The HawkEye Fishtrax 1C Fish Finder equips anglers with professional sonar capabilities in a compact, portable unit. Its standout HD Color Virtuview Display (2.75″ screen) delivers superior underwater clarity, revealing fish, structure, and contours with vivid detail.
The dual-frequency 83/200 kHz sonar and Fish Target technology enable precise fish targeting and depth tracking up to 240 feet. Designed for kayak fishing, ice fishing, and small kayaks, this portable fish finder features a waterproof build, suction-cup transducer mounting, and 30-hour battery life. Anglers gain reliable, on-the-water intelligence with the Fishtrax 1C.
Key Points of HawkEye Fishtrax 1C Fish Finder
- FishTrax intelligent sonar delivers precise fish finder readings up to 240 feet
- VirtuView HD color display with LED Backlight produces a glare-free view for excellent readability
- Sonar sensor is trollable, boat mountable, and floatable to achieve unmatched, go anywhere, portability
Specifications of HawkEye Fishtrax 1C Fish Finder
| Features | Specifications |
| Display | 2.75″ HD Color VirtuViewTFTN Resolution: 2″ H × 1.6″ W (50 × 40mm) Polarized anti-glare coating 3 background color schemes |
| Sonar Technology | FishTraxIntelligent Dual-Frequency Sonar Frequencies: 83 kHz (26° beam) / 200 kHz (14° beam) FishTargetfish icons/raw data toggle Auto-sensitivity (100-level adjustment) Max Depth: 240 ft (75m) |
| Operating Modes | 4× AAA batteries30+ hours runtime (lithium recommended), Low-voltage alarm No internal battery |
| Sensors | VariableZoneWater Temperature (0.1° precision) Ambient air temperature (transducer out of water) Bottom composition/structure analysis |
| Power | 4× AAA batteries30+ hours runtime (lithium recommended), Low-voltage alarm No internal battery |
| Physical Specs | Dimensions: 6″ H × 3″ W × 2″ D (153 × 77 × 51mm) Weight: 0.7 lbs (unit only) IPX7 waterproof rating Operating Temp: -18°C to 71°C (0°F to 160°F) |
| Mounting & Accessories | TraxNutsystem (1/4″-20 action camera mount compatible) Transducer: 15′ cable, floatable/trollable Suction cup mount (not included with base unit) |
| Warranty & Support | 2-year “You Break It, We Fix It” warranty USA-based design/support |
Features of the HawkEye Fishtrax 1C Fish Finder
Explore the underwater world with this intuitive device, designed for anglers seeking to enhance their fishing experience with reliable performance.
HD Color VirtuView Display
The Fishtrax 1C features a 2.75″ polarized TFTN color screen (2″ H × 1.6″ W) with anti-glare technology, delivering crisp underwater visuals even in direct sunlight. Its Virtu View technology offers three adjustable color palettes (blue, black, amber) to optimize visibility across lighting conditions. The high-definition display renders fish arches, bottom contours, and vegetation with exceptional clarity, eliminating the guesswork of monochrome displays.
Dual-Frequency Sonar with FishTarget™
Powered by 83/200 kHz dual-beam sonar, this unit covers wide and narrow scanning zones (26° and 14° beams) simultaneously. Fish Target technology auto-identifies fish and displays them as intuitive icons, while toggling to “Raw Sonar” mode reveals traditional arches for advanced interpretation. The system achieves 240-foot depth capability with 100-level auto-sensitivity adjustments for precise target separation in murky water or heavy cover.
Multi-Environment Mounting & Portability
Designed for on-the-go anglers, the Fishtrax 1C weighs 0.7 lbs and integrates a TraxNut mounting system (1/4″-20 thread) for kayak rails, ice sleds, or DIY setups. Its 15-foot transducer cable pairs with an optional suction cup (sold separately) for temporary hull mounting or float-trolling. The IPX7 waterproof rating ensures resilience against splashes, rain, and submersion up to 3 feet.
Extended Power & Efficiency
Operating on four AAA batteries, the unit delivers 30+ hours of runtime with lithium cells (recommended for cold weather). A low-voltage alarm alerts users before power depletion. Energy-saving features include a gray-scale display mode and an auto-sleep function. Unlike rechargeable competitors, battery swaps enable continuous use during multi-day trips.
Ice-Mode Digital Flasher
Switching to dedicated ice-fishing mode transforms the display into a real-time digital flasher. This vertical-scan view highlights suspended fish and baitfish movements with color-coded signals (red = strongest echoes). Paired with Variable Zone temperature sensors, it monitors water column dynamics below the ice hole down to 18°C (0°F).
Environmental Sensors & Data
Integrated Variable Zone sensors deliver precision water temperature readings (±0.1°F) to identify thermoclines and feeding zones. When lifted above water, the transducer reports ambient air temperature. Bottom composition analysis distinguishes hard rock, mud, and vegetation via echo-strength shading.
Kayak Bundle (1C-K) Add-Ons
The upgraded Fishtrax 1C-K bundle includes a kayak-specific transducer arm, rugged carrying case, and 12V power adapter. All core features remain identical to the base unit, but the added accessories streamline kayak/canoe installations.
Unboxing the HawkEye Fishtrax 1C Fish Finder: What’s Inside the Package?
Opening the HawkEye Fishtrax 1C box reveals a purpose-built kit for immediate use, though critical accessories require separate purchases. Below is a complete breakdown:
Display Unit
- The 2.75″ HD Color VirtuView display (6″ H × 3″ W × 2″ D) with a built-in TraxNut™ mounting thread (1/4″-20).
- Pre-installed 4× AAA batteries (alkaline, for initial setup).
Transducer with Float
- A dual-beam 83/200 kHz transducer is attached to a 15-foot cable.
- Includes a foam float collar for trolling or ice fishing deployments.
Essential Documentation
Quick-Start Guide: Simplified setup instructions for kayak/ice modes.
Warranty Card: HawkEye’s 2-year “You Break It, We Fix It” policy.
What’s Not Included?
- No transducer mount
- Portable storage case
- Transom mount for Kayaks
- Lithium batteries (use recommended)
Setup & Installation Guide for the HawkEye Fishtrax 1C Fish Finder
Tools Needed: Phillips screwdriver (for kayak bundle), water, cloth.
Phase 1: Pre-Installation Prep
Charge/Mount Batteries
Insert 4 AAA lithium batteries (recommended) into the display unit. Avoid alkalines for cold weather.
Attach Transducer Float
Slide the foam float collar onto the transducer cable. Position it 1–2 ft from the transducer.
Phase 2: Transducer Mounting
For Kayaks/Canoes (Suction Cup):
Clean Mounting Area
Wipe the hull with water/alcohol where the suction cup will attach.
Secure Suction Cup
Press the SC-1H suction cup firmly against the hull. Lock the lever.
Clip Transducer
Snap the transducer into the suction cup’s bracket. Face it downward.
For Ice Fishing:
Float Deployment
Lower the transducer into the ice hole. The float keeps it vertical.
Phase 3: Display Unit Setup
Mount the Display
Use the TraxNut™ thread (1/4″-20) to attach to:
Kayak rails (with RAM® ball mount)
DIY PVC arm (ice fishing)
Included handlebar clip (1C-K bundle)
Connect Cables
Plug the transducer into the display’s SONAR port.
Phase 4: Calibration & Testing
Power On
Press the red button. Avoid simulator mode.
Adjust Settings
Select FishTarget™ (icons) or Raw Sonar (arches).
Enable Auto Sensitivity.
Depth Calibration
Lower the transducer into water. The display auto-detects depth/temp.
Critical Installation Tips About HawkEye Fishtrax 1C
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Test in shallow water first to verify bottom tracking. | Don’t submerge the display unit (IPX7 = splash-proof only). |
| Secure cable slack with zip ties to prevent snags. | Never power on without a transducer connection. |
| Use lithium batteries below 40°F (0°C). | Don’t submerge display unit (IPX7 = splash-proof only). |
User Experience and Reviews About HawkEye Fishtrax 1C Fish Finder
| Positive Reviews | Negative Reviews |
| Reliable Sonar Performance: Users consistently report accurate fish detection and depth readings in lakes, rivers, and ice fishing scenarios. One angler noted it identified bass in submerged brush “as sharply as my Humminbird unit”. | Screen Size Limitations: The 2.75″ display (2″ H × 1.6″ W) is criticized for being “hard to read from a distance” and challenging for detailed interpretation, especially in bright sunlight. |
| Ice Fishing Validation: Minnesota ice anglers validated its digital flasher mode and cold-weather reliability: “Flasher screen works great; lithium batteries solved depth-jumping issues below 0°F”. | Mounting Frustrations: Multiple users highlighted the lack of included transducer mount as a critical flaw. One noted: “Should come with a transducer mount – had to buy the SC-1H suction cup separately”. |
| Precise Temperature Sensors: The VariableZone™ sensor received acclaim for ±0.1°F accuracy, helping locate thermoclines. A float-tube angler stated: “Dropping the transducer briefly gave me exact temp for trout zones”. | Oversimplified Fish Icons: Advanced users criticized FishTarget™ symbols for cluttering the display with false positives (e.g., “air bubbles register as fish”). Most disable this feature for raw sonar. |
| Cross-Platform Adaptability: The TraxNut™ system (1/4″-20 thread) allowed creative mounting on kayak rails, PVC ice sleds, and SUP boards. “Threaded it onto my action camera mount – works on any setup!”. | Depth Range Constraints: While marketed for 240 ft, users observed signal degradation beyond 120 ft, especially in murky water. “Struggled in deep reservoirs – upgraded to Garmin for 150+ ft”. |
Key Takeaways of HawkEye Fishtrax 1C Fish Finder
Who Should Buy the HawkEye Fishtrax 1C Fish Finder?
Kayak/Canoe Anglers: For its 0.7-lb portability, 30-hour battery, and suction-cup compatibility.
Ice Fishers: Leverages digital flasher mode and cold-weather resilience (with lithium batteries).
Minimalist Bank/Wade Fishers: Float-trolling from shore or tubes using the transducer foam collar.
Budget-Conscious Beginners: Sub-$200 cost with FishTarget™ icons for easy interpretation.
Who Should Avoid the HawkEye Fishtrax 1C Fish Finder?
Saltwater Anglers: Erratic readings in marine environments; not corrosion-resistant.
Tech-Heavy Users: No GPS, mapping, side-scan, or Bluetooth connectivity.
Deep-Water Anglers: Signal reliability drops beyond 120 ft; max depth 240 ft is theoretical.
Large Kayak Owners: 15’ transducer cable is too short for transom mounting.
Screen-Clarity Prioritizers: 2.75” display struggles in direct sun; no zoom functions.
FAQs About HawkEye Fishtrax 1C Fish Finder
Is the transducer suction cup mount included with the HawkEye Fishtrax 1C?
No, the HawkEye Fishtrax 1C base unit does not include a transducer mount. The suction cup mount (Model SC-1H) must be purchased separately. The kayak bundle (1C-K) includes a dedicated transducer arm and carrying case but costs significantly more. For DIY solutions, the transducer’s TraxNut system (1/4″-20 thread) supports action camera mounts.
What batteries does the HawkEye Fishtrax 1C use, and how long do they last?
The unit operates on 4 AAA batteries, with 30+ hours of runtime using lithium batteries (recommended for cold weather). Alkaline batteries underperform in temperatures below 40°F (4°C), often halving battery life or causing depth-reading glitches. A low-voltage alarm alerts users when power is critical. No rechargeable battery option exists, but lithium swaps enable multi-day trips.
Can the HawkEye Fishtrax 1C be used for ice fishing?
Yes, it includes a dedicated ice-mode digital flasher for real-time vertical scanning. Users confirm reliable performance down to -18°C (0°F) when paired with lithium batteries. The transducer’s foam float collar keeps it vertical in ice holes, and the IPX7 waterproof rating protects against snow/moisture. Note: Shooting through cloudy ice may fail due to trapped air bubbles.
What is the actual depth range of the HawkEye Fishtrax 1C in real-world use?
While marketed for 240 feet, real-world tests show reliable readings only up to 120 feet, especially in murky water or areas with heavy vegetation. Beyond 120 feet, signal degradation occurs, and the display may show “—” for unreadable depths. Dual-frequency sonar (83 kHz for depth/200 kHz for clarity) improves accuracy in shallower zones.
Does the HawkEye Fishtrax 1C work in saltwater?
No, it is not recommended for saltwater. Users report erratic depth readings and false fish indicators in marine environments due to sonar interference from salinity, waves, and debris. The transducer lacks corrosion-resistant coatings, and HawkEye’s warranty excludes saltwater damage. Stick to freshwater lakes, rivers, and ice fishing for optimal performance.
Recommended Accessories for HawkEye Fishtrax 1C Fish Finder
Maximize your HawkEye Fishtrax 1C’s versatility with key accessories. A suction cup mount provides easy boat or kayak attachment. For trolling motors, a dedicated transducer mount is essential. Consider a 12V power adapter for extended use, eliminating battery concerns. A durable carrying case protects your device during transport. For ice fishing, an IceShack soft case is ideal, and a lanyard offers hands-free portability.