Ranger that would mean leaving the camera on.......no dice. This may come as a surprise but there are days when no fish worthy of taking a pic comes to the boga. Last summer only 1 walleye at 28" came aboard. It would of been a nice pic. Several 33" to 36" pike were caught but I don't take pics of Pike less than 40". The nice laker right at dark last summer would of also been a sweet shot. That's only 2 fish in 13 days who were worth taking a pic of. So no, leaving the camera "on" is not a strategy I would consider. 

I have a Lumix waterproof and supposedly shockproof from about 6'. Very nice camera indeed and I purchased it on the advice of someone here on this very forum.

I have a strong suspicion this is going to work out very sweetly. I have already held the carbon fiber rod at arms length (imitating the distance to my middle thwart) and taken a few shots. Should be able to get any 48" pike in perfectly ;)

Then I can turn the camera off. If I want access to the camera for those storm clouds off my port side simple enough to grab the camera, its right there. And all for a very modest weight penalty. If I want a shoreline shot instead I can park the boat and I have a very enviable 14" arm solidly supporting my camera in any position I desire.