Terry Hearn's thoughts on underwater cameras

Question: One item which has recently come into my possession will be called fantastic by some, unethical by others and maybe not needed by the remainder. It is going to be an item that will divide opinions and it will be good to hear what others make of it. I am talking about the FishSpy, the most expensive marker float on the planet or an invaluable item in our armoury? A target for Chris Yates and his shotgun? For those that haven’t seen it yet, it is a marker float with an inbuilt camera that peers into your swim. The video is beamed back to your smartphone via a system I haven’t a clue about.
I am going to say I like it. We can go on about ethics etc. but a bolt rig saves us striking, a catapult saves us throwing, a Delkim wakes us up and I could go on and on. However, there are going to be a few unlucky people who cast them into trees and maybe a few lucky ones that find them. At £200 odd I think the need for a fine 1-tonne breaking strain braid is called for. What do you think? Allan Parberry

Allan’s question made me laugh, brilliant. I’ve seen the adverts but not actually used one of the new FishSpy floats myself. If they show up the spot well and prove a valuable edge then why not, no problem. Like you say, though, I can easily imagine someone being very disappointed if they lose one!

It reminds me of a story from two friends out piking for a day. One friend, Og, had bought himself this mega pike lure, whacking great thing it was, perfectly detailed, an absolute masterpiece in craftsmanship and with an expensive price to boot. It was his pride and joy and would have gone well on the mantelpiece, so he wasn’t best pleased when Nick had a go with his rod and put his prized lure up a tree on his very first cast!

Talking of technology and cameras, has anyone used these new drones for fish spotting yet? I was recently shown a video clip with some lads using one with a break away clip whilst lure fishing for bass, and I’ve got to say I was seriously impressed. As a fish spotting aid they’d be mega, you could check out the whole lake whilst sat in your swim! I’m not sure I’d want to see them being used on busy waters as I’d kind of get the hump if someone was checking out my plot from an eye in the sky, but on some of the larger waters where a view from above can make a world of difference, and where it’s not disturbing anyone, it’s maybe not such a bad idea. Where’s it all going to end, eh?