Do I need to use a flasher???

[b.gagnon]

What is the advantage of using a flasher over your typical fish finder for ice fishing?<br />The new flashers are outrageously priced compared to the lcd style. <br />Can you just use any fish finder?

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Do I need to use a flasher???

Ice fishing, whats that????? We dont walk on the Ice around here. We only use that stuff to put in our cold drinks.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Do I need to use a flasher???

You can use any LCD locator as long as the unit does not get too cold. Remember that LCD stands for liquid crystal display. Too much cold clouds the display. If you are in a shelter no problem. I use my Eagle for ice fishing.<br /><br />Bassin Fever -- we drive cars, trucks, ATVs, snowmobiles, and ski, walk and race all of the above on the ice. Sometimes the vehicle breaks through but the dealers have more. You folks just don't know how to have fun in the winter.

 

[b.gagnon]

Re: Do I need to use a flasher???

I never thought of that! Next time I o out I will give it a try..

 

[MrBigStuff]

Re: Do I need to use a flasher???

One thing to consider is the transducer angle. A dedicated ice fishing flasher (I have a Vexilar) has I believe a 9 deg cone. This helps to focus the signal below the hole and reduce reflections.<br /><br />It is also quite a bit more sensitive than an open water unit. I'm not saying an open water unit won't work but there can be instances where the flasher will outperform it.<br /><br />With the vexilar, I can see a waxworm on a hook 20' or more down. I can watch my bait lower to the fish depth and rise and fall with the rod tip. Sometimes, getting the bait at exactly the right depth makes a big difference in whether or not you get any bites.<br /><br />The vexilar has another feature that is useful if there are two people fishing in close proximity. You can select from a number of frequencies so they don't interfere with each other.<br /><br />And it's not affected by cold as mentioned.