ice fishing with out electronics

[iceniowa]

i still use lake maps to pinpoint where i want to fish

[blackdog1101]

I went out recently and learned while out on the ice that my transducer was bad. I was in an area that I fish often enough, so I fished blind and still caught fish. I just had to experiment a bit to find the right depth. I wouldn't want to fish without a flasher in an unfamiliar area though.

[Knoc]

In the summer I rarely use any electronics. The winter time, My dad has had a Vex since I was a kid but never was interested in it until maybe 7 or 8 years ago. I ice fish with electronics but its more of a cure the curiosity for me than a tool I think. Id have no probs leaving it at home.

[randallt]

I didn't think I would ever fish without electronics - UNTIL my two kids started to fish with me. They now get the two units I own and Dad get to fish blind. Wouldn't trade though - a day on the ice with my kids and seeing them catch some fish and get excited is priceless!

It's all about enjoying the outdoors!

[vman11]

If somebody asked me to come out ice fishing, but told me I couldn't bring my Vexilar, there's a 50-50 chance I'd choose to stay in bed. I love the outdoors as much as anybody and the experience that goes along with it as well, but I feel fishing is night and day different. When I go fishing I want to have fun, be outdoors, build friendships, and catch fish.

A very close second is my GPS. While it's not as critical, its pretty close.

Just like any new technology - once you've experienced it, it's hard to go back to the status quo. People don't elect to not run their central AC in July just because "I like to be hot when I try to sleep like the old days."

Can you live without the luxury? Sure. Does it increase your chances of catching fish you maybe wouldn't have caught otherwise? You bet.

[Esox_Magnum]

Last 3 trips out I have left the flashers home, sight fishings a blast....

[mabr]

Mille Lacs 6 years ago, Transducer went out on me on the ice. I LEFT!!!!! I will not walleye fish without it period! In a houe using bobbers sure, but not hole hopping.

I now carry a spare just in case, its that important.

[Cyberfish]

All of the teams competing in the world ice fishing championships do not use electronics, or power augers, or vehicles of any kind. they are all against competition rules!

[griff321]

All of the teams competing in the world ice fishing championships do not use electronics, or power augers, or vehicles of any kind. they are all against competition rules!

That contest just seems weird like a guy just got a few buddies and then started looking around the world for other groups of buddies to fish against so he could call it "the world championship"

Sorry to hijack, but I was watching a show of it and the guys would always half drill their hand augers into the ice after drilling their holes, what's the purpose of this?

[Stick in Mud]

Yeah, I more or less don't fish anymore unless I have the flasher. I'll sit in a permanent and put the rattle reels down while I read a book, but that's about it. I'm like the previous fella...if I don't have a flasher or it stops working when I'm out there, I either don't go or I go home. Kinda sad to admit, frankly, but there are other things I'd rather do than jig in a hole without knowing what's going on down there.

[leakywaders]

I don't own one, but when I fish with friends, someone usually has one that we use. When there is one around, I get to fish with it a little...not a very appealing way to fish for me. I'd rather stare at a bobber than at an electronic device.

I also have a distaste for gas augers...

[Ringtailhunter]

I've put mine away because my boy 10 was getting to used to it. I made the decision to teach him like my Grandpa taught me. I think there is something to that. I remember him taking me Crappie fishing, we stood on the ice after walking through woods and across the lake watching him taking notice of land marks, he looked at his watch and said to be ready...it was one right after the next till we got our limits. He did this even though he had not fished that spot for 40 years. I was 10 at the time and that is how hero's are made.

[mncountryboy92]

i dont i didn't for 12 years im now 19 and finally gettin one dont need it that much but will be nice to have it since it's pain some time for depth and where the fish are and what there doin i limit out pretty often with out one so just another tool to the tool box plus i mostly didn't wait one since it's no point in having one unless u knwo the maps and how to read a lake and the shoreline and take notice to hwo the lake is formed

[hookncook]

few weeks ago, I was setting up at a local hot spot. Guy comes down and sets his gear out about 20 yards from me. A few minutes later, I hear "SON OF A B1TCH"!

I'm a friend of that statement, I've said it too many times. I look up and said "you okay there buddy?" He replies "I forgot my flasher on the charger at home. You mind watching my Sh1t while I run home and get it."

no problem man... been there too many times before.

About a half hour guy shows back up, flasher in hand.

Don't say you would have done differently.

When I'm fishing with a newbie I'll set up my flasher so they can use it, I use the Marcum Showdown 5.6 and explain to my guest that it's a matter of lining up the dots. For me, I can read how deep the fish are running and fish at least half way blind. When I'm by myself, the flasher doesn't leave my side

[Grum]

I still have my first depth finder, it's a weight tied to a kite string w/ marks every foot wrapped around a stick. A few years back a friend showed up with a Vex and that was when the trouble began. Next season I had my Genz Pack, it's with me all year. Works as well going from the ice to the canoe to the rowboat. I guess the only time it doesn't come with is shore fishing, but if I could figure out a way... well, maybe I should take up fly fishing to wean myself off a little more.