LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION (continued from previous page)
 
This past year we added an underwater camera to our customer satisfaction arsenal. After a thorough investigation, we selected a unit made by Walker Downriggers called Strike Vision. This low light underwater camera is truly remarkable and definitely added to our fishing capabilities as well as providing exciting views as fish moved in for the strike.
 
Basically the camera is lowered via a custom downrigger to the desired fishing depth. The camera "looks back toward the lure which is attached to the same rigger slightly above and several feet behind the video camera. The picture is transmitted to a tv/vcr unit in the main cabin of our vessel. We can watch our lures and determine the proper action and just what troll speed is needed to keep the presentation properly working.
 
All of a sudden a shadow appears behind the lure and soon the excitement builds as a fish moves in for what we hope is a strike. Everyone crowds the screen and yells at the fish to "take it." Sometimes the fish looks and then moves off, other times the anglers cries are heeded and the fish gobbles the lure. It is amazing and exciting to see just what is going on down below. By the way all of this is recorded on a vcr for review. You have got to see it to believe it!!!!