An ice fishing fish finder is just that – they are sonar units that can find fish. These sonar units bounce sound waves off the depth of the water. This then determines the water depth as well as detecting objects, such as fish, between the surface and the bottom. The results are then displayed on a graphical display device. Naturally, the object the fisherman is looking for, their fish, is displayed on some type of screen (usually an LCD or CRT screen). A fish finder, because of these attributes, can be very valuable during ice fishing.
There are basically two types of fish finders for ice fishing. The flasher is a simple depth and fish finding device and it displays the bottom echo and depth as well as other echos as well as their depth. The second type, the modern fish finder shows everything including the structure and fish. Some of the newer types can operate a full day on a battery.
One of the models used in ice fishing is the Vexilar. This helps the fisherman to determine the location of fish, below the ice surface, before they begin drilling. The machine gives a reading of both the speed and the intensity. Vexilar offers four different models: FL-8, FL-12, FL-18, and the FL-20. The unit mounts on the dash of the boat, or anywhere else you want to place it. The models offer a built-in low battery indicator as well as a special night mode setting. Prices start around $270.
A less costly finder is the Lowrance P66 Fishfinder Transducer P66-BL. It retails for around $120. It is light at 3.5 pounds. It is reported to be stable and accurate even at speeds measured from 0.9 to 52 knots. It allows for depth readings up to 800-1200 feet. It is housed in plastic and has a 10M cable attached.
The Humminbird PiranhaMax 160 Portable Fish Finder sales for a low of $116. to a high of $193. The company rates high from fishermen. The company is on the edge of leading technology. This particular unit is one of their numerous models. It can be used on boats, canoes, and ice houses. It provides for structure finding. It has a dual beam plus transducer with temperature sensor. The shipping weight is 11.8 pounds. It measures 12×10 x 13.5 inches. It can reach a depth of 800 feet. It provides a four-inch diagonal screen.
