Ice fishing fish finder recommendations

[FEENIX]

Ice fishing is winding down and thinking on investing on my first ice fishing fish finder. Not sure if there's going to be an excellent sale but I want to get ready just in case.

I was originally looking at the Garmin striker 4 bundle for <$200 but I would need the ice transducer for ~$120 to work better. This AM I ran into this >>> https://g.factoryoutletstore.com/de...e.html?category_id=92162&catalogitemid=487240

I don't really need all the bells and whistles, just want to effectively find/indicate fish for under $400. Thank you in advance.

Ed

 

[SidecarFlip]

I'm gonna miss her, looky there, another bite.......

 

[Dean2]

Check out the Vexilar line. Inexpensive, read great and bullet proof. I have one that is almost 30 years old, has many thousands of hours on it, one set of brushes and one battery. My other is 15 years old, still on first battery. I have had friends buy all the others, most eventually switch to Vexilar when they get tired of getting theirs fixed or they won't work at -20.

I use the Vexilar for ice fishing and fly in fishing trips. Mine has bounced around in planes, snow machines, Argos, quads and the trailers you pull behind them. Works great even on open water.

 

[FEENIX]

I'm gonna miss her, looky there, another bite.......

How the heck are you? I hope all is well, cheers!

Ed

 

[FEENIX]

Check out the Vexilar line. Inexpensive, read great and bullet proof. I have one that is almost 30 years old, has many thousands of hours on it, one set of brushes and one battery. My other is 15 years old, still on first battery. I have had friends buy all the others, most eventually switch to Vexilar when they get tired of getting theirs fixed or they won't work at -20.

I use the Vexilar for ice fishing and fly in fishing trips. Mine has bounced around in planes, snow machines, Argos, quads and the trailers you pull behind them. Works great even on open water.

Cool, thanks for the input!

 

[BountyHunter]

They have come a long way in last 5 years, no need to go to 30 year technology. That is a waste of money. Look at Garmin website for models in that price range and options you want

 

[SidecarFlip]

How the heck are you? I hope all is well, cheers!

Ed

I'm good Ed. Look like a field dressed deer (cut vertically and laterally around the side) but cancer free and healing and looking forward to an elk hunt this fall... I hope. NM draw (maybe), Colorado land holder (for sure) and maybe a Maine moose tag too. Life is good. I got lighter, missing some parts now. Didn't need them anyway....

 

[FEENIX]

I'm good Ed. Look like a field dressed deer (cut vertically and laterally around the side) but cancer free and healing and looking forward to an elk hunt this fall... I hope. NM draw (maybe), Colorado land holder (for sure) and maybe a Maine moose tag too. Life is good. I got lighter, missing some parts now. Didn't need them anyway....

That's always good to know. Have a speedy recovery and God bless!

Ed

 

[FEENIX]

They have come a long way in last 5 years, no need to go to 30 year technology. That is a waste of money. Look at Garmin website for models in that price range and options you want

Aye Sir, that's exactly what I did but keeping my options open. Thanks!

 

[jjmp]

My Vexilar fl-18 is 2.5 months old works great ,2 great friends had vexilars they always worked & that put fish in fryin pan , great luck ,Q ? Did yu go back for them perch ? Regards !!!

 

[FEENIX]

My Vexilar fl-18 is 2.5 months old works great ,2 great friends had vexilars they always worked & that put fish in fryin pan , great luck ,Q ? Did yu go back for them perch ? Regards !!!

Aye Sir! Below is with regular Panko sprinkled with spicy Montreal steak seasoning.

Going back again this Sunday. Thanks.

 

[Salmonchaser]

So drive to the nearest airport, fly south to Florida or Costa Rica. When you can't find ice, put on sun screen and go fishing in shorts and t shirt.

 

[jjmp]

Now dats a nice feed !!! Even with a Brew ! Thks ! Great pic ....Bona ..aptie ... Oh yeah perch fry !!!

 

[Dean2]

They have come a long way in last 5 years, no need to go to 30 year technology. That is a waste of money. Look at Garmin website for models in that price range and options you want

Sonar for ice fishing is very different than open water units. Flashers work better than screens because they don't freeze up nor do their screens crack, burst or ruin the LEDs. Side scan, 3d et al are great on a boat, pretty much useless shooting down a 10" hole. I have the most up to date electronics on the boat but you still can't beat a good old flasher for marking fish and your bait when ice fishing, particularly when it gets real cold out.