all-new fish-eye view, The

TALK ABOUT HI-TECH ANGLING. Jeff Zemov of Brainerd, Minnesota, has invented a fistsized underwater viewing system that lets freshwater anglers view below-the-surface activity. But hot on the heels of the $1495 Aqua-Vu system is a statewide backlash that has triggered an intense debate over technology in sportfishing.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, concemed about sportsmanship, depletion of fish stocks, and keeping fishing accessible to anglers who can't afford expensive gadgetry, has set up a committee to study all high-tech devices for fishing and hunting. State Senator Bob Lessard, a former fishing guide, also introduced a bill this spring to ban the system for fishing in Minnesota. (The bill died in the state House, but he may reintroduce it during this session.) Still, Zernov contends the Aqua-Vu merely allows anglers to look at the fish. "And the last time I checked," he says, "just looking at fish doesn't catch them. You still need skill."

Aqua-Vu sales exceeded Zernov's annual goal of 500 in the first three months, so he followed up with a smaller $699 version, Aqua-Vu II.-John Clarhe Jr.

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