If there’s anything that you should know about ice fishing, it should be that an ice fishing flasher is the essential fishing companion!
Think of it this way: without the correct equipment, how can you expect to make any great finds?
Exactly, and with the help of an ice fishing flasher, you will have the added advantage of being able to analyze the size and amount of fish in the water beneath you, leading to you making catches that you may have thought were previously few and far inbetween (or simply luck of the draw).
What Is An Ice Fishing Flashers
Ice fishing flashers are electronic devices used by ice fishermen to locate fish beneath the ice. They are also known as ice fishing sonar units or fish finders. The flasher displays a graphical representation of the underwater environment and any fish that are present.
Ice fishing flashers work by sending out sonar waves that bounce off objects and return to the device. These waves are interpreted by the flasher and displayed on the screen in the form of a graphical representation, which can include images of fish, the bottom of the lake, and other objects.
The device typically consists of a circular display screen, which is usually about the size of a dinner plate. The screen is divided into several sections, each of which represents a different depth range. As fish move in and out of these depth ranges, their positions are displayed on the screen in real-time.
Ice fishing flashers are popular among ice fishermen because they can make it much easier to locate fish, which can be difficult to do when fishing through a hole in the ice. By providing real-time information about the presence and movements of fish, flashers can help fishermen adjust their bait and lures to attract more bites.
If you like the sound of making consistently great catches and want to test the waters when it comes to finding the right flasher for you, then congratulations because you’ve come to the right place!
Here at Outdoor Magazine, we’ve been very busy compiling a list of the best in class (ice fishing flasher style) so that you can pick the right option for you.
If that’s not enough, we’ve also put together a buyer’s guide area, where you can learn a little bit more about what criteria makes for a great ice flasher, including a helpful F.A.Q section too. We aim to please!
In a hurry?This is our Winner!
Our Pick
Vexilar FL – 8se Genz Pack with 19 Degree Ice Flasher
Our rating
Best Ice Fishing Flashers – Comparison Table
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Rank |
Product Image |
Product Name |
Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
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1 |
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Vexilar FL – 8se Genz Pack with 19 Degree Ice Flasher | |
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2 |
 |
Eyoyo Portable 7 inch LCD Monitor Fish Finder | |
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3 |
 |
Garmin Striker Plus 4 with Dual-Beam Transducer | |
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4 |
 |
Marcum LX-7 Ice Fishing Sonar System/Fishfinder | |
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5 |
 |
Humminbird ICE-35 Three Color Flasher | |
Best Ice Fishing Flashers – Reviews
Our Top Pick
Vexilar FL – 8se Genz Pack with 19 Degree Ice Flasher
Our rating
Why it’s Our Top Pick
If time is of the essence, then an ice flasher that you can count on is the Vexilar FL-8se Genz Pack with 19 Degree Ice Flasher.
This excellent ice flasher is our cream of the crop due to just how incredible its features are. It’s a great choice for ice fishers of all levels, including beginners, thanks to it being ready to use straight out of the box!
Some other benefits of this ice flasher is:
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Durable
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Weatherproof
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Excellent battery power
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Three different lights options for maximum efficiency
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Aesthetically pleasing design
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Pre-drilled holes to attach different accessories
This particular ice flasher stands out to us because of how durable it is (you can put your trust in this flasher to withstand exposure to water!) it features an impressive three-color flasher option to be able to reach multiple depths of between 20 to 120 feet to improve your chances of bigger and better catches.
Not only that, it also has an incorporated LED technology that lets you read the screen even in difficult conditions – such as direct sunlight.
Not only that, the Vexilar Ice Flasher has been specifically designed to offer ease of portability, it comes with an outer blue box for added protection from the elements, a place to store your storage and even a transducer holding system to make transportation as easy as it possibly can be.
It doesn’t stop there, either!
It also features a clever three color display system. If the color green appears when analyzing the waters below, then it means that the fish detected is a weak target, if it appears orange then it means the fish detected are of a medium strength and if the screen turns red then it means the fish that have been detected are a strong target.
Eyoyo Portable 7 inch LCD Monitor Fish Finder
Our rating
Looking for reliability? The Eyoyo Portable Monitor Fish Finder has got your back. Made with portability and premium quality in mind, this ice flasher has a large 1000VTL camera with a colored screen that will allow you to clearly view your reading with HD clarity.
Planning on ice fishing after dark? No problem. This impressive ice flasher has been equipped with 12pc infrared LED lights that can be used during dark lighting situations to help you clearly see the screen,
Offering ultimate convenience, the ice flasher (and all other equipment included) from Eyoyo even comes with a waterproof carry case to make transportation easy as can be, while its lithium battery ensures not only long-lasting performance over time, but up to an eight hour battery life per use – making it ideal for using while spending the day fishing with friends!
Our verdict? We think that this ice flasher is a great all rounder that offers excellent portability and consistent quality experiences that will help you get the most out of your fishing trip – time and time again.
This unique ice flasher will provide you with a real time visual of what is happening below the surface (that will be brighter than other models can offer thanks to the LED lights) which means that you’re sure to have consistently more successful ice fishing trips with this ice flasher by your side.
Pros
- Good value for money
- Waterproof
- Lithium battery for longevity
- Portable design making it easy to transport
Cons
- May not offer a clear picture in muddier conditions
Garmin Striker Plus 4 with Dual-Beam Transducer
Our rating
Handy and inexpensive, it should come as no surprise that the Garmin Striker Plus 4 with Dual-Beam Transducer makes our list!
Coming equipped with a variety of different high-tech features you’ll find in ice flashers at a higher price point, this ice flasher from Garmin promises a bright display and excellent quality pictures – and it even comes with a built in GPS to help you pin-point locations with ease.
Suited for use as an ice flasher or even for use on a boat thanks to its GPS system, its durable design will hold its own in all types of conditions, ensuring long-lasting performance that you can count on.
Plus, thanks to it being made to incorporate Garmin Chirp technology, you will be able to view crystal-clear images every time you use it.
It doesn’t end there, either: this multi-purpose ice flasher is also extremely durable, making it an excellent investment that you know is going to offer consistent performance, time and time again.
Pros
- Mapping software feature making it ideal for use for both ice fishers and fisherman
- Chrip Technology for high quality images
- User-friendly design
- Screen can be easily view in direct sunlight
Cons
- Sometimes it may be a little slow to use
Marcum LX-7 Ice Fishing Sonar System/Fishfinder
Our rating
If you’re looking for an ice fishing flasher that’s built to endure all types of conditions, the Marcum LX-7 Ice Fishing Sonar System/Fishfinder is worthy of consideration.
This impressive ice fishing flasher contains an 8 inch LED display with a user-orientated dashboard that will display depth, the battery voltage, target adjust and range across the screen for ultimate ease-of-use.
To allow you to get the best (and most successful) fishing experience possible, this Marcum Ice Flasher also uses a sonar footprint technology to make all catches below the surface visible, especially thanks to its display incorporating a night and day option to allow you to clearly view the screen in all types of conditions and lighting.
Not only that, another feature that stands out to us is its durable exterior, which makes it an ideal investment piece for those who would like to purchase an ice flasher that is going to last, regardless of the conditions.
Pros
- Excellent depth for bigger and better catches
- Temperature gauge
- Large display screen with night and day option
- Durable
- Easy to use for beginners
Cons
- Screen may not be completely visible in direct sunlight
- High price point
Humminbird ICE-35 Three Color Flasher
Our rating
Last but not least is the Humminbird ICE-35 Three Color Flasher!
Offering a more affordable price (without compromising on quality) the ICE-35 Three Color Flasher has a lot of excellent features that make it worthy of a place in our ice flasher roundup.
Ideal for beginners and experts alike, this Humminbird Ice Flasher is easy to get up and running and even easier to use thanks to its convenient design that comes complete with a handle to make transportation a breeze.
With this ice flasher as your fishing companion, you’ll also be able to enjoy an underwater depth of up to 200 feet with the added bonus of a zoom-in functionality to allow you to make the best catches possible.
Oh, and don’t worry about struggling to locate the fish, this clever ice flasher is able to offer both a narrow and wide range setting to give you a clear and detailed view of the fish beneath the surface.
For your convenience, there’s also a tri-color fiber optic display which helps to further indicate the type of fish you are fishing for in real time. Impressive? We certainly think so.
Pros
- Good battery life
- Waterproof
- Large display screen
Cons
- No carry bag
- Noisy to use
Best Ice Fishing Flashers – Buyers Guide
If you want to learn a little bit more about what criteria to keep an eye out for when picking the perfect ice flasher to cater to your every need, you’re in luck! We’ve compiled all of our knowledge of ice fishing flashers into an easy to ride buyer’s guide below:
Transducer and Frequency
Responsible for the correct functioning of your ice flasher, it should come as no surprise that the transducer is at the top of our criteria list for what to keep an eye out for.
Portability
One of the most important features that we think should be high on your priority list when picking an ice flasher is how easy it is going to be to transport.
As you traverse across the ice, you want to keep your equipment levels to a minimum (especially as ice fishing gear can quite quickly mount up).
In our opinion, the flasher that you choose should be sturdy but not too heavy, so that you can easily hop to and from different ice holes.
An added extra that we appreciate in certain models is an added carry case to ensure that they stay protected. The only downside is that these are usually a little more expensive.
Durability
Durability is also another really important factor to consider when selecting a brand new ice flasher, especially because you are going to be spending extended amounts of time in sub-zero weather conditions where the possibility of getting your fishing gear exposed to water is highly likely.
Lighting and Resolution
One criteria specification that you may not have previously considered important is the lighting and resolution quality. Why? Well, the last thing you want to happen is to be out ice fishing and find that
Battery Life
If you’re looking to buy an ice flasher, chances are you plan on spending a day on the ice, right? So, it makes sense to consider the battery life of your ice flasher before you purchase it so you know that it is going to last. If you’re unsure of what counts as a good battery life, we recommend a battery life of at least eight hours (because this means that you’re going to be able to spend a day ice fishing without worrying about having to stop or recharge it).
Plus, thanks to ice flashing manufacturers being aware of this particular specification, you’ll find plenty of ice flashers that have a great battery life – regardless of your price point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I buy an Ice Fishing Flasher?
If you’ve found yourself on this article, it’s likely that you already want to purchase an ice flasher, but if you need a little more convincing, here are some of the benefits of purchasing an ice fishing flasher:
- With the assistance of an ice fishing flasher, you will be given the opportunity to tailor your ice fishing experience to you. You’ll be able to position yourself in a much more opportune area across the ice where you actually know there are fish, rather than waiting around and hoping to get lucky. This also means that you will be able to make successful catches more quickly than ever before.
- You’ll be able to have a real understanding of what is happening beneath the surface of the water, with most ice flashers offering useful features such as a zoom-in feature, different color systems to detect the quality of the fishes you are hunting, not to mention the information that will be presented across the display screen.
How do I use an Ice Fishing Flasher?
Good question! Whether you’re a fishing beginner or longtime fisherman looking to brush up your knowledge, keep reading to learn more about using this handy piece of fishing gear…
First, drop the transducer down into the ice hole (after you’ve turned on the unit, of course!). After doing this, you will be able to read through the ice clearly.
Next you’re going to want to set the range. Depending on the type of ice flasher you decide to purchase, the depth of the flasher you buy will be anything up to around 240 feet. The aid of a mapping software or gps (some flashers are made with these features) will help you in this, but if you get stuck, simply make sure that you set the bottom depth at the next deepest range setting to the actual depth.
After you do this, it’s going to be time to adjust the gain, which is the amount of power that the transducer is able to emit. The gain is responsible for controlling the solar signal, which travels down the transducer, all the way to the surface of the lake and then back up to the ice flasher.
So, with that being said, the deeper the water, the more gain you’re going to need. We recommend beginning by turning the gain all the way up until you start to get a lot of interference, then slowly turn it back down until the screen starts to become a little more clear – by doing this you will get the most gain and the best idea if there are any fish in that particular area.
Now – the fun part! Depending on the features your ice flasher offers, you should be able to stand playing around and zooming in to see what type of fish you can find. If you’re unsure how to do this, we recommend reading the instruction manual supplied by the manufacturer you purchased the ice flasher from to make sure you’re fully confident.
Next, it’s time to drop the lure. After you do this, you’ll find that you should be able to clearly see it on the display screen. This is the important part: you’re going to want your lure to appear as thin a line as possible by tuning the gain in order to make sure that you are able to clearly distinguish it from any other movement from fish on the screen.
If you find that the lure is not appearing as a thin and solid line, simply keep turning the gain up until it is a constant line (you don’t want to see it moving or wiggling). After you do this you will be able to clearly see others lines (aka fish!).
