A recent trend amongst anglers is using portable ice bundles for open-water fishing. Fish-finding electronics manufacturers have made it easier than ever to bring high-end technology anywhere you go, which comes with a list of great benefits. Jason Mitchell is one such angler who uses portable fish finders year-round, and he lays out some compelling reasons why.
These electronics bundles are for more than just a single season. They double as ice fishing units and portable open-water fish finders, ready to be attached to any watercraft. Mitchell highlights the advantage of having one of these as a co-angler in a tournament. It ensures you’re not left blind when all the forward-facing sonar action takes place on the bow, adding a layer of adaptability to your fishing.
Being portable doesn’t mean you’ll lack power, either. Many lithium batteries, such as the Norsk Lithium 50ah, offer long-lasting power in a small footprint, making your portable fish-finding set-up lighter with a longer life span on the water.
To make your ice bundle even more universal, there are several options for mounting brackets. Mitchell uses a Brew City mount with a downrigger plate, which attaches to the rail system on Crestliner and Lund boats. Even if your boat doesn’t have this mounting system, many vice clamps work to secure the pole to any gunnel or surface.
One of the most invaluable aspects of these units is their use in remote fishing settings, such as a fly-in camp or deep woods adventure. While sophisticated electronics may not always be necessary for catching fish in these locations, knowing the depth, water temperature, and underwater structure can significantly enhance your fishing experience. Mitchell points out that the most significant value of these units in remote areas is their use in mapping. Laying a waypoint and track ensures you can navigate back to camp safely, even in a maze of islands, points, and lower unit chewing rocks, instilling a sense of security and confidence in your fishing expedition.
