The Best Ice Fishing Sonar For UNDER $200?

Could this be the best budget option in ice fishing electronics? In this video Sam and I review the Garmin Strike Plus 4. For under $200 CDN it seems to be pretty impressive, but how does it perform on the ice? From building a portable kit to catching some fish with it, we put it through the paces. Hope you enjoy!
PRINCESS AUTO: bit.ly/3axb8yT
SAM (My Wife): / samwallinn
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Jay Siemens
PO Box 637
Kenora, Ontario
P9N3X6
ICE SAFETY: bit.ly/3kK264j
COMPLETE GUIDE TO ICE FISHING (10 Part Series): bit.ly/3f4Yzwz
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Header (Mr. Heater - Buddy Flex Heater/Cooker):
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Yeti GO-BOX: amzn.to/2KewDec
Livescope (Garmin Echo Map 106sv + Livescope module/transducer): amzn.to/369fGJw
Livescope Ice Case/Accessories (Summit Fishing Equipment): bit.ly/3mZCH8k
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[@danielaskegaard8292]

Out of nowhere..."what hurts the most...was being so close" had me rolling lol!

[@zwiggles6908]

This ^ wins

[@JaySiemens]

She's a gem.

[@dpaulsen1]

In general, the TI units are faster in response to inputs. This is seen when quickly switching between sonar, downscan, chart, and split screens kzbin.infoUgkxeAxH15LxhjGlg5-CRYqjTGTEH0tbY4vk recommend The Hook units will show some lag on button pushes and screen switching. The big ticket item though is maps. If you install a mapping card such as Navionics or the free C-Map Genesis which has a lot of map detail, then moving around the map with the cursor or when running down the lake can lag significantly on the Hook units, but is seamless with the TI units.

[@karlhass9350]

TI units?

[@BrandonMcCrackan]

In the settings the live side bar is called A-Scope. Should be in the settings. Also turn up the speed to ultra. Helps a lot. Turning on night mode and changing the color to darker saves the battery for days

[@jiggz28]

Is the A-scope only a feature for the plus model?

[@BrandonMcCrackan]

@@jiggz28 I don't believe so. I have the original striker 4

[@user-oz8oi1oy9m]

I have 4 plus and cannot find the a scope feature. can you assist please. @@BrandonMcCrackan

[@aaronkuecker9395]

Seeing Sam's excitement when she saw the first perch come up and hit her bait had me smiling! Such a fun feeling!

[@01KINGKENG]

When Sam starts to sing I was like game over lol. Such a heart breaker

[@JaySiemens]

Voice of an angel

[@brandijones201]

Any video with Sam, I’m watching. Actually I’d love to see her with a channel, Sam’s kitchen and fishing!!

[@NateUpNorth]

Thanks for making the vid I was waiting for needed a bigger platform really getting into the striker

[@jeffdicks]

Before upgrading to my 75sv this year, I used a Striker4 (just the regular one, not the Plus) with the portable kit on my boat, on the ice and on my kayak. It worked really well in all three applications. Garmin, in my opinion, make the best units on the market today, specially ones like the Striker4 that just have so much value for money. Great video, it's nice to see the SamCam in action again!

[@JaySiemens]

Thanks for the input! And for watching!

[@shoenee_1039]

Love it, your trying to explain the options and Sam looks at the camera like give me the pole I want to fish... 😆

[@eganteichroew3042]

Hey Jay congrats almost 80k!! That amazing how far you've gone just since last summer almost 40k keep up the amazing content!!

[@JaySiemens]

Thanks for supporting this wild ride!!!

[@EmPiiReKiiLLeR]

hahaha gotta love when Sam cheers ya up. keep up the sweet vids jay!

[@JaySiemens]

Thanks so much!

[@mtyhntr49]

Hey, Just know we really and throughly enjoy your videos. Happy New Years Sam and Jay. Be safe.

[@nathanphillips8081]

Got here right away. Always love these vids

[@anthonyricci1456]

Really appreciate you demonstrating a diy bundle for this unit, I'll be doing the same thing for this ice season!

[@allan9692]

Keep up the great videos! Legitly learn so much from them!

[@JaySiemens]

Thats great! Thank you!!

[@mikepfann6122]

Thank you for the video and making my Sunday morning much more enjoyable!

[@JaySiemens]

Thank you so much for watching!

[@jarretmcclay9411]

You guys rock! Love your vids and helpful tips and reviews. Thanks again. ✌️

[@JaySiemens]

Thanks for watching!

[@bryanreynolds9596]

Thanks for the tips! I’ve been using the Striker 4 for 2 years now and learned a few things myself. Love the channel. Jealous of your adventures!

[@JaySiemens]

Great to hear!

[@fishintime4547]

WOW! Almost 80K subs??? I knew it was coming, from the editing quality to the tips and tricks you give, your videos are by far (in my opinion) the best fishing videos on the internet! Keep up the great work and 100K will come in no time!

[@egoowen6105]

I agree

[@firecaptaintom1977]

The "Sam Cam" is responsible for at least 18K subs also.😃

[@JaySiemens]

I really appreciate the kind words. Thank you so much for watching!

[@Josekeomany]

Video quality is amazing jay keep it up almost 100k.

[@JaySiemens]

Working on it! Thank you!

[@grizz184]

Another great video! Striker 4 plus is a great starter unit!! Love my Striker ice bundle! Love your videos buddy! Definitely the most professionally done fishing vids on the net!

[@JaySiemens]

I appreciate that! Thank you!!

[@clydeshope6942]

Love the tips that you give they help me ice fishing a little bit better thanks for the tips

[@adamhaggard602]

Went ice fishing for the first time because of you and it was awesome!!! Keep it up!

[@JaySiemens]

So good!

[@bolognabowl]

This is how I need to get mine up!!! Thanks Jay!!!!

[@richardkowalke4979]

Great video !! I bought this unit last year, overall a great unit!!

[@travelers1]

Appreciate the demonstration, I probably will set one up exactly as you did here, I will compare the bag setup but I like things practical like what you've done here.

[@shanestoffel1931]

Hi Jay love all your fishing videos. I bought the striker 4 ice fishing combo 1 year ago,can't say enough good things about it. Keep up the great work.

[@JaySiemens]

Great to hear! Thanks!

[@dalbert4991]

As always, great content, great video. Thanks!

[@JaySiemens]

Thank you!

[@matttig]

Great info! I might have to try that setup with my striker4. Thanks and keep up the great work.

[@JaySiemens]

Thanks for watching!

[@heartproblems2727]

Just bought a striker 4 and I am going to use your design. Thank you for the info and looks like you had a great day on the ice. Keep the videos coming

[@JaySiemens]

Thanks so much!

[@mattewsmith6747]

Love the video, definitely gonna get one.

[@tdrummer444]

Literally the best for the money! Got two buddies into ice fishing this year and they love it so far.

[@JaySiemens]

Awesome!

[@HuyFishin]

well done. Love the DIY!

[@tomdombrovski2782]

Such a good video all around! Great job!

[@JaySiemens]

Thank you!!

[@FreakofNature1]

Great DYI, And great singing Sam! Always hurts to loose a nice fish!

[@johnboticki9154]

Got mine two weeks ago. Love it. I got the plus 4 ice kit for 250.

[@bolognabowl]

Striker 4cv is what I have, for ice and open water. Easy to make portable. Plus, it's a GPS AND maps your lakes!!!! Congrats on the milestone Jay. Cheers!

[@JaySiemens]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jacksilgen1561]

Jay, love the channel and especially the teaching side of it! I would love to hear you talk a bit about the line you typically use. When to use braid with a mono leader, when to use all mono, what pound, etc. Thanks!

[@whousley]

Great tips! I've been using one of those mounted on the top of a small toolbox for two years now. Paid $90 U.S. for it. I bashed a small hole in the top of the toolbox to run the wires through. Mine's rigged even more hoky than Jay's. I ran the transducer wire through the mount so that I can just hang it by the wire. I have a zip tie running through the bolt hole between the mount and the transducer instead of a bolt and I just level the transducer by adjusting its angle on the mount. In the spring I zip tie the mount onto a broom handle that I clamp to the side of the boat. I use my Garmin Inreach and Earthmate for my mapping...so I don't miss it in the Striker 4.

[@jusscootrr]

Hey bill, which model did u get? there’s 3 or 4 now

[@timothywright1318]

I have this fish finder and it’s by far the best bang for your buck! I use it in the summer on my tinny and now in the winter for ice fishing. You can’t go wrong with it.

[@ejhuntersprings7395]

I just purchased all these material thank you for sharing a reasonable unit and showing it works.

[@JaySiemens]

Glad I could help!

[@TimeOnTheLake]

Best budget sonar for sure! I bought one 2 years ago since then I’ve had 5 of my friends get the same one. Perfect for weekend warriors. Awesome transducer rig, sent it to my buddies as some of them don’t have the iceducer

[@forfrigsakes3330]

I made the same type of rig but a lot smaller with 2 pieces of hockey sticks.

[@TimeOnTheLake]

@@forfrigsakes3330 1/5 of my buddies used the old hockey sticks and some duct tape! Works great 👍🏼

[@brose3975]

does the homemade setup have any major downfalls instead of the iceducer?

[@forfrigsakes3330]

@@brose3975 I don't know, I've never used the ice transducer, it works good enough that I don't think I have to. It's just a "T" frame held together with a bolt and wingnut, in the summer I undo the wingnut and add on another piece I made to grip my canoe side. so it works all year long just fine for me. honestly I couldn't be happier with the unit or my homemade rig, I live up in northern ontario so all I fish is smallish backcountry lakes. The unit itself I mounted to a milk crate and I run it off a drill battery, I use the milk crate to hold stuff like spools of line and my tackle and snacks and it even holds my gas augerhead ontop for when I pack it into my sled, and in the summer it holds a deep cycle battery for a trolling motor . I mean I could make a little box like jay has but I'd still carry a milk crate for my augerhead and to pack small stuff in my sled anyways, heck the little box would probably end up in the milk crate

[@TimeOnTheLake]

@@brose3975 honestly don’t think so but maybe I’ll do a comparison next time on the water and let you know! Might I’ll even make a video

[@spendlessrecipe2022]

Like the reviews, useful in selecting one soon, thank you for sharing, New viewer from Canada

[@JaySiemens]

Thanks for being here!

[@jeronair]

Thanks so much for the transducer mod tip!

[@Lotro123]

Awesome video, I wish I had seen it before I shelled out $240 for the Striker portable bundle and another $120 for the ice fishing transducer like a dummy! Loved the DIY kit portion too, so helpful. I also really appreciated the tip on Dakota Batteries, weight and battery life matters for a lot of my fishing missions, so I’ll be checking this out. Thanks so much.

[@michaeldrobot2636]

Thanks for the tips I have a striker 4 plus, love it. I made the support as soon as I finished watching it.

[@JaySiemens]

Great to hear!

[@user-ok2vl1yo5s]

I really like these vids where you share tips at the gear shed

[@leeroy3375]

Great video guys! I was wondering about this

[@JaySiemens]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@louisnault7333]

I’ve been waiting for a decent video of striker 4 performance - thanks!! Getting one for the canoe likely - would be awesome to see a summer video setting one up for open water. Cheers

[@alexyoung4689]

Jay, another Excellent videos as always!This is awesome way to start with electronics. I'm on my second season with my striker 4 portable and I'm at the point now I'd rather fish with out a hook then with out my fish finder. Excellent beginner unit, but I see myself upgrading in the future.

[@alexyoung4689]

If it's possible Jay I'd love to see a comparison between the aqua view micro stealth and the new Marcum recon 5.

[@thomaslawrence3232]

Thanks for teaching me the word janky. I also appreciate the boat transducer use. I just about melted down when I realized the package I bought didn't come with an ice transducer (days before going out on the ice). You gave me hope.

[@canucklehead0]

Another outstanding video!!! Very informative, and a well designed little unit that you cleverly packaged into a protected, take anywhere and run all weekend system. The only downside to this that I can see is trying to convince Samantha that we NEED a musical segment in the episodes from now on!!! Looking forward to the next video, take care and be safe!!!

[@JaySiemens]

Usually I can't get her to stop singing so this could be an easy request.

[@canucklehead0]

@@JaySiemens Make it so!!!

[@cameronskinner6197]

Nice work... I have a very similar setup (Lowrance 4X chirp) with an open water transducer. I made my transducer arm out of ABS water pipe with a PVC screw-in fitting for the transducer. Works the charm, easy to assemble no complaints. I usually drill a separate hole for the transducer in-between two holes for fishing. Nothing beats tangling a fish up in the transducer and popping it off....

[@JaySiemens]

Definitely! Thanks for the input!

[@ejhuntersprings7395]

This works great bought this and created the set up but use some different materials. Took he kids out today to try it we had a blast. Thank you for sharing this inventive and inexpensive way.

[@JaySiemens]

We were really impressed with it too! Thanks for watching!

[@mattokeefe691]

Awesome setup for us budget conscious. Thanks so much

[@JaySiemens]

It's a great option!

[@redsox63]

I use the same exact finder on my little 16 foot fishing boat for small lakes around me, I love it! Def thinking about buying another power cable and transducer to use ice fishing! Great video guys!

[@JaySiemens]

Thank you!!

[@konrads9276]

Nice review! Got mine last summer for canoe trips and converted for the ice this winter as a backup for the Helix. Super easy on the batteries! Love the song Sam’s singing. LOL! Burn!

[@JaySiemens]

Awesome! And yes. She's a gem.

[@chuckinclouds]

It is an awesome unit. I used to run a FL-8 but put it away ever since I got the Garmin. Its helped catch a bunch of fish for me and nice that I mark a honey hole when I find one.

[@JaySiemens]

Thats awesome!

[@TheFishingDoctorsAdventures]

Jay that was a great example of building your own portable ice sonar! I know a lot of guys out here in BC are using those Garmin Strykers since they are so affordable!

[@JaySiemens]

Its a great option!

[@bad2bone2051]

Great video! I have a Garmin Striker 4 for my Kayak, this video gives me what I need to to adapt for ice fishing!

[@JaySiemens]

Glad I could help!

[@jasondoerksen5158]

I bought that unit this winter. I love it! So cheap and perfect for people that don't have a big budget for the higher priced units

[@JaySiemens]

I totally agree! A great option!

[@richardgallant6175]

Super informational about the striker Jay and Sam🔥👍🔥. Great video as always keep it up. Also Jay, maybe next time sit back and let Sam catch the big ones🤣🤣

[@JaySiemens]

She's the pro!

[@christopherosmulski1033]

Jay this was a great video show casing the Stryker 4! As someone who sells this product I've always seen the value of it and your video made it that much more apparent!

[@JaySiemens]

Thats great! Thanks!

[@wynnedel8097]

Excellent video, I have the striker ice 5 as a second unit and only used flasher setting, I’m very new to this stuff..... thanks for sharing

[@JaySiemens]

Thanks for watching!

[@iammee1111]

I did something similar but am using my 20v dewalt batteries as a power source. Bought an adapter on the jungle site and a voltage regulator to step down to 12 volts. Works great! Adapters are also available for other power tool makes.

[@danjones1897]

I bought one of these for my boat in 2018 and I am super-impressed! It will even show the thermocline! Amazon's price is currently $105.21.

[@JaySiemens]

So good!

[@andrewcox1462]

Great video!! been on the fence for what unit to buy and you swayed me on the striker 4 plus!! got mine coming in tomorrow with the ice bundle kit with battery, bag, and ice ducer for only $249!! keep it up!

[@JaySiemens]

Awesome!

[@junenagel4899]

love your videos, class act and always professional

[@JaySiemens]

Much appreciated!

[@cjschultz90]

I use this setup currently and love it. I throw it on my kayak in the summertime and map places out with the built in auto mapping, and then I can use the maps I've built when I'm out ice fishing. Navionics is a great tool for getting to a location, and then your garmin for fine tuning where you want to plug your holes. I've found it's really nice to have it on a long pole, so I can walk around and probe holes I just drilled with the battery box in one hand and the transducer stick in the other. You can run it side by side with 77hz and 200hz to get rid of your deadzone on the bottom.

[@JaySiemens]

Good to know! Thank you!

[@savingtruckertom]

I bought a striker right before Christmas. Love it so far. Great weekend warrior only get out a few times a season unit.

[@JaySiemens]

Awesome!

[@jimnummerdor9687]

Nice unit and video. I have a Garmin echo 300c that I used for years before buying a marcum flasher. Same features as the Striker and works just as well. Close to the same price for those that like the Garmin brand.

[@Clintsilver94gt]

Great video as always Jay thanks!! I would suggest spraying “great stuff” expanding foam in the short T section. It will add floatation and dampen sound too

[@JaySiemens]

That’s a great idea!

[@brandonweimer8870]

Love your channel.. while waiting for ice season to begin in upstate New York me and my girlfriend found it hilarious that she shares the name with your girls name love the Sam cam and this is exactly how our ice fishing trips as well as open water goes although she doesn’t have the same knowledge I still get out fished stay safe on the water and tight lines!

[@mikekime6660]

Jay thanks for the video. I had this finder on my boat allready and never thought of doing this. I have been wanting a flasher for the step son for awhile now but didnt have the cash. This will help a bunch!!

[@JaySiemens]

Thats great to hear!

[@jcconcrete3018]

Very great and entertaining video! DIY Stryker 4 set up is clearly the way to go on a budget wow! Happy new subscriber

[@JaySiemens]

Thanks for following along! Glad you liked it!

[@blakecond6686]

I own the striker ice kit and I love the flasher mode on it the only small problem with it is the mapping on it, and congrats on almost 80k

[@rodmorris9690]

Awesome sauce... We love you guys

[@robgraham5016]

Thanks so much for reviewing the Striker 4. I was just awarded the complete kit from work, for 25th year anniversary! I've never had a fish finder, so maybe my luck will change now that I've got one!

[@JaySiemens]

Its a great rig! Best of luck!

[@debbiegrooman5800]

I lucked into mine and am so happy with it. I can sit there for hours now, marking, but not catching, fish, lol! I just got it, so excited to put it on my kayak and canoe.

[@JaySiemens]

Haha best of luck with the catching part!

[@ludovicbarbin95]

Thanks for all theses good advices!!!

[@JaySiemens]

Thanks for watching!!

[@nathaniellarson8]

I use one of those in A-scope mode through the ice. I put it on one of those blue Genz Pack carriers for a Vexilar and bought an iceducer for it. I like it a lot.

[@Vanzgardian1]

I have a Garmin Striker Vivid4 on my Jon boat and it’s absolutely amazing. I’m going to get the ice fishing kit for it and I will try your awesome battery setup. Thanks!

[@robertmaloney567]

Enjoyed your video ... might try the same build... thanks

[@moedog5087]

I love these. Have one for both my wife and I. I have a few friends that have strayed away from their Vexilars and gone with Striker 4 plus.

[@JaySiemens]

its a good one!

[@xxgg]

Great video. I have same unit, built on a small plastic ammo box using one of my 5Ah lithium drill battery as power source which last for well beyond a full day. As for "I don't understand how they did it for $170?". Its other way around, many "other" products are over priced in my true opinion. (especially when knowing cost for the middle man before distribution price) btw... that unit and your ring is a perfect match.

[@Mrodconstruction]

Great video as always.

[@JaySiemens]

Thank you!

[@joeyblanchard4024]

Ordered up some catch and cook for ourselves. Harvested a few bluegills and tried it out. Worked great, tastes great!! Thanks Jay!

[@JaySiemens]

So awesome! Thanks for the support!!!

[@pongratzt]

I use the Striker 4 plus. I purchased the dual beam ice transducer this year which allows for a split screen (flasher + traditional). Great video!

[@jasonderulo9577]

I also have the striker 4 but not the plus edition. May i ask how you can put the flasher and the traditional on the same screen?

[@pongratzt]

@@jasonderulo9577 if you purchase the Dual Beam-IF Ice transducer, you will see a new option for split screen.

[@adamk4537]

This was a great Video. I have the Garmin 4 on my boat. Why not use it all year! Thanks dude!

[@JaySiemens]

Thanks for watching!

[@JordanHoleInOneGTee]

I have a striker and I didn't know about the A-scope. Now I do. Thank you

[@JaySiemens]

Glad I could help!

[@gnutty9]

I’ve got the striker 4 with the GT8 ducer and I love it. The GT8 costs just as much as the bare unit, so it’s up there in price but the portability of it is nice and I’m not worried to much as I would be using my helix 7 bouncing around behind the snowmobile. Great work as usual jay!

[@JaySiemens]

Thanks for the input!!

[@martinlarkin9624]

Jay: Great video. By chance what size of pvc did you use to make the transducer arm unit?

[@c_games5665]

Got mine last year, I love it

[@JaySiemens]

So good!

[@cody24rommel]

I have the striker 4 and love it. I took 1” pvc pipe for transducer pole then 2” to sit on the ice. I drilled a 1” hole for the pvc pipe to go through and have quick adjustments for ice thickness

[@JaySiemens]

Cool!

[@darcywandy29]

Great content as always Jay. Love your area. So beautiful. Fished Eagle Lake by Vermillion Bay 4 years ago.

[@JaySiemens]

Its a nice place to be!

[@forfrigsakes3330]

Thats what I've been using for a few years, I mount it on a milk crate and use it ice fishing and in my canoe all summer. great little unit for sure.

[@JaySiemens]

Right on!

[@chrisshaw4003]

I like the way you did that with the summer transducer. I have a finder for smaller lakes that I’m gonna try this with.

[@JaySiemens]

Awesome!

[@bobalong1952]

Hi, found one at Cabelas. Bare unit $179 portable kit $229. I bought the kit. Only used it a couple of times, as its the end of ice fishing season but seems pretty good. Never used a flasher before but seems straight forward. I like idea of GPS too. Thanks for the tip. Love your work. Keep it up.

[@JaySiemens]

Thanks so much for watching! Best of luck!

[@shanekupilik3485]

Awesome video! Curious if you remember what size pipe you used?

[@rkwild6044]

Hey great video! What is the ION pack that you have your gopro plugged into?