Hand Held Depth Finders

powderburns · 01-28-2004, 09:21 AM

Does anyone use one of these units. These are the ones shaped like a flashlight. Are they accurate + reliable? How long does a battery last? How much ice will they work thru? Names of different makes? Where bought? Float? More so interested in depth than as a fish finder.

NY Bowhunter · 01-28-2004, 02:44 PM

I tried one years ago when I used to paddle my canoe about a mile down the lake to bass fish and didn't have a depth finder. The only question I can answer of yours is No they do not float. At least mind didn't. I couldn't stand the thing and sent it to the bottom of the lake. Funny thing is I was in approximately 20 -25 feet of water and it was reading 782 or something like that. lol

PAHUNTER21 · 01-29-2004, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Does anyone use one of these units.

I just take a leak over the side of the boat. I'm able to tell how deep the water is (accuratly), up to 20ft. I'm also able to estimate the water temperature within 1 or 2 degrees, and I'm also able to roughly guess the PH level, however I'm still working on honing that skill.

Warning - Do not use this method when ice fishing. You may lose a limb to frost bite.

powderburns · 01-29-2004, 10:38 AM

PAhunter21--I think you got your reply under the wrong topic, shouldn't it be under OFF SEASON?

jerseyhunter · 01-29-2004, 11:32 AM

Yea Pa, that water's cold, deep too.

In answer to the question with a question, why don't you try the humminbird smart cast unit? You don't have to cast it if you don't want . Just lower in to the hole and let it float on top. Tie it off to something so the current doesn't carry it away. Very portable. I use one in my kayak, saltwater fishing.

PAHUNTER21 · 01-30-2004, 09:40 PM

powderburns... i was just jokin around with ya.

jersey, has a good suggestion. From what I hear, those humminbird ones are pretty handy.

powderburns · 01-31-2004, 08:02 AM

PA21-- I know. The Hummingbird models arn't the ones I'm interested in tho. Don't get me wrong, I've owned HB's in the past, but there just not what I'm looking for.

powderburns · 01-31-2004, 08:05 AM

I'd be afraid of a pike coming along + eating the transducer.

jerseyhunter · 02-01-2004, 06:30 AM

powderburns; I just saw an add of the one you were talking about. It says it will read the depth through the Ice. Therefore you should be able to stand it up a little ways down current on the ice and be able to detect any fish. Also for the price they're asking, if it don't work the way you expect, just kick it in the Ice hole.

powderburns · 02-01-2004, 08:04 AM

jerseyhunter: do you have the ad or address of that sonar? Make + model? price?