In addition to being a fishing geek I am a bit of a tech geek as well. I have been eyeballing the (a) GoPro HD Camera
One of the major reasons I don’t often shoot on the water catfishing videos is because of the threat of getting my (a) Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera wet on the boat but the bigger issue is not having anyone to actually hold the camera and shoot the video. I have hours and hours of video I have shot over the years with peoples heads cut off or missing the action because I had to sit the camera down to manage the dip net in the big middle of landing a monster blue catfish. Then there is the issue of the field of view on the camera not being big enough, which creates another level of problems with shooting catfishing videos.
The GoPro HD camera solves all of these issues and then some. Some of the major features of the camera include:
- HD video capability.
- Wide screen field of view.
- Waterproof housing (can even shoot video under water).
- Mounts available for just about every application (including mounting on the boat and a headstrap).
- Long battery life
- Ability to shoot photos at timed increments (like every 2,5 or 10 seconds)
Since these cameras have hit the market I have seen everything from underwater fishing videos, guys mounting them on motorcycle helmets, skydiving with them, and even one mounted to a hunting dog. It is an extreme camera made for extreme situations and conditions (perfect for shooting catfishing videos).
Miss Learn To Catch Catfish (my wife) knew I wanted one of these cameras for shooting videos of North Texas Catfish Guide Service clients when people come fish with me and doing some stuff for Learn To Catch Catfish so for my recent birthday she purchased the new GoPro HD Camera for me.
On unboxing the camera I was pretty confused because like any guy I never looked at the instructions. After a few minutes of fidgeting I broke down and read the instructions. After a brief overview I was up and running and shooting videos and photos with the new camera, and scheming on how and where I could mount this camera on my Xpress HD22CC for shooting some new footage for the website.
Now that I have had a week or so to play with the new camera, I honestly have no complaints. It shoots awesome photos and videos, is easy to use and the mounts and headstrap provide endless possibilities on mounting the camera throughout the boat (or even wearing it on your head).
The manufacturers website states the battery lasts about 2.5 hours and I ran the camera for almost that long the other day on one charge (but the battery was not fully charged). The also state you get about 5 hours of recording time on a (a)Transcend 32 GB SDHC Flash Memory Card 
I am still working on finding the optimal mounting locations on my boat but am so impressed (and excited) about this camera I am already considering purchasing a second GoPro HD Camera to mount in an alternate location for a better view and more angles.
The absolute only downside I have found of this camera is the lack of a LCD viewfinder on the back of the camera, but it’s not important to me as it’s pretty obvious what you are covering from the wide angle lens on the camera. If this is absolutely essential to you you can purchase the LCD battery backpack that has a viewfinder on it.
For more information or to purchase check out (a) GoPro® HD Cameras
I shot several videos with the GoPro HD Camera but this is the first on the water video I have filmed (below). I ran out to test the boat the other day after doing some repairs and opted to test out the camera while catching shad with a cast net. I also finally invested in some better video editing software, you might noticed I have upped my video editing skills also!
GoPro HD Camera Sample Video Catching Shad With A Cast Net
About Chad
Howdy Netcaster,
Is that a left-handed net?? I’m left-handed and need to know if they come right & left… How long do you let the shad lay in the boat before putting them back in water, in really hot weather??
Your new camera is doing a good job, but who’s running the boat??
Watch out for stumps and dead tree-tops!!!!!!!
That’s an awesome camera Chad! What a Video! Do a new one showing how to prepare your net for casting. That would be great.
Thanks Chad.
And step your game you have ! ! Very nice, looking forward to seeing more videos
Thanks, I have been doing some serious practicing with the video editing stuff. Hopefully it will only get better (and easier) from here.
Boy, what nice addition to your working equipment! It will be interesting when you figure out where you are going to mount two cameras.
I had not seen anyone throw a net before. Looks like it takes a knack.
Here in Idaho we are not able to use live minnows for bait or have live bait in the boat. Pretty interesting in different parts of the country.
I only fish for Channel Cats so, Stink bait and the secret catfish rig and I am happy as a guy cleaning Catfish with a electric knife. Enjoyed the video, and the boat look sharp!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It will help you to catch more fish, they will all want a ride.
Thanks, I am going to start saving my milk money so I can get another one!