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)

Fall Bass Fishing in Riverside

Sometimes, your photo captures the perfect moment. This is one of them.

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.