A Camera Comparison: Go Pro 2 vs Drift HD

For the last year I have shot all of my video on GoPro cameras. It's what I knew, had an opportunity to buy and thought was the best out there. Last week I was introduced to a camera that I wasn't even really aware existed. That camera is the Drift HD. Aris at Mariner-Sails showed them to me in his store and it got my curiosity up. Being a numbers and checklist kind of guy, I wanted to look at them side by side. I have one now and will be comparing over the next few weeks with some side by side video but I couldn't wait to get started. My impatience resulted in a comparison list and that is what I want to present as food for thought before the field tests are in. 

The comparison below is from the specs listed on each of the respective websites. It is also as they come packaged. If additional accessories are available the price is listed in the column. Without further ado:

The results surprised me too. Save the lack of a waterproof case, the Drift HD is, on paper, the superior camera. The Drift HD has better features out of the box for less overall money. The puzzling thing to me is why Mariner-Sails still has a few left. Originally priced at $299, you can pick one up for $200 today. 

From everything I have read and videos I have seen, the field test will show equal footage if not better from the Drift. Drift has a new camera out, The Ghost, that has additional options that mark it as equal or better than the GoPro 3. I'll report back on that one in  a few months. 

If you need an action camera for your adventures, call or get to Mariner-Sails today and pick up a DriftHD.

The Split Shot Rig

Lots of people have been asking me this morning, "What is a Split Shot Rig?"

It’s not a new thing but, it’s my thing. 

Hag's Tornado F4 in Real Shad

I have used this little setup to put a lot of fish in the boat in some of the toughest conditions. Lots of people look at me like I am crazy but it is versatile and it works year round. I’ve been using a setup similar to the one I describe below for 25 years. I came across it one afternoon while fishing with minnows. I ran out of bait and put a 4” Ringworm on my hook. It started catching fish and I’ve been using it since. I feel I have it to near perfection with more purpose and a better worm.

So, what is it? Simply put, I tie a 1/0 Gamakatsu hook on 6-8lb copolymer or mono line. Then I look at my depth finder. If I am fishing a rock, mud or sand bottom that is clean, I’ll pinch a 1/16^th oz split shot 18 inches above the hook. If I am fishing in submerged weeds I try to put the split shot at the height of the weeds. When it’s windy (above 15 mph), I’ll bump up the weight to an 1/8^th oz.

That seems pretty simple but that’s not all. Now you need a worm to put on that hook. Most soft plastics sink when on a hook. There are a few that are buoyant but most of those are very plain. I don’t use those. I need maximum fish attracting movement in my bait. That’s why I use the Hag’s Tornado F4. It’s a 4 inch ribbed worm with a hollow rattle chamber. It floats but also sends vibrations through the water when it moves. It’s the best finesse worm on the market for what I am looking to do.

Some of you may be wondering why I change the position of the split shot when fishing submerged weeds. If you have a reasonable growth off the bottom (less than 5ft), you set your weight at that same depth. Then, when the weight falls, it will be on the bottom and the worm will be floating right at the top of the weeds just like the natural baitfish in the habitat. It’s been working for years for me and those I have shared this technique with.

All in all, I suppose you could call it a finesse Carolina rig or reverse drop shot or others. But, when you need to catch fish and your confidence is wearing thin, try a Split Shot Rig. You might be surprised!

For further proof, check out the new video “Split Shot Rigging…” on the Videos page or on this page. I had to try six different colors before I found something they would eat but once I tied on the F4 Real Shad, the bite was on. The last time out on the same lake it was a completely different color they wanted so make sure if you are going to buy some Hag’s Tornados, you get multiple colors. I get most of mine from Tackle Warehouse.