MarCum M5L Ice Fishing Flasher

The MarCum M5L is one of the ice fishing flashers released in 2020. As opposed to the older M5 model, this one comes with the LiFePO4 battery which is lighter than the older one and lasts longer. As opposed to the MarCum M1 model that we’ve already covered here, this one offers a greater power output, and comes with the dual-beam transducer. For reference, this is the MarCum ice fish finder part number 850013782024.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: Patented MBC
• Transducer: Dual-beam 857224002194
• Frequency & Coverage: 200 kHz / 8° or 20°
• Max. Depth: 160 ft. (48 m)
• Power Output: 2,500 Watts (PTP)
• GPS: No
• Charts: No
• Portable kit: LiFePO4 battery, charger, mount, bag

Sonar and transducer

The MarCum M5L is equipped with a 200 kHz sonar system and includes the LX series dual-beam transducer. This transducer features 8′ (2.4 m) of cable with an 8-pin connector. Similar to many other ice transducer models, it has a conical shape with a thermoplastic outer shell. However, it does not integrate a temperature sensor.

The transducer is a dual-beam one. It offers you the possibility to alternate between a 20° and an 8° cone angle. Its maximum depth range is 160 ft. (48 m). However, it has a rubber stopper which is meant to stabilize it when passed through the extensible arm of the carrying case.

Similar to the M1 model, the MarCum M5L ice flasher features four pre-set depth ranges. It offers you the possibility to quickly select between 20, 40, 80, and 160 ft. (6, 12, 24, 48 m). It also has the Adjustable Zoom feature. This allows you to focus on a selected portion of the water column. It splits the circular display of the unit in half. The right half will show the entire depth of the water column, while the left half will point out the 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.

Gain and Interference Rejection functions are available as well. The Gain function allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the sonar in case you need a better return. The Interference Rejection feature suppresses the signal from other nearby sonar sources for a clear view of the data caught by your own transducer beam.

The unit also has the SuperFine Line feature. This uses shorter sonar pulses for a finer line detail reducing the target separation from 2.5″ to 3/4″. Evidently, this makes it easier to tell fish apart from structure or from the bottom.

Control unit features

The MarCum M5L is equipped with a patented MBC (Maximum Brightness Clarity) display. It has a pretty standard layout with a circular 20-foot depth scale with the LED light ring all around it. It is pretty easy to interpret. Red bands indicate strong signal returns. Orange and green bands indicate weaker signal returns. In a standard view, the water surface is at 12-o’clock while the bottom is shown on the opposite side of the display. The water column is on the right; fish, vegetation, your jig, and other suspended targets will appear there.

The unit is equipped with two knobs and six buttons, all placed on the right side of the display. The Gain knob is at the top, while the 20-160 Range knob is at the bottom. In between them, there are buttons for Zoom (ZM), Up/Down for easy zoom adjustment, Interference Rejection (IR), transducer beam selection (NBT), and for the SuperFine Line (SFL).

Portable kit

The MarCum M5L ice fish finder comes already installed on its plastic carrying case and inside the deluxe red bag. The case is made of a durable ABS material. 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, you’ll find the LiFePO4 lithium battery. This is a 12V/10 Amp battery, as we’ve mentioned above, a bit lighter than the one included with the previous M5 fish finder. Its average runtime is 36 hours. The battery is already installed and connected to the unit. The unit does not have a battery indicator, though. Also, a 3-amp / hour charger is included with the box.

The Pros

• MBC LED display with a 20-foot depth scale;
• Dual-beam transducer included (8°/20°);
• 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.;
• SuperFine Line for 3/4″ target separation;
• 2,500 power output (PTP);
• Carrying case with extensible arm for the transducer;
• Red soft padded carrying bag included;
• LiFePO4 12V/10Amp battery included and pre-installed;
• Up to 36 hours of battery life;
• Charger for the battery is included.

The Cons

• No navigation features;
• No CHIRP technology;
• No battery indicator.

Summary

The MarCum M1 is an ice fishing flasher that comes with a LiFePO4 12V/10Amp battery, charger, and a dual-beam (8/20 degree) transducer. It features a 3-color MBC patented display, it has 4 pre-set depth ranges, and functions such as gain, bottom zoom, and a 3/4″ target separation. It’s a fairly decent fish finder for the price, highly portable, and easy to use.