fish finder instead of flasher

[scoremaster]

i have an extra 535 humming bird here wanting to do something and since this is my first year ever on the ice could i use it or would it not be much help for marking fish and watching my jig i know the flashers are super accurate and read instantly whats happaning .
but just looking to ease into it not jump in with alot of money ,

thanks for the answers,
Scott

[hnd]

the only complaint i've seen is taht the lcd screen is slow to react and there is a delay in what is actually going on and the screen.

[PaulD.]

Just re registered, haven't been active here in a few years.

It will work. Some tips:

Make sure the transducer is underwater and level.
Turn off the digital depth reading.
Turn off auto mode.
Set chart speed to the highest setting.
adjust your sensitivity until you can see your jig.

Keep the unit inside when not in use. It will slow down and freeze up in extremely cold weather.

[scoremaster]

thanks guys fro the help

Scott

[Uncle Grump]

Scott

Depending on how old your sonar is, it is possible that it has a 'flasher' mode.
Check your manual, or help text (if you have on screen help function).

I've got a old Humminbird 4000 LCD (about 1975 vintage). Old and some what heavy, pixels are huge - but it works - use it on soft water and have used it on hard water. The previous owner had fixed up a rod assembly that holds the transducer. Putting a small round bubble level on the back of the transducer is good for making sure it is level.

On hard water, since you aren't moving, you will see the bottom and a line - where ever your jig/spoon is in relation to the entire water column. Any motion you apply to your bait should cause the line to move.

When a fish comes in - you should see a second line - the fish - when it and your bait line merge - the fish should be chompping your bait, or be very close to it - giving it an inspection.

Best of luck

UG

[wilbur]

How do you think a HB 997si would work for ice fishing

[CTom]

Your 997 will work ok if you can keep the ducer face level to the water and submerged to below or at the bottom of the ice.

Something you need to do is read your manual to see if there is a cold warning involved. Some locators can get ugly if the liquid crystal gets below a certain temp. If you fish in a heated portable or a shack you should be ok.

I like the flashers. What with all of the on-line shopping one can do today they can be found pretty cheap. Maybe cheaper than you think. Now is the time to be looking serious at one if you are going to.

[jaxsprat]

Your 997 will work ok if you can keep the ducer face level to the water and submerged to below or at the bottom of the ice.

Something you need to do is read your manual to see if there is a cold warning involved. Some locators can get ugly if the liquid crystal gets below a certain temp. If you fish in a heated portable or a shack you should be ok.

I like the flashers. What with all of the on-line shopping one can do today they can be found pretty cheap. Maybe cheaper than you think. Now is the time to be looking serious at one if you are going to.

For actual fishing flasher is the only way to go-That said for finding structure 997 works great thru ice hole, cold no problem for electronics except shortens battery time. U need to make a bucket rack for holding your transducer so you can use the side imaging to find brushpiles & structure. Have been able to spot structure from first hole pace off distance & get within 3 feet with no problem with second hole drilled.

[EddieRod]

Just saw this so adding my 2 cents and for now I've been useing a Vexilar flasher then got to look and use a Lowrance x67c ice machine...that also has a flasher mode. Can't beat the Lowrance, but they disconinued it and will be coming out with something else with a 5" screen for the coming winter.

[kb2112]

I use both a flasher and a cuda 250. Both work. In VERY cold weather the ff may have a slower response time, but Ive never noticed it as far as the bite goes. The FF has a gps with a map that is really good for marking you hot spots.

In hindsight, I probably could have just stuck with my ff, but I wanted to try a flasher out. The flasher is definitely a nice unit, and is more accurate (I have the LX-5) and can measure down to 1/4 inch I think. When I use the flasher, I need a hand-held gps to mark my hot spots.

I recently picked up a Hummer 788, but haven't had it long enough to take it out on the ice yet. It shows lots of promise though.