If you are looking for a way to increase your chances of catching more fish, then an ice fishing finder is the answer. With all of the different models out there, it can be difficult to choose the best one. In this article we will discuss how each type works and what features should be considered before making a purchase. We also have reviews on some of our favorite products that we recommend!
An ice fishing fish finder is a device that helps anglers locate fish under the surface of the ice. It works by transmitting a sound wave out from the transducer and then measuring how long it takes for the echo to return. This information is then used to create a map of what is underneath the ice. Some finders also have integrated GPS, which can be helpful in marking productive areas.
Most ice fishing fish finders use two frequencies to create maps, down imaging and traditional sonar. Down Imaging emits a single beam of sound that travels downward towards the bottom of the lake, spreading out as it goes deeper into the water column. This technology can be very useful for shallow lakes with lots of weeds or other obstructions in the water. Traditional sonar sends out a fan-shaped beam of sound that travels in all directions, allowing anglers to see fish and other objects near the bottom of the lake.
Ice fishing fish finders reviewed
The Humminbird ICE HX Helix five is a great option for anglers who want an ice fishing specific fish finder that also offers some of the best features available on the market. This device comes with a large five-inch color display that makes it easy to see what’s going on below your boat, and its down-imaging sonar capabilities will help you locate those hard to catch fish in even the thickest of cover .
The ICE HX Helix five also has a built-in GPS system which can track your movements on the water and make marking waypoints or finding new fishing spots easier than ever before . This device is also incredibly easy to install and operate, making it the perfect choice for anglers who don’t want anything slowing them down.
- Large five-inch color display
- Down imaging sonar capabilities
- GPS system for tracking your movements and marking waypoints
- None identified
The Venterior VT-FF001 is a great option for anglers who are looking for an affordable fish finder that still offers some of the best features available on the market. This device comes with a three-inch TFT color display that makes it easy to see what’s going on below your boat, and its sonar capabilities will help you locate those hard to catch fish in even the thickest of cover .
The VT-FF001 also has a built-in GPS system which can track your movements on the water and make marking waypoints or finding new fishing spots easier than ever before . This device is also incredibly easy to install and operate, making it the perfect choice for anglers who don’t want anything slowing them down while they’re on the ice .
- Affordable
- Color display
- Sonar capabilities
- GPS system
- None found
The Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar GPS Fish Finder is a top-of-the-line fish finder that offers features and capabilities that are unmatched by any of the other devices on this list. This fish finder comes with a five-inch full color display, dual sonar sensors, and a built-in GPS system . The Deeper PRO+ can be used in both freshwater and saltwater environments, making it the perfect choice for anglers who like to fish in a variety of different locations .
This device also has some incredible smart fishing features which allow you to track your catches, record water temperature data, and save waypoints all with the push of a button. If you’re looking for the best possible fish finder on the market, then this is definitely your best option.
The Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar GPS Fish Finder comes with a ton of great features and capabilities that make it ideal for professional anglers . This device has an incredibly high range which allows you to see fish up to 250 feet away at its maximum setting , making it perfect for finding those hidden deep-water fish. The dual sonar sensors give you a great view of the surrounding environment and provide pinpoint accuracy when it comes to locating fish.
- Five-inch full color display
- Dual sonar sensors
- Built-in GPS system
- Can be used in both freshwater and saltwater environments
- Incredible smart fishing features
- None that we could find.
The Humminbird ICE-55 Six Color Flasher is a great option for anglers who are looking for an affordable fish finder that still offers some great features. This device comes with a five-inch display, dual sonar sensors, and a built-in flasher . It also has the ability to show you both sides of the boat which is perfect for when you’re fishing in tight quarters.
The Humminbird ICE-55 can be used in both fresh and salt water environments, making it a versatile choice for anglers who like to fish in different locations. The dual sonar sensors provide pinpoint accuracy when locating fish, while the included flasher gives you a better view of’s happening below the surface.
- Affordable
- Dual sonar sensors provide accurate fish readings
- Comes with flasher which makes it easier to see what’s happening under the surface of the water
- Works in both fresh and saltwater environments
- Does not have an internal GPS system.
The Vexilar GP1812 FL18 Genz Pack is an excellent choice for anglers who are looking for a fish finder that comes with everything they need to start catching fish right away. This kit includes the fishfinder plus battery pack, trolling motor mount and transducer all in one package so you don’t have to spend extra money on additional accessories. There’s also no assembly required – just attach the flasher unit to your boat and go fishing!
The unit itself can be attached to your boat with either the trolling motor mount or a swivel base, so you have two choices depending on what works best for you. The battery pack is rechargeable and provides 20 hours of usage before needing another charge which means that this kit lasts quite a while if used sparingly. You’ll also get about 300 feet of depth capability and 40 degrees F temperature readings as well as an 80-degree beam angle – all very useful when trying to determine where fish are located in the water column!
A lot of anglers said they liked how easy it was to use out of the box without any complicated setup required which made them feel more comfortable using it right away instead of spending time reading through manuals first. The units also last a long time and the battery life is very good, especially when compared to other high-end fish finders.
- Includes trolling motor mount and transducer
- Excellent battery life
- Very easy to use out of the box without any complicated setup required
- None!
The Garmin Striker Plus is a great fish finder for anglers who are looking for an affordable option that still offers quality features. This particular bundle includes the ice fishing-specific transducer which gives you readings down to depths of 800 feet as well as temperature data and even mapping capabilities.
One thing we really like about this particular model is that it’s very easy to use right out of the box, with no complicated setup required. The large screen also makes it easier to see what’s going on beneath the surface, and the intuitive controls make it simple to change settings or mark waypoints while you’re on the move.
- Very affordable
- Includes ice fishing bundle and transducer for readings down to 800 feet
- Large screen is easy to see at a glance
- Cannot be upgraded to include maps or charts like some models on this list.
If you’re looking for a fish finder that offers the best of both worlds – affordability and features – then the Garmin LiveScope is a great option. This bundle includes the standard transducer as well as a built-in camera, so you can see what’s going on beneath the surface in real time.
This model also has some great features, like a scrollable map with contours, the ability to mark waypoints and track your progress, and a fish alarm that will notify you when there’s something worth checking out beneath the ice.
The only downside is that it doesn’t have as many presets as some of the other models on this list. But if you’re looking for an affordable option with some great features, the Garmin LiveScope is a good choice.
- View what’s going on beneath the ice in real time with a built-in camera
- Includes standard transducer as well as one designed for use through the ice, so you can view fish from above or below
- Scrollable map will help you mark and keep track of waypoints and find your way back to specific locations
- Doesn’t have as many presets as some other models.
The Lowrance Hook Reveal is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable fish finder with some good features. This model comes with a transducer that’s designed specifically for use through the ice, so you can see what’s going on below the surface without having to worry about your line getting tangled.
It also has a split shot display that will show you both sides of your bait at once, as well as a zoom function that will let you see more detail when you need it. And if you’re looking to save battery power, this model has a sleep mode feature that will turn off the screen after a few minutes of inactivity.
The only downside is that it doesn’t have as many presets as some of the other models on our list, so you’ll have to spend a little more time getting it set up just the way you want it.
- Affordable
- Transducer designed specifically for ice fishing
- Split shot display shows both sides of bait
- Zoom function lets you see more detail
- Fewer presets than other models on our list
The Lowrance Hook-II Ice Fishing and All-Season Pack is a great fish finder for the price. It has all of the features you need to find fish in both winter and summer conditions. This pack comes with a transducer, sonar unit, installation hardware, and a carrying case.
The transducer is designed specifically for ice fishing, so you can find out what’s going on below the surface without having to worry about your line getting tangled. It also has a split shot display that will show both sides of your bait at once and an alarm feature, which is perfect if you’re looking to catch larger fish like walleye.
The sonar unit is powered by an internal battery and can run for up to 12 hours. It also has all of the features you need, like depth ranges from 20-240 feet; high/low tones; fish alarms that detect both large and small fish (with adjustable volume); a split screen function that lets you view two different screens at once; water temperature readings; and a backlight for low-light conditions.
The installation hardware is easy to use and the carrying case makes it easy to transport your fish finder from one spot to another. Overall, this is an excellent value pack that will let you ice fish with ease all winter long.
- Transducer is designed specifically for ice fishing
- Sonar unit runs for up to 12 hours
- Installation hardware is easy to use
- Carrying case makes it easy to transport your fish finder
- None noted
The Garmin Striker-IV with Portable Kit is a great option for ice fishing. This fish finder comes with a transducer, sonar unit, carrying case, and installation hardware. The transducer can be used in both fresh and salt water and has an adjustable depth range of up to 600 feet. It also has a built-in GPS that can record your fishing location. You can mark specific spots with the push of a button, return to them later, and view fish targets in real time or on offline trails using this device’s mapping software.
This Garmin fish finder is easy to carry due to its portable kit which includes carrying case and belt clip. It also has built-in Wi-Fi so you can share all your adventures easily via Garmin’s free mobile app .
- Built-in GPS and mapping
- Portable kit with carrying case, belt clip, and Wi-Fi
- Depth range not as extensive as other units in this comparison
How to Choose the Best Ice Fishing Fish Finder
There are three main types of ice fishing fish finders: flasher, sonar, and GPS.
- Flashers
Flashers are the simplest type of fish finder and they have been around for many years. They work by transmitting a signal out from the transducer and then displaying it on an LED screen. This signal is in the form of a cone-shaped image that moves as the boat moves. Anglers can use this information to determine how deep the water is and what kind of structures (e.g., weed beds) are below them.
- Sonar
Sonar units are more advanced than flashers, but they also tend to be less expensive. These devices use sound waves to create a map of what is underneath the boat. Sonar units usually have two screens, one that shows the bottom and fish in real-time and another that stores information about past trips.
- GPS
GPS units are the most advanced type of ice fishing fish finder and they are also the most expensive. These devices use satellites to track your location on a map and then mark productive areas with waypoints. Some GPS units also have built-in cameras, which can be helpful for taking pictures of fish or
The most important factor when choosing the best ice fishing fish finder is how it works. All units use sonar in some way, but there are three primary methods used to create images (or “returns”) of what’s below you:
- Transducers that emit sound waves into the water and then read their echoes off objects
- Side Imaging – uses a side-scanning transducer to send out beams of sound energy on either side of your boat for wider coverage
- Down Imaging – sends pulses straight down from one or more high frequency transducers mounted under the hull so returns show up as clear pictures of structures directly beneath your boat instead of across wide swaths of area like with standard sonar devices.
The next important factor to consider when choosing the best ice fishing fish finder is how it gets power. Most models have a built-in battery that runs for several hours on a charge, so they can be used without an external source of electricity as long as you bring enough charged spares with you. However, some devices also come with a cord or wired connection point which allows anglers to plug them into any 12 volt DC outlet in order to recharge batteries more quickly and keep using their electronics all day instead of having to stop every few hours just because it’s getting dark outside .
The next consideration when choosing the best ice fishing fish finder is how easy it is to use. While some anglers like having all sorts of fancy bells and whistles built into their electronics, you should avoid getting too distracted by extra features that may not be helpful for catching more fish or could even make your unit harder to use. We recommend reading through reviews from other customers who have tried out different models before buying yours so you know what’s important and which options are worth spending money on .
One of the primary reasons people choose to buy a fish finder for ice fishing is because it can be used in many other ways besides just on top of an iced-over lake. Even if you spend most days out on frozen water, there will undoubtedly come a time when conditions are too bad or access points become unsafe and getting onto the ice isn’t possible. These units also work well as general marine electronics that allow anglers to see what’s going on below their boat no matter where they’re traveling whether it’s fresh, saltwater , even rivers and lakes .
As we mentioned earlier, it’s important to consider how the fish finder gets its power because this will determine how often you need to recharge or replace batteries throughout a fishing trip. If you’re going out for just one day and plan on using your unit constantly all afternoon and into the night, then having access to an external power source can be crucial in order to avoid running out of juice while still miles away from shore . Even if you don’t mind stopping every few hours or so just to change out drained batteries with freshly charged ones , being able to do that quickly is essential since most models take at least four hours before they are fully recharged again.
It’s also important to consider how portable your fish finder is and whether or not it comes with a carrying case. While some anglers like having larger, bulkier electronics that they don’t have to worry about transporting in their boat when traveling from location to location, other ice fishing aficionados prefer smaller devices which are more lightweight and easy to carry around if you need them on foot.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a good fish finder for ice fishing is what kind of transducer it comes with. Some models are compatible with multiple types, but others only work best with one specific type so make sure you double check before buying . We recommend using high resolution sonar devices that come equipped with down-imaging capabilities which send out pulses straight downwards from your boat instead of across large swaths on area like traditional units do.
Are Fish Finders Important While Ice Fishing?
One of the biggest benefits to using a fish finder is that it can be easier to identify what kind of fish you are catching. Many models have built-in libraries with pictures and information about different species, so anglers don’t need to bring books or apps with them on fishing trips.
Some finders also allow users to mark specific areas they want to revisit later by adding waypoints, which can make finding productive water much faster than having to troll around an unfamiliar body of water looking for good spots. This feature is especially useful in situations where ice conditions or weather may change quickly between visits like springtime when there’s open water but no snow cover yet.
Another big advantage to using a fish finder while ice fishing is that it can make navigation much easier. Most units have maps of the area you’re fishing in, so anglers can quickly move between productive spots without having to guess where they are. Some GPS models even allow users to create their own maps, which can be very helpful for finding new areas to fish or revisiting old ones.
Perhaps the biggest benefit to using a fish finder while ice fishing is that it can save time. By quickly identifying where fish are and what kind of structures they are near, anglers can spend more time fishing instead of looking for them. This can be especially important on days when the weather is bad and you only have a few hours to get out on the ice.
Having a good knowledge of how to use your fish finder will undoubtedly lead to more productive trips and hopefully some nice catches!
A lot of fish finders come with a transducer that is mounted inside the hull, so anglers need to plug the device into an outside power source. This can be problematic on some boats because it makes changing batteries difficult without having to remove electronics and store them somewhere safe each time they want to go out fishing.
Tips for Using an Ice Fishing Fish Finder
- When you are looking for a fish finder to use while ice fishing, there are a few things that you should consider. One of the most important factors is the size of the unit. You want something that is not too bulky or heavy so it will be easy to transport, but also large enough to give you a good picture of what is going on below the surface.
- Another thing to look for is whether the unit has an automatic shut-off feature. This can come in handy if you happen to drop your device into the water – it will automatically turn off and prevent any damage from being done.
- Some fish finders also include sonar capabilities, which can be very helpful when trying to locate fish under the ice. If you are trying to find schools of pan fish, for example, this is a great tool.
- The best ice fishing fish finder will also have easy access buttons on the top or side so that you can effortlessly switch between modes and adjust settings while sitting in your chair. It should be simple enough to use without giving you too much trouble even if it’s freezing cold outside.
- Finally, when shopping for an ice fishing fish finder look at the warranty options. You want to be able to have peace of mind in case something happens with your device so you can easily get a replacement or repairs done.
FAQ
Conclusion
This article has covered a lot of ground, but it’s all in the name of helping you find your perfect fish finder for ice fishing. Whether you’re just getting started with ice fishing or have been at it for decades, there are plenty of options to choose from when selecting an ice fishing fish finder. The last thing you want is to make the wrong decision and purchase something that doesn’t meet your needs – whether they be price related or performance based. Take some time now to read through our reviews and tips section before making any decisions; we know this will help guide you towards finding the best possible match for your specific situation!