Couple questions from a new guy

[Linedogg104]

👍

[LilWeezy]

Maybe it's not the location. What are you using for line and hook size?

[apresby11]

I use the Humminbird Helix 10 for open water & ice fishing.  It has AutoChart Live, so I'm able to map the lakes that I fish on my boat in the Summer time and get a really detailed map of the bottom of the lakes and use it to find spots to fish in the Winter.

You can get a Helix 5 ICE model for $300-$400. It can be used in flasher mode or the traditional 2D sonar. 

https://fishfinders.factoryoutletstore.com/cat/64620-420503/Humminbird-HELIX-5-Fishfinders.html?cid=243147&chid=4272&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpofdnuXU3wIViPhkCh3QSwoUEAQYBCABEgIXBPD_BwE

As for the lack of flags....set your bait near shore or in less than 6' of water and I'm sure your luck will improve.

[Skunkboy]

Using my Helix 5 that came with the boat I bought last spring.  I'm happy with it.

[ARCFLASH]

Maybe it's not the location. What are you using for line and hook size?

3-4' #4 fluoro leader on tip ups with #6 and #8 hooks

#4 fluoro on jig rod mostly usuing silver or gold swedish pimples but tried other stuff.

[Haydenm923]

Vexilar fl-8 is a good beginner flasher and runs around $275-$310 depending on where you get it. Best price I've found for it is on Scheels.

[ARCFLASH]

I use the Humminbird Helix 10 for open water & ice fishing.  It has AutoChart Live, so I'm able to map the lakes that I fish on my boat in the Summer time and get a really detailed map of the bottom of the lakes and use it to find spots to fish in the Winter.

You can get a Helix 5 ICE model for $300-$400. It can be used in flasher mode or the traditional 2D sonar. 

https://fishfinders.factoryoutletstore.com/cat/64620-420503/Humminbird-HELIX-5-Fishfinders.html?cid=243147&chid=4272&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpofdnuXU3wIViPhkCh3QSwoUEAQYBCABEgIXBPD_BwE

As for the lack of flags....set your bait near shore or in less than 6' of water and I'm sure your luck will improve.

Baits were tried pretty much every there were spots less than 2 feet of water 5-10 feet off the bank and still nothing. But just one of those days probably.

[pikemanEd]

I have the garmin echomap73sv chrip and panoptix. But before I bought the big unit I had a garmin striker4 and was able to pick up my laker jigs in 100ft of water no problem. I still have it and lend it to friends that don't have electronics when they fish with me