line counters

[jnpcook]

Have any of you used any type of line counter on your rod to let you know how deep you are with your jig/lure. If so what kind of luck have you had. I am thinking maybe they would ice up a lot. I was thinking of using one while using a depthfinder (fish finder) to get the lure to the correct depth where the fish are. I was thinking of buying a strikemaster polar vision depthfinder/fish finder.

Any help is appreciated.

John

[Mike]

If you're going to buy a fish finder for ice fishing, take a look at a flasher. With a flasher you can watch a tear drop fall in real-time. Basically, you can watch your bait go to the depth the fish are at. I bought one last year, don't know why I waited so long. It helped me catch a lot more fish last winter.

[jnpcook]

Mike:

Thanks. What model did you end up getting and how do you like the performance? What exactly is a flasher? I am new to marine electronics and may be interested in getting something for ice fishing. I never seem to find the fish. Can the flasher read through the ice so you can check for fish before you commit to drilling any holes?

John

[Mike]

John,

The two most popular flashers are the Zercom Color Point, and the Vexilar FL-8. I have the Zercom model. I can't give you a comparison, but the Zercom works great. You can get a reading through the ice, just put some water on it first. Try an internet search, you should be able to get all the information you need.

It's a lot of fun seeing a fish on the dial, lowering your bait down to it, and catching it (sometimes)!