As open water gives way to hard water, anglers across the northern states begin the annual transition from boats and long rods to ice shelters and short sticks. While the season changes, the goal remains the same: stay efficient, stay mobile, and stay on fish. That's where Humminbird's ICE XPLORE + MEGA Live 2 Bundles, paired with LakeMaster mapping, redefine what's possible on the ice.
Built specifically for anglers who want top-tier performance year-round, without sacrificing ease of use, Humminbird's ICE XPLORE + MEGA Live 2 Bundles deliver a powerful, intuitive platform designed to help anglers catch more fish and enjoy every moment on the ice. XPLORE's high-definition touchscreen, lightning-fast processing, and included LakeMaster maps give anglers access to premium sonar, GPS, and mapping in a clean, modern interface—now fully optimized for ice.
When paired with MEGA Live 2 Live Sonar, anglers gain unmatched real-time visibility beneath the ice. MEGA Live 2 delivers enhanced clarity, precision bait tracking, and extended range, allowing anglers to track fish movements, watch how they respond to your bait, and make immediate adjustments. Whether scouting expansive flats or dissecting subtle breaks, the combination of XPLORE, MEGA Live 2, and LakeMaster mapping puts anglers in control of every moment on the ice.
Mobility remains one of the biggest challenges in ice fishing, and that's where LakeMaster mapping plays a critical role. Featuring ultra-detailed one-foot contours and depth shading, LakeMaster mapping provides full coverage of the ice belt. The One-Boat Network app gives anglers the ability to scout detailed lake maps before stepping foot on the ice, allowing them to confidently plan hole placement, predict fish movements, and stay efficient throughout the day.
Humminbird Pro and Central Minnesota guide Brad Hawthorne relies on XPLORE, MEGA Live 2, and LakeMaster mapping to stay on active fish throughout the constantly changing ice season. With conditions shifting daily—from ice thickness and snow cover to fish movement—efficiency and adaptability are critical to keeping clients on productive water. Hawthorne uses his electronics as the foundation for every on-ice decision, allowing him to quickly adjust locations and strategies as the day unfolds, rather than wasting time on unproductive areas.
"Every day on the ice is different, but my setup never changes," said Hawthorne. "XPLORE paired with LakeMaster mapping is a huge advantage for me. Everything starts with the map, we use it every single day to decide where to go next and how to fully break down an area before moving. I often use the One-Boat Network app to scout areas where I think fish may be holding or moving toward throughout the year. The one-foot contours make structure jump off the screen, and when you combine that with the speed of XPLORE and how fast the GPS locks in, I can quickly pinpoint fish-holding areas and put my clients exactly where they need to be without guesswork."
Beyond simply locating structure, Hawthorne relies on MEGA Live 2 to track fish behavior in real time, especially when targeting walleyes that are constantly on the move. By using forward view to identify the biggest schools and following fish as they shift, he's able to stay efficient and avoid drilling on fish that won't tolerate pressure. Once fish are located, he transitions to down view to actively catch them, maximizing time with lines in the water.
"Being able to watch fish move and show clients exactly what's happening beneath the ice is a huge advantage," Hawthorne added. "We're not just catching fish; we're connecting structure, depth changes, and fish positioning in real time. Clients start to see patterns develop instead of guessing, and that understanding stays with them long after the trip is over, making them better anglers wherever they fish."
Designed as a fully integrated, ice-ready system, the Humminbird ICE XPLORE + MEGA Live 2 Bundles provide anglers with a streamlined and efficient approach to fishing through the ice. When paired with LakeMaster mapping on XPLORE, the system offers a clear and confident way to understand underwater terrain and fish positioning. Together, XPLORE, MEGA Live 2, and LakeMaster create a complete ice fishing solution that helps anglers stay mobile, make informed decisions, and maximize their time on the ice throughout the hardwater season.
For a more in-depth look at the Humminbird ICE XPLORE + MEGA Live 2 Bundle, check out the video to see the system in action.
About Johnson Outdoors
JOHNSON OUTDOORS FISHING is comprised of the Humminbird®, Minn Kota® and Cannon® brands. Humminbird is a leading global innovator and manufacturer of marine electronics products including fish finders, multifunction displays, autopilots, ice flashers, and premium cartography products. Minn Kota is the world's leading manufacturer of electric trolling motors, as well as a complete line of shallow water anchors, battery chargers and marine accessories. Cannon is the leader in controlled-depth fishing and includes a full line of downrigger products and accessories.
Visit Humminbird at www.humminbird.com
Visit Minn Kota at www.minnkotamotors.com
Visit Cannon at www.cannondownriggers.com
JOHNSON OUTDOORS is a leading global outdoor recreation company that inspires more people to experience the awe of the great outdoors with innovative, top-quality products. The company designs, manufactures and markets a portfolio of winning, consumer-preferred brands across four categories: Watercraft, Fishing, Diving and Camping.