IceShanty.com's Ice Fishing Community
IceShanty Main => General Ice Fishing Chit Chat => Topic started by: WHITETAIL111 on Dec 30, 2008, 10:33 PM
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I have the Vexilar FL18 and love it. Just curious how many people just use their regular fishfinder for the hardwater season? I have a unit that is rigged with the blue "Genz box" that I always used prior to my Vexilar purchase. The only problem I had was getting the darned transducer to sit level. If you use your fishfinder how did you rig your transducer?
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one of my buddies took a couple 2x4s and did something like this..
=============== <--2x4
-----||----- <--hole
||
2x4--> ||
||
||
[===] <-- Transducer
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i use my fishin buddy 2 portable depth finder on the ice to check depth before i drill more holes and it picks up fish most of the time on the radar....it also shows structure....
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I use my M68c on hard and soft water.
You can mount a skimmer xducer to one end of a 16" dowel rod, and a piece of foam as a float on the other end to keep it level in the hole.
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I just got done mounting my Lms-520c on my wheeler for the gps map. I have been thinkin of locating a puck style transducer to use the flasher mode for on the run fishing.
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I used to have mine setup for the ice until I went out a got a Lowrance Flasher
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For many yrs. I used my Eagle fish ID 2 from my boat on the ice. Now I use a Humminbird portable LCR. Both worked just fine, never had any trouble with the cold. Never had any problem watching the smallest of teardrop jigs either...I simply made a cross out of 1x1's to mount the transducer...worked great! ( I still want a Marcum though) ;D
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I use the Eagle set up like Muskyhunter does his and it works fine.
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5 gallon.... 5 gallon... 5 gallon Fish Finda !
Just finished this setup this week, we will see how it works in the next week as ice sets in in SE MA. This is my 5 gallon fish finder...
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo16/keeperreaper/5gallonfishfinder4x8.gif)
I have had my Eagle Cuda 168 (probably the most common finder used today due to affordablility) rigged to my Auto Jumper portable abttery power pack in my 16 ft. skiff for the last 5 years. I had it wired to a toggle swith on a plastic battery case, which inside held the Auto Jumper battery pack. as I was putting the boat away for the season I thought to myself, why this battery box is no bigger than a 5 gallon bucket.
If you have transom mount fish finder, a 5 gallon bucket with cover, and a little lack of shame. You can do what I did.
Image 1 - Finished unit.
Image 2 -Transducer mount - Attach the transducer to 3/4" piece of wood about two feet long, mount on the reverse side. That way when the transducer sits in the hole, it is completely tucked away under the ice. This I like, don't have to remove it from the hole when fighting and landing a fish. Just use flush mount screws (counter sunk) with cap nuts on the back side, eliminates sharp or exposed edges that can lead to a cut off. Attach to sides of board with palstic electrical wiring staples (heavy guage).
Image 3 - Mount finder unit bracket to top of 5 gallon bucket with 4 short bolts and cap nuts. One small hole required ot be drilled in cover for the plug to attach to the back of your finder unit. Lock on / snap off lids work best, so you don't have to try to unscrew lid with wires. Go begging at your local bakery for bicket with cover.
Image 4 - Transducer board - drill holes every two inches down the middle to allow you to adjust the transducer depth to ice thickness in 2 inch intervals. I attached another 10 inch length of board to my bucket, this board has 3 1 1/2 inch long narrow bolts (size doesn't matter) held in place with adhesive, and one wing nut on center screw to hold transducer board in place when moving. The other two bolts just help hold the transducer board upright and straight. Mark depths at 2 inch intervals with center bolt on transducer board. Makes setting up at the hole a breeze.
Image 5 - Power Supply - The power wires from the finder unit are directly connected to a "12 volt cigarette lighter adapter plug"! Ya, that's right, don't laugh it has worked just fine for over 5 years on a boat. I thought that a adding the toggle switch to my 5 gallon bucket was a little overboard (excuse the pun), even for one of my buckets. The adapter plugs into the adapter inlet on the Auto Jumper Power Pack. You never have to unplug it, as the power pack has on/off switch settings. At the end of the day, you just plug the power pack in to recharge overnight. Never had the Auto Jumper run out of charge on my boat, even though I have it shared with a "double cigarette lighter adapter plug" with my bow lights for 12 hours or so night fishing.
Image 6 - Travel Position - flip the transducer board upside down and place on the three bolts and secure center bolt with wing nut. Now ready to carry or put on your sled. Weighs roughly about 7 -8 lbs.
Image 7 - Ya baby, it works. That's the temp in basement today.
It did not cost me anything, and it would have been sitting on my boat just collecting snow for the winter. Eagle Cuda 168 has fish alarm setting which should be helpful when I walk away from the hole.
Wa Da Ya Dink ?
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looks good to me gota be better then just sittin on your boat!! :tipup:
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I think its great! A lot of thought an ingenuity went into that. Very nice. I'm sure you'll have a lot of fun with it too!
I think you said it best...."and it would have been sitting on my boat just collecting snow for the winter."
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Nice work keeper reaper. I have an old hummingbird 300TX that never made it on the boat some years back, it's been collecting dust. If I can shake off this 'brown bottle flu' I'm going to build one of those 5 gallon fish finda's.
You might want get a patent on this thing. Thanks for the detailed post.
Question- Is there a fuse in the cigarette adapter or did you put an inline fuse on the cord? My unit installation instructions calls for a 1 amp fuse. Thanks.
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Looks good !! I'm going to have to try that !!
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5 gallon.... 5 gallon... 5 gallon Fish Finda !
Just finished this setup this week, we will see how it works in the next week as ice sets in in SE MA. This is my 5 gallon fish finder...
(http://i357.photobucket.com/albums/oo16/keeperreaper/5gallonfishfinder4x8.gif)
I have had my Eagle Cuda 168 (probably the most common finder used today due to affordablility) rigged to my Auto Jumper portable abttery power pack in my 16 ft. skiff for the last 5 years. I had it wired to a toggle swith on a plastic battery case, which inside held the Auto Jumper battery pack. as I was putting the boat away for the season I thought to myself, why this battery box is no bigger than a 5 gallon bucket.
If you have transom mount fish finder, a 5 gallon bucket with cover, and a little lack of shame. You can do what I did.
Image 1 - Finished unit.
Image 2 -Transducer mount - Attach the transducer to 3/4" piece of wood about two feet long, mount on the reverse side. That way when the transducer sits in the hole, it is completely tucked away under the ice. This I like, don't have to remove it from the hole when fighting and landing a fish. Just use flush mount screws (counter sunk) with cap nuts on the back side, eliminates sharp or exposed edges that can lead to a cut off. Attach to sides of board with palstic electrical wiring staples (heavy guage).
Image 3 - Mount finder unit bracket to top of 5 gallon bucket with 4 short bolts and cap nuts. One small hole required ot be drilled in cover for the plug to attach to the back of your finder unit. Lock on / snap off lids work best, so you don't have to try to unscrew lid with wires. Go begging at your local bakery for bicket with cover.
Image 4 - Transducer board - drill holes every two inches down the middle to allow you to adjust the transducer depth to ice thickness in 2 inch intervals. I attached another 10 inch length of board to my bucket, this board has 3 1 1/2 inch long narrow bolts (size doesn't matter) held in place with adhesive, and one wing nut on center screw to hold transducer board in place when moving. The other two bolts just help hold the transducer board upright and straight. Mark depths at 2 inch intervals with center bolt on transducer board. Makes setting up at the hole a breeze.
Image 5 - Power Supply - The power wires from the finder unit are directly connected to a "12 volt cigarette lighter adapter plug"! Ya, that's right, don't laugh it has worked just fine for over 5 years on a boat. I thought that a adding the toggle switch to my 5 gallon bucket was a little overboard (excuse the pun), even for one of my buckets. The adapter plugs into the adapter inlet on the Auto Jumper Power Pack. You never have to unplug it, as the power pack has on/off switch settings. At the end of the day, you just plug the power pack in to recharge overnight. Never had the Auto Jumper run out of charge on my boat, even though I have it shared with a "double cigarette lighter adapter plug" with my bow lights for 12 hours or so night fishing.
Image 6 - Travel Position - flip the transducer board upside down and place on the three bolts and secure center bolt with wing nut. Now ready to carry or put on your sled. Weighs roughly about 7 -8 lbs.
Image 7 - Ya baby, it works. That's the temp in basement today.
It did not cost me anything, and it would have been sitting on my boat just collecting snow for the winter. Eagle Cuda 168 has fish alarm setting which should be helpful when I walk away from the hole.
Wa Da Ya Dink ?
thats awesome I am making one of those tonight
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So am I understanding this right? The jumper box is your 12volt source for running your fishfinder for the day? You don't need to purchase a seperate small 12 volt battery then for your fishfinder??
You can still purchase these at an auto store I assume? I don't own one, so I don't know much about them. Thanks.
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The best part of using these types of fish finders is they will shoot through the ice. You have to pour water on the the ice first. No hole.
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I also use a Eagle Cuda useing a lawntractor battery in a homemade plywood box . The Cuda is mounted on top of the box. I have a boom that swings up and down that the transducer is mounted on , Works slick
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I like the lawntractor battery idea, how long does your charge last you?
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I use my fish eagle ultra monnted on a homemade wodden box.The transducer is mounted on a adjustablr with a refrigerator puck style level to keep it level. then I power up with 12 volt batteries from my dewalt screw gun using alligator clips works great lasts a long time,easy to recharge, and very light weight.
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Use the sealed gel cell batteries to power your electronics. Don't use lawn tractor or motorcycle batteries for two reasons. One, they WILL leak acid and corrode your gear. Two, they are designed to deliver a high amount of current in a short amount of time, not a small amout of current over a long period of time like we do when using fishing electronics. They won't last as many charge, discharge cycles as a sealed gel cell will. You'll end up paying for two lead acid batteries before you'll need to replace one sealed gel cell. Use the right tool for the job.
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Nice work keeper reaper. I have an old hummingbird 300TX that never made it on the boat some years back, it's been collecting dust. If I can shake off this 'brown bottle flu' I'm going to build one of those 5 gallon fish finda's.
You might want get a patent on this thing. Thanks for the detailed post.
Question- Is there a fuse in the cigarette adapter or did you put an inline fuse on the cord? My unit installation instructions calls for a 1 amp fuse. Thanks.
Sorry about the delayed reply, I have been out looking for ice in our area or trying to trap some bait. There is an inline fuse in the auto jumper pack itself, I did not wire in a separate one... we will see. Same exact method it ran on my boat for 5 years without a problem.
KR
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So am I understanding this right? The jumper box is your 12volt source for running your fishfinder for the day? You don't need to purchase a seperate small 12 volt battery then for your fishfinder??
You can still purchase these at an auto store I assume? I don't own one, so I don't know much about them. Thanks.
Sorry about the delayed reply, I have been out looking for ice in our area or trying to trap some bait. This Auto Jumper (being the 12 volt source) takes the place of your battery (no battery needed). A good deal, probably find one for about $30 at your local Walmart or parts store. I forgot exacltly how much this one cost as it was gift. And - If your snow sled dies because you left the lights or whatever on, you can jump it with the Auto Jumper. Handy tool to have around.
KR
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The best part of using these types of fish finders is they will shoot through the ice. You have to pour water on the the ice first. No hole.
I've heard this before, but never tried it. Does the transducer haev to be submerged in water to get a reading ?
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Thats pure genuis Reaper. Wish I had thought of it I've been playing with a portable Cuda128 for the last few years but could never get the transducer right. i tried the floatng it with a foam and mast but i seemed to always be in the way. I had the transducer hanging off the workbench this fall and noticed that it seems to hang level on its own. So I'm gonna try hanging it like an ice-ducer.
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I've heard this before, but never tried it. Does the transducer haev to be submerged in water to get a reading ?
Just a thin layer of water on the ice is all it needs.
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Sorry about the delayed reply, I have been out looking for ice in our area or trying to trap some bait. There is an inline fuse in the auto jumper pack itself, I did not wire in a separate one... we will see. Same exact method it ran on my boat for 5 years without a problem.
KR
Keeper,
I used an in line 1A fuse to be safe and it bench tested fine.(there's a 15A fuse in the cig adapter) I made 2 pig tails for power. 1 to connect to the battery charger unit with the cig adapter(my battery charger/jumper doesn't quite fit into a a bucket) and 1 to connect to some 12V screw gun rechargeable batteries I have from a broken drill. I bench tested it with both power supplies for several hours on simulation mode. Today I'll put the transducer in some water and test it in working mode to see how the rechargeable batteries hold up.
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I've been using my Humminbid 220 for several seasons. I use the batteries from emergency lighting that you would see in a stairwell etc. They get replaced every year in any gov't building. Just ask around. They are real nice because not only are they gel cells they are usually only about 3"X3" and give 12v. Totally rechargable with any 12v charger and weigh less than a pound AND FREE!!!!
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Thanks for the tip Bellybuster, I'm going to look into that.
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(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q27/benandhisbeard/IMG_1727.jpg)
This is my finder in operation. I'll take some more pics tonight to better illustrate it. It's a Cuda 168 (surprised to see so many here...) mounted on a piece of plywood, surrounded by corrogated plastic (from a lawn sign), and stuck into a cutaway cat litter bucket. I put a lid of plexiglass over the display, so that I can throw a heat pack or two in there to keep the screen scrolling along at normal speed when it gets real cold.
Off to the left, you can see my transducer mount. It's a skimmer ducer, mounted onto a 10" long piece of 3/4" PVC, and hanging from a "T" connector. The mount pulls apart and stows for travel inside the bucket.
On the back of the unit, there are 3 PVC rod storage holders. I have some spots for mounting rod holders all around the bucket. There's room for a small tackle box in the bucket, and some other small gear. I have a vex battery running the whole thing.
I still have some things I want to do with it, but it's fully functional as is. It really needs some stickers plastered all over it... and more duct tape! I got the finder, used, for $20. I paid $20 for the battery. The rest of the thing was built with found materials, so I figure I have about $40 in this project, along with about an hour or two of work, and a few hours of chin scratchin'.
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I like the setup Ben, the stickers would make it complete :laugh:
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My old setup.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/BlindSquirrel/100_1149.jpg)
My new setup. I can't take credit for the design but I'll pass it along.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/BlindSquirrel/100_2736.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/BlindSquirrel/100_2737.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/BlindSquirrel/100_2738.jpg)
I don't have a picture of it, but the PVC transducer support fits inside the box as well. I also use Velcro tape on the battery so it doesn't slide around.
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My new setup. I can't take credit for the design but I'll pass it along.
That looks oddly familiar to the set-up I made last week :whistle: :whistle:
I can't take credit either though. I got the idea from a past member here several years back (OnceBitten) as he had something similar. I tinkered in my barn today and made this thing up. I had to buy ZERO materials, everything was scavenged from stuff I had laying around, and fortunately I had an extra transducer for the graph because I replaced the original with the trolling motor transducer for the boat. I got a new battery for my Vex, so I used the old one for this. There was nothing wrong with it, however.
So, here it is.................
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s163/wnybassman/Ice%20Fishing/goodpack1.jpg)
I used a piece of outdoor PVC electrical conduit for the transducer mount. I had a heavy wall hook that I was able to attach to the box, and bent it slightly so the conduit "snaps" into it and the bell end holds the whole works from slipping through. I think I have it where it hangs pretty plumb. From where the box sits on the ice to the bottom of the transducer is 10 inches. Not sure how thicker ice will affect performance.
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s163/wnybassman/Ice%20Fishing/goodpack2.jpg)
A close up of the transducer mount detail. I lucked out, the plug was able to slip through the conduit so I was able to run the wire internally.
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s163/wnybassman/Ice%20Fishing/goodpack3.jpg)
Here is a shot of the unit fired up.
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s163/wnybassman/Ice%20Fishing/goodpack4.jpg)
The transducer assembly "snaps" off the metal hook and folds nicely in the box.
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s163/wnybassman/Ice%20Fishing/goodpack5.jpg)
All closed up it just looks like an old shi-tay tackle box ;D
(http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s163/wnybassman/Ice%20Fishing/goodpack6.jpg)
What's nice is the unit has the internal GPS antenna so if I do find a spot I really need to get back to, I can. I'd had to leave the unit open on a shanty seat or something trying to navigate though, which could be a PITA
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I'm using a Humminbird Matrix-10, and it works as well on the ice as it does in my boat.
Like BlindSquirrel, I also use a 12Volt Gel cell battery that is commonly found in computer backup UPS units, and can get about 10 days of fishing out of it. The battery is stored underneath the unit in the soft-sided cooler shown below.
I bought this one through Cabela's and it's GPS-ready and this one came bundled with a free GPS antenna for $150.
The ability to drop waypoints over structure and hot spots and use them all year round is a BIG plus.
It's sensitivity and ability to split the screen to see the entire water column and a zoomed in area make is a great tool.
It's so sensitive in fact that I've used in in over 100 FOW and can watch a 1/8oz jig bounce on the bottom with just the twitch of the rod tip and even follow it all the way down as I drop it to the bottom. The Fish-ID alarms allow me to adjust the alarm for the size of the fish so I only get "woken up" when the bigger fish move in.
I've tried a number of different ways to mount the transducer, and so far the best one I've come up with uses a folding yardstick. (see attached sketch) With this method it's possible to tuck it up under the ice so it's not in the way of the line I'm fishing, and I think it helps with the echo returns as well.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/Bassman4940/Matrix-10.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v693/Bassman4940/TransducerArm.jpg)
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I smell an engineer at work...You guys are cream of the crop tinkerers...I doff my chapeau to you.
Now I gotta dig out my hummingbird setup for pics.
RG
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From where the box sits on the ice to the bottom of the transducer is 10 inches. Not sure how thicker ice will affect performance.
For additional depth I added another section of PVC to mine and connected it with a union. It's not cemented so I can pull it apart and fold it to fit in the box.
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I see some great ad on ideas here. I have my x67 mounted in a five gallon pail. I can take the lid off pull the finder to the top and use it all day. Battery stays in the bottom along with my jig boxes. At the end of the day I lower the unit back down snap the top on the bucket and everything is safe.And this unit is very easyu to move around for run and gun fishing plus it gets the finder up in the air where it's easier to watch.
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Great idea's !! Thank you for the pics, / diagrams. Make it so much better !!
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Thanks for the pix guys, I'm going to work on one tonight!
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(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q27/benandhisbeard/IMG_1753.jpg)
I just got home, and have access to more pictures of my "RedNexilar," so I figured I'd post 'em. I like a lot of the setups you guys have done. This is what happens when guys with tools are waiting for ice to form, I guess.
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q27/benandhisbeard/IMG_1754.jpg)
Rod holders on the back. 1.5" PVC. The rope, for carrying the unit, is off-center to compensate for the weight of the battery.
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q27/benandhisbeard/IMG_1756.jpg)
Inside the bucket. The transducer, support, and transducer support extension (for thick ice) all fit in there, along with a small assortment of jigs, a container of waxies, and a forceps and pliers. There's also room for the battery, of course, and a bunch of cords.
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q27/benandhisbeard/IMG_1757.jpg)
That's my transducer support. It just hangs in the hole, pretty much level.
I had a lot of fun with this. I want to line the inside with some sort of heat-reflecting material, and maybe put a couple LEDs in there for light, because the backlight on the Cuda leaves much to be desired. I'm sure I'll find a bunch more things I want to do with it, and eventually scrap it all and build something else entirely. It's just how I work...
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this is one of the best threads i've seen since i've been on ice shanty...some great ideas!
i need to go and rig my fish finder apparatus right now!
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So does the ducer need to be completely under the ice? or can it still be in the hole? Im going to work one of these up this week so i can use it this weekend.
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So does the ducer need to be completely under the ice? or can it still be in the hole? Im going to work one of these up this week so i can use it this weekend.
No the transducer doesn't have to be completely under the ice for most depths, but I've found I do get better resolution in deeper waters when the transducer is deeper in the hole. Transducers that have a smaller cone diameter would be less prone to surface clutter. I've owned Eagles and Humminbirds LCD's and they all had gain and surface clutter rejection that really allowed some great fine tuning.
Now at the risk of getting flamed by all of the loyal VEX users out there, :pinch: I would put my Humminbird up against a VEX any day. IMHO, the ability to plot the underwater structures, contours and many of the other features incorporated in most LCD's made it an easy decision to make. Price was another factor!
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No the transducer doesn't have to be completely under the ice for most depths, but I've found I do get better resolution in deeper waters when the transducer is deeper in the hole. Transducers that have a smaller cone diameter would be less prone to surface clutter. I've owned Eagles and Humminbirds LCD's and they all had gain and surface clutter rejection that really allowed some great fine tuning.
Now at the risk of getting flamed by all of the loyal VEX users out there, :pinch: I would put my Humminbird up against a VEX any day. IMHO, the ability to plot the underwater structures, contours and many of the other features incorporated in most LCD's made it an easy decision to make. Price was another factor!
I would agree with you TogueHunter, I have an Eagle and a Hummingbird, like them both for hard and soft water. But thats just me. I don't want to offend any Vex users ;)
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Im planning on using an old Eagle Fish ID 128 that we have had in the garage for 10 years.
I mainly want to use it to see depth and bottom structure.
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Outta work.
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YOU GUYS THIS IS AN AWESOME IDEA, THAT I HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT FOR SOMETIME KNOW. BUT DIDNT KNOW IF MY EAGLE MODEL CUDA242 WOULD WORK DOSE ANYBODY USE THIS MODEL. IF SO WHAT BATTERY DO YOU RECCOMMEND. THANKS ALOT ;D
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this is one of the best threads i've seen since i've been on ice shanty...some great ideas!
i need to go and rig my fish finder apparatus right now!
Your welcome(for posting) ;D. I have one rigged up myself, but wanted to see how everyone rigged their transducer mainly as mine needs some improvements. Some of these are great ideas.
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Keeper,
I used an in line 1A fuse to be safe and it bench tested fine.(there's a 15A fuse in the cig adapter) I made 2 pig tails for power. 1 to connect to the battery charger unit with the cig adapter(my battery charger/jumper doesn't quite fit into a a bucket) and 1 to connect to some 12V screw gun rechargeable batteries I have from a broken drill. I bench tested it with both power supplies for several hours on simulation mode. Today I'll put the transducer in some water and test it in working mode to see how the rechargeable batteries hold up.
Tight lines Tangler - it's better than sitting on the boat or work bench for the winter - right. Happy huntin!
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I think we need a new thread for us to come back and post some results fromt his season using our units. Who is up ?
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(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q27/benandhisbeard/IMG_1753.jpg)
I just got home, and have access to more pictures of my "RedNexilar," so I figured I'd post 'em. I like a lot of the setups you guys have done. This is what happens when guys with tools are waiting for ice to form, I guess.
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q27/benandhisbeard/IMG_1754.jpg)
Rod holders on the back. 1.5" PVC. The rope, for carrying the unit, is off-center to compensate for the weight of the battery.
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q27/benandhisbeard/IMG_1756.jpg)
Inside the bucket. The transducer, support, and transducer support extension (for thick ice) all fit in there, along with a small assortment of jigs, a container of waxies, and a forceps and pliers. There's also room for the battery, of course, and a bunch of cords.
(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q27/benandhisbeard/IMG_1757.jpg)
That's my transducer support. It just hangs in the hole, pretty much level.
I had a lot of fun with this. I want to line the inside with some sort of heat-reflecting material, and maybe put a couple LEDs in there for light, because the backlight on the Cuda leaves much to be desired. I'm sure I'll find a bunch more things I want to do with it, and eventually scrap it all and build something else entirely. It's just how I work...
You are right. None of this get's done once the ice has arrived. But pre-season, I spend in a special area of my basement workshop I call "Ice station - Zebra", building traps, tinkering with ideas.
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I have the portable pack for Lowrance x67c. I like it so far.
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LMAO.... Rednexilar. Too funny.
KR... thats a great idea. When finished everyone should post pictures of their homemade fishfinding units they bring with them out on the ice. It'll be kind of a science project of sorts. Lets see who gets the best "grade" on their project!!
If you make yours and want to post it...post it under the subject nicely named by channelcatben....."Rednexilar" under IceShanty Main General icefishing Chit Chat...so we know where to look.
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YOU GUYS THIS IS AN AWESOME IDEA, THAT I HAVE BEEN THINKING ABOUT FOR SOMETIME KNOW. BUT DIDNT KNOW IF MY EAGLE MODEL CUDA242 WOULD WORK DOSE ANYBODY USE THIS MODEL. IF SO WHAT BATTERY DO YOU RECCOMMEND. THANKS ALOT ;D
I would think so. The Cuda 242 is basically an updated version of the Cuda 168, which I use (correct me if I'm wrong, guys). I'm using a 12v 8amp hour battery, but the owners manual recommends 10 to 14 volts... It doesn't really specify. When I first got the finder, I had it hooked up to 8 AA batteries in a battery holder from Radio Shack, and it worked fine. I think you can hook it up to just about any 12 volt battery.
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I usually run my Humminbird 220 on the 12v emergency lighting batts but also have the option of running off 8 AA batteries as well. Surprisingly it went 6 solid days o last years soft water fish trip. That was runnng at least 6-7 hours i a day
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WHER DID YOU FIND THIS 12V 8AMP HR BATTERY? WHAT STORE WOULD CARRY THEM?
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WHER DID YOU FIND THIS 12V 8AMP HR BATTERY? WHAT STORE WOULD CARRY THEM?
If you Google "UPS replacement batteries", you'll find all kinds of places to buy them.
Here's one source, but you may be able to find a better price elsewhere. They are heavy though and the shipping will probably be pretty steep.
http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=713773 (http://www.cdw.com/shop/products/default.aspx?EDC=713773)
I'm a computer geek and they commonly are used inside battery backup units. We replace them on a regular basis because of age, but most of them will hold a charge and work great for a fishfinder or a game camera. You might want to check with local computer repair stores and they may have some old ones that they will give you. You can charge them with a regular car battery charger, but ONLY use a trickle-charge (2amps max).
Good luck!
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KeeperReaper... Loved the name REDNEXILAR on your unit! The pics were awesome too!
Here's another tidbit that will give you an extra edge when using a sonar. Depending on the power of the unit, it is possible to shoot right through the ice and get a depth reading.
This however only works early in the season when the ice is not more than 5" (give or take). Also the quality has to be good, black ice works best but where there are air bubbles trapped the results are marginal.
I use a ziplock bag and put a little water in it with the transducer. This will give you the tightest possible "seal" against the ice, and the best echo return. Press the transducer hard against the ice.
I've also heard of guys using a Tupperware container or coffee can filled with water, but the flatter you can get the transducer against the ice, the better the results. In the summertime I attach my transducer inside the hull of my kayak with silicone, and it fine through the plastic hull.
I use it when looking for a drop off, and it saves a lot of time compared to the old fashioned way of drilling and sounding to check the depth, and no noise and commotion that potentially could scare away fish.
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KeeperReaper... Loved the name REDNEXILAR on your unit! The pics were awesome too!
Here's another tidbit that will give you an extra edge when using a sonar. Depending on the power of the unit, it is possible to shoot right through the ice and get a depth reading.
This however only works early in the season when the ice is not more than 5" (give or take). Also the quality has to be good, black ice works best but where there are air bubbles trapped the results are marginal.
I use a ziplock bag and put a little water in it with the transducer. This will give you the tightest possible "seal" against the ice, and the best echo return. Press the transducer hard against the ice.
I've also heard of guys using a Tupperware container or coffee can filled with water, but the flatter you can get the transducer against the ice, the better the results. In the summertime I attach my transducer inside the hull of my kayak with silicone, and it fine through the plastic hull.
I use it when looking for a drop off, and it saves a lot of time compared to the old fashioned way of drilling and sounding to check the depth, and no noise and commotion that potentially could scare away fish.
You and a few others have told me the same thing. I think I will attach one of those plastic coffee containers ot the side of my 5 gallon buucket to fill with water and try. I would love to be abe to drag that baby across the ice and get depth readings. I can't take credit for the Rednexilar - that wasn't my post. But funny stuff. I wonder if he could get that name Trademarked ?
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I've heard this before, but never tried it. Does the transducer haev to be submerged in water to get a reading ?
Mine works by just sinking it in the snow, but I use to carry it in a pail of alcohol and sit that down on the snow. I find the reading a bit shady but it will find the depth and fish. You have to remember to position it right though or it will read off to the side.
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Gee I feel like I'm brain dead. All you guys got great ideas. :bow: :bow:
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WHER DID YOU FIND THIS 12V 8AMP HR BATTERY? WHAT STORE WOULD CARRY THEM?
Picked mine and a charger up at Gander Mountain, $25.
Cabela's has a battery/charger combo for $29.
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AWESOME THANKS FOR THE INFO JUST ORDERED TODAY ONE FROM CABELAS. LOOKS LIKE IT WILL FIT IN THE TACKLE BOX ALONG WITH ALL THE OTHER WIRE AND FISH FINDER. THANKS AGAIN :tipup:
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I looked at gander mt today and they said they were out currently but they would have some in about a month. I asked what they cost and he said the battery was 35 and the charger was 20.... I left.
I just ordered one from cabelas for 29.99. Battery and charger.
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ok this thread is great, alot of awesome ideas and I couldnt help myself had to put my hummingbird to use.I was gonna go the 5 gal bucket method then I started looking around the sshop and I found an old tackle box, with a little "remodeling of it I came up with this.(velcro will be added to the box top and base shortly)
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o280/kesslerdrywall/Picture818.jpg)
transducer mount
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o280/kesslerdrywall/Picture819.jpg)
all packed up
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o280/kesslerdrywall/Picture816.jpg)
and ready to travel
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o280/kesslerdrywall/Picture820.jpg)
the best part is that under the lid is storage for all kinds jigs and things, no need for separate boxes.(still gotta fill it up)
(http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o280/kesslerdrywall/Picture815.jpg)
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Last year I used my fishing buddy 1001
It worked well. Just turn the light on if it gets to cold.
I just sent for a marcum vx1 pro for this year
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Just got mine completed
Now I have to wait until next Friday for the battery to come from cabelas
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How did you like the fishin buddy? going to try it on the hard water soon. How is the delay? thanks for the info
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It worked great
I can even see my line.
Used it in up to 60 feet of water
I bought a bracket for it on e-bay that holds it
in place.
After using my camera for the first time today I think a fish finder or flasher is
all you need. Depth, fish, line, structure, weeds
The fishing buddy worked fine
now I'm getting a VX1 pro
I hope I don't miss my LCD
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I recieved my battery from cabelas today. Hooked it up and it worked great in the koi pond. Cant wait for this weekend!!!
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Tight lines Tangler - it's better than sitting on the boat or work bench for the winter - right. Happy huntin!
I haven't quite figured out how to put a picture up yet, but I used my "RedNexilar" this past weekend and it worked perfectly. 8hrs on 1 rechargeable screw gun battery with power to spare. I caught several crappie that I otherwise wouldn't have known to bring my bait up to. I could see both lines and fish clearly and had no problems with the screen 'freezing' up.(Inside a heated hut) I can't wait to get thing out on the big water this year.
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I've got an Eagle Fishmark 480 and just picked up a puck transducer. Anyone know the best settings to use for this for ice fishing? Thanks.
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This will be my first year using a fishfinder on the ice. I bought a used x67c in the summer and going this weekend for the first time. I feel like a Fat Rat in a cheese factory ......can't wait......
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Ive been doing this for a while. Funny, most Vexies thoughtI was nuts.
Thanks for confirming my sanity. Have never shot it thru the ice though... Thanks for the tip.
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Saw this thread and remembered I had a garmin 240 fish finder collectin dust up north. Made a nice little wood box used a small dirt bike batt. Its more entertaining then my camera, It has a flasher option on it and I just love it now.
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Wow. See what I started. I'd been using mine for years also. I've been using my Vexilar for the past few years though and haven't brought out my old fishfinder. However, I just picked up a new Eagle for my boat and plan on trying it on the ice when I get around to it.
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Ive been doing this for a while. Funny, most Vexies thoughtI was nuts.
Thanks for confirming my sanity. Have never shot it thru the ice though... Thanks for the tip.
Shooting throught the ice will only give depth as far as my experience confirms.
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check out a progressive model craft stores in the area - the local store here is very helpful in checking out chargers and can usually advise on problems involving chargers and batteries. Keep in mind many of the models they sell are involved in flying model aircraft and radio controlled cars use similar battery setups.
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I see that most guys have their ducer hanging off the side of thier set up. I was thinking about putting mine off the front, anyone else do that? This is what mine looks like- Sorry its a little big
(http://i39.tinypic.com/11huu6t.jpg)
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(http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/shebadog_01/fishfinder2-1.jpg)
(http://i97.photobucket.com/albums/l213/shebadog_01/fishfinder.jpg)
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I was going to set-up my new fish finder the way that most set them up for Kayak fishing. Using 8 "AA" batteries. Then I can use rechargable batteries and you may need to recharge them every other trip or so, but since I already have the battery recharger and the rechargable batteries I figured that is the way I would go.
Does anyone else set it up that way?
http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/articles_view.asp?Kayak_Articles=39 (http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/articles_view.asp?Kayak_Articles=39)
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Thats good stuff! :clap: I was just talking to my Dad about this going to give it a go! ;D
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Now I'm either going to have to drive up to the cabin and take the Humminbird WIDE unit and transducer off the row boat and bring everything back down here...you guys really have too much time on your hands... ;D I even have an old tackle box for this.
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(http://www.kayakfishingstuff.com/images/articles/hummportableunit.jpg)
I have this exact portable case for my Humminbird, got off Ebay for less than $20 shipping in. It is fantastic, you can run the finder off the 8 AA batteries or the power cable and what ever source you want
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Those of you who have the cuda 168; do you set the scroll speed as low as it can go ?? One more question where do you set the sensitivity level ?? I'm getting a lot of lines at the top of my screen that tend to blend with what I believe is the bottom reading. Any advice would be great!! Gunner
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I have the Eagle FIshproID gunner which I believe is comparable to yours and I set the scroll at Max. so I get a picture as often as possible and I set the sensitivity at 50 percent.
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I have the Vexilar FL18 and love it. Just curious how many people just use their regular fishfinder for the hardwater season? I have a unit that is rigged with the blue "Genz box" that I always used prior to my Vexilar purchase. The only problem I had was getting the darned transducer to sit level. If you use your fishfinder how did you rig your transducer?
i have mine set up in a orange box and the transducer is mounted on the side that i can turn straight down the hole while fishing. inside the box is the battery and the unit is bolted to the top of the box. the size of the box is about the size of a plano tackle box.maybe 5x12x5.
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I don't use the cuda but I start at very low sensitivity and increase until I can see my bait and stop there. Scroll speed should be max to give you most up to date info at right hand edge of screen
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Shooting throught the ice will only give depth as far as my experience confirms.
It will also show weeds.
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I purchase this Fishing' Buddy and made this frame for it. This model has sidefinder as well as depthfinder. I will be able to use this ice fishing, on my float tube as well as my boat.
(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii213/coach04222/100_0899.jpg)
(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii213/coach04222/100_0891.jpg)
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I have one of those fishin buddys for 5 years and hate it. Its just awkward to carry, use, and store.
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All very cool ideas. I am going to have to try that too. I have a question though, I hae a Hummingbird 200 (i think). Will that show your jig also or is it mainly for depth? Thanks in advance
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If you have the duel beam puck transducer then im sure it will pick your jig up. I use a 15 year old Eagle 128 that was in the garage and I can pick up my jig at max sensitivity. only works if i use a big jig though.
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If you have the duel beam puck transducer then im sure it will pick your jig up. I use a 15 year old Eagle 128 that was in the garage and I can pick up my jig at max sensitivity. only works if i use a big jig though.
How big of a jig BBK, my Eagle is about that old also and it would be nice to see the lure?
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A 1" spoon gets picked up but a small jig and waxie doesnt.
Great for finding weeds/bottom.
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Have a 10 year old hummingbird portable. Great for depth and with fish ID tells me at what level my lure should be.
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I use a humminbird LCR portable, takes two 6 volt lantern batteries. Works fine and picks up the smallest of jigs, but...batteries must be fresh, they last about a week! Sensitivity must be set to max and scroll speed must be set to slowest setting!
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I use a humminbird LCR portable, takes two 6 volt lantern batteries. Works fine and picks up the smallest of jigs, but...batteries must be fresh, they last about a week! Sensitivity must be set to max and scroll speed must be set to slowest setting!
If you've got a Bass Pro close MuskyHunter go pick yourself up one of the Zeus 12 volt batteries. They're smaller than the 2 of the 6 volts and it comes with it's own charger. Costs around $28, if you fish alot it'll save you $ in the long haul.
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O.K. now I feel like a real idiot----I look on my fish finder and it's a Cuda 128 not the 168. However, it should still be the same with the sensitivity and scroll speed,right??? Please excuse my over-sight (I was just psyched that just maybe I could get this fish finder up and running) Need to try this weekend to see how it works. Thanks for all of your help!!
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O.K. now I feel like a real idiot----I look on my fish finder and it's a Cuda 128 not the 168. However, it should still be the same with the sensitivity and scroll speed,right???
Yes.. still the same..
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O.K. now I feel like a real idiot----I look on my fish finder and it's a Cuda 128 not the 168. However, it should still be the same with the sensitivity and scroll speed,right??? Please excuse my over-sight (I was just psyched that just maybe I could get this fish finder up and running) Need to try this weekend to see how it works. Thanks for all of your help!!
Its actualy the same, they changed from the fish ID to the cuda.
I have seen alot of people using the cuda for ice fishing..
I have a couple of questions.
1. Should i have the speed on max or min?
2. Should i have fish tracking on?
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My old setup.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v660/BlindSquirrel/100_2737.jpg)
I don't have a picture of it, but the PVC transducer support fits inside the box as well. I also use Velcro tape on the battery so it doesn't slide around.
Hey Blindsquirrel... great idea - thanks for bringing it into work.
Humminbird 12v 7a/hr gel battery/charger $24.99 at Amazon, eligible for free shipping for orders over $25... tossed in a Berkley rod/reel for $14.99 - also eligible for free shipping on that too. That Plano tackle box can be found for under $10.
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I can sit next to a vex all day! If I am outside in realy cold weather I use a hand warmer behind it and it speeds right back up!
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg44/mud_n_fun/Ice%20equipment/a020.jpg)
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Bought an HDS-5 this summer to use on the quad, But I also picked up an Ice ducer for it so I can play with it on the ice.
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Its actualy the same, they changed from the fish ID to the cuda.
I have seen alot of people using the cuda for ice fishing..
I have a couple of questions.
1. Should i have the speed on max or min?
2. Should i have fish tracking on?
I put the speed to max. then I get a picture as close to real time as possible. I have fish ID and fish depth on also.
If I get drowsy and start falling asleep I will turn on the fish alarm ;D
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I have always used my Eagle for hardwater. but now I see there are many better ways to carry the unit than I have been doing. Going to have to find me a tackle box now that will fit everything inside of it.
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I use my eagle on the ice almost exclusively now, I just built a wood case to carry it.
(http://i760.photobucket.com/albums/xx241/sawblade51/fishfinder3.jpg)
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I use my FL-18 on my boat.
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Here's my normal fishfinder rigged for the ice...
Plano tackle box - $6.75
Humminbird 12v battery w/charger - $24.99 @ Amazon w/free shipping
Plastic electrical conduit, coupler and bracket - maybe a buck or two... had it laying around
Thanks to BlindSquirrel for the idea.
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pwovBolIgoA/SxrvhsMREsI/AAAAAAAAAP0/PSidnt-cbaA/s800/FF1.jpg)
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pwovBolIgoA/Sxrvh4VnQyI/AAAAAAAAAP4/P5zq0JcDB5s/s800/FF2.jpg)
(http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pwovBolIgoA/SxrviL1nzTI/AAAAAAAAAP8/gvW8ORJU_1g/s800/FF3.jpg)
(http://lh4.ggpht.com/_pwovBolIgoA/SxrviDE94cI/AAAAAAAAAQA/HIe0OvNGY44/s800/FF4.jpg)
(http://lh5.ggpht.com/_pwovBolIgoA/SxrviD6yNII/AAAAAAAAAQE/VVqY1B7x_SI/s800/FF5.jpg)
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has anyone tried the NORCROSS Portable "Hawkeye" Fish Finder
http://www.bestfishfinder.com/fish-finder-norcross-portable-hawkeye.html
I don't know anyone who has. Any feedback would be appreciated.
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I purchase this Fishing' Buddy and made this frame for it. This model has sidefinder as well as depthfinder. I will be able to use this ice fishing, on my float tube as well as my boat.
(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii213/coach04222/100_0899.jpg)
(http://i265.photobucket.com/albums/ii213/coach04222/100_0891.jpg)
WOW, that's pretty. Nice job with the wood work.
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nice setup Nessman
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I have the same setup nessman, except I used my old tackle box so I just had to go out and buy a new bigger tackle box with more lures to fill it ;D
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I just got a Humminbird 565 for x-mas. Will be building it into my sled soon. Pics to follow as I make some progress.
25 bucks for a sealed 9ah batt at Gander mountain.
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A $7 garage sale fish finder that had some wire issues but i fixed them, and a battery jumper i got for xmas. the rest i had around the house... works great!!
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s251/jakemonk_2007/MonJan11100714CST2010.jpg)
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s251/jakemonk_2007/MonJan11100708CST2010.jpg)
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s251/jakemonk_2007/MonJan11100702CST2010.jpg)
a led light that points at my hole. and if i ever need a air compressor it has that too.... lol
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s251/jakemonk_2007/MonJan11100634CST2010.jpg)
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s251/jakemonk_2007/MonJan11100624CST2010.jpg)
The float and transducer... i have since added weight to the bottom so it floats better and makes the cord more rigid.
(http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s251/jakemonk_2007/MonJan11100607CST2010.jpg[/IMG
[IMG]http://i154.photobucket.com/albums/s251/jakemonk_2007/MonJan11100656CST2010.jpg)
The best part is it that it all comes off and i can still jump your car, and use the depth finder on my small boat!
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Great stuff guys,lots of heady ideas...Could you be so kind as to elaborate on your cutting and connecting the wires please.I did it once a long time ago.Not sure of the correct method anymore.Thats using your boat finder and ducer and wiring it to say a 12vlt gell cell.Thanks in advance.Pics would be helpful too.Gary
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Great stuff guys,lots of heady ideas...Could you be so kind as to elaborate on your cutting and connecting the wires please.I did it once a long time ago.Not sure of the correct method anymore.Thats using your boat finder and ducer and wiring it to say a 12vlt gell cell.Thanks in advance.Pics would be helpful too.Gary
I didn't cut any wires - just bundled them up and tie-wrapped them into a neat package. It goes back in the boat in the spring.
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Nessman,My front finder on the boat is an eagle 350c.I guess my question should be if it connects to the battery via round connectors that use wing-nuts to the battery,how do I connect those to the gell cell which has the pronges?? Im assuming I must cut and use(4sets) of male/ female type connectors,then use alligator clips for the ice mode.
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here is mine, a hb pirahnamax 130 in a blue box and vex battery
(http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/therealJT_photo/rigdfinder.jpg)
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I built this case out of some maple that i had laying around waiting for a project. It holds my FishTV and a Lowrance Bluewater LFP160 Flasher. In the bottom is a 12v 12Ah battery and storage for the camera.(http://i834.photobucket.com/albums/zz264/geothefisher/005-1.jpg) As you can see, the camera cable winds up on the right side of the rack, and a velcro strap holds the modified transducer. I made a post from 3/4" PVC, and drilled holes in it to put a dowel rod through to support it on the ice. The foam pipe insulation serves a dual purpose. It not only provides positive flotation, but also contains the transducer cable. The whole unit is a little heavier than I'd like, but it more than makes up for it in convenience. It sure beats dragging out 2 units, having the transducer and tv cables getting twisted up, plus having a battery floating around. I really need to get some spar urethane on it to protect the wood.
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Nessman,My front finder on the boat is an eagle 350c.I guess my question should be if it connects to the battery via round connectors that use wing-nuts to the battery,how do I connect those to the gell cell which has the pronges?? Im assuming I must cut and use(4sets) of male/ female type connectors,then use alligator clips for the ice mode.
My fishfinder, while it's in the boat, it connected to a fuse block under the console. For ice fishing, I use use a pair of female spade type connectors shown in the pictures that I crimp on to the power cable which slide onto the battery terminals. Alligator clips will work just as well.
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Here's my set-up.
This box I made many years ago & is currently holding it's 3rd fishfinder.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb153/CanWoodsman/Hummingbird170001.jpg)
This is the main compartment as packed for travel with a new Hummingbird PiranhaMax 170. If you look closely you can see the extra battery(had the extra battery & room for it so why not bring it) behind the fishfinder.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb153/CanWoodsman/Hummingbird170003.jpg)
This is the main battery compartment.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb153/CanWoodsman/Hummingbird170002.jpg)
And this is how I rigged the transducer to float.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb153/CanWoodsman/Hummingbird170004.jpg)
Best Wishes: Rick
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haven't seen this thread since last year - OMG !
and why haven't we gone to MARS yet ?
All NASA needs to do is lie to some ice fisherman and say that they detected something swimming under the polar ice cap on MARS and i bet you you guys would figure out a way to get there with what you have in your garage, as long as it would carry an auger - lol ;D
GREAT IDEAS ! Better than sitting on your boat for the winter, right ? Had about a year to play with my 5 gallon fishfinder... picks up 1/32 ounce jig in 20 ft of water. Not really an expert on jigging with electronics, but it has been fun.
KR
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Thanks for confirming,getting old and CRS ;)
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WOW, i kinda thought for ahwile i might have been then only one...LOL i guess not.
have been using a humminbird 535 for awhile, absolutely love it. My rig has changed shape several times, a cat litter bucket was the first, worked great, ive since down sized to a marine battery box for a boat, mush smaller.
My question is, has anybody came up with a floating rig for a humminbird transducuer? My transducer set-up now is similar to those pictured. But im constantly having to tinker with it on the ice, going from shallow to deep water requires me to change the angle slightly. Have tried a few protoypes with foam pool noodle, just cant over come the angling, caused by both the design of the transducer and how the cable comes out of the back of the ducer.
HB 8)
P.S i can see a 1/80th jig/wax worm down to about 30fow before its gets to faint, up it to a 1/32 or 1/16, and i can get well over 50fow, sensitivity all the way up, chart speed 9.
P.S.S i call mine the "redneck vex" but rednexilar has a better ring i'll admit.
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chevy hillbilly if you look at my post 3 above yours you will see pictures on how I rigged my Hummingbird transducer.
For it to hang level from a float by the cord you require some way of getting the transducer to hang level when suspended by the cord. In accomplished this by attaching a metal strap used to attach a chain link fence to the post through the transducer pivot hole. To the strap I pulled tied the transducer cord and played with the angle of the strap & tension & position of the cord until it hung level when suspended by holding the cord. When it's level tighten the bolt holding the strap & tighten the pull ties.
I used the same set-up on my older Hummingbird LCR Portable transducer.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb153/CanWoodsman/TransducerMount001.jpg)
Hope this helps;Rick
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woodsman, i have tried several set-ups like you posted there, but my transducer, the cable comes out from near the back and offset. I have tried leaving the mounting braket on, and taking it off. I can get it somewhat level, but never consistently. And the 20 degree beam is touchy, just a little off will drive you nuts.
Gonna give it another go today, ive got some down time from fishing, might as well put it to use.
Also somebody asked earlier how long you can go on a charge. I use a lawn tractor battery from wal-mart, $23, and i can go nearly a season with out charge. Its also handy, because i can run lights, my buddys electronics, fans ect with out ever worrying about battery drainage. Lugging the extra weight isnt the greatest.
HB 8)
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I use a Humminbird piranha MAX210, I just took the suction cup off and mounted the transducer to a 1x3 shoe that I made. It works great for what I want. I will see fish on the screen but I am sure that the angle of the beam is a lot smaller than most so it must only pick up fish directly under me. But it works well for the depths, and that is mostly what I need it for.
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Jonserfish-
Sorry this is so long since your question, but my wife bought me the Hawkeye portable fish finder for Christmas this year. I know most people would say it is not a "real" fish finder, but I absolutely love mine. I built a box for it so I can set it near the hole and see the screen (like a vex), have a place for the wire/transducer storage, and not let it fall down the hole (it is otherwise small enough to fit in your hand). I was concerned that it wouldn't do a good job of really marking fish, but I tell you, on all my bites and caught fish, this thing told me the fish were there. Now I can't imagine panfishing without it. The best part was, my wife got it for $46 online.
kettlesfisher.
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Is that the one they carry at Harbor Freight for around $50.00?
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My first post... bear with me please. I use my Eagle Sonar/GPS combo mounted on a portable transducer bracket screwed on to a 6 gallon bucket. Have a rechargeable 12v battery I set in the bucket. Use alligator clips to get juice from the battery, The nice thing about this rig is I get both the sonar as well as the GPS waypoint and mapping capability. If I should happen to find a Hot Spot, I just pop in the save waypoint and there it is. When the ice is gone I just re-attach the whole shooting match to the back of my 14 footer and go fishing on the water.
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I looked on Harbor Freight and couldn't find any type of fish finder- sorry.
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Here's my set-up.
This box I made many years ago & is currently holding it's 3rd fishfinder.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb153/CanWoodsman/Hummingbird170001.jpg)
This is the main compartment as packed for travel with a new Hummingbird PiranhaMax 170. If you look closely you can see the extra battery(had the extra battery & room for it so why not bring it) behind the fishfinder.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb153/CanWoodsman/Hummingbird170003.jpg)
This is the main battery compartment.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb153/CanWoodsman/Hummingbird170002.jpg)
And this is how I rigged the transducer to float.
(http://i209.photobucket.com/albums/bb153/CanWoodsman/Hummingbird170004.jpg)
Best Wishes: Rick
Great set-up Woodsman!
What did you use for the float?
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i had a hummingbird wide 100 i use on a alum. boat. i made brackets to mount it on the boat so they can be removed when not in use. mounted em on a bucket like reapers,his is alot nicer,and i love it. after using it this season i could never ice fish without electronics again! will eventually upgrade to a made for ice settup but works great for now. after finding out how many others do the same i don`t feel like such a freak anymore. our ice days are coming to an end here,hope everyone`s season faired well this year and good luck on your next one!
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I haven't read all 6 pages of this post but I used my FL 8 for about 15 years on my boat for the bow mount locator and ice fishing. Don't be cheap buy another transducer, and power cable, mounting brackets etc. Then it is a 5 min. job to switch from boat to ice fishing.
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One thing I've gone with this winter is letting the ducer sit below the bottom edge of the ice and then to prevent tangles, have the ducer sit like a piece of corner molding on the bottom of the ice. So when I have it in the water all I see if the front/point of the ducer and the back edge of it is covered by the ice. I then put the cord into a high tech pinch device (clothe pin).
I also modified my carry case. I took the switch panel out of an old portable craftsman rechargeable air compressor. I then wired the board to my battery wires. When I need to recharge, I just plug in the charger that came with the old air compressor. The board has a prptection circuit to prevent over charging and also has indicator lights for charge level..red, yellow and green. It also has a 12v cigarette plug outlet to use as a secondary power source.
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4410824903_4ee3492e0a_o.jpg)
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Great set-up Woodsman!
What did you use for the float?
I used a piece of foam I found at a surplus store for 49 cents.
I have seen some people use a piece of a kids pool noodle for similar results.
Cut on one side to the middle (a hollow center is best) then insert the cord & use electrical ties to secure. Tighten enough so that the transducer cord won't slide without a firm pull so that you can adjust the depth that the transducer hangs below the float so that it is just below the bottom of the ice.
Rick
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Just got this guy a few weeks ago...
(http://mediacdn.shopatron.com/media/mfg/520/product_image/e7bc3f2febad59aa514ca7188a51049f.jpg)
http://store.humminbird.com/dyn_prodlist.php?k=307379 (http://store.humminbird.com/dyn_prodlist.php?k=307379)
Was suprised at how much detail it had. Zoom on the bottom and all. Wasn't expecting to be able to pick up my hook on such a cheapo finder... but alas I was very impressed. Includes battery, and charger.
Now I just need to read the last 6 pages on how to solve the level transducer issue. Why are they offset to begin with??
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Princess Auto? (I'm from Barrie as well)
I used a piece of foam I found at a surplus store for 49 cents.
I have seen some people use a piece of a kids pool noodle for similar results.
Cut on one side to the middle (a hollow center is best) then insert the cord & use electrical ties to secure. Tighten enough so that the transducer cord won't slide without a firm pull so that you can adjust the depth that the transducer hangs below the float so that it is just below the bottom of the ice.
Rick
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Princess Auto? (I'm from Barrie as well)
Actually the KW Surplus outlet in Stratford.
Pool noodles also work good & should be easy to find. One noodle should be good for 5-6 floats.
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This has been my setup for years. I keep the transducer at the surface to easily adjust it as needed. Sometimes you get into a current and the jigs wont show as they get out of the cone angle. Also it is rigged on a swing arm so it stores easily and if you need it can be swung out of the way for bigger fish. As you can see it is made from a 2" x1" thick wood doll. drilled to adapt a 1/4" rod the rod was flattened and drilled to accept a 1/4" bolt with a nylock nut the other rod flattend also and sandwiched 2 pieces of 16ga sheetmetel and drilled to adapt the transducer all this stays quite nice no slipping and is very adjustable.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v11/A1ColdFeet/Dscf0360.jpg)
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Just finished mine I know this thread is old but it helped me a lot to make mine and I know it will help more! I took some ideas from some different people and combined them! Thanks guys!
(http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa351/ND_Perch/IMAG0154.jpg)
(http://i1193.photobucket.com/albums/aa351/ND_Perch/IMAG0153.jpg)
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Im wondering if it is important to have the transducer below the bottom of the ice or if it can be 1ft under or just 1ft down if the ice is, say 3ft thick? will it affect the reading? and also i might get a little bit of sway with my set-up. Just wondering if this will affect readings as well?
also i have an elite 4X and wondering the best settings for the ice? I usually fish no deeper than around 35ft. Or just trial and error?
thx guys!
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Im wondering if it is important to have the transducer below the bottom of the ice or if it can be 1ft under or just 1ft down if the ice is, say 3ft thick? will it affect the reading? and also i might get a little bit of sway with my set-up. Just wondering if this will affect readings as well?
Best results will be with the transducer just under the bottom of the ice.
also i have an elite 4X and wondering the best settings for the ice? I usually fish no deeper than around 35ft. Or just trial and error?
Use the sonar screen & not the flasher screen.
Adjust the sensitivity so that your bait/lure just shows consistently.
Keep the scroll speed nearer the faster end.
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Here is my version of the "Rednexilar" My brother in law made the caddy for my old Pirahnamax 160 so that I could put it in a 5 gallon bucket!
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w87/Steellords-Maille-Designs/Chucks%20Rednexilar/IMG070.jpg)
(http://i174.photobucket.com/albums/w87/Steellords-Maille-Designs/Chucks%20Rednexilar/IMG065.jpg)
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Modifiy Your Fish Finder for Ice Fishing
Check this video out, it's a really cheap home-made mod for turning you open water finder into an ice unit.
Might help you out.
Good luck!
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So after reading about every post about turning your Open Water fish finder into an Ice fishing machine. I thought that my LMS 520c would would work so I decided that I would buy the Vex Ultra pak and used the puck Transducer from my trolling motor. In The pictures you can see I had to rig the transducer redneck style but after coming off the ice and talking to others who got skunk for the day I will never fish blind again. My boys got a kick out of it and took over my hole and even caught fish . Now there asking me to get the other one I have up and running so they can fish with it too.
Updated pics. Ice ducer for all three units..
(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv24/razorsedge31/IMG_0608_zpsha7zy6yl.jpg) (http://s666.photobucket.com/user/razorsedge31/media/IMG_0608_zpsha7zy6yl.jpg.html)
(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv24/razorsedge31/IMG_0607_zpstbzawc3s.jpg) (http://s666.photobucket.com/user/razorsedge31/media/IMG_0607_zpstbzawc3s.jpg.html)
(http://i666.photobucket.com/albums/vv24/razorsedge31/IMG_0606_zpsmeuowogm.jpg) (http://s666.photobucket.com/user/razorsedge31/media/IMG_0606_zpsmeuowogm.jpg.html)
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SHOWDOWN
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Nice.
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I have an Eagle 250 that I use on my kayak, and on the ice. Its been around a while but it still works just fine.
(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd30/Kb211/Ice%20Fishing/EDE83A73-8963-449C-A170-520A4B635DEF-3619-000006B85A1E6462.jpg)
(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd30/Kb211/Ice%20Fishing/F7119335-0F74-4C05-B62B-62210DB5866A-3619-000006B86CC3A7B1.jpg)
I have the head mounted on the battery base with RAM mounts to aid in positioning it to see better. The RAM ball is simply held on with electrical tape wrapped around the battery.
The transducer is held level with a small cable clamp wrapped around a piece of copper ground wire taped to the 'ducer's cable. Its all held afloat with a piece of pool noodle.
(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd30/Kb211/Ice%20Fishing/8A60D8A9-370A-48EB-88D8-25203F6F7F3B-3619-000006B8632DC995.jpg)
Its all packed into a nice padded case
(http://i225.photobucket.com/albums/dd30/Kb211/Ice%20Fishing/EA42E3F4-755A-4E21-AC18-10174B485FA0-3619-000006B874B79618.jpg)
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here's mine i just finished.. More of a prototype.. I will make modifications in the future.. and update with nicer woods
(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q642/jacktrut/Picture017_zpsa54f6823.jpg)
(http://i1352.photobucket.com/albums/q642/jacktrut/Picture021_zps09451c00.jpg)
complete with composite hockeystick transducer mount.. I knew there was a reason I saved my old sticks.
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I used to just attach my ducer to an old tipup, but it got in the way of jigging
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Hummingbird makes an ice transducer for the pirranahmax series. Would I have to get one of those? Has anyone ruined their transducer from their boat from ice fishing and then having it literally freeze out of the water? I'm kind of worried that water enters the transducer, freezes and expands to break the transducer. That ice transducer is about the same cost as my complete pirranahmax so I doubt I'll get one of those.
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been using a humminbird fishin buddy 110 this year just for depth and to show me where the fish are in the water column... works good for that but I really want to get a lowrance ice machine
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There are some great ideas on this post thanks guys
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Here's mine, I did it like this after reading about leveling problems, tracking the lure and tangling of line at the hole. I drill two holes side by side and place my ducer just below (about 1"-2") the ice now. I can tilt or level in any direction and no longer have any problems.
http://www.lakesimcoeoutdoors.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=6271
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Just to let you guys know if you have any model eagle/lowrance that uses the same male end of the transducer as the elite-5, which alot do (you can call lowrance to confirm) You can get the ppp-18 ice pack. I have a eagle 642c df and it fits and works perfect. Its a nice case, the same one that comes on the elite-5 ice machine, it has the ice transducer, 12v battery and charger, a spot for an additional battery, and 2 little tackleboxes. I got mine for 120$, alot cheaper than a flasher and works great. Its nice to have a gps out there as well, plus youll be able to see all your waypoints and marks from boatfishing. Also this way you can just leave you skimmer transducer on your boat and just swap the unit between the two.
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Not nearly as creative of some of the setups on this board...but I picked up the portable case and ice transducer for my Humminbird 788ci. It will be going on its maiden voyage this weekend. It will be nice to have GPS and Flasher in one unit. But, I'll still be taking my FL-18 with as backup.
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Not nearly as creative of some of the setups on this board...but I picked up the portable case and ice transducer for my Humminbird 788ci. It will be going on its maiden voyage this weekend. It will be nice to have GPS and Flasher in one unit. But, I'll still be taking my FL-18 with as backup.
I bought a soft case and ice transducer for my 787c. You are going to like it. I use mine in chart mode on the fastest scroll speed, and the real time sonar is still in the bar on the right. I have had some interference noise, but in graph mode it isn't bad. I added a plastic tube in the side pouch to hold the transducer, I drilled some small drainage holes in it.
(http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p265/skabrehl/Ice%20fishing/HB787.jpg)
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Smelt so thick I had to crank up the gain to see the bottom :o.
(http://i130.photobucket.com/albums/p265/skabrehl/2012-02-04_14-37-00_973-1.jpg)
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if you have a fl-18 just buy a ice ducer right from vexilar you can get 9,12,19 or 9,19 degree cones it will screw right on . they are around 120.00 bucks
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Just wanted to get this back towards the top to give those folks who use or want to use normal fishfinders for Ice Fishing ideas on how they might do so.. Happy Fishing! :)
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I put this rig together using a Humminbird Fishing Buddy 110 that I got off craigslist for$35, the padded cover on Ebay for 6$, and a Stansport 1lb propane bottle holder $5 off Amazon, and a piece of stiff foam kneepad that I cut to fit to hold the bottle holder in place. The bottle holder has swing out feet that expand it from about 6-3/4" to 11-5/8"+-, so it works best on 6" and 8" holes. I originally got the fish finder for my pond boat and liked it so much I thought it might be worth a try for ice fishing too. I have tried it and it works pretty good for getting your depth and seeing fish under the hole. I found you need to use LiIon rechargeable batteries because regular alkaline batteries don't work as good in the cold. If you have one remember to put the scroll rate on fast and the sensitivity on high. The whole thing is 35" long and skinny so it fits in my sled good on the top of the pile, bungeed down next to my auger. I like just being able to pop off the transducer cover, stick it in the hole and turn it on. Nothing to set up, no wires or separate transducers to fool with. It is nice for being on the move.
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e5/VTWoodchuck1/IMG_0430a_zpsf72ca6c0.jpg) (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/VTWoodchuck1/media/IMG_0430a_zpsf72ca6c0.jpg.html)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e5/VTWoodchuck1/IMG_0431a_zpsf6c57fdd.jpg) (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/VTWoodchuck1/media/IMG_0431a_zpsf6c57fdd.jpg.html)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e5/VTWoodchuck1/IMG_0433a_zpsd6ebeb1c.jpg) (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/VTWoodchuck1/media/IMG_0433a_zpsd6ebeb1c.jpg.html)
(http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e5/VTWoodchuck1/IMG_0434a_zpsf509c9f1.jpg) (http://s36.photobucket.com/user/VTWoodchuck1/media/IMG_0434a_zpsf509c9f1.jpg.html)
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I used my hummingbird for a few years but then I bought a flasher, not tuning back unless the flasher poops the bed
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I used my Lowrance HDS5 on saltwater boat, freshwater boat, kayak, and on ice. Now I am without as I sold boat with HDS included. I will soon be getting another Lowrance. I am impressed with all the many ideas and inventions posted to make them work on ice.
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I have a lowrance x510c that is on the front of my boat, I take it off and put it with the portable ice pack and use it. it has a flasher mode on it that works great great and an ice machine setting.
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Anyone ever try those Hawkeye or similar fish finders ice fishing? Portable run on 4aa batteries and are only like 50$ ? They say to keep it above -4 deg but that would be fine to use in my shack w my big buddy running. Even if it does not mark fish may be nice for marking depth
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Have a Humminbird 570 with and Ice ducer works great. You can use the regular transducer that comes with it you just have to use one of the method shown in these post.. If anyone has questions on how to use a regular fish finder contact me and i'll try to help you out or just scroll thru the 8 pages of instructions on here.
Happy Fishing.
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I used my hummingbird for a few years but then I bought a flasher, not tuning back unless the flasher poops the bed
Someday I'd like to have a flasher too, but right now I've only got $46 tied up in this and I use it in the summer too. I'm retired so I like $46 a lot better than $460 as long as it finds the bottom a pings a few fish. Maybe someday I'll bumble across a nice flasher at a garage sale or on Craigslist... ; - )
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Just got a Lowranca elite 5 this year. I used my mark5 before that.
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Bump
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I purchased a new Lowrance Elite 4 GPS/Chartplotter/Fishfinder this spring for my kayak. I learned that they also made an ice transducer for 60$. So the standard transducer stays in the yak, and I got the ice ducer for the hardwater. Now I can mark those hot holes on my GPS for future trips.
Picked up a waterproof box to mount the holder to and store the battery. Whole thing fits in my old 6pack softside cooler.
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg121/willcooper4/Ice%20Fish%20Pics/20141129_170428_zpsedb987dc.jpg)
(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg121/willcooper4/Ice%20Fish%20Pics/20141129_170709_zps8a2ff111.jpg)
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I use my Lowrance M68c....both the flasher and normal screen views
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Bump some more...
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im surprised everybody goes with the making of something to hold the transducer. I just used and old small tip up in need of some help, removed all the hardware and mouned the ducer at the bottom. so it looks like an other tip up without a flag. when I store it I just wrap the wire up and drop it in the bucket with the rest of my tip ups, and head unit goes with the cooler with the Rigid batteries to keep from freezin
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I just love all these Ideas and like to keep this towards the top of the threads so those in need might come across it and can use some of everyones ideas.. ;)
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I use my Lowrance M68c...I like the scroll view the best...I just cannot get used to the flasher or the flasher is not as good as the Vex or Marcum...on the scroll sreen I see everything from bait to bows
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Yes...I have a hummingbird that I convert in the winter, use two 1x1 wood about 36inch long with a wing nut, attach the transducer to end with a wing nut and good to go. It folds up and fits in ice sled and put fish finder in a pelican case. Have been doing it for over 15 yrs with no issues. I wired it to two 6 volt batteries.
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Use the Hunmminbird 570 on ice all the time. Drill a half-hole near the one I'm fishing in, add some water, and put the transducer right in there. Reads through the ice fine if it's good, clear ice, which is common here in Western Montana. Only complaint is that in <20 feet of water, the read is narrow, but that's not insurmountable.
Good fishing to you!
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If any one ever needs Idea's this is the thread. Boy I love what guys come up with! :)
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(http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah167/prosty411/IMG_4382_zpsd30c0980.jpg) (http://s1380.photobucket.com/user/prosty411/media/IMG_4382_zpsd30c0980.jpg.html)
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Don't laugh, but I use my Eagle fish easy 2. It works for me, although I've noticed that it doesn't show about the bottom 10", which can kinda suck. I got a 12.5 lb laker once and didn't even see it on the bottom. But until I want to spend around $500 to get one that has a graph as well as flasher (i prefer the graph) it is working for me. (don't get me wrong, I'd love to win the LX5!! ;D)
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I had a hummingbird wide 100 in its portable case so I put in either my matrix 37 or my 596 c HD and use a couple alligator clips to a small 12 volt battery. The matrix 37 doesn't have a flasher setting but I set the RTS window to wide and turn the speed to ultra and the window is just like a vertical flasher.
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I use the Lowrance Elite 4 off our pontoon and drop it in a Lowrance Ice Pack for winter fishing....I also have a power cord/ram mount for my 4 wheeler to use the GPS portion to get to my spots, then pop it off and snap it into the Ice pack.
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One of the units I use is my Garmin 440S. I pull it out of the boat and have a soft case similar to a camera bag. It works well GPS positioning, upgradable charts, and great sonar.
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When using a skimmer transducer under the ice... do you have some lag or delays seeing the fish? Also i have a lowrance 4x chirp, would you guys use flasher mode or regular mode?
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When using a skimmer transducer under the ice... do you have some lag or delays seeing the fish? Also i have a lowrance 4x chirp, would you guys use flasher mode or regular mode?
I always use the normal graph just crank up your scroll and ping speed to 100% I hate the flasher mode on my elite4.
There's no lag with the skimmer.
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Thank you Sir! I'm now looking forward to hard water.
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Graph mode is the way to go, I would also recommend you turn the amplitude scope on otherwise the depth marks get in the way.
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Here is my M68c mounted on my kayak (was fishing the barber poles off Dana Point Cali)...
(http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/pontiakos/IMG00193-20110820-1126.jpg) (http://s170.photobucket.com/user/pontiakos/media/IMG00193-20110820-1126.jpg.html)
And here it is set up in my Bayrunner last year....
(http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u250/pontiakos/IMG_0302.jpg) (http://s170.photobucket.com/user/pontiakos/media/IMG_0302.jpg.html)
I mostly use the scrolling mode, although the flasher function is pretty good as well....kinda depends on where I am set up...
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The best part of using these types of fish finders is they will shoot through the ice. You have to pour water on the the ice first. No hole.
My Marcum LX-5 does that--
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i'm gonna try my brand-new humminbird piranha max on the hardwater this year. if it works like i'm planning, that'll give me a second fishfinder for when i'm fishing with friends.
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It should work pretty good depending on the model, I have a 175 and I like it so much I'm going to upgrade to the 197.
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Always used my lms320 gps and depth finder mode. Can watch the smallest ice jig and the 4 or5 maggots that I dropped down the hole hit the bottom. I use little 12v security sys battery or battery's df led lights and pc fan all work fine for the day. JC
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This is one of the best threads- hope this keeps getting bumped to the top every now and again- Gives folks good ideas and saves some tons of money when they already have a regular fish finder just dont know how to make it work on hard water..
Great thread!!!!!! ;) ;)
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I use my humminbird piranhamax 165 portable. I use some really light weight plastic tubing to mount the transducer, and a section of pool noodle around the tubing and it floats perfectly level. Kinda like an improvised vexlar system. It is also very easy to get in and out of the hole.
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Ordered a hawkeye 1c. Been using a hawkeye f33p with great success. Looking forward to using the 1c this year.
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Graph mode is the way to go, I would also recommend you turn the amplitude scope on otherwise the depth marks get in the way.
I got to use my fish finder for the first time on hard water. I must say it worked well! Took a bit to set up, but well worth it. And graph mode worked awesome!
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I use a Lowrance Elite4 HDI unit in both seasons. I also have a Marcum Lx3 that is used on the ice. The digital unit is great on the ice for the GPS and Lake chart, marking waypoints, as well as for my wife or a buddy to use, it has a flasher mode but the graph is better to use I feel. There is no replacement for a actual flasher! The precision is unrivaled, target separation and (on the Marcum) being able to zoom in on a specific part of the water column is very helpful. I can tell if I still have a wax worm on a tiny jig with the flasher, the graph I can tell with a minnow head.
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I sure do, and I cant see a reason why one wouldnt?? Keep up the good work and keep showing thoe great inovations on how you set yours up.. Wonderful Thread....
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Enjoyed reading all the posts, and will add what I made for a friend that's always asking, from his flipover, "Where's the fish" Keep the ideas coming.
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I run a Lowrance M68 Map as a bow mount when I'm casting (which is most of the time). I like having GPS @ my fingertips to mark rock piles, weed lines, cribs, well....... all kinds of stuff. Then I can walk or drive right to those feature come hard water time. Very efficient!
I use both the flasher and graph modes for ice. I've really come to appreciate the performance of the graph in shallower, very weedy areas. For me it's far easier to read than the flasher though I prefer that in deeper, clear water columns.
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(http://i184.photobucket.com/albums/x172/Gimperstuff/cherrycase.jpg)
It works great.
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@Gimper - is that unit compatible with 360? That has some very serious implications for ice time.....
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@Gimper - is that unit compatible with 360? That has some very serious implications for ice time.....
Yes it is. Now I just need a cool $1,000 to trip and fall into my pocket the get me one of them fancy transducers.
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How well do these lowrance/eagle that are several years old work on the ice?
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My son built this a couple weeks ago works great. Nice compact unit. So far we have gotten 10 hrs out of the battery before a charge but that's the longest we tried. He used an old tackle box he had kicking around.
(http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah178/Walleyes/image_zpstvr0gegg.jpeg)
(http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah178/Walleyes/image_zpsv02j0t6j.jpeg)
(http://i1380.photobucket.com/albums/ah178/Walleyes/image_zpsaktlen8j.jpeg)
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I can use my hummingbird 561 and turn sensitivity up till I see my jig and use it just like a flasher
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i always use the flasher,but i MOVE till i find the fish.
if i cannot carry it i donot use it,i put my finder in my
5 gal seat that i carry on my back
;D ;D ;D ;D
RAT
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a few years ago i made a ice finder with and old eagle i still have. For my traducer i got grey pvc conduit and made 12 inch sections that screwed together depending on the ice thickness. worked excellent and was cheap to build.
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Just got my Humminbird 386ci di working on ice. Never really understood how cool it is to see the fish around the bait. Now just to find out how to work it on my boat in the spring.
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I use Lowrance fish finder too, it works well.
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Just built this recently
(http://i786.photobucket.com/albums/yy145/mikealberghini/Mobile%20Uploads/20160115_205949_zpsbefuvv1g.jpg)
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So I just stumbled on this thread after dong some research and read it from start to finish and I'm sitting here thinking why wouldn't anyone want to use their fish finder off their boat? Does it work too well? I spent good money on mine and guess I didn't think to use it but saw guys on here saying they'd never use anything but a flasher ice fishing....which is also crazy when I've read guys saying their new flashers don't read the depth...one of my buddies had one of the first vexilars that read the depth and found fish and we caught plenty with it give me one of the first vexilars over a 28 any day at that rate......but I'm gonna make my fish finder off my boat work along with a ton of other sweet tricks I've found in this forum on tricking a portable and the like....fish are in lakes regardless of the kind of flasher one uses....
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Ive read this thread from start to finish as well. I am looking for a new finder for the boat this year, i get out about 60 times a year through both ice fishing and summer fishing and want something to suit both needs. I do have a showdown 5.6 which i really enjoy but am looking at a nice graph unit for the boat and for the ice if needed if the showdown ever kicks the bucket.
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This thread is so old I bet half the posters are dead.
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I will say this I use my LX5 on my boat also with the high speed transducer. The ice ducer is totally different as far as being able to read small jigs. If you used the open water boat high speed transducer for ice fishing you would be totally disappointed.
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I just mounted my old fish easy depth finder from my boat in an old Dewalt grinder box and made a little bracket for the transducer. Hope to give it a try this weekend if the ice holds up. If it works OK I will post a pic.
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I have a couple Garmin Echo 551 DV on my fishing boat. Would really like to try one for ice, think the down vue would be great. Anyone try a DV sonar on ice? Biggest thing would be the transducer is about 2"x6".
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these are some great ideas. I know what I will be doing this weekend
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I set up my Eagle fish easy 2. Zip tied transducer to a piece of pvc and zip tied pipe insulation on top. Turn scroll speed all the way up and turn sensitivity all the way up. You can see the bottom and my jig in the picture. Had it out a couple of times this year but haven't marked a fish yet.
(http://i1119.photobucket.com/albums/k633/bsponenberg/20160129_080954_zpsei5aqfgo.jpg) (http://s1119.photobucket.com/user/bsponenberg/media/20160129_080954_zpsei5aqfgo.jpg.html)
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If you used the open water boat high speed transducer for ice fishing you would be totally disappointed.
Sorry, but I have not found that to be true at all; I use a Garmin with a speed Transducer and not only do I pick up my smallest jigs, but also the swivel above it... I have to make sure that it is pointed straight down, but when it is, I will see any thing with no lag...
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I just mounted my old fish easy depth finder from my boat in an old Dewalt grinder box and made a little bracket for the transducer. Hope to give it a try this weekend if the ice holds up. If it works OK I will post a pic.
Tried it today on Honeoye. Works great. I can see my little ice jigs easily.
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I use an eagle 480 SeaFinder with a iceducer it works great gives depth and you can see your jig and swivel and fish. It is a side scrolling graph but has instant read colum on the side so you can watch your lure going down and such.