Fish tales. If you fish, you've told one — end of story. Sure, I know guys who claim they haven't, but I will tell you for sure, when it comes time to describe the size of that "monster" rainbow trout no one saw him release, his measurements get bigger and bigger as the campfire gets lower and lower.

It's all in fun — and the essence of a fish tale is: no one can ever prove you wrong. Or at least, that's the way it used to be. Today, with the advent of digital cameras that contain fairly sophisticated video recording capabilities (even cell phones can record video these days), fish tales are changing. Now, a fish tale often begs the question: if it was so great, why didn't you take a picture, or record it? Not much of an excuse, as most of us have one if not two video recording devices on us during any fishing trip (cellphone and a digital camera).

And fish tales are getting easier to share — via the Internet. Just about anyone with a few basic computer skills can post videos on websites like YouTube for the world to see.

I have to admit that I watch these videos from time to time, and I wanted to take a moment to share a couple of my favourites with you.

I will preface this one with a note -- we fishermen are not a delicate bunch, and when something goes awry, words turn foul. This video is no exception -- there is a touch of PG13-rated language, so adjust your computer's volume as required. In any case, this video takes place just offshore Langara Island, in the Queen Charlotte Islands, and represents a salmon fisherman's worst nightmare.

Here's one I love -- and there are a lot out there like it. This one is courtesy our friends at Fishing Saskatchewan, and it's a simple, underwater view of a big pike taking the bait while ice fishing. Underwater cameras are letting us see first hand what we could only guess about in years past.

Here's another great scene from under the ice, via underwater camera. Ever wonder what really happened when you pull up your hook to find the bait gone?

OK -- this one is from the US. Has anyone heard of the Asian carp invasion down south? These crazy invasive species are overrunning some southern US rivers. They jump out of the water to amazing heights, sometimes landing right in the angler's boat. Here is dramatic footage of a unique way to fish for these pesky invaders.

And finally, here's one for the record books. This looks to me like a European video, but it's not clear where this is taken. Perhaps even Southeast Asia. In any case, this is one big catfish, and I wouldn't get in the water with it... unlike the brave fisherman who caught and released this ugly thing.

There you have it. Next time you're out fishing, don't forget the video camera!