Humminbird ICE-55 Flasher

Although it’s one of the oldest Humminbird ice fish finders, the ICE-55 still hasn’t been discontinued yet. Along with the ICE-35, the Humminbird ICE-55 is part of the affordable category of Humminbird ICE fish finders. The ICE-55 costs a bit more than the 35 model, though. However, it’s a slightly more powerful unit, and features an LCD display at the center for the range and depth, along with the flasher. It’s a highly versatile ice fish finder and includes the portable kit, with the battery, and charger. For reference, this is the Humminbird part number 407040-1.

Key Features Specifications

• Display: 6-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: 300 Watts (RMS)
• GPS: No
• Charts: No

Sonar and transducer

The Humminbird ICE-55 is a DualBeam sonar fish finder capable of two frequencies, these being 240 kHz and 455 kHz. You can swap between these two frequencies as you like, depending on depth, or coverage that you need. Also, as opposed to other Humminbird fish finders, such as the HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2, you can only use one beam at the time. Only the Humminbird units with a DualBeam Plus sonar can use both 2D sonar beam simultaneously.

The unit includes the XI 9 19 ice transducer which is equipped with a stabilizing floater and 8′ (2.4m) of cable. This transducer is compatible with both 240/455 kHz frequencies supported by the unit. It uses two conical sonar beams with a coverage of 9° @ 455 kHz, and respectively 19° @ 240 kHz.

The maximum depth capability specified for this transducer is 200 ft (61 m). However, since the ICE-55 is a slightly more powerful unit than the ICE-35, for example, it can track your jig at greater depths than 100 ft (30.4 m).

Control unit features

First of all, the Humminbird ICE-55 features a 6-color fiber optic ring display, which offers three distinct color palettes. Most anglers use the standard 3-color palette, but this unit also gives you the possibility to use up to 6-colors for the flasher ring, in order to determine better the intensity of each sonar return.

Needless to say, 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.

As a general idea, you should be able to see your jig as a thin green line descending on the right side of the flasher ring. If a fish attacks your jig, it should be represented on the flasher ring as a green, or yellow segment coming towards the jig segment, usually from the left.

The unit has a Gain button. The Gain function controls how much the return sonar signal is amplified. In other words, it allows you to adjust the thickness of the flasher segments. The top knob of the unit also doubles as a Gain adjustment control.

The ICE-55 fish finder is equipped with a center LCD display which provides several readings. To begin with, its center section shows the current depth, while on its perimeter you can see the depth range.

The ICE-55 has an Auto Range function. If selected, the Auto Range will automatically select the best range depending on the depth detected by the transducer. Also, the depth can be displayed either in feet or meters. Of course, it also has a range button, and you can select a range manually, up to 200 ft. (61 m).

The Zoom feature allows you 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.

A Target Line feature is also available for this unit. The target line appears as a purple line on the flasher and marks a selected depth. It can be useful in certain situations. For example, if you don’t want your jig to pass a certain depth, you can select a target line for it and start recovering your fishing line when the jig segment is close to the target line segment.

The LCD display also indicates what beam is in use. The left section near the depth can show either the thin or the wide beam. Also, the LCD display has a backlight function which you can turn on and off by pressing and holding the Gain button.

Included accessories

In terms of accessories, the unit comes with the swivel plastic mount featuring a top handle which allows you to easily carry it. A 12V 9AMP battery and a charger for it are included. The battery should last at least 8 hours, even if you keep the backlight on at all time.

The box also includes the Humminbird CC ICE Soft Sided Carrying Case is included. This case is quite a useful accessory. It can stock the battery and has two velcro bands to secure the battery in place, at the back of the unit. Evidently, it can store the transducer, the battery charger and the unit as well. It also has two side pockets which can store other fishing tackle supplies.

The Pros

• DualBeam sonar with two available frequencies – 240/455 kHz;
• XI 9 19 ice transducer included;
• 6-color display flasher– 526 segments;
• 3 color palettes available;
• Manual range with four positions available x1, x2, x4, x10;
• Auto Range with seven positions available (from 0-20 ft, to 0-200 ft);
• Target Line function;
• 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;
• Humminbird CC ICE Soft Sided Carrying Case is included;
• Easy to use and assemble;
• High portability.

The Cons

• May not be able to track you jig properly at depths greater than 150 ft (46 m).

Summary

The Humminbird ICE-55 is an ice fishfinder featuring a 6-color / 526 segment flasher and an LCD display for depth, range and other metrics. It includes the ice transducer, battery, charger, and portable case. 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.