Garmin's Panoptix Ice Bundle is Truly a Game Changer
I’ve used Panoptix Livescope in open water applications and it’s amazing. And so I knew this technology was incredible, but after using it on my first three ice fishing outings this winter, I’m blown away by this unit.
The way I would describe Panoptix Livescope is like this: it’s a real time image that reminds be of a cross between an ultrasound image, traditional sonar, and an underwater camera with a cone angle that covers a tremendous amount of water. When I’m fishing in 12 feet of water, I can see 8-10 feet out to the right and left of the hole I’m fishing in.
The advantages are many: I could see fish scream in from 8 feet away and pulverize my jigging spoon. This tool teaches me more about the attitude of the fish than any other electronics I’ve used. It also gives clarity about the size of the fish - which helped me to discern whether it was small perch or walleyes that came onto the screen. I also got to see how far my thin metal spoon slides out to the side of the cone and how I could fish it all the way back to vertical.
The unit was super easy to use. I opened the box, put it together (took a few minutes to assemble), turned it on and boom - I started to reap the benefits of the best electronics ever made.
Here are a couple things to consider with this unit:
Turn the screen backlight down to 60% to conserve battery.
Upgrade your battery from the stock battery to a Li Ion battery. My suggest after doing a bunch of research is to by Amped Outdoors and is made for the Garmin Panoptix. Check out their stuff here. Right now they are running a sale for $119!
Think about buying a unit that could work both for open and hard water seasons. I bought the Echomap Plus 93sv which will make a great kayak unit as well.
One other thought is to spend the $15 and get a cover for your Echomap Plus 93sv.
Can’t wait to get out on the ice again with this unit!