FISHING GADGETS

Aqua-Vu Underwater Video Camera

The high-tech fisherman has lots of cool gadgets at his disposal, from GPS devices to underwater sonar, but nothing beats actually seeing the fish you're angling for. To that end, Aqua-Vu's Spool SC-100 lets you see what's happening underneath the surface, via a specialized underwater video camera.

The camera itself looks like a little fish itself, so it won't disturb any curious fishies in the neighborhood. It connects to the viewing device via 80 feet of Kevlar-reinforced cable, which you can crank up or down. You view the images on a 4'' color LCD monitor, in real time.

The SC-100's picture is surprisingly viewable, thanks to a combination of the built-in light and Spectral Response lighting technology that maximizes the amount of available light the camera can use while minimizing particle reflection. External ballast weights and a stabilizing fin help to keep the camera fish properly positioned underwater; the camera fish is painted in a patented "emerald shiner" finish, to better attract other fish. And, as an added bonus, the LCD display also shows the current water temperature. The whole thing is powered by a 12-volt battery, or your boat's external 12-volt power.

You know, it's really neat to be able to see what's going on under the surface. Not only can you see how many and what type of fish are swimming around, you can also use the camera to view bottom terrain, inspect brushpiles and stumps, locate prime weedline junctions, and peer beneath vegetation maps. If nothing else, the SC-100 will help you better understand the readings from your separate sonar device; the two different devices together provide a complete overview of the underwater world. Plus, need I say, it's just plain cool to have a James Bond-type fish camera. It makes even the most boring fishing trip pretty fun!

Model: SC-100 Manufacturer: Nature-Vision Inc. (www.aquavu.com) Display: 4'' color LCD Price: $599.99

Navman TrackFish 6600 Chartfinder/Fishfinder

Now this is one full-featured fishfinder! Actually, the TrackFish 6600 is a combination chartfinder and fishfinder, with 7'' color display (480 x 800 pixel resolution) with split-screen functionality. You get a 12-channel GPS receiver, 600-watt sonar (for readings up to 1,000 meters), C-MAP NT+ cartography, and built-in fuel computer. This one does practically everything!

Model: TrackFish 6600 Manufacturer: Navman (www.navman.com) Display: 7'' color widescreen (480 x 800) Dimensions: 6.14'' (w) x 9.29'' (h) x 4.33'' (d) Price: $249.95

Optronics Submersible Fish-N-Lite

When you're night fishing, nothing attracts the fish like an underwater light. So check out Optronics' Submersible Fish-N-Lite, which combines a halogen light with a green fluorescent bulb to attract both bait and game fish. (The soft green glow simulates a full moon and feeding pool.) The 20-foot cord gives you plenty of depth; the safety snap lets you pinpoint the desired level.

Model: UW-500G Manufacturer: Optronics (www.optronicsinc.com) Price: $29.99

Fishpond Swift Current Thermometer

When you're fresh water fishing, fluctuations in water temperature have a dramatic effect on fish feeding patterns. If you know the precise water temperature, you'll have a better gauge on where and when the fish are biting. To that end, pick up Fishpond's Swift Current Thermometer, which measures water temperatures from 20° to 120° Fahrenheit. It comes in a rugged aluminum case, but it's small enough to fit in your pocket or bait box.

Model: SCT/F-AC Manufacturer: Fishpond (www.fishpondusa.com) Price: $18

Dakota Angler II

The Dakota Angler II is a unique little gadget. It combines a full-featured water-resistant watch with a hook sharpener, stainless steel nippers, compass, thermometer, and LED microlight (with visibility up to 1 kilometer!). It's everything the efficient fisherman needs, all in one relatively compact gadget.

Model: Angler II Manufacturer: Dakota Watch Company (www.dakotawatchco.com) Price: $79.95