FL-18 Summer time use

[TC123]

I've seen some posts in here about using an FL-18 in the summer, but I would like some more information on it.

I bought an FL-18 this year and loved it for ice fishing, I'm wondering how many people use it for jigging on open water out of the boat.

1) what transducer do you use (I assume the 19 degree)

2) what method of mounting to you use

3) has anybody tried to use the ice fishing float and leave the unit on a genz box for a portable system?

[dwag70]

Quote:

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I've seen some posts in here about using an FL-18 in

the summer, but I would like some more information on it.

I bought an FL-18 this year and loved it for ice fishing, I'm wondering how many people use it for jigging on open water out of the boat.

1) what transducer do you use (I assume the 19 degree)

2) what method of mounting to you use

3) has anybody tried to use the ice fishing float and leave the unit on a genz box for a portable system?

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I use my all the time ! I love it for open water too

Bought a puck transducer (trolling motor mount) work great !

I leave my in the ICE fishing box it came with so that I can remove it from the boat when not fishing. I use the vex battery and all I did was drill two holes in the ice box and two holes on the boat. I use screws from a car that hold the licences plates on because they have big threads and a nice flat top !

I dont really use it for jgging but it is great for finding depth and once drifting or anchored you can spot fish. I do get interference from the trolling motor when running it at high speeds ..!

[katoguy]

I've seen puck transducers and iceducers used. Vex also markets an alumaducer for shooting thru-hull. The ice float won't work well if you are trolling due to blow back.

I use a Minn Kota Universal Sonar motor that has a built in transducer.

[LocalGuide]

I use mine in the summer time all the time.

I have it mounted on the front of the boat on a johnny ray mount. I have used it up there for 2 years now and love it. The only thing is that the screen has gotten faded a bit from the weather but nothing major. I noticed that it was a bit duller in brightness since my cousin has a one year old vex that he only uses in the winter.

Mine is also connected to a universal sonar on the minn kota. Everyonce in a while I get a little interference from the trolling motor at high speeds but normally I dont.

I use my vex and x-87 on the boat and I like the set-up. You sure get the $400 out of what you spent on it this way!

[TC123]

my problem is that I fish out of my dad's boat who already has a trolling motor mounted depth finder up front and a transom mount finder in back. I don't really have anywhere left to put it. I was thinking about using the float when we are stopped. Do I need the 19 degree or will the 12 work good enough? I also can't use the mount to the inside of the boat due to have carpet and the wood floor.

Any other help or ideas?

[BLACKJACK]

I bought the hi-speed transducer kit and mounted it on the back of the boat, and to be honest, I haven't been very happy with it. If I'm moving at all, it just doesn't work, too much interference. I was hoping to use my Vex to confirm that the 'little fish' that come across the display of my Eagle really are fish. Guess I need to call Vexilar support.

[leechlake]

I had the same experience blackjack had, a ton of interference when I mounted it on the transom with suction cup thing. Also, the suction cups don't hold the "board" tight to the transom so water shoots up and some comes back into the boat, eventually if you're going fast enough the pressure builds up and the thing falls off. I'm sure if I spent some time I could get it right but I just use my big boat that has all the bells and whistles and shelve the vex for open water.

[EBass]

My 18 ducer is mounted on the back and has been there for 3 years. The only complaint I have is on lakes when on plane it didn't pick up the bottom. In the rivers it did. It could be how I have it placed.

I bought a Minnkota Maxxum with universal sonar and guess what's going on that. That's right, the trusty FL18. I'm going to get a color Lorwance for my transom.

Any ways, so you have no place to put it. Well that kinda puts a damper on things. I'm sure you could use the float and hang it over the side. But why? You should be talking him into having a ducer installed so you can use it and so could he.

The shoot through hull aluma ducer is 120.

[TC123]

thanks for the replies guys. I primarily want it for vertical jig fishing right off the boat - not for reading depths while moving (we have other electronics for that). I finally got around to going up to thorne brothers and talking to Pat about it. He said the float with 12 degree will work just fine while stationary - bascially just like ice fishing.

[RJ]

I have two boats. Seldom do I fish off the Pontoon, but if I do, I use the Vex. Ice-Ducer and all. Just toss it over the side. It works great. I haven't yet, but it would also work well in a canoe. Gravity keeps the 'ducer pointed straight down. It's just like in the Winter - shallow water, I use the 19 degree. If in deep water, I go back to the twelve.