Electronics: Vexilar Accessories
Original Post:
http://www.blogsmonroe.com/fishing/?p=249
Vexilar offers a lot of good add-ons for their units when it comes to winter fishing. They do for the warmer months as well, but that’s for a later date to write about.
For mounting the units they have several platforms to choose from if you are not happy with what you have. They also offer the units from the factory with these different options when you buy one at the stores. Your current options are the ProPack II, and the Ultra Pack, available with all models. The Genz Blue Box is offered in the FL-8 and 18. I like this one the best, so I order or pick up the Genz Box when I get a new unit. Both my FL-20’s are mounted on it. Each of the other carriers have nice features built into the case. Whether its bare bones durability you get with the blue box, or a battery status indicator on the ProPack or the charging posts that come on the self contained Ultra Pack, you will be able to pick one that you like as well.
The most common problems most folks have when it comes to electronics for ice fishing centers around the batteries. Poor or improper care is the number one issue that people have, and it can be avoided. First off, during the off season, don’t forget about your battery. Just like a marine battery, you should charge these once a month to maintain them. I hate this, with the old style chargers, I felt like I was babysitting the thing, waiting by the clock, trying to stay awake while on trips, just to shut them off in time. Vexilar makes a 3-stage trickle charger, the V-410, that is digital and will automatically shut-off when the battery comes up to charge.
Next up are the optional cases that will go around the platform that you choose to have your unit mounted to. These “soft packs” are available for all three options you could possibly have your unit on. They have straps for easy carrying. They also serve as protection for your unit. It helps to keep dust off, prevent scratches, and keeping everything secure while traveling. The picture here is one designed for the Blue Box, so it allows for the angler to get the best possible view of the dial while fishing. I like tilting my unit practically all the way up while fishing, so I can just look down and see whats going on. The way the case opens up, gives me the room to do it without impeding my view.
Besides all the gear you take out with you, the most important item(s) that you need to fish on the ice is the clothing. Too keep you warm, dry and to block out the wind. I know I brought this up before earlier in the year, but the number one reason I hear about when it comes to complaints about ice fishing is that ” its too cold”. Hogwash, first step is the clothing, then you can deal with shanties and heaters. Vexilar makes one of the best suits designed for ice fishing, and the best part, you can buy the bibs and parka separately. Lots of folks already have a nice heavy parka for deer or goose hunting, so just getting the bibs is all they want. When I first started I just wore my goretex rainwear over my layers of fleece and silk, but for the money invested why use it on the ice, when I can get a reasonably priced outfit designed just for ice fishing? Vexilar’s answer was the ColdSnap parka and bibs. When its really windy, I love the way the hood snaps and velcros around 
to protect my face. Another nice thing about it is the least expensive thing about it, there is a little pocket in the front that comes with a whistle. You get separated from your crew in the dark, or just in foggy conditions on late ice, a whistle is always handy to have. The bibs fit well with all my layers on underneath during extreme cold conditions, and they are already lined too. Best thing about the bibs, they come with foam knee pads for kneeling on the ice. Its a saver for me because I had my knees banged around pretty good back in the football days. When it comes to helping that bull gill or working a pike on a tip up, kneeling is what you have to do to get the job done. The belt around the center keeps things snug and out of the way, plus you have to large cargo style pockets in the front as well. I will keep an extra pair of gloves in there while fishing just in case the other pair gets wet for one reason or another.
Transducers are something to consider too, more so when you buy your unit though. In most cases the average angler is going to be very happy with the standard 19 degree option for fishing 40 ft or less. I chose the 12′ ducers for the FL-20’s because of the zoom option and getting a better read. There are the 9′ transducers available for really deep water like people see when fishing for salmon and trout. Not sure which to get, then you have the dual degree ice ducer available. You can switch it between 9 degrees and 19′.
There are a host of other items available on the website when it comes to options. The flex light helps during those low light conditions, or while fishing inside a shanty. They have a ton of hats, jackets and shirts to pick from too. The Brimz sunglasses are neat, (do people still say neat?) because they actually attach to the brim of your ballcap, and can be folded up or down as needed. One of my favorite items is this pink sweatshirt for the ladies because my mom passed away from breast cancer a couple of years ago three days after Valentine’s Day. Guess the kids call them “hoodies” these days, but its your basic hooded sweatshirt that can be zippered.
Those are basic goodies available from Vexilar, good stuff, and even functional to boot
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