Another wonderful wild trout fishing trip, deep in the mountains of SoCal. This time, brown trout were the target species and they were eager to play!
Wild Brown Trout Fishing in Southern California
BlackVue SC500: Upcoming Action Camera Review
The BlackVue SC500 from Pittasoft looks like an interesting HD action camera. With a planned upcoming release (November 18th, 2013), and plenty of useful features for anglers (waterproof housing, real-time playback, 1080p at 60 fps, wide-angle 152 degrees view, and much more), this camera looks like one I'll be watching. Expect an in-depth review of this new action camera soon, with plenty of fishing footage! In the meantime, here is one of their promotional videos for this BlackVue SC500
http://youtu.be/gLCDg4cKB-c
http://youtu.be/gLCDg4cKB-c
Blackbird Products ACG50 POV Sunglasses Action Camera
Polarized sunglasses for fishing are a must-have, especially when targeting spooky fish in gin-clear water on a sunny day. Blackbird Products have released a neat polarized sunglasses that has a camera built into it. Filming at 720p and 1440p, this little camera/glasses combo is a fun set when on the water.
Image quality is acceptable, not as sharp or vivid as their MAC50 camera but still quite decent. Here are a few videos I've shot with the camera, one while fishing at a private bass pond, and another at the West Fork San Gabriel. You'll notice the wide-angle view (two thumbs up!) in the videos.
Remember, these glasses are pretty hefty, but they sit on the face comfortably for several hours of use. They aren't waterproof though, so please don't try any underwater fish release shots with them!
Perhaps the most frustrating feature is the on/off switch, as sometimes it is hard to choose between recording, taking a photo, or shutting off the camera. Fortunately, there is a little red light that comes on in the left-hand corner of the glasses (reflection), helping you better know when it is on. It's almost a little "Google Glass-ish" with the action camera feature built into the view. The camera takes a MicroSD and charges up with a standard USB camera slow, covered by this flap in the below photo.
Overall, the ACG50 POV Sunglass Action Camera is a fairly decent action cam. It combines the necessity of polarized sunglasses with the awesomeness of an action camera. Some of the recording on/off design and image quality could be improved, but it's still one I'll continue to take out on short fishing trips as needed. See you on the water!
Blackbird Products (Website, POV Products)
Blackbird Products (Website, POV Products)
Fall Bass Fishing in Riverside
Success. Huddleston Shad lure was the ticket.
BlackBird MAC50 WaterProof Action Camera Review
More action camera review for anglers! I recently tried out the affordable MAC50 Waterproof Action Camera from Blackbird Product. Unlike many other action camera, the MAC50 comes with a headmount/headband straight out of the box, allowing it to be easily used to anglers without needing to purchase additional mounting accessories. Here are the stats on this action camera:
- 1080p Full HD camcorder with audio
- Waterproof up to 16' without case
- Supports up to 32GB MicroSD
- Records at 30 fps in 1080p or 60 fps in 720p
- 1.5" color TFT screen with playback features
- TV output
- Includes 3 versatile mounts, USB cable and remote control wristband
- 170 degree video (720p) and 125 degrees (1080p)
More and more cameras are finally realizing that having a wristband remote control is the way to go. The MAC50 includes a handy wristrap that allows you to start recording or take photos without having to fiddle with your camera.
Color quality and level of detail is pretty good and the 1080p video is quite decent. It's not the same as GoPro, but it's definitely a great deal for the price. Here are two vidoes I recently shot with the MAC50 Action Camera, one fishing in Murrieta Hot Springs and the other while hiking Stoddard Peak in the San Gabriels:
(more after the jump!)
Pirana Fishing Lures Jerkbait Review
Recently revealed at iCast 2013 are the fascinating line of Pirana Lures. At first glance, they are just another set of jerkbaits. However, a closer look will reveal some rather unique features not seen on other lures; namely, a patented Jet Trail System and a toothy set of fangs in the front (hence the "Pirana" aspect of these lures).
Offered in Silver, Gold, and Green, these 0.25 oz, 3.25" fishing lures feature holographic eyes, 5 bilateral hollow gill slits, and slick, glossy finish. They feel really nice in hand and seem quite durable in use (bang 'em up on several rocks and concrete during mis-casts with no obvious damage done). Each lure comes separately packaged, carefully packed in a manner more reminiscent of high-dollar Japanese baits.
In the water, the Jet Trail System results in a unique bubble trail as the lure is initially retrieved or jerked below the surface. This "JTS" design features multiple open gill slits along both sides of the lure. Water rushes in through the open mouth of the lure and out the gills, leaving a neat frothy trail behind the lure. Want more bubble? You could potentially pop half an AlkaSeltzer tab into the mouth, get it stuck in tight, and proceed to fish with it. Referred to as "fizizing" in some fishing circles, this will definitely get the attention of fish and may be worth trying out.
At rest, the Pirana lure sits atop the water, in a manner similar to a traditional hard jerkbait. Sharp tug on it will result in it diving down. I had most of my hits and strikes on it immediately after jerking and twitching it right on and below the surface. Upon retrieve, the lure has a slight side-to-side wobble. However, it's really not that as balanced as I would like, and the producer has indicated that this is still a lure in the works, with additional weighting options coming out soon.
Prado Reservoir Bass Fishing
Prado Reservoir County Park, near Chino Hills, offers a lot of shoreline for anglers. I recently got to fish this lake and found the myriad of reeds, trees and other structure very fun to fish. The bass weren't huge but we managed to land a few chunky ones throughout the day.
IronX Action Camera Review
Readers of Hunting the River King know I love action cameras. They are perfect for capturing footage on my many fishing trips, from wild rainbow trout in distant mountain streams to urban largemouth bass fishing a midst the concrete jungle. I recently received this brand-new camera to review, the IronX Action Camera by DXG. With a host of interesting features, I was intrigued and couldn't wait to take it out. How did it turn out? Read on!
(More after the jump!)
Hitting the Salt in San Diego for Sand Bass
Spent the weekend in San Diego recently. Wow, what a neat city, especially for anglers! There is plenty of lakes, creeks, and, of course, the ocean to fish. I decided to try light rock fishing near a popular fishing pier in one of the bays and had a blast. The barred sand bass were all fairly small but put up a fantastic fight on ultralite tackle. I landed 5 of them in less than an hour and lost a few more, all on artificial lures. Water was fairly clear and most of the fish hit close to the shore. Enjoy the video!
IronX Action Camera Review: Preview Shots
Heard of IronX? It is a new action camera with a remote control wrist strap. Offered by DXG, IronX shoots in 1080p and looks like it will be great for fishing videos!
Keep your eyes peeled for the upcoming IronX action camera review at Hunting the River King!
Light Rock Fishing California LRF Style
I was just introduced to Light Rock Fishing (LRF), an ultralight method of angling for multispecies from the shore. Originally from Japan, this technique was popularized in the UK (info 1, 2)
We hit a calm jetty near a nice stretch of the Pacific Ocean here in California. Fish were hesitant to bite, but we managed 8 total in several hours of fishing.
UrbEx Inland Empire and Fishing
These ponds looked fantastic, but I couldn't get a bite in them at all. I think they are only seasonal, holding water after a good rain or two. The ruined buildings in the region were interesting though!
More photos and video after the jump
More photos and video after the jump
Product Review: Midland XTC 300 Wearable Action Camera HD for Fishing Video Fun!
Intro
While names like GoPro and Contour have dominated the action camera market, many companies have started offering much more affordable alternatives. Amongst these is the interesting Midland XTC series. Now, while Midland is often well-known for its line of radios, they also have released a solid line of action cameras aimed at fans of the great outdoors. I took the XTC300VP4 HD Wearable Action Camera out on a several fishing trips and really enjoyed it. Interested in a affordable action camera with a wide range of accessories and high quality video? Read on!
Features
The Midland XTC300 will film in three modes: 480 (low), 720 (med, 60FPS), 1080 (high, 30FPS), with wide angle lenses (127 in 1080p, 147 in 720p), and fits up to a 32gb micro SD card. Other features include:
- Single Slide Switch for easy operation - On/Off
- Includes Submersible Case (up to 100 ft)
(More after the jump)
Turn Your iPhone into a Action Camera with Qmountz Case: Product Review
Intro
The Qmountz case is a convenient way to turn your iPhone or Samsung Galaxy III into a versatile action camera. I recently received one for the iPhone 4/4S and tried it out while fishing. So, how did it perform? Read on to find out!
The Qmountz case is a convenient way to turn your iPhone or Samsung Galaxy III into a versatile action camera. I recently received one for the iPhone 4/4S and tried it out while fishing. So, how did it perform? Read on to find out!
Features
Take your iPhone, pop it into the secure Qmountz case, and start filming. Boom, that is all there is to it! If you have the latest iPhone, you can shoot in 1080p, which is right around what most major action cameras (GoPro, Contour, etc) shoot in. Choose from several different accessories to best mount it, be it on yourself or on a bike, pole, etc. Screw in a QCamz wide angle lenses (not included in this review) and you'll get the awesome wide-angle175 degree view found in many major action cameras. There is even an app from Qcamz for superimposing data onto the video, including GPS and display speed. The Qcamz developer have reported that the Qmountz sports military-quality, tough housing, waterproof to 30 feet!
(Click below to continue reading)
How could fish live here?
Ever spot a tiny drainage channel and wonder if there could be fish in it? Wonder no more! Watch the below video for more, green sunfish action and bass!
Golden Trout Fishing in SoCal?
Fishing for wild trout in Angeles National Forest mountains. Hooked and landed some very colorful and interesting trout. These had a much more golden hue to them than the other trout.
Catch and release is the only way to go when fishing for these wild beauties. It's amazing to find such large trout in a mountain stream so near to Los Angeles, yet they will not last if people don't respect them and their habitat.
Inland Empire Creek Exploration
Slow day for fishing in southern California. Cold snap overnight after a rainstorm. Fog rolling out at day break. Water was running high and fast. Fish didn't cooperate. However, the scenery was quite memorable. Enjoy!
Crappie in Small Creeks in Southern California
Amongst the crowded streets and and packed neighborhoods of suburbia are little waterways, sometimes teeming with life. To one such creek I ventured last week, drawn by wanderlust and the hunt for finned adventure. Parts were far too shallow for my scaled quarry to inhabit; yet other portions held them in abundance. The river king they were not, but landing crappie from an urban stream is always a treat!
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