King Slammin

I had a buddy out a couple times that just couldn't understand. He would grab a wire rig that was getting smacked and set the hook like he was in a bass tourney or something. Then turn and ask why do they keep breaking off? The only time I even kind of set the hook is if I'm running sliders on the riggers. And that's just a light tug after I reel down to the fish.

U have a pm.

Headed to conesus tomorrow. How far did u get out? I know the geese keep it open out front of vitale. I like to get to that 10-12' depth

That is the problem I was referring to. Not a major problem, and it was temporarily addressed by adding the low power setting. The gain was not adjustable to a low enough output and was having difficulty translating the returns from the transducer when being used in shallow, weedy cover. I read ALOT of reviews on marcum and vex flashers before purchasing my marcum. Three things ultimately influenced my decision. At the time, when fished side by side, the higher power of the Marcum did not have interference from the vexilar because of the Marcums higher output and returns. (Most of my friends have vexilars) The gain had enough range to adjust low enough in weedy situations without needing a low power mode. And the ability to adjust the zoom anywhere in the water column. I believe Vexilars newest units have adjusted with the marcum technology so they are pretty much the same now.

It is the higher power for better target separation. Your vex has a low power because they have had issues with transducer to head unit signaling. The Fl-22 came out in response to Marcums superior resolution and target separation. It has similar power to the Marcums and supposedly 1/16" separation.

The flashers should be fine. The newer, high end Marcums have LCD but are flashers and really meant for ice, not a fish finder with an ice ducer. That said, I have no experience with them so I really can't say anything good or bad. I ice fish a lot every yr (self employed contractor) so I have $1500 or more invested in my gear. If u only go a few times a yr, don't overspend. Get something used, learn how to read it (comes with experience) then if u want to upgrade, hand it down to your kids or something.

They are not species specific. Higher power (watts) usually means better target separation or ability to use in weeds. That Genz pack would work fine for u and save $100 or more

One issue u might run into with a fish finder instead of flasher is the LCD display might not work properly in extreme cold. I get the dual purpose, more bang for your buck thinking but I don't know anybody that uses anything other than flashers. I saw a vexilar Genz pack someone just listed in the classifieds for $225. Might be able to get it for $200.

For the $$ u can't beat the Marcums. I have an LX3-TC. Zoom anywhere in the water column which helps for suspended fish and the soft case is standards. I have many friends with vexilars and they are just as nice too but only zoom on bottom. Can't say I've ever seen a humminbird in action besides my first one, a hand me down from the 80's. No experience with Lowrance ice machines either. Bottom line is if u want to be a better ice fisherman, u need a flasher.

Rick, Tell him I said hi and to keep his phone out of the water. Lol. I wish I lived closer to Oneida. My buddies pulled over 100 eyes one day last yr.

I had fun even though I tanked so bad in the playoffs. I'm in for next yr

Always wanted to go to Quinte. Looks like u had a great time. We always make a trip or two each yr to Black Lake and pound the crappie. My friends do well on Oneida. I think u know Roy, he's always catching somewhere

Get a Frabill. They are built better than the clams. I've owned clams in the past and it seems everything they make feels cheap. I fish out of a Trekker II DLX. I have a TON of gear and spend days on the ice in a row. It's nice to have extra room and ability to fish 3 rods inside. Plus if I bring my son (he's 13) or a buddy, we can fit inside on bad weather days.

Where are u located Justin?