Ice Fishing Mode and Conversion Kits for Humminbird Fish Finders

Ice Fishing Mode is a specialized operating mode designed to deliver the most relevant views and data for anglers fishing through the ice. Originally available on select HELIX models—HELIX 5 and 7 (software version 1.540 and later), and HELIX 8, 9, and 10 (software version 2.280 and later)—this mode has now been expanded to include APEXSOLIX G3, and XPLORE units with the 5.340 update.

This mode prioritizes ice-specific features such as enhanced sonar views, simplified readouts, and optimized performance in cold conditions. Notably, XPLORE is the only newly supported platform to include the Flasher View for use with the XI 14 HW transducer, a classic sonar display previously exclusive to select HELIX models.

ICE Fishing Mode for APEX, XPLORE, and SOLIX G3

Provided Features:

  • Quickly change between Ice Fishing and Open Water modes
  • Default icons, color schemes and GPS location indicator change between modes.
  • Battery type, voltage and charge levels.
  • CHIRP Interference Rejection
  • Ice Flasher View and split views (XPLORE only)

Although Ice Mode is the default operating mode for ICE XPLORE models, any XPLOREAPEX, or SOLIX G3 unit running software version 5.340 or later can easily switch between Ice Mode and Open Water Mode. This flexibility allows your Humminbird to become a true all-season fish finder—perfect for hardwater or open water—when paired with the right accessories, such as the XI 14 HW ICE transducer or one of the ICE conversion kits.

ICE Conversion Kit for XPLORE

Recommended Ice Transducers:

  • XI 14 HW Ice transducers are compatible with all APEX, XPLORE and SOLIX G3 models.
  • XI 9 1521 Ice transducers are compatible with all APEX, XPLORE, and SOLIX G3 models, but will require the AD 1429 adapter

ICE Fishing Mode for HELIX

Provided Features:

  • Flasher View
  • Split-screen views of Flasher, 2D sonar and GPS
  • Adjustable Sonar Zoom
  • Battery status indicator
  • CHIRP Interference Rejection (HELIX models with CHIRP)
  • AutoChart Live Ice (GPS models only)
  • Jig Charge Mode

Watch this video to see how to turn your HELIX into Ice Mode:

 

Although Ice Mode is the default operation setting for ICE HELIX fish finders, any HELIX 5, 7, 8, 9 or 10 model with the latest software update has the capability to flip between Ice Mode and Open Water Mode. This makes your Humminbird HELIX capable of becoming an all-season fish finder, when paired with the appropriate accessories, such as a Humminbird ice transducer or one of the Humminbird ICE PTC conversion kits.

Specific to ice fishing mode operation are certain ice fishing transducers which should be used while your HELIX fish finder is being used for ice fishing.

  • XI 9 20 ice transducers are compatible with HELIX 5, 7, 9 and 10 models without CHIRP sonar capabilities.

  • XI 9 1521 CHIRP ice transducer is the recommended ice transducer for any HELIX 5, 7, 8, 9, 10 model with CHIRP sonar (G2/G2N and newer) when fishing in Ice Mode.

How to Convert Your HELIX for Ice Fishing

water_to_ice.png

Looking for more information on how to convert your Humminbird HELIX for ice fishing? Check out this short article for the details.

XI 9 19 ice transducer is only compatible with our ICE flasher products.  It is not compatible with any other products in our line up. 

Was this article helpful?
74 out of 121 found this helpful

Articles in this section