Humminbird ICE-45 Ice Fishing Flasher

The Humminbird ICE 45 Flasher is almost identical to the ICE 55 model. However, it lacks a few features; for example, it only has a 3-color flasher, it lacks the extra two color palettes, and doesn’t have the target line feature. It also doesn’t include the soft-sided carrying case. But nonetheless, it still has the LCD center display and a better wattage than the ICE 35. It’s also one of the oldest ice fish finders from Humminbird but it still hasn’t been discontinued. For reference, this is the Humminbird part number 407030-1.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 3-color fiber optic, 526-segment, LCD Center for depth
• Sonar: DualBeam
• Transducer: XI 9 19
• Frequency & Coverage:
  240 kHz / 19°
  455 kHz / 9°
• Max. Depth: 200 ft. (61 m)
• Power Input: 10.8-20 VDC
• Power Draw: 250 mA
• Power Output: 225 Watts (RMS)
• GPS: No
• Charts: No

Sonar and transducer

Just as the other two standard Humminbird fish finders for ice fishing that we’ve already covered here, the ICE 45 includes the XI 9 19 ice transducer. This transducer is compatible with both frequencies supported by the unit. It can operate at 240 kHz and 455 kHz. It casts two conical beams which offer a coverage of 19° for 240 kHz, and 9° for 455 kHz. Evidently, since the unit doesn’t have DualBeam Plus sonar (just DualBeam), the system cannot use both beams simultaneously.

The transducer features 8′ (2.4 m) of cable. A stabilizing floater for it is also included. However, this transducer doesn’t have a water temperature sensor, and the unit cannot show water temperature.

The depth capability of the transducer is 200 ft (61 m), and the system should not have any problems detecting the bottom, fish or larger structure up to this depth. When it comes to tracking the jig, several anglers have reported that it may not be able to keep up with it at depths greater than 120 ft (36.5 m).

Control unit features

The Humminbird ICE 45 features a 3-color fiber-optic flasher display. It only uses the standard color palette, with red for the bottom, orange for fish or targets of medium intensity, and green for the jig, or targets of lower intensity. The information displayed by the flasher ring should be read clockwise, beginning from the top. The 0 position is the surface, the segments on the right side show what’s in the water column, while the thicker segments in the left, top section indicate the bottom and the structure and fish close to it. With regards to color coding, the green segments are the weaker returns, the yellow/orange returns indicate fish or structure of medium intensity, while the red segment typically indicates the bottom.

The center of the flasher ring consists of an LCD display that offers several readings. For example, it indicates the current depth from the transducer to the bottom right in the middle. This reading can be set in either feet of meters. Its perimeter shows the selected depth range. The section left from the center depth reading shows the current beam in use, indicated by a small cone for the 9° beam, and a wider cone for the 19° beam. The center section can also indicate voltage.

The center LCD display also has LED backlight which you can turn On/Off from the Gain button. This feature can be useful during night fishing, or in direct sunlight.

On the list of features and functions that we should mention here, are the Auto Range, Zoom, and Gain. The Auto Range automatically selects the best range on the perimeter of the LCD display, depending on the depth detected by the transducer. However, the range can also be selected manually from the range knob. The Gain function controls how much the returned sonar signal is amplified. It basically allows you to adjust the thickness of the flasher segments. Finally, the Zoom feature gives you the possibility to focus on a certain portion of the sonar beam. The focused area will appear on the LCD display and delimited on the flasher by one segment on each side. The fish and jig segments will appear thicker inside the zoomed-in area, and also move faster.

Other accessories

Along with the XI 9 19 transducer, this Humminbird fish finder includes a 12V 7.2A battery and a charger. The charger input/output is 120VAC 60Hz 26W / 12VDC 1000 mA. If fully charged, the battery should last at least 8 hours, even if you permanently keep the backlight on.

As we’ve mentioned above, the Humminbird ICE 45 does not include the CC ICE Soft Sided Carrying Case; only the ICE 55 comes with this case. However, the flasher comes with a large ABS mount with a carrying handle, which can also hold the battery.

The Pros

• DualBeam sonar with two available frequencies – 240/455 kHz;
• XI 9 19 ice transducer included;
• 3-color display flasher– 526 segments;
• Manual range with four positions available x1, x2, x4, x10;
• Auto Range with seven positions available (from 0-20 ft. to 0-200 ft.);
• Zoom function;
• Noise reduction function;
• Gain function;
• LCD display which indicates depth, range, beam, voltage, and more;
• LED backlight for the LCD display;
• Swivel mount with handle included;
• Battery and charger are included;
• Easy to use and assemble;
• High portability.

The Cons

• May not be able to track you jig properly at depths greater than 120 ft (36.5 m).

Summary

The Humminbird ICE 45 is an ice fishfinder featuring a standard 3-color / 526 segment flasher and an LCD display for depth, range, and other metrics. It includes the ice transducer, battery, charger, and a carrying mount. It’s an excellent unit for fishing at depths up to 200 ft. And finally, even though it’s not one of the most affordable ice fish finder systems available at the moment, it does offer an excellent value for the price.