Hand Held Depth Finder

[piker]

Has anybody had any experience using the Manta Ice Eyes unit???

[Trevor]

No, but I've been thinking about one of these units.  I currently carry around a portable humminbird just for depth finding purposes.  Something lighter and more compact sure would be nice, but I'm not about to fork over the dough.  Maybe next year....

[paul d.]

I'm checking into the strikemaster polar vision handheld.  I can get it for about $125.00 or the vexlar for about $115.00

 I see the website for the  mantas, haven't heard anything about them..
 good luck, let me know if you hear about these two.

 Paul D.

[Fishinut]

I have a manta ice eyes in the mail now. i will post a reply when is get it

[Van_Cleaver]

I have fished with a Polar Strikemaster for the past two seasons. It is fairly light, very portable, and has an automatic shut-off. However, I use it mostly for finding channels, old creek beds, etc. They make a stand for it now, in order that it may be used as a fishfinder, but if you really want a fishfinder, this probably isn't for you. I like it for the type of fishing I do, and would recommend it. Also, it will shoot through ice if you place a bit of water under it

[paul d.]

van,

   I've got the strikemaster on order, should come this week.
 glad you posted something about them. I haven't heard anything about it.  I will use it for checking depth, and  channels, as well.  If it finds a fish, thats good, too.  I'm thinking of putting water on the ice , and sliding the unit to check depth.  You think that works???

  any other input would be very helpfull for me.

 [email protected]

[holeinhide]

putting warm water on the ice will get almost fish finder to shoot through the ice. i use a humming bird dx 128 like that to locate dropoffs and creek beds and than when i find a good spot i drill a hole for it or set it in my jigging hole.

[Cooley]

I have a vexliar,Reads though the ice just fine.
So save yourself some money,if you want something
that locates fish buy a fl8.   tight lines, see ya cooley

[Flash_King]

I have an older model of the Polar Vision.For general depth finding the unit I use fits the bill,however I like to carry a quick light propane torch along with me to melt enough ice to get a good depth reading through the Ice.Just a thought!

[Jim Facteau]

I use the fishing buddy 1200, no stand I just freehand it. What is nice about it is the ability to look down as well as to the side. Helps when you want to drill another hole.

[mnfishman]

I saw some of those strikemaster polar vision units in the Cabelas bargincave for $20 last year.  Not sure how well they work but for another $150 get yourself a FL8 or a Colorpoint at Cabelas.

[mnkelsner]

Jim I modified a 5gal bucket for my Fishin buoddy put a hole in it and glued 8" PVC pipe in hole I slip the Fishinbuddy throgh pipe and carry around by bucket handle works really great.

How do your "c" cells hold up in cold ?

I power mine with a 6v Gel Cel in bottom of bucket just ran wires into end of handle and wired it up, it will last all day and night with light on !

[redsford95]

I have an older fl8 and all you have to do is put water on the ice and you can get the debth than when you drilll a hole you can use it to find fish.  They are not to heavy.

Red