A drop camera is a video camera in a custom built fitting which is dropped over the side of a jetty or boat to record the marine environment therein. I built one of these a few months ago to take a closer look at the local waterways which I’ve fished regularly over the last few years.

I have been placing some edited snippets on my YouTube channel, simply because I wanted somewhere to store the files and YouTube is very convenient.

You can see one of my short videos here
Putty Beach (NSW) - YouTube


I think the appeal of this hobby becomes obvious when you watch the video. Maybe the subject of this video is just a common ‘trash fish’ but underwater it’s behaviour is surprising, fascinating and beautiful. There is so much to learn and appreciate underwater.

My drop camera consists of a couple of el-cheapo GoPro clones in a sled made of reo-mesh, a divers weight, an onion bag for attractants, and a handcaster/float spooled with 100lb mono. Total cost about $100.

I drop it somewhere, film for about 40 mins, then retrieve it and watch the videos at home. I don’t have a boat so am a bit limited on placement but have been using a canoe to get out a bit.

Cheers
Arron