Best Place To Learn How To Use A Flasher?

[Phouvieng]

I've been up and down with wanting to acquire either my first UW-Camera or a Flasher, and I've settled on wanting a flasher first as it seems to be the more important of the two. The only problem is, I don't want to spend a couple hundred on a instrument I don't even know how to use yet. I really don't fish with any fisherman with experience(flasher wise), so learning from someone over time is not really an option. Are there any instructional websites or videos that could really give me a complete run around on what is what?

Thanks in advance!

[Scott Steil]

There are some You Tube videos out that show how to use a flasher, I know Hummibird did one last year.  I have lots of stuff from last year on flasher basics.  Look around the internet and you will find more info than you can read in a year and will have a good understanding.  Getting a flasher over a camera is the correct choice and you will be glad you did.

Scott Steil

[Phouvieng]

Scott, thanks a bunch for the reply.

It just so happens that I did all my searching on the IceShanty forum and didn't think to check manufacture websites. Doh! 

I found just about everything I needed on Vexilar's website: http://vexilar.com/pages/support/support_tips.html

Mods could delete if they felt necessary, but I also wouldn't mind hearing what other replies anyone else can offer! Thanks again.

[raptor777]

I got an FL-20 last year and it can certainly be intimidating if you've never used one.  I was lucky enough to have several family members who use them and could help me learn.  Another big help was the DVD that came with my flasher.  Not sure about the other companies but Vexilar included an instructional DVD with mine that covered everything from use to off season maintenance.  It was very useful.  Like Scott said, the internet can be your best friend also.  Just found this with a quick search.  Not sure what brand youre after, they are all good.  Im just familiar with Vex so heres what I found from them. http://vexilar.com/pages/support/support_videos.html

[icejunky]

the best place to learn is on the ice...one you start using it you will learn quickly what  you are seeing and how to use it

[Phouvieng]

the best place to learn is on the ice...one you start using it you will learn quickly what  you are seeing and how to use it

Nothing beats time on the water, I agree. My only nitpick is that I do not want to get frustrated with a $300 device without at least having a decent idea of what I'm doing.

[Wiener]

Vexilar has an instructional DVD right in the box with the flasher unit.

When I bought a Vexilar for my Dad,  I took him to a very clear lake.

We fished in about 30 feet of water for perch and trout.

With the water so clear, you can look on the vexilar, and then look at the bottom.

Ok,  this is what sand looks like on my vexilar.
This is what gravel looks like.
This is how it looks when I am fishing weeds.

Try something similar.   That way, when you get to water where you can't see the bottom, you will know if you are on sand, gravel etc.
 

Hope this helps,

Wiener

[evobassfish]

I've been up and down with wanting to acquire either my first UW-Camera or a Flasher, and I've settled on wanting a flasher first as it seems to be the more important of the two. The only problem is, I don't want to spend a couple hundred on a instrument I don't even know how to use yet. I really don't fish with any fisherman with experience(flasher wise), so learning from someone over time is not really an option. Are there any instructional websites or videos that could really give me a complete run around on what is what?

Thanks in advance!

let me get this right first, do you want a Flasher, a fish finder sonar, or one that has both?

[Phouvieng]

let me get this right first, do you want a Flasher, a fish finder sonar, or one that has both?

I was deciding between a flasher or an underwater camera(AquaVu); But have since decided on a flasher being my first acquirement. Not a fish finder sonar though, at least in the context that I believe you're referring to; Though I would assume some people considered a flasher to be that exactly, no?

[evobassfish]

I was deciding between a flasher or an underwater camera(AquaVu); But have since decided on a flasher being my first acquirement. Not a fish finder sonar though, at least in the context that I believe you're referring to; Though I would assume some people considered a flasher to be that exactly, no?

I say that because I own a lowrance x67c ice machine and it is easy to use and has both a flasher/sonar fish finder. I say ditch the camera because thats what i did and got me a sonar, best investment i've made yet for ice fishing besides my Frabill flip over shack.

[evobassfish]

This will help you if you decide to go this route. Lowrance X67c and M68c setup and use videos by ih772.

[Lifeguard]

I found these to be a couple of good places for flasher videos:

http://www.fishfever.com/node/202

http://icefishingtoday.com/pages/web_extras.php

[gaddabout]

it took my 11 yr old grandson about 5 min to figure out my vex....once i showed him how it worked...that took about 3 min to show him......they are simple and very easy to use.....

[Gillgrabber]

it took my 11 yr old grandson about 5 min to figure out my vex....once i showed him how it worked...that took about 3 min to show him......they are simple and very easy to use.....

Fishing with the grandkids....every man's dream.  I'm waiting for my Daughter to give me some so I can take them.