay.com.au/NEW-FISH-FINDER-UNDERWATER-VIDEO-CAMERA-LCD-TV-MONITOR_W0QQitemZ310064557917QQihZ021QQcategoryZ29 723QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

That looks cool Jake, if it worked I have one, but I have my doubts. Looks a little gimmicky to me, but give it a go and let us know;D.

[Orrsum]

i have a bit of footage from one i'll see if i can upload it.

[Orrsum]

Ok here goes, i hope the file is not too big. it goes for 2.25mins and is about 6meg nah sorry guy's its too big and the wrong sort of file. if anyone knows how to get video on this please let me know or PM me and i'll email it.

[the gecko]

You need to load video onto Youtube, then post a link to it here or in the video forum.
Use the pulldown menu and go to Videos. Theres a sticky at the top with instructions.

Wow, the ebay camera looks the goods. I might get one.

[Orrsum]

well here it is, warning if you get sea sick it's a bit wobbly( as you can imagine trying to hold a camera inside a view bucket and film fish i hope this has worked. i will try again if not

[Orrsum]

i must be stupid cos i cannot get a link to work.

[Orrsum]

try this one i do not know what i'm doing but we'll give it another go.try this one. it works in the preview screen but not when i submit.

[Orrsum]

sorry everyone, if you go to youtube and search for viewbucket footage you should find it. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTdQmD2BKFo

[Didley]

Thanks for all your trouble Orrsum, that's great. Where was it the water is very clear.

Cheers Dids

[the gecko]

Good stuff orrsome. I love the ending, I was waiting to see if you were gonna get a result.

What was the water depth?

[Orrsum]

it was up off the Swains i think the water depth was around 8 to 10 metres. a mate of mine was a trout fisherman. would have loved to have done a trip with him- you see some pretty special stuff on his home movies.