I Know its a little early, but im looking at flashers...

[carsonc1974]

Im starting my research for ice flashers for this winters ice fishing. Im seriously considering the showdown 5.6. Does anybody have personal expiriance with one of these?

Im also on a pretty tight budget, so im also considering going used. are there any machines i should stay away from for sure?
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[RockyRaab]

Well, those $49.95 jobs from Harbor Freight aren't stellar...

As I reported earlier, I just had my Marcum ShowdownTroller upgraded to the 2.0 variant. I've seen the original one on sale at Marcum for $135, and elsewhere for even less. One of those and the $50 upgrade ($55.85 with shipping) is a very good deal indeed.

I got mine complete with the carrier bag and battery upgrade on that "bay" site for under $200.
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[RockyRaab]

Here ya go...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Marcum-Showdown-...3f3c4e0b68
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[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]I've been a satisfied user of the 5.6 with dual beam for 3 years. Love the vertical column display, zoom and the ability to "shoot through ice" to save time in checking out depths...and fish presence.

I know several other folks who love them but there will always be those who like to watch the flashing colored lights. The main thing is to find something that suits your style of fishing and meets your personal expectations.
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[jjannie]

TD - we recently acquired a 5.6 Dual Beam and are excited to use it this coming season. Previously, we used the Lowrance from our boat since we can also use it in flasher mode. If we set up the 5.6 in a center hole, with fishing holes about 1-2 ft out on either side, will the 5.6 pick up both of our baits on the screen at the same time?
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[TubeDude]

[#0000FF]That depends on which beam you are using and how deep you are fishing. The narrow angle beam (20 degree) has a "footprint" about one third the depth. So you will be covering only 5 feet in 15 feet of water. But the wide beam more than doubles that. That is the big advantage. You can toggle back and forth to get the best reading for the depth you are fishing and how close your rods are together.

A lot of winter perch fishing is in water over 30 feet deep. I have had the Showdown in the middle, between my two rods...6-8 feet apart...and have been able to read both jigs just fine in that depth.

I suggest you spend some time with the manual and playing with the unit on demo mode. It is fairly simple but once you master the little things you will get a lot more good use from it.

Oh yeah, you also need to teach Annie to watch for fish blips coming through at mid depth. Unlike an LCD unit it does not keep a record of what has already happened. If something is on the screen, it is right now. Once it disappears it is gone. But being able to reel your jigs up to a mid-depth cruiser will put more fish on the ice.
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[jjannie]

Appreciate the info.

We have done some reading and plan to get some hands-on practicing even before the ice gets here. A trip to Fish Lake this week ought to provide us ample practice opportunities.

[laugh]Annie, while she is an awesome and smart good-luck charm of a dog, just not sure about her being a fish finder monitor. She enjoys being with us whether it is out on ice or in the boat![laugh]
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[Flyfishinglover]

Showdowns are small but great. If you get one get the upgrade package. They are on great deal this year comparing to last year. Get one before they sell out

http://www.rapala.com/marcum/fish-finders-sonar/?id=10
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