MarCum M3L Ice Fishing Flasher

The MarCum M3L ice fish finder is similar to the M1 model but has several extra functions. For example, it has Up/Down buttons for zoom adjustment and offers a power output of 2000 watts (PTP), and comes with a better battery. Other than that, it’s a pretty standard flasher, featuring just the MBC display, without a digital reading. For reference, this is the MarCum part number 850013782017.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: TrueColor patented MBC Brushless Lighting
• Sonar: Single beam
• Transducer: Ice transducer 857224002170
• Frequency & Coverage: 200 kHz / 20°
• Max. Depth: 160 ft. (48 m)
• Power Output: 2000 Watts (PTP)
• GPS: No
• Charts: No
• Portable pack: LiFePO4 battery, charger, mount, bag

Sonar and transducer

The MarCum M3L is a single-beam ice flasher. It uses the 200 kHz channel and offers a target separation down to 1″ (2.5 cm) which is quite a bit better than for the M1 model, which offers a target separation of 2″ (5 cm). Like most other flashers, it does not have CHIRP sonar technology.

The unit comes with a standard ice transducer. It features a conical body with a thermoplastic outer shell. It has 8 ft. (2.4 m) of cable and an 8-pin connector. It does not have an internal temperature sensor, tough, and the unit does not show the water temperature.

Needless to say, since the unit is a single-beam fish finder, the transducer is also a single-beam one. Its beam is conical with an angle of 20°. The maximum depth capability of this fish finder with the included transducer is 160 ft. (48 m).

In terms of sonar features, the M3L has the Gain and Bottom Zoom functions. The Gain function allows you to adjust the sonar sensitivity which you’ll need especially when you’re looking for smaller objects such as bait fish, your lure, etc. The Bottom Zoom function splits the screen in half. The right section will indicate the whole water column, while the left section will indicate the selected zoom depth. This feature can help you determine whether there are fish close to the bottom, or get a better view of the jig when fishing close to the bottom.

The unit also offers four pre-set depth ranges. These are 20, 40, 80, and 160 ft. (6, 12, 24, 48 m). The depth-range setting is determined by turning the unit on and turning the Gain knob looking for a solid return (band of light) indicating the bottom on the display. If no return is present, then select the 40-, 80-, or 160-foot range until a bottom reading is displayed on the screen.

Control unit features

All the ice fish finders in the MarCum M series feature a patented 3-color MBC display. As we’ve mentioned above, the M3L model offers a power output of 2,000 watts (PTP), which is considerably higher than for the M1 model. The display has a 20-foot depth scale with the flasher lighting all around it.

The head unit features two large knobs and four buttons. The knob at the bottom covers the range adjustment function. It allows you to quickly swap the fish finder’s range between 20 ft., 40 ft., 80 ft., and 160 ft. The top knob covers the Gain function. It offers a range from 0 to 10 so you can easily adjust the sonar sensitivity to match the conditions of the underwater environment.

The IR button stands for Interference Rejection. This function allows an easy suppression of the nearby sonar sources. The ZM button covers the Zoom function. The screen split that it provides is 5/20 ft., 5/40 ft., 10/80 ft., and 20/160 ft. And finally, the Up / Down buttons offer the possibility to adjust the location of the zoom.

Portable kit

The MarCum M3L ice flasher comes already installed on its plastic carrying case and inside the red bag. The bag is made from a synthetic material, padded on the inside. The transducer is placed under the unit at the front of the case. The extensible arm that supports the transducer cable is also at the front.

At the back of the casing, there is a 12-volt / 10-amp Lithium LiFePo4 battery, and a 3-amp Hour Rapid-Charge Battery Charger. The battery is already installed and connected to the unit. On a full charge, it should last for at least 50 hours. The unit does not have a battery indicator, though.

The Pros

• MBC LED display with a 20-foot depth scale;
• Ice transducer included;
• 20-degree beam angle;
• 160 depth capability;
• 20 ft., 40 ft., 80 ft., 160 ft. ranges;
• Gain and Range knobs for easy adjustment;
• Interference Rejection;
• Bottom Zoom function for 5/20 ft., 5/40 ft., 10/80 ft., and 20/160 ft.;
• Up/Down buttons for zoom adjustment;
• 1″ target separation;
• 2,000 power output (PTP);
• Carrying case with extensible arm for the transducer;
• Red soft padded carrying bag included;
• Lithium LiFePo4 battery pre-installed;
• 3-amp Hour Rapid-Charge Battery Charger;
• Up to 50 hours of battery life.

The Cons

• No navigation features;
• Single-beam sonar only;
• No CHIRP technology;
• No battery indicator.

Summary

The MarCum M3L is a standard single beam ice flasher. It comes with an ice transducer (20° @ 200 kHz), and features an MBC patented display, with four pre-set depth ranges, gain, and zoom functions. It includes a Lithium LiFePo4 battery, charger, carrying case, and bag. It’s a fairly decent fish finder for the price, highly portable, and easy to use.