Best Ice Fishing Fish Finder 2021 – Buyers Guide

Ice Fishing Fish Finder – Winter is here and many bodies of water freeze, sealing the fish beneath the ice. It’s time to go ice fishing, for pike, walleye, trout and even sunfish. Once you have confirmed that it is safe to venture outside, layer up and bring the right gear.

Finding the right spot to fish is the most difficult part of the journey. The best ice fishing fish finder is here to help. It is simple to find the fish with a reliable ice fishing flasher. Then you can drill a hole and fish with your tip-up or jigging traps.

It doesn’t take much to figure out where fish might be, or to waste time drilling holes in the wrong places. Your efforts will go unrewarded because they aren’t there. A good ice fishing fish finder tool is essential. This makes ice fishing much more enjoyable and makes it worth the risk of venturing into harsh environments.

We reviewed a variety of fish finders to help you choose the right one for your ice fishing adventures. Find out which ice fishing flashers work best.

Are you ready to get started? Let’s get started.

10 Best Ice Fishing Fish Finder for 2021

1.Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer and 3.5″ GPS Fishfinder

Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5

This list is started with Garmin’s Striker 4. The built-in flasher makes this fish finder look a lot like a fancy video camera. The screen takes up most of the fish finder’s space. It is surrounded by a dark gray portion that is slightly recessed into the fish finder. Below the screen is a collection of buttons with directional keys located on a notch at the bottom.

Dual frequency capability means that the transducer can display details for each frequency on the screen. More information about the screen will follow. The transducer can send out two beams simultaneously: the 200 kHz wave is at a 15-degree angle, and the 77kHz beam at 45 degrees. To maximize depth, the transducer can be set to 50, 77, or 200 kHz.

The transducer can reach almost 490m in freshwater. However, you should aim for 250m. You will need to balance the frequencies. Lower frequencies provide more information but less depth. Unless you are a fan of looking deeper, in which case you can!

The transducer uses CHIRP Sonar to enhance imaging. It can be set to high or medium CHIRP to provide more accurate information and fish position. You can also get information while you move, but not when you are ice-fishing.

The Striker line also provides an excellent GPS. The Striker fish finders all have a GPS high-sensitivity installed that does many cool things. It is easy to find yourself quickly, it allows you to mark high-catch areas, landmarks and you can even see the trace of your current path.

Split-screen mode can be used to view both detailed and precise information on the screen. The top left displays temperature and depth information. On the right you will find a depth scale that allows you to determine the exact depth of each fish. It shows you the transducer settings and mode.

This is a great piece of fish-finding technology that you will love, thanks to the flasher built in for vertical use and the options you have.

Pros

  • Dual-screen option.
  • Amazing clarity and depth.

Cons

  • External power source required
  • Water resistant
Deeper Smart Sonar PRO+ - GPS Wi-Fi Fish Finder

The Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar is next on the list. It looks almost like a small, ball-shaped gizmo, but it has a modern, elegant design. It is black with a white font for Deeper logo and an orange line that encircles it just below the middle.

It uses wireless connectivity to send data to your smartphone through Deeper’s app. You wouldn’t let it move more than 260 feet from you, which is a good range. You will most likely drill a hole in the ice to allow it to connect to your computer.

The sonar it uses will be what gets you moving! The design allows you to cast it with a reel. Once it is in water, it scans DEEP. It uses two-frequency waves, 90 kHz (290 kHz) and 15° angles, respectively, to do this.

This allows you find fish patches and to change frequency to narrow down your search. I know, ingenious right? It has a remarkable 260 foot sensing range, which is on top of the depth you get when you reel it in to the water.

The GPS is the place where the magic happens. It uses the GPs and mapping technology to show you a colored map that includes bathymetry lines. (Go look up Bathymetry Lines if you’re interested! Once it reaches there, the data is saved to the app.

You can see the water with great accuracy even without your glasses, and you can do this even after you’re done fishing!

The app offers two views: an aerial view of the area and a sideways view that shows what is available at the depth. This allows you to pinpoint the exact location and depth of any item. It basically gives you three-dimensional information.

If all this pandering wasn’t enough to make you happy, there is also an ice fishing mode as well as color modes for day or night. Ice fishing mode offers a circular view that aids in fishing.

Pros

  • It is easy to use
  • Exaggerates the details.

Cons

  • When searching for deep underwater, you could potentially disconnect from your smartphone.

3.Venterior VTFF001 Portable Fish Finder

Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder

Another good portable fish finder is the Venterior VTFF001 for ice fishing. The screen surrounds the device in black plastic and looks similar to a yellow-colored gadget. Three buttons are located below the screen.

The cable can be connected to the transmitter, which in this instance is a transducer. A float is also included on the top of your transducer.

The length of the transducer cable is approximately 25 feet. It connects to the transducer. This cylindrical device has a diameter 4.6cm. The transducer’s sonar can scan down to nearly 330ft deep.

You can scan deeper by placing the sensor deeper in the water. The beam angle for the sensor is 45 degrees. The sensor can measure temperature from -20 to 70 degrees.

It is a simple TN LCD screen. It’s not very impressive, similar to the old-school gaming screen screens. It has a lot of positive aspects, including the icons for the fish, the contents at the bottom, and the depth scale to the right.

The screen also displays the total depth and details about the fish finder. There are many options for what you can do with it. You can select from 5 different sensitivity levels, which will affect how precise you scan the water.

Other features include battery saving, low-light visibility backlighting, fish alarm, and the ability to measure feet or meters. It may seem simple, but it isn’t necessary.

You can also submerge the transmitter in water, so it is waterproof. You can determine if you can find smaller fish. However, a higher sensitivity will require more battery life and a wider range of limits.

The fish finder won’t work well if the water is murky, or is experiencing waves. It is possible for ice fishing to cause problems, but it is unlikely.

Waterproofing

Cons

  • After a shutdown, memory loss.
  • Displays poorly with insufficient information
Garmin Striker 4 with Portable Kit

This may look similar to the Striker 4, but Garmin decided to make it unique enough to be considered separately. The actual fish finder looks identical, but the screen is 3.5 inches in size and the buttons are below.

But the main difference is the carrying bag. The case houses the fish finder on a pedestal which seems to glorify it and also holds it to it. Although it is not something I would recommend, the fish finder looks great inside. Although the case appears to be a small bag, it can still be used for all kinds of purposes.

It uses a sonar similar to the Garmin Striker 4. There are two modes: Medium CHIRP and High Chirp. Medium CHIRP can be obtained at 77kHz frequency while high CHIRP can be achieved at 200kHz. This allows you to see different levels of detail. The higher frequency displays more information, while the lower frequency displays more.

The dual-beam setup makes this possible. The 200kHz beam covers a 15 degree angle, while the 77kHz beam covers a 45-degree area. This means that, just like the Striker 4, it can be used to identify clusters using the lower frequency beam and then zero in on the higher frequency beam for individual fish. Neat huh? Bet Marlin would have found Nemo sooner if he had one!

The sonar can also scan up to 1600 feet in freshwater and 750 feet in saltwater. The transducer’s location is one thing that makes this different. The transducer is not attached to a transom mounting like the Garmin Striker 4. Instead, it is held in a suction cup mounted.

This is not without its challenges, but ice fishing shouldn’t be a problem. Simply drop the transducer in the water. The build will require a different mount for kayaks or boats. However, that shouldn’t be an issue.

The fact that the Garmin Striker 4 is the main fishfinder means you get exactly what it has. It is, as you probably know, pretty amazing!

Pros

  • Portable
  • Mounting capabilities that are better

Cons

  • You will need to purchase a higher-quality transducer to get maximum performance.
Vexilar SonarPhone with Transducer Pod

It is exactly what it sounds like. The fish finder is a combination of a pod that transmits signals and your touchscreen smartphone via their app. This is actually the interface for a fishfinder screen. It sounds cool, I know!

A pod is a cylindrical object that looks like a ball with a green top. The pod’s green plastic extends to form fins on its opposite ends. This is what keeps it afloat. The bottom is plain white. The bottom portion has a keyring holder at one end. This is to be used to toss into the water with a reel.

It connects to your smartphone so you can limit the amount of stuff you can carry. It’s amazing, I know! All you have to do is take a small plastic ball with you and place it in the water.

It’s also lightweight and easy to transport, making it very portable. This is especially useful in icy terrain, where you might need to drill into the ice frequently to reach the water.

The pod also activates when it touches water. It acts in a similar way to when Winter water touches your bottom while you are using the toilet. You can connect your smartphone to it and it will automatically start to interact with the water.

The frequency at which the transducer transmits is 125 kHz, which is quite adequate for the task. The beam can only be sent out by one beam transducer, which shoots at a 30-degree angle. The beams are also quite powerful.

The pod can generate up to 400 watts of energy, which allows you to scan deeper and more thoroughly in areas with weed or murky water.

Let’s now talk about the app. The screen displays a lot of information. It shows you a vertical view, at first, of what is below. It displays temperature information, depth information, and any other relevant information that is at the bottom of the water body.

You can also use the button layout to navigate between landscape and portrait views on your device.

Wireless devices have their own batteries. It lasts approximately 4 hours on a full charge. This isn’t too bad. Let’s not forget about this one, considering all the other benefits you have.

Pros

  • This fish finder is extremely versatile.
  • Maximum portability.

Cons

  • Battery life is limited
Lucky Portable Sonar Handheld Wired Fish Finder

This fish finder does not have all the bells and whistles. This fish finder device is typical and is made from plastic. To make it easier to hold, the sides are made from yellow plastic and have rubber grips in the middle.

You will first see the grey plastic that houses the logo and buttons as you move towards the middle. The logo is above the screen while there are only three buttons below it.

A typical transducer is also included with the cable that attaches to the top of your fish finder. This transducer can scan at 45 degrees in water. It can transmit a frequency of 200kHz.

You probably already know that this setting is great for grouping fish in larger pools of water. However, it can be difficult to identify individual fishes based on their size.

The cable can reach depths of between 1m to 100m. The cable measures 25 feet in length, which is a good distance for ice fishing. This cable can be placed in the water and then lowered a bit. Once it is down, you can fish deeper into water.

It is an LCD screen. This fish finder is colored, unlike other models. There are no more old-fashioned, boring displays! It uses icons in different colors to display information. The background is blue. The status of your fish finder and its total depth are also displayed.

Although identifying the size of fish can be difficult, there are some solutions. There are five levels of sensitivity, with the highest level able to identify larger and smaller fish. Also included are fish alarm, battery saving and backlighting.

Although this fishfinder is not the best, it’s still a great value for money. But this is quite good value for money and works exceptionally well for ice fishing. That is what is really important, isn’t it?

Pros

  • Overall, a good fish finder that does the job.
  • Accurate Readings

Cons

  • Battery life is limited
HawkEye Fishtrax 1C Fish Finder

The fish finder might be mistaken for a game console. It has a small, colorful HD display. The screen is enclosed in red plastic, which occupies more than half the top of your fish finder. The bottom of the fish finder is black and contains several buttons.

It works in a similar way to other transducers, as it uses a standard transducer. It comes in three different versions. The basic model, the 1, produces one beam with a beam angle 14 degrees.

It default frequency is 200 kHz. However, FishTrax’s Intelligent Sonar enhances detection. For all newbies, you also get five sensitivity levels, backlighting, and a fish alarm.

The intermediate model (1x) offers more with a Dot Matrix display, dual-frequency capabilities, better, enhanced scanning and precise positioning. There are also 10 sensitivity levels. There are also a few extras that will enhance your experience.

The 1C expert model is the most popular. The 1C has a full-color display and three operating modes depending on what you’re trying to do (Fishfinder, Data and Ice-Mode digital flasher for ice fishing).

The expert version goes beyond the bottom contents. You can also use the different modes to get deeper, more accurate temperature, and battery readings. You can also choose from a 100-level sensitivity setting. Other features are identical to the intermediate model.

No matter what model you choose, 75m is a good range. You can also get more accurate information by using the combination frequency and beam angle. A cable measuring 15 feet in length is also available. FishTrax’s Intelligent Sonar is a great tool for getting more information. You can even get water temperatures at different depths with this sonar.

Although the display is small, it is colorful and displays various information including temperature and depth readings. Different colors are used to show the bottom content.

The icons of fish are black and the corresponding depths are written above them. To distinguish between fish, you can also choose from three sizes: small, medium, and large.

It also comes with several mounts, one for ice fishing. This makes it a versatile and excellent fish finder that you can get comfortable with.

Pros

  • Battery life up to 30 hours
  • It is easy to use

Cons

    • Small display.

The Marcum LX-7 is a different kind of rocket than the other models on this list. The display is huge. It is HUGE. This screen, which measures 8 inches in size, rests on a large gadget.

The case comes with the fish finder, which is a small bag with a small transducer attached to its bottom. A separate case holds the transducer.

Sonar Footprint technology is used in this unit, unlike the rest. A single beam is produced by the transducer and can be either 8 or 20 degrees in angle. How about the range?

You will be amazed to learn that it will reach the bottom no matter how deep. You can also see the individual fish and separate groups of fish to choose the one that best suits your tastes.

The screen is the place where magic happens. You will see settings for depth and zoom on both sides of the screen by default. The bottom of the screen displays a variety of information, including voltage, range, target depth, interference rejection, and other useful information. A flasher display is on the main screen, which you use to ice fish.

The fish finder has made their life easier. This fish finder can be customized in any way you like. You have several options for finding fish. These include a flasher display vertical zoom and a vertical water column display. Vertical zoom allows you to zoom in at any depth level and find the fish you want.

The real game-changer, ladies and gentlemen is the fact this fish finder can be used in the future. Huh? Is that possible? We will show you how! The software for this fish finder can be downloaded from the company’s site. Software updates will improve the hardware’s performance and make it easier to understand.

This comes with a steep price, as you probably already know. This isn’t a fish-finding juggernaut. This is the most amazing fish finder you’ll ever see.

Pros

  • Extremely precise details
  • Superior display with great flexibility
  • Upgradability.

Cons

  • Use is limited to immobile.
Anysun(r) Underwater Fish Finder

Perhaps you have seen briefcase weapons in movies. Let’s now introduce you to the briefcase fishfinder! Although it’s not exactly a briefcase this one looks close enough to be. The monitor is hidden inside the top of the casing once you have opened the top.

Inside the case you will find a movable camera and a blue device, which is the battery. Cables connect the fishfinder to the camera. A float can also be connected to the camera.

As you can see, this fish finder uses an underwater camera rather than sonar. The camera is cute with a blue ring at its end. Anysun added fish eyes to the mix!

It is waterproof. This is a good thing, as it can operate underwater. It has an IP68 fishfinder camera, and a built-in lamp for nighttime work.

It produces sharp images. The camera uses Color CCD and HD 700 TV lines. Simply put, it allows you to see more clearly and see more. It can work in temperatures between -20 and 60 degrees Celsius.

This sensor has a CCD sensor measuring one-third inches and a remarkable camera angle of 92°. Anysun’s fishfinder is undisputed champ when it comes to field of view.

The battery life is another great feature of this fishfinder. The battery is a 12V 4500mAH which gives you enough power for a full day of fishing. It has a 9-12 hour battery life.

You will also need a charger because the battery can be recharged. To recharge your battery, you will need another power source.

It is also quite unique. The screen is 7 inches wide and is a TFT LCD. The screen also includes a sun-visor for better visibility in the sun. If that’s not enough, you can also get a retractable sunscreen.

It is a solid piece that is not only different from sonar fishfinders, but equally effective. This is especially true when you have to catch the ice fishy.

Pros

  • Long-lasting battery.
  • Actual underwater footage.

Cons

  • Not recommended for use in murky waters.
Lowrance Hook-5 Mid/High PPP-18i Ice Fishfinder

This is the last name in this list. Lowrance Hook-5 is quite different than the other names on this list. The fish finder is reminiscent of an old camera with its own stand. The whole body looks great, with silver paint covering the entire thing.

The transducer comes separately and must be connected to your fish finder. The transducer is connected to the transducer via a long cable that looks suspiciously similar to a barcode scanner. It is all a shiny black so it looks nice.

It takes up about half of the front space. The screen is slightly hidden within the device. All buttons are located on the right side of the screen. These buttons include directional keys as well as a few other buttons. The overlay looks great with the right color and design elements.

Dual CHIRP sonar is used by the transducer to locate fish under the ice. The CHIRP technology gives you a clear view of all that is happening beyond the ice and down to the bottom. This one also offers the possibility to choose between medium and high CHIRP.

High CHIRP allows for more precise targeting and retrieval of data from the water. This means that medium CHIRP can be used to locate fish gathered in a location, while high CHIRP can separate the fish and help you find the one you want.

You can choose to view a specific type of information or a set of them. The multifunctional screen allows you to switch between different modes. This screen is unique because it includes a map of the United States and GPS information. The screens display your location as well as readings from both levels of CHIRP on three separate windows.

Data retrieved from the sonar can be stored and viewed later. You can also mark points to see landmarks and fish. Your sonar logs can be used to create custom maps (called insight-genesis custom maps). This package is great for finding fish in the icy biomes.

Pros

  • GPS functionality.
  • Excellent fish identification

Cons

  • Only limited terrain information available

Why get a fish finder?

We’ve talked so much about fishfinders, it is time to tell you why. One of the main reasons you should get one is to make it easier to find fish. This effect can be extended to other species.

More Fish!

Again, being Mr. Although it is obvious, repeating yourself doesn’t hurt. If you can see more fish, then you will set up your catching equipment in that area. You catch more fish. It doesn’t get much easier than this, does it?

The good news is that you can increase your catch by nearly twofold using a fishfinder. Except if you’re a complete idiot

More Fish Targeting

Fish finders can identify fish more accurately than the naked eye. You will also know the habitat of a specific type of fish if you’re looking for it.

Fish finders can not only determine the size of the fish but also its habitat and water depth. It’s easy to identify fish with a little bit of aqua knowledge and some fish finding magic.

You save time

It is important to take your time. Even if you do have the time, don’t waste it just looking for fish. You can let the gadget find the fish for you. This will allow you to spend your time actually catching them. No more need to look all around to see if there is a fish in water.

Versatility

You can fish in many different settings. There are many options for where you can fish. Each approach will require a different way to catch fish. Fish finders are easy to use and won’t cause you any problems. Fish finders will continue to do their job regardless of whether you move or stay still.

Easier Navigation

Although this may not be applicable to all fish finders, it is universally applicable. These fish finders allow you to do complicated navigational stuff like marking your route, showing you where you’ve traveled, and what they were able find.

This allows you to leave navigation to your device and also guides you to the best fishing spots, or back to where you started from. You will never be lost even on long fishing trips.

You can also go back to the spot you caught your bucket loads! The best part is that many fish finders can also store your memories so you can access it for future fishing expeditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Best Ice Fishing Fish Finder

1. What reading should I look for if the fish finder runs out of water?

A: The reading should either be 0 or the maximum depth range for the fish finder. You may be wondering why these two values are different. Fish finders use sonar to provide data. Sonar is basically reflected back by objects in water. It can’t travel outside water and it doesn’t return once it is sent. It can travel either way.

2. How can I connect my wireless fishfinder to my smartphone?

A: While the exact steps will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, the basics are the same. Many of these devices have an integrated wireless network that turns on when the device is turned on. To connect your smartphone to the Wi-Fi network, you will need to verify that your device is yours. For example, some fish finders require a code. After verification, connect to the app and it will detect the fish finder.

3. What is the best battery life for a fishfinder?

It all depends on you. The ideal fish finder should last for many years, but the batteries and fish finder can get heavier as the battery life increases. When buying a fishfinder, consider how much time you plan to spend fishing.

4. How can I use a fishfinder on ice?

A: Place the fish on top of ice. This will give you an initial view of any fish under the ice. If you are satisfied with the results, drill another hole in the spot and drop the fish finder under the water.

Most Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to use a regular fish finder for ice fishing?

As long as your portable fish finder has a power supply, you can use it. The transducer should be able to be positioned in an ice hole.

How do Ice Fishing Fish Finders work?

Two ways a fish finder may work under water are available. Unfortunately, you can only use one of these methods and not both.

Flasher units can show you an actual-life underwater picture without any graphs. This is an old method of fishing but it’s still very reliable. If you only plan to fish on ice, this is the best option.

Another option is the 2D Sonar. These devices display a graph showing what’s happening below. You can switch to flasher mode to see a real-life image. Most devices can only provide a 2D sonar without images. This option is recommended if you plan to fish in summer.

What is a CHIRP Sonar?

The CHIRP sonar is also known by Compressed High-Intensity Radiator Pulse. It uses an improved sonar technology which, unlike traditional sonars, transmits a continuous range from low to high frequencies. It transmits much more data than the traditional transducer.

Last Thoughts

We hope that you are now more informed about the top ice fishing fish finders. We will suggest some devices, as we understand that this is not an easy decision.

Garmin Striker 4 Portable Kit is an ice fishfinder that can scan to depths of up to 1600 feet in freshwater or 750 feet in saltwater. The impressive LCD displays and dual frequency capabilities make it a great choice.

HawkEye Fishtrax 1C is the best option if you are looking for a battery that can last 30 hours. You can also choose from three different models. It will not disappoint, no matter which model you choose.

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