10-23-2017, 06:38 PM
[#0000FF]This is a discussion we have on the boards at least once a year. It is good to get input from those who have used the different models...and who have their personal preferences. It can be pretty expensive to conduct your own buy-and-try experiments.
I gotta giggle a little when I harken back to the days of the stone sonars (joke). Seriously, I can't believe we caught as many fish as we did when nobody was using any kind of electronics at all. We just drilled a few holes and let 'er rip. Amazingly, we caught lots of fish...maybe more than we do today. But conditions on most of our fave ice ponds have changed a lot too.
Over a period of more than 40 years of ice fishing in Utah...and Idaho, Colorado and California...I have either owned, used or observed just about every kind of sonar on the market.
Most of the models I used at first were simply conversions from the units I used on my float tubes...usually LCD displays that did only a marginal job of displaying depth, bottom structure and maybe some fish...not in real time. They did let me know how deep I was fishing and how deep the fish were holding or cruising...and there was a visible record in case I looked away from the screen. But I often used them more just to know the depth and to see if there were ANY fish...and where.
On those early systems there were none of the refinements of real time units that would have allowed me to discern my jigs and to see fish coming in to inspect or munch them. That is a huge advantage of more modern technology. It puts a whole new element of finesse into the game. Being able to see fish approach your jigs lets you get ready for those imperceptible inquiries...and set the hook in fish you would otherwise never know were there. Or...if you see fish coming in but not biting you know you have to change up your offerings or your presentation. Also something you would not know without sensitive real time display.
After using and/or observing various colored display flashers...Marcums and Vexilars...I opted for trying the vertical display Showdown. I used it for four years and was happy with my choice. Once I learned how to properly tune it and read it I was able to get all the info I needed. But I gotta admit, I do admire and respect the Vex and Marc guys who stay glued to their screens and call the action as they work their video games and their rods to call in and catch the fish. Some are artists.
No personal advice on what to buy. Do your homework and set up trips with other guys who have the units you are considering. If they will put up with you looking over their shoulders and asking all your silly questions you should be able to make a better informed decision.
Money is always a concern. Technology costs money. But if you do it right your investment will be long term and the value will be in the increased success and enjoyment you get on every trip. As I used to advise prospective customers for the products and services I represented..."If you had all the money in the world, and nothing else to spend it on, what would you buy?" Then buy what you want...what you really, really want (apologies to the Spice Girls).
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I gotta giggle a little when I harken back to the days of the stone sonars (joke). Seriously, I can't believe we caught as many fish as we did when nobody was using any kind of electronics at all. We just drilled a few holes and let 'er rip. Amazingly, we caught lots of fish...maybe more than we do today. But conditions on most of our fave ice ponds have changed a lot too.
Over a period of more than 40 years of ice fishing in Utah...and Idaho, Colorado and California...I have either owned, used or observed just about every kind of sonar on the market.
Most of the models I used at first were simply conversions from the units I used on my float tubes...usually LCD displays that did only a marginal job of displaying depth, bottom structure and maybe some fish...not in real time. They did let me know how deep I was fishing and how deep the fish were holding or cruising...and there was a visible record in case I looked away from the screen. But I often used them more just to know the depth and to see if there were ANY fish...and where.
On those early systems there were none of the refinements of real time units that would have allowed me to discern my jigs and to see fish coming in to inspect or munch them. That is a huge advantage of more modern technology. It puts a whole new element of finesse into the game. Being able to see fish approach your jigs lets you get ready for those imperceptible inquiries...and set the hook in fish you would otherwise never know were there. Or...if you see fish coming in but not biting you know you have to change up your offerings or your presentation. Also something you would not know without sensitive real time display.
After using and/or observing various colored display flashers...Marcums and Vexilars...I opted for trying the vertical display Showdown. I used it for four years and was happy with my choice. Once I learned how to properly tune it and read it I was able to get all the info I needed. But I gotta admit, I do admire and respect the Vex and Marc guys who stay glued to their screens and call the action as they work their video games and their rods to call in and catch the fish. Some are artists.
No personal advice on what to buy. Do your homework and set up trips with other guys who have the units you are considering. If they will put up with you looking over their shoulders and asking all your silly questions you should be able to make a better informed decision.
Money is always a concern. Technology costs money. But if you do it right your investment will be long term and the value will be in the increased success and enjoyment you get on every trip. As I used to advise prospective customers for the products and services I represented..."If you had all the money in the world, and nothing else to spend it on, what would you buy?" Then buy what you want...what you really, really want (apologies to the Spice Girls).
[/#0000FF]
[signature]