Ice Fishing Fish Finders buying guide

Looking for a quick and straightforward way to locate fish in ice? Don't worry. Ice fishing fish finders are here to the rescue.

The fish finder allows you to map the area and look for hotspots where you can reel in the bigger fish easily.

An ice fishing fish finder has so many features to look for. Being an advanced fish finder, searching for the best one is very difficult. Searching on online platforms and scanning through never-ending reviews is not the solution. A supporting hand is essential.

To be your buying companion and guide you through the whole journey, refer to this guide book. With so many various aspects to look for, this guide has gathered all the essential features in one place.

Instead of browsing for hours, you can have a glimpse at the critical factors affecting your fishfinder choice and have in-depth knowledge about the same.

You will find many unfamiliar terms and features that you would have never come across otherwise. Without further ado, let's start the hunt for the best ice fishing fish finder.

What do you mean by Ice Fishing Fish Finders? Why do you need them?

If you are an angler and want to improve your skills, an excellent accessory is ready for your fishing bag.

While finding a fish with naked eyes in flowing water is so hard, imagine the level of difficulty when a white blanket is covering the shore. You will have to dig up several holes and waste resources because you don't know where the fish are.

A fish finder is very reliable in these situations. This innovative tool locates the spot where plenty of fish are present to catch one easily. With a fish finder in your boat, you will never return empty-handed.

This tool showers you with innumerable benefits that aid you while ice fishing.

Benefits

1. Find out where the fish are

The fish finder is the Google Map of the fishing world. Just the way you find the location of the place you want to visit, this tool tells you about the fish's location.

Finding the exact location of the fish saves time and resources and gets the job done pretty fast.

2. See underneath the ice

Seeing the hustle and bustle going on below the ice with the naked eye is very difficult. To enable you to keep an eye on the fish, a fish finder provides you with a visual layout. You can easily see what's inside, where the fish are, etc.

3. Study the fish

Knowing the fish's behavior and whether it is getting attracted to the bait, a fish finder is the best tool to find out.

4. Memorize the spot

While humans can forget the exact location, a machine cannot. To make the hunt more comfortable for you if visiting the same area, a fish finder records every data.

Difference between Regular Fishfinders and Ice fishing fish finders

The regular and ice fishing fish finder do the same job: 'fish finding' there are certain features that differ.

Many people opt for a regular fish finder to use it round the year and commit a terrible mistake. To avoid doing so, go through the section below and know the fundamental difference between the two.

This section will eliminate all the second thoughts arising at the back of your mind and make your concept regarding the two more clear.

1. Regular fish finders

Advantages

1. These are used regularly and fulfill all the requirements of an angler.
2. These can be used on the boat.
3. Regular fish finders are very easy to use.

Disadvantages

1. These have to be removed from the boat after use. Frequent removal can damage the fish finder.
2. These cannot be used in the ice because they cannot bear the extreme temperature.
3. The transducers that these have need to be leveled every time.

2. Ice fishing fish finders

Advantages

1. These are highly portable and include a power-supplying system, also.
2. The SONAR used has a wide range, and the transducer used does not require to be leveled.
3. These have enhanced mapping and chart systems that enable you to fish in ice.
4. These can withstand extreme cold and have distinct features that make them different from the regular ones.

Disadvantages

1. These are quite expensive and cannot be used throughout the year.
2. The flasher technology that these have cannot be used to find fish in normal conditions.
3. An ice fishing fish finder is more advanced than the regular one and requires more time to get acquainted.

Things to deem about while selecting appropriate Ice fishing fish finders

Frequency

The frequency of fish finders is a crucial aspect. The energy pulses from your fish finder's transducer travel to the water body's bed and provide you with all the details of your fish.

Thanks to the frequency of your fishfinder. You get the exact location, depth, etc. of your catch.

Many professional anglers have determined that you should opt for the fish finders with a high-frequency range if you are fishing in shallow waters. High frequency provides minute details that help you a lot.

If you want to opt for a fish finder with a low range, make sure you plan to fish in deep waters. Also, remember that you will have to compromise with the amount of information that you will get.

To narrow down your search, Ice fishing fish finders feature multiple frequency ranges in them. With the help of the numerous frequency range, you can use your fish finder at any location irrespective of the water's depth.

You can set the range according to your need and wait for the information to reach you. These also provide you with authentic details with all the necessary information.

Weight

With a fish finder in one hand and the fishing tools on the other, walking on the slippery ice becomes challenging. To balance yourself and prevent falling, having lightweight tools are essential.

Ice fishing fish finders have all the necessary features in them and still weigh less. Incredible, isn't it? These are so convenient that you don't have to worry about walking on the ice. You can easily carry them and find the perfect drilling area.

You will not even feel like carrying essential equipment with you while hunting for a healthy catch. Search for other variants also that differ in size or have even more features being lightweight. Don't let this opportunity pass!

Colored Screens

An ordinary fish finder has a black and white screen display that translates the SONAR signals and gives you the relevant information. Due to the presence of only two colors, distinguishing between particular objects becomes very tricky.

For instance, you cannot differentiate between two opaque bodies that are shown in black color. To eliminate this difficulty in interpreting the information, the ice fishing fish finder has brought revolutionary changes.

Instead of the two standard colors, this fish-finding tool uses different colors to indicate various objects. With the illuminating lights of different shades, you can easily distinguish between the fish, any plant or stone, etc. underneath the ice.

These lights also work in the dark. You will never have difficulty in locating your catch even in the night. Compared to a monochrome display, a colored screen is more beneficial.

Transducer Material

A transducer forms a very integral part of any fish finder. This transducer sends SONAR signals into the water, which, after coming in contact with any object, reflect.

The transducer then catches these reflected signals. This then processes the signals to a readable form.

To ensure that this critical device stays intact and lasts long, the material used should be durable. Some of the durable materials used in the formation of ice fishing fish finder's transducers are mentioned below.

1. Plastic and fiberglass

These two materials are highly durable and robust. These are water-resistant and can withstand harsh weather conditions.

The significant advantage is that these two materials are incredibly lightweight.

2. Stainless steel and bronze

Stainless steel and bronze are other durable materials. These are also very strong and can endure harsh weather. The only drawback is the risk of corrosion that steel and bronze carry and their bulkiness.

3. Wood

Wood is also lightweight and used in many transducers but isn't weatherproof and retains water. Frequent contact with water will make wood brittle, and it can break. Wood is also not durable and wears off over time.

Durability

To have access to clear images and detailed information, transducers of good quality are very vital. When it comes to an ice fishing fish finder, a transducer should withstand the icy cold climate and provide critical information.

The durability also affects the quality of signals transmitted by the transducer. A low-quality transducer will fail to emit clear signals to a wide area.

Ice fishing fish finders are very efficient when ice fishing is concerned. These fish finders have transducers that emit signals for a very long time.

These are weatherproof and are designed to endure extreme climatic conditions. These features make sure that your fish finder is faultless and gives you an enjoyable experience.

Portability

While searching for the best fish finder, you should give more priority to its portability. Mostly you will be traveling to the fishing spot from your home. You need something that is compact and easily fits anywhere.

To make this possible, an ice fishing fish finder features a small design. The small design makes your fishfinder lightweight and easily portable.

You can grab it in your hand or put it in your trouser pocket. Besides, you will not have to think twice before moving on to dig the next hole. These are very convenient to use. This feature sets the benchmark of these fish finders in the fishing world.

With a small size, there is always the fear of getting a small display screen. However, the backlit screen display and LED lights make it very easy for you to interpret the screen's information.

Though the screen is a bit smaller than the normal ones, all the challenges have been removed with certain unique features.

Sonar Beam Angle

As stated earlier, the transducer is a very significant part of any fish finder; it is the SONAR beam angle that affects its functioning. The beam angle determines the area and depth up to which the signals will be sent.

There are two kinds of beam angles. Before deciding which one to go for, let's quickly look at what these two kinds mean.

1. Narrow beam angle

A transducer having a narrow beam angle can emit signals deeper into the water body. This beam angle provides you with minute details and helps you locate your fish quickly.

2. Wide beam angle

A transducer with a wide beam angle emits signals to a wide area. It provides access to a broader scope but compromises with the fine details. This beam angle is ideal if you want to search for a wide field but not deep inside the water.

If you opt for a beam angle with the maximum wide beam angle, be ready to receive images that are not clear and mostly blurred.

Now that you know each angle's pros and cons, your area of selection will be narrowed. Besides, if you find it difficult to choose between the two, you can also search for other variants.

Many ice fishing fish finders provide you with both the beam angles. This feature also negates the need to purchase the transducers separately to get both the beam angles.

Power Source

Ice fishing fish finders have batteries and power sources of high wattage and high power. A higher power supply provides clear pictures and translates the information in the form of signals quickly.

Though you will have to wait longer to charge your fish finder's battery, the results are marvelous.

If you use a fish finder that uses a battery with a low power supply, the pictures will not be clear enough. Because of the blurred images, you will miss your perfect catch.

Since a fish finder is made to offer you an excellent fishing experience, it cannot afford to lack performance. Also, the power source depends on the size of the device.

Short devices use small batteries and do not require large amounts of power. Simultaneously, large ones use more energy because of more features and have batteries that do not last long.

Pixels

Like you chase the number of pixels while purchasing a camera, anglers chase the same in fish finders. The higher the number of pixels and the screen's resolution, the more precise the image will be.

You will not have to struggle to find out the minute details of the atmosphere underneath the ice layer. With a fish finder with many pixels, interpreting the image becomes as easy as applying butter on a loaf of bread.

Ice fishing fish finders have a high-resolution screen that displays high-quality images. These fish finders are affordable and very efficient to use.

Waterproof

A fish finder always stays around water. It is quite evident that it may fall in water or be exposed to a heavy shower. Still, the fish finders are not entirely waterproof. They are water-resistant and can endure water only for a very short duration.

Having said that, an ice fishing fish finder stands apart for its extraordinary features. The manufacturers know that the signal transmitter has to be dipped in water to emit signals.

To save the internal components of this transmitter, it has been built waterproof. In contrast, the receiver or the display screen is made water-resistant and not waterproof.

A receiver stays away from water and ice. Making it waterproof has no vital reason. To endure a few splashes, it is made water-resistant that is sufficient to keep it safe.

GPS

A GPS helps you trace your way back out of the icy water body. Purchasing a separate GPS will add to the budget, which you may not be ready for.

It is highly recommended that you opt for an ice fishing fish finder that has a built-in GPS. This will cut down the extra expense and make more space for your other essential equipment.

A built-in GPS also helps you to mark your favorite fishing spot at the place that you visited. This will enable you to find that same location again and start fishing without wasting any time.

Mount

A mount or a mounting device enables you to attach your fish finder to some solid surface to stay safe. Mounting a fish finder also keeps your hands free.

Ice fishing fish finders allow three types of attachments. The different types are listed below. According to your ease and preference, you can opt for anyone of them.

1. In-hull

This type of mount is commonly found in trailer boats. If your fish finder can provide you with relevant information without coming in contact with water, you can always opt for this type of mount.

The fish finder is kept inside a mount made of silicone and epoxy. Silicon and epoxy keep your device safe and weatherproof.

2. Transom mount

A transom mount is effortless and quick to install. The bracket of a transom mount is attached to the transom with the help of screws. This bracket has an adjustable angle. This eliminates the rigidness of the stand and makes it movable in any direction.

3. Thru-hull

If you use a thru-hull mount, the signal's quality will not be reduced, unlike the other mounts. A thru-hull is quite challenging to install. Once you have installed it and mounted your fish finder, there is no looking back.

Expert - Tips on Using Ice fishing fish finders

After you have chosen the model of an ice fishing fish finder that suits your preference, it is essential to know the steps that go into using it effectively.

To get hold of your catch, you need to use your fish finder in the best way. Being a newbie, you need to follow the steps listed below. These steps will guide you about using your fish finder and turn you into a perfectionist.

1. Finding the place to drill a hole

While ice fishing, you need to find a place where the maximum number of fish are present. With the help of your fish finder, you will get the appropriate location. The next thing is to survey the area you are fishing in.

You should know the depth of the water body. Depth plays a significant role in fishing. If the water body has a shallow depth, the fish are likely to gather near the shore. If the water is deep, you should find your fish near the bottom of the water body.

Also, ensure that the ice you plan to drill a hole at is firm and hard enough. A hard frost will endure your body's weight and not break, exposing you to the chilled water.

2. Inspecting the areas under the ice

Your fish finder will help you know what's below your feet. After you have drilled the hole, you need to put the transducer inside it and adjust the frequency and beam angle.

Ensure that the wall of ice does not surround the transducer of your device. This wall will hinder during signal transmission.

Initially adjust high frequency to survey the deep areas of the water body. Simultaneously opt for a wide beam angle to get a broad view. You can then change the settings accordingly until you get the picture of a fish.

3. Choosing your fishing spot

Having completed the steps mentioned above, you are likely to catch a glimpse of a fish. This will give you a rough idea about the school of fish.

After you have checked every possibility and are satisfied, drill a wide hole to pull out your catch. This hole should be right next to your fish finder hole. You can insert lures and baits that will attract the fish and then pull it out.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between ice fishing fish finder and flasher?

An ice flasher shows the fish spots quite clearly than the fish finder. However, the GPS service is more accurate in a fish finder than a flasher.

2. Will my ice fishing fish finder get damaged in low temperatures?

No, the ice fish finders are designed in such a way that they withstand the harsh conditions easily.

3. What all can you check with the ice fishing fish finder?

You can use this fish finder to get an accurate temperature and clear under-ice images. You can also locate hotspots for easy fish catching.

Summing Up

With all this information under your possession, you just need to select the best product. In this guide, you will find all the details that define the performance and usability of the fish finder.

Go through the pointers swiftly and choose an elite product for your outdoor expedition.