Every serious angler will agree with me that sitting down just because it is winter does not resonate well. Anglers need to go out and continue with their favorite fishing despite the ever-changing weather. If it were possible, everyone would desire to fish in a sunny and fair environment. But, this cannot be since no one can control the weather. Or, is it possible? Not really, but life must go on, right? However, you cannot braze the cold weather only to go back home empty-handed. This is the reason why you need to utilize the benefits of the best ice fishing fish finders.
The fish finders are instruments used to spot the predators by sensing reflected sounds underwater. These instruments operate well and display the information on a screen for fishermen to interpret. Thus, one can be able to fish in the exact location where a school of fish is found. This guarantees success and makes it easy and convenient to fish in ice water. What you need to do is a thorough research in order to buy one that is ideal for the freezing waters. This is not an easy task given the many options available in the market. But, the process can be stress-free with this handy guide that makes choosing quite quick and easy.
In the article, we will discuss the best six affordable options that are known to work well in ice fishing. The buying guide is also provided to make it easier for you to choose one out of the many based on your fishing needs. READ THROUGH to understand this and much more on everything you need to know before buying a fish finder.
Top 6 Best Ice Fishing Fish Finders for 2021
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In-depth review of the top-rated ice fishing fish finders
Fishfinders come in different shapes and features that make them unique for a particular purpose. Generally, they should be waterproof, portable, and highly accurate. However, there are other features that will indicate their ability to function well in ice fishing conditions. Below we discuss every product mentioned above so that you can make an informed decision and know why they made it to our list.
01. Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar
Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar is the perfect gear that will not only locate the fish but also indicate the depth, temperature, and bottom contour of the water body. You can easily cast further up to 330ft and scan 260ft deeper for comprehensive coverage. The dual-beam allows you to image wide and in detail by a switch from to 90 kHz 55∞ to 290 kHz 15∞ accordingly.
Data transfer and superior connectivity are done exceptionally to your smartphone through self-generating Wi-Fi that doe not require the internet. Fifteen scans are sent per second with a transducer having only 5-inch target separation. It is possible to create bathymetric maps right on your smartphone screen since the gear has an inbuilt GPS specifically designed for this purpose. All the data generated through scans and the maps are saved on the cloud through Fish Deeper App. This can be easily accessed on any computer through Lake Book, making it easier to shape the information with your loved ones. Indeed, Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar places all information at your fingertips so you can land on the fish that you have always yearned for!
Key Features
- Superior connection and precise scanning
- Cast for long-distance and scans deeper
- Scans and maps can be saved on the cloud through Fish Deeper App for future reference
- In-built GPS capable of creating bathymetric maps
- Weight 3.5oz making it portable
Specifications
- Brand: Deeper
- Model: DP1H1OS10
- Weight: 3.5 ounces
- Scanning depth: 260ft.
- Casting range: 330ft.
Want a fish finder that works well without the trouble of having cables around and changing batteries regularly? Why not! Check and buy one through the button below.
02. Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer
Garmin Striker 4 makes it easy to find fish in the ice more than ever before. With clear VU scanning sonar, you get neat photographic photos that clearly represent the fish, objects, and structures around your boat. The keyed interface with the water rating of IPX7 means that there will be no liquid damage, and you get to install and use the device easily. plus, it has waypoint maps that can be used to view, identify, and navigate to specific points such as docks, sti=ums, and piles.
The Garmin Striker 4 also includes the CHIP transducer, which gives more explicit images compared to traditional ones. Continuous frequencies will be sent and interpreted individually as they are returned. This provides a wide range of data that creates crisper fish arches with excellent target separation. There is high-performance CHIRP that can be purchased separately for crystal-clear images and exceptional resolution on both deep and shallow water. Buy this fish finder and experience the clarity of the CHIRP while viewing the information in classic flasher format.
Key Features
- Waypoint maps for easy navigation
- Keyed interface which is easy to use
- Portable with a 3.5-inch display and in-built sensitive GPS
- Comes with CHIRP (77/200 kHz) transducer which gives clearer images
- The display shows the speed of the boat
- In-built flasher for viewing data in classic flasher format
Specifications
- Brand: Garmin
- Model: 010-01550-00
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Display: 3.5 inches
- Scanning depth: 1,600ft freshwater, 750ft saltwater
Garmin Striker 4 sends clear images from CHIRP; thus, locating fish is purely effortless! Check prices and buy one from the button below.
03. ReelSonar Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder
ReelSonar Smart Fishfinder is the perfect gift for every angler due to its portability and flexibility. Apart from ice fishing, this equipment can be used for kayak, raft, shore, and dock fishing either in saltwater or freshwater. What more could you ask for with this kind of versatility right on your hands with inbuilt LED beacon, fish, and strike alarms? Using the free application on Android and iOS, you can mark the fish and all other details and share it with your friends and loved one directly on social media any time you want. The synchronization between the device and the phone can be done effortlessly via Bluetooth smart.
The battery can be used for 10hrs non-stop, and when you run out of power, it can be recharged. With the light that indicates the charge status, you can quickly tell when it is time to change or recharge the battery. There are additionally two snap swivels that can be used as a remote fish finder or as a bobber. Get one for yourself or gift your loved ones and have a wonderful ice fishing experience.
Key Features
- Rechargeable battery that has 10+ hours battery life
- In-built LED beacon for increased visibility
- In-built GPS with an interactive map
- Fish and strike alarms to effectively locate the catch
- Free app with the options of sharing data with loved ones
- Bluetooth smart sync within 100ft range
Specifications
- Brand: ReelSonar
- Model: CGG-MY-IBOBBER
- Weight: 0.16 ounces
- Battery life: 10 hrs
Never let the experience of the smallest portable wireless device pass you, especially in the winter season. Order one today on Amazon below.
04. Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder
Venterior is a perfect choice for beginners since it is easy to use and comes at an affordable price. You can adjust the sensitivity with a total of five options available. In fact, you do not have to drill the holes anyhow as the fish finder can locate the fish when placed on the ice. There is a need to clear the snow in order to expose the ice surface before checking the depth of the water from the top. After this, you can drill the hole precisely where the fish are and start reeling in the catch.
Included in the package is 25ft cable with a removable round sonar transducer that makes it possible to fish from the shore. The cable can be folded when it is too long, especially for ice fishing. Get this and sport fish quickly with the assistance of audible fish alarm for a successful hook set.
Key Features
- Adjustable sensitivity with five options
- Backlight mode for night fishing
- An audible fish alarm which gives alert once the catch is located
- 25ft cable with a removable transducer which makes it possible to fish from the shore
- Works without necessarily cutting the hole
Specifications
- Brand: Venterior
- Model: VT-FF001
- Weight: 15.2 ounces
- Depth Range: 3ft-328ft
Get this portable device with great features through the button below –
05. HawkEye Fishtrax 1C Fish Finder
This is a fish finder that is perfect for experienced anglers who require high-definition angling experience. The device combines a high-definition VirtuView full-color display and operates through three distinct modes. These modes include fish finder, data, and ice-mode digital flasher that work together to ensure successful angling in freezing waters. The fish finder mode spots the fish, underwater composition, and the depth, which is displayed in the HD color screen. The data mode then enlarges the temperature, depth, and battery voltage reading for readability from a distance.
The ice-mode digital sonar is what makes it great for frigid fishing. it works by sending real-time FishTrax sonar echoes, which are perfect for spotting suspended fish in frozen water. HawkEye Fishtrax also comes with full sensitivity adjustment, auto-zoom bottom tracking, and multi-level depth rangers and fish alarms to pursue the catch to the maximum.
Key Features
- Dual-beam sonar for spotting fish both in shallow and deep water
- 100-level sensitivity adjustment
- Fishtrax expandability with intelligent sonar that works up to a depth of 240ft
- Three modes that work to detect the target with high degree accuracy
- An audible fish alarm that signals the presence of the fish
Specifications
- Brand: Hawkeye
- Model: FTIPXC
- Weight: 10.2 ounces
- Depths range: 240ft.
Targeting the catch with precision will never be the same again. Experience this by purchasing the HawkEye Fishtrax 1C Fish Finder through the button below.
06. LUCKY Handheld Fish Finder
Lucky handheld is a portable fish finder that can be used in ice fishing and work well in other angling techniques. Once you have this, your winter and summer seasons are well taken care of. It can read from 3ft to 328ft, which is deep enough for ice fishing. What makes it even greater is the backlight mode, battery save mode, fish alarm, with a 4-5 hour battery life. Get it and enjoy the 1-year warranty period.
Key Features
- Small in size making it portable
- Can read up to 378ft deeper
- Comes with 25ft cord and detachable transducer
- Five sensitivity modes
- Fishing alarm the signals when the catch is spotted
- 4-5 hours battery life
Specifications
- Brand: Lucky
- Model: 5582692495
- Weight: 1.1 pounds
- Depth range: 3ft-328ft
Buy one through the button below –
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Ice Fishing Fish Finders
Landing the best ice fishing fish finder requires one to pay keen attention to the key features that make it easy to locate the catch. These features are discussed below:
- Portability
The gears needed during ice fishing are heavy enough, and you may want to consider reducing the weight by getting a portable fish finder. The size and the weight will guide you in purchasing something that is not too bulky or can be mounted on the boat. In case you decide to buy a heavy one, get a sturdy cart to help in carrying it around.
- Display
The small or blurry screen can make it harder to interpret the results sent through sonar energy. This, therefore, can render the fish finder useless as it can only be meaningful if you can understand the data with accuracy. Those with clear and big size displays are the most ideal. There are other options with colored screens that improve the usability and readability of the fish finders. You can opt for those with a large button for easy use with gloves on.
- Sonar Beam Angle
How useful your fish finder is can be determined by the beam angle of the sonar system. Those with narrow beam angles are ideal for fishing in greater depths as they can penetrate deeper in water. The wide sonar beam angle, on the other hand, allows for comprehensive coverage and is typically found in side-scan modules. Note that those with a wider beam may not be able to scan more in-depth but useful when you are not sure which part the fish are located. The most ideal are those with a dual-beam system since they can image both wide and deeper.
- In-built GPS and Maps
GPS mapping is essential as you can keep the records for the next trip. The GPS is able to locate where fish like to hide, and you can mark the spot for fur-0ture reference. This makes it easy to fish during the next winter season. Some come with the application where you can share these spots with your loved one making their fishing simpler and stress-free.
- Durability
The ice fishing conditions are tough, and you will need a well-built device that comes with its own case. If it does not have a casing, ensure you buy one as it goes a long way in improving the durability of fish finders.
- Frequency
What you can be able to see is determined by the rate of the fish finder. Shallow depths require high-frequency fish finders and faster signals so that you are able to differentiate individual fish from those that converge. Deeper depths need low-frequency as they provide much data, though with decreased clarity. The most ideal for ice fishing are those that come with two-mode of switching to different frequencies. This way, you can locate both fish found in shallow and deeper depths.
FAQs
Q: How can I use ice fishing fish finder properly for a successful outcome?
It is true that having a fish finder does not guarantee success if you do not know how to use it. Note that the water body is covered by the ice, and you will need first to drill the hole at an appropriate location. This is easy when you are familiar with the place. If not, then drill one next to the center and the other close to the shore, and the device will do the rest to locate the fish.
Secondly, you need to inspect the area under the ice before lowering the transducer under the ice. Ensure nothing will interfere with the signals so that you can be able to interpret the data accurately. Since some will indicate the depth of the water, your work is to adjust the frequency so as to locate the fish around your area. Switch between wide and downcasting beam so as to cover large areas and deep below the ice.
Lastly, pick your fishing spot after spotting the catch. Move to where the sonar has an indication of the fish. If it is far from the hole, then consider drilling another in close proximity to where the fish were spotted. After that, you can start lowering your bites to hook up the catch.
Q: Can I use any other fishfinder in freezing waters?
Actually, some fish finders are versatile and can work in both summer and winter seasons while maintaining their quality. However, there are some designed for the winter season and require some adjustment before they are used in cold conditions. First, you need to undo the wiring that is used to attach the device to the boat. Secondly, create a platform in such a way that the device will remain at a level when lowering under the ice water. Lastly, look for batteries to power the fish finders as you will not be able to use AC power as in the case when on the boat.
Q: What is the battery life of ice fishing fish finders?
The ice fishing fish finders have a battery life of over six hours. This is enough time for you to be able to locate and hook up the catch. However, you can always carry extra batteries to use in case you run out of power. Do not let this cut short your angling expedition after summoning all the energy to go out fishing in cold weather.
Features of the Best Ice Fishing Fish Finders
| Product Name | Features | More Info |
| Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar | Scans deeper In-built GPS Syncs to tablet/phone Dual-beam 15 scan per second No cables or batteries Flasher display 0.5-inch target separation | Check Price |
|
Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer
| Clear VU scanning sonar Easy to use keyed interface Waypoint maps CHIRP sonar In-built flasher | Check Price |
| ReelSonar Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder | Uses patent sonar fish identifier technology 10-hrs battery life LED beacon Rechargeable battery Accurate sonar reading Two snap swivel connections Free Android and iOS app | Check Price |
| Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder | Depth range of up to 328ft Can be used from shore or the boat Round transducer with 25ft cable Backlight mode Audible fish alarm 2-year warranty | Check Price |
|
HawkEye Fishtrax 1C Fish Finder
| Depth range of up 3ft to 240ft. Virtuview HD color display Portable Fish Arc & Fish ID indicators Algorithmic software programming Audible fish alarm | Check Price |
| LUCKY Handheld Fish Finder | Portable with high versatility Depth range of between 3ft to 328ft. Five sensitivity modes 4-5 hours of battery usage 1-year warranty | Check Price |
Final Word
The ice fishing fish finders have been tailored to make angling easier in cold conditions. Nothing is annoying, like going out to fish in extreme temperatures only to go back home empty-handed. But, with the best ice fishing fish finders, you are assured of stress-free angling with ultimate success.
You only need to pick one among those reviewed here for guaranteed performance. Note that we have only discussed the best products that have great features with positive customer feedback. Choose one with guidelines from the buyer’s guide provided above. Remember to pay keen attention to the portability, display, sonar beam angle, in-built GPS and maps, frequency, and durability.
An exceptional device should be able to give you the desired outcome without adding a burden to you. However, if you fall in love with weightier tools, consider buying a heavy-duty cart to help in transporting and moving it around the ice. Otherwise, pick any of the reviewed and enjoy successful fishing while utilizing the modern technology that has made angling stress-free.
Reference Links
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
