Ice fishing is a whole different game compared to summer fishing. The gear you need changes, and so do your techniques. But what if you could use your regular kayak fish finder on the ice? It turns out, you can.

Many anglers don’t realize their kayak’s fish finder can pull double duty. With a few tweaks, that same device that helps you locate fish in open water can work just as well on frozen lakes. It’s like giving your trusty summer tool a winter jacket.

This DIY approach saves you money. Instead of buying a separate ice fishing sonar, you’re making the most of what you already own. Plus, you get to use a device you’re already familiar with. No need to learn a whole new system when you’re out in the cold.

Converting your fish finder for ice use is easier than you might think. It doesn’t require any special skills or complicated tools. Just a bit of creativity and some basic items you can easily find.

So, if you’re looking to up your ice fishing game without breaking the bank, this DIY solution might be just the ticket. It’s a smart way to bridge the gap between your summer and winter fishing adventures.

Why Convert Your Kayak Fish Finder For Ice Fishing

Turning your kayak’s fish finder into an ice fishing tool is a clever move. Here’s why:

First, it saves you money. Ice fishing sonars can be expensive. By using what you already have, you keep more cash in your pocket. You don’t need to buy a separate device just for winter fishing.

Second, you’re making the most of your gear. That fish finder doesn’t have to sit unused all winter. Instead, it becomes a year-round tool. It’s like getting two devices for the price of one.

Lastly, kayak fish finders often pack more features than basic ice fishing models. Things like GPS, detailed maps, and advanced sonar options can really boost your ice fishing success. You get to bring all these high-tech features out onto the frozen lake with you.

By converting your kayak fish finder, you’re getting a powerful ice fishing tool without the extra cost. It’s a practical way to extend your fishing season and improve your chances of landing fish, even when your kayak is stored away for winter.

Essential Equipment For The Conversion

To turn your kayak fish finder into an ice fishing tool, you’ll need a few key items. Let’s break them down:

Fish Finder Unit

Your existing fish finder is the heart of this setup. For example, the Humminbird Helix 7 works great for this conversion. But don’t worry if you have a different model. Many modern fish finders can work for ice fishing with the right setup.

Look for a unit that has:

• A clear, readable screen
• Ice fishing mode (if possible)
• GPS and mapping features (these are really helpful on the ice)

Ice Fishing Transducer

While you could use your regular transducer, a specialized ice fishing transducer works much better. Here’s why:

• It’s designed to shoot straight down through ice holes
• The cable is more flexible, which is crucial in cold weather
• It often comes with a float to keep it at the right depth

Make sure to get a transducer that’s compatible with your fish finder model.

Power Source

Your fish finder needs juice to run. For ice fishing, 12V batteries are the way to go. They’re portable and provide enough power for a day on the ice.

To figure out how long your battery will last:

1. Check how many amps your fish finder uses
2. Look at your battery’s amp-hour rating
3. Divide the battery’s amp-hours by the fish finder’s amp usage

This will give you a rough idea of your run time. It’s always a good idea to bring a spare battery, just in case.

Portable Carrying Case

For your DIY ice fishing setup, you need a sturdy, waterproof case. A plastic toolbox works great for this. Look for one that’s big enough to hold your fish finder, battery, and transducer, but small enough to carry easily on the ice.

When choosing your case, think about how you’ll mount the fish finder. Some anglers drill holes in the lid to bolt the unit down. Others use strong adhesive strips for a no-drill option. Make sure the case lets you access the battery and transducer easily, even with gloves on.

Step-By-Step Conversion Process

Converting your kayak fish finder for ice fishing is easier than you might think. Let’s break it down into manageable steps.

Preparing The Carrying Case

Start by laying out all your gear inside the case. Arrange everything so it fits snugly but is still easy to access. Mark where you’ll mount the fish finder on the lid. If you’re drilling holes, make sure they won’t interfere with any internal components.

Cut a small notch or drill a hole in the side of the case for your power and transducer cables. This lets you close the case fully while using the fish finder. A bit of weather stripping around these openings keeps water and snow out.

Mounting The Fish Finder

If you’re installing the fish finder on a kayak, drill your marked holes. Use short bolts with washers and lock nuts to secure the unit. For the adhesive method, clean both surfaces thoroughly before applying heavy-duty mounting tape or industrial-strength velcro.

Make sure the screen is angled for easy viewing when the case is on the ice. You might need to create a simple wedge to get the right angle.

Installing The Transducer

Most ice fishing transducers come with a float. If yours doesn’t, you can make one from foam pipe insulation. The transducer should hang straight down in your ice hole.

Coil the excess cable neatly in the case. Some anglers use a small spool or wrap it around a piece of foam to keep it tidy. Leave enough slack so you can easily drop the transducer in an ice hole.

Setting Up The Power System

Place your 12V battery in the bottom of the case. Secure it with foam blocks or straps so it doesn’t slide around. Connect your fish finder’s power cable to the battery. Many anglers add a simple on/off switch in this circuit for convenience.

If you’re using two batteries, consider adding a simple switch to change between them. This lets you quickly swap to your backup without opening the whole case in the cold.

Using Your DIY Ice Fishing Sonar

Once you’ve set up your converted fish finder, it’s time to put it to work on the ice. Here’s how to get the most out of your DIY ice fishing sonar for kayak.

Adjusting Settings For Ice Fishing

Start by switching your fish finder to ice fishing mode if it has one. This optimizes the display for vertical fishing. If your unit doesn’t have this mode, don’t worry. You can still adjust key settings manually.

Turn up the sensitivity. Ice and cold water can dampen sonar signals, so you might need more power to see clearly. Increase the ping speed or chart speed too. This gives you a more real-time view of what’s happening under the ice.

Zoom in on the bottom 5-10 feet of the water column. This is where most of the action happens in ice fishing. Adjust your depth range to focus on this zone.

Reading The Display On Ice

Your sonar screen shows you a slice of the water under your hole. The right side of the screen is what’s directly below you right now. The left side shows what just passed through.

Look for arches or lines moving up from the bottom. These are fish. Smaller, stationary marks near the bottom are usually plants or structures. Your fishing lure will appear as a straight line moving up and down.

Pay attention to how fish react to your lure. If they move towards it and then away, try changing your presentation. If they ignore it completely, you might need to try a different lure or spot.

Remember, reading ice fishing sonar takes practice. Don’t get discouraged if it’s confusing at first. The more you use it, the better you’ll get at interpreting what you see on your converted kayak fish finder.