Although you can use fish finders or flashers, there is nothing like seeing the fish on an underwater fishing camera.
Ice fishing quickly rules out any chance of this as you sit huddled around a hole in thick ice. If there was a way to see down into the dark waters, it could change your success.
Now, that advantage is here with the best fishing underwater camera. You can see in high resolution, the fish you are attempting to catch and how they are attracted to your bait.
Our reviews look at some of the best budget-friendly best ice fishing cameras and equipment there is on the market. (Find the Best Ice Fishing Shelters)
By the reviews end and the ice fishing camera buying guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of which is the best underwater fishing camera for your needs.
Why You Need a Good Underwater Camera for Ice Fishing
Ice fishing differs from open-water fishing, as you’re pretty much entirely stuck in one place.
Once you take time setting up your shack, hut, or windbreak and then take time to dig a nice ice fishing hole with your auger, you’re stuck in one place.
Ice fishing cameras, or underwater viewing cameras made specifically for ice fishing, give you the chance to see what’s happening under the ice.
Now, there’s no reason to pick the wrong spot when you can check what’s happening in the water before you set up all your gear. From then, you can check how the fish are taking to your bait in the low light parts of the lakes.
Top Underwater Camera for Ice Fishing Reviews
1. Eyoyo Portable 7 inch LCD Monitor Fish Finder Waterproof Underwater 1000TVL Fishing Camera 15m Cable 12pcs IR Infrared LED for Ice, Lake and Boat Fishing
The Eyoyo 7” LCD underwater fishing camera is portable with a 7-inch LCD monitor. It comes with a 50-foot cable (15-meter) and twelve lights. It’s highly durable, cold-resistant and can hold up to 30 kg.
On a full charge, the lithium-ion battery can last 8-hours on full use. The camera comes with a sun visor in the aluminum carry case to protect against the sun.
Pros
- It arrives in a durable carry case.
- Heavy-duty cables are pull-resistant and cold-resistant
- High-quality TFT 7-inch low light LCD screen.
- Battery life can last 8 hours of continuous use
Cons
- The battery can heat up while charging.
- Camera can move in water current
With a guide price of around $105, the underwater ice fishing camera packs in many features and ruggedness one of the best IP68 waterproofing, to enhance any ice fishing experience.
The Eyoyo ice fishing camera is among the best underwater cameras for murky water. It shows the action in high definition as if you were in clear water thanks to the 12 IR LED lights.
2. Eyoyo Portable 9-inch LCD Monitor Fish Finder HD 1000TVL Fishing Camera Waterproof Underwater DVR Video Cam 30m Cable 12pcs IR Infrared LED
With a 9-inch display, the Eyoyo LCD Mobile Fish Finder Video Camera is larger than other models. It comprises a TFT color screen, so viewing the smallest detail is easy.
The underwater cameras cable can reach to depths of 30 meters with the heavy-duty and cold-resistant cable. Once in action, you can use the 8GB memory card to record all the underwater action and share with friends.
The camera comes with a 4000 mAh battery which can last a full 6 hours of continuous use on a full charge. The Eyoyo 9” has 12 infrared LED bulbs, so you won’t miss any action in the dark.
Pros
- Durable 30m cable
- 9-inch display for clear image quality
- 8GB TF card for video recording
- High-capacity battery lasts 6 hours on a single charge
Cons
- Battery may drain quicker in cold environments
- IR lighting, not the best performing
With a guide price of just under $200, this camera another great camera ideal for all ice fishing enthusiasts. It is the camera best suited to deep water, even if the IR lighting isn’t among the best performing.
3. Aqua-Vu MO-POD3 Remote Control Wireless Underwater Camera Positioner
When underwater ice fishing, your camera lets you see what’s happening under the ice. However, you will need a steady position as moving too much causes issues with screen viewing.
The Aqua-Vu MO-POD3 Underwater Camera Positioner offers a simple solution to this struggle.
The cunning but straightforward design of the motorized Aqua-Vu MO-POD3 makes it very easy to use and enables users to get the most from their underwater camera.
Pros
- Enables continuous motion
- Works on 2 AA batteries
- Made from durable plastic
- Straddles holes up to 15-inches in diameter
Cons
- Doesn’t offer the best waterproofing
- Hard to use remote with thick gloves
With a guide price of $60, this underwater camera ice fishing positioner is a great way to keep an eye on your fish without leaving your chair and causing a disturbance.
It works with most ice fishing cameras, is easy to set up, and can hold your camera steady at any depth inside of any best ice fishing tents while giving you a 360-degree field of view.
4. Portable Underwater Fishing Camera with Depth Temperature Display-Waterproof HD Camera and 7” LCD Monitor-Infrared Fish Finder-Up to 8 Hours Battery Life-Ultimate Fishing Gear
With the portable ice fishing camera, ice fishing is more enjoyable with the features this camera offers. It comes with a durable 15-meter cable length that is waterproof and can withstand all water conditions.
You can enjoy a broad view of the water on the 7-inch display and the LED lights. The high-performance battery can last up to 8 hours on a full charge.
It comes with high-definition recording to present you a great clear picture quality. There is a night vision mode so no matter how dark, you’re not restricted
Pros
- Sun visor for bright weather conditions
- The set comes with a robust carry case
- Long-lasting battery life
- Comes with water temperature display
Cons
- Hard to get replacement batteries
- No SD card slot for recording
With a guide price of just under $110, you get a decent number of features and performance, yet there are better-known brands, which fall in the same bracket.
You get plenty of durabilities, and the cable can hold 30kg. The video camera also offers you a 130-degree field of view as standard.
Underwater Camera for Ice Fishing Buying guide
There are many key features you’ll need when purchasing a fishing line camera.
Field of view, cable length, lighting, high resolution or not, a sun visor, and the monitor size all affect your experience.
Field of View
The field of view of a camera refers to what you see on your monitor. This comes from the lens. Typical field of view ranges from 80 to 135 degrees or more.
Cable Length
Cables are usually around 15 meters (50 feet) in length. They can, however, be longer. You can explore deeper without a blind spot beneath you.
Lighting
Lighting affects more than daytime visibility. Infrared lighting lets you able to see clearly when dark.
Adjustable IR turns the screen to black and white when enabled. Many anglers assume this black and white RCA video is an error on their video camera.
Monitor Sizing and Sun Visors
On land, you see the camera images on your screen. Larger monitors deliver a better viewing experience with many offering 7-inches while some offer 9-inches. You may also see the aspect ratio change on some models.
With a sun visor for clearer viewing, you can fish in nearly all conditions without glare from the sun. Some may offer a smaller size such as the MarCum Recon 5 or the Vexilar fs800. The Recon 5 only has a 5-inch screen, and the Vexilar fs800 has 7. (Read Best Netflix Fishing Shows)
Final Verdict
When using a fishing camera underwater, you need clarity and performance. It was easy to spot which one was filling these requirements in testing.
Even though we had some of the best underwater fishing cameras.
We quickly found the Eyoyo Portable 7-inch LCD Monitor Fish Finder Waterproof Underwater 1000TVL Fishing Camera 15m Cable 12pcs IR Infrared LED for Ice, Lake and Boat Fishing to be the winner in price to performance.
It offered great battery life and the best high resolution of all the best ice fishing cameras. Low light conditions were no problem, and the viewing system was near perfect aside from side angles in bright light. (Find the Best Portable Fish Finder)
The camera viewing was among the best, and even if there was no SD card slot to record video.
All in, with the long cable, high-quality infrared lights, this camera is one that will rank as one of the best fishing accessories that enable you to see what you are doing. It is simply the best fishing underwater camera we have tested.
