Are you tired of taking those fishing trips only to come back empty-handed? Do you wonder how the pros manage to find their fish in the wide, open ocean? A fish finder can dramatically increase your chances of bringing something home for dinner this evening.
Fish finders and GPS systems are becoming more common as standard equipment on bats these days. They offer anglers a way to gain an edge on their fishing activities. Whether you’re heading miles out to sea or taking a paddle into the flats, a fishfinder will help you be more productive with your fishing expeditions.
This review covers the best fishfinder models available. We’ll unpack them in detail and make recommendations on our top picks.
Contents
Our Top Picks
- The Best Overall Fish Finder – Simrad Cruise 9 GPS Chartplotter
The Simrad Cruise 9 is the top choice for professionals and commercial anglers. You get a highly-functional tri-shot sonar system and a large 9” display with excellent target separation and split-screen operation. - The Best Premium Fish Finder – Lowrance HOOK2
The Lowrance Hook 2 is the top premium choice for anglers. This model comes with an intuitive design and user-friendly operation., You get built-in maps, split-screen functionality, and tri-shot transducers for optimal sonar scanning. - The Best Budget Fish Finder – Garmin Striker 4
The Garmin Striker 4 brings you an affordable and portable package for your fishing trip. This model comes with many features found on advanced devices and user-friendly operation. You get mounting systems included with your package.
The Best Fish Finder Reviews
The Best Overall Fish Finder- Simrad Cruise 9 GPS Chartplotter
The Simrad Cruise 9 GPS Chartplotter is the top choice of professional spearos and deep droppers and our pick for the best overall model in this review. You get everything you need for straightforward navigation in any waterway in America or US coastal waters.
- CRUISE CONFIDENTLY: Simrad Cruise is the most intuitive, easy-to-use chartplotter available. Everything you need for simple and straightforward GPS navigation is right inside the box.
- ALWAYS ON COURSE: Preloaded with a US coastal map, Simrad Cruise comes complete with all the charts you need to enjoy your day on the water. Supports enhanced charts from C-MAP and Navionics.
- EFFORTLESS CONTROL: Intuitive menus let you quickly find the information you need, when you need it. Rotary dial and keypad controls make navigating from screen to screen effortless.
- STAY INFORMED: Depth readings, position, battery voltage and other critical boat information, can all be monitored on your screen for quick reference and situational awareness.
- CHIRP SONAR TRANSDUCER: Included 83/200 transducer provides excellent automatic depth tracking for worry-free operation without the need for fine tuning or pre-programming.
The Cruise 9 comes with a glare-free display complete with all US coastal charts, a mounting bracket, and a sonar transducer. You get everything you need right out of the box. The Simrad Cruise 9 displays charts and sonar using split-screen or full-screen modes.
There are keypad controls with a rotary dial, making effortless navigation of the menus. Create routes, assess water depth and temperature, look for life on the reef, and chart your trip. The smooth navigation between menus with the Simrad makes it a pleasure to use.
The Simrad Cruise 9 comes preloaded with US coastal maps for east and west coasts and around the Gulf. You also get a worldwide basemap and a wide range of enhanced charting elements from Navionics and C-MAP easy routing.
The 83/200 transducer gives you automatic depth tracking for simple, user-friendly operation without pre-programming or fine-tuning. The Simrad Cruise 9 gives you depth readings, positioning, and all the critical information to keep you safe on your trip.
What We Liked
- User-friendly navigation of the menus.
- Rotary dial and keypad controls.
- The choice of professionals.
- 5”, 7”, or 9” displays.
- Preloaded with US coastal maps.
- Supports enhanced charting from Navionics and C-MAP.
- Split-screen viewing.
The Best Premium Fish Finder- Lowrance HOOK2
If you’re looking for the best premium fish finder available, we recommend going with the Lowrance Hook 2. This model comes with autotuning sonar featuring a phone-like interface and menus. Its user-friendly operation makes it easy to find what you need in seconds.
Mount the single transducer on the transom or inside the hull, through your scupper hole, or on the trolling motor. The Lowrance Hook 2 comes with a triple-shot transducer giving you the best range of sonar functionality you can find in a fish finder.
This model brings you a combination of DownScan and SideScan sonar systems, each providing 300-feet of range. You also get CHIRP sonar “fish arch” viewing for understanding the life on the reef below. The user-friendly operation of the Hook 2 offers you a rotary wheel and buttons for simple screen management. There’s split-screen viewing included with this fish finder.
- EASIEST TO USE: The Lowrance HOOK2 12 Fish Finder features auto-tuning sonar and phone-like menus giving you more time to spend fishing and less time dealing with settings.
- WIDER SONAR COVERAGE: The HOOK2 9 offers a wide-angle CHIRP sonar cone giving you double the coverage of traditional fish finders.
- EASY SETUP: A single transducer can be mounted on the transom, inside the hull, on the trolling motor or through a scupper hole.
- MORE SONAR VIEWS: The Lowrance HOOK2 12 comes complete with a TripleShot transducer which gives you DownScan sonar (straight down), SideScan sonar (up to 300' to each side), and CHIRP sonar (fish arch) views.
- PRELOADED HIGH DETAIL MAPPING: Fish new water like a pro with preloaded US mapping that features 4,000 lakes with 1-foot contours. Narrow your search for productive water, easily locating fish-holding structure like ledges, drop offs and cover.
The Hook 2 comes with preloaded maps in high-resolution detail. Uncover new spots and fish them like a pro. You’ll be pulling fish from the water while every other boat in the area sits around scratching their heads without a bite. You also get integration for map upgrades with C-MAP and Navionics.
The Hook 2 features maps for more than 4,000 lakes across the United States. Get specific with your search and locate productive fishing waters or look for the fish’s structures like to hide. The Hook 2 can point out drop-offs, ledges, and other spots and cover where those snowy’s and blacks tuck themselves away out of sight.
You get a straightforward interface with a GPS plotter, follow trails, and waypoints. The SolarMax display gives you a clear, crisp view of the life below and the depth and structure of the bottom. We love the plug-and-play operation of this unit, and you get a MicroSD slot included for memory expansion when saving your favorite fishing spots.
What We Liked
- GPS navigation and sonar fish finder technology.
- Supports map expansion from C-MAP and Navionics.
- Easy interface and control with split-screen viewing.
- Preloaded with US maps.
The Best Budget Fish Finder- Garmin Striker 4
If you don’t have nearly $1,000 to spend on one of the top picks in this review, we recommend going with a budget model like the Garmin Striker 4. This portable model is ideal for taking anywhere you go. Whether you’re kayaking on the estuary or taking the boat out to fish offshore, the Garmin Striker 4 has everything you need for navigation and fish finding.
The Garmin Striker 4 comes with the legendary Garmin CHIRP (77/200 kHz) transducer. This piece of tech provides excellent detail and clarity over the conventional 77/200 kHz transducer. Instead of using a single frequency, the CHIRP tech in the Garmin Striker 4 continuously sweeps the water and bottom with multiple frequencies.
CHIRP sonar creates clean, crisp, clear fish arches while offering you better target separation. You also have the option of upgrading to the high-performance Garmin CHIRP technology, providing crystal-clear sonar imaging with remarkable target resolution and separation from deep to shallow water.
- Clear Vu scanning Sonar shows you more of what is in the water around your boat; This high frequency sonar gives near photographic images with detailed representations of objects, structure and fish
- The power of simple offers a keyed interface with dedicated buttons; The device is easy to use and easy to install; Available in 3.5, 5 and 7 inch display sizes; Water rating IPX7
- Waypoint map: Use the way point map to easily view, mark and navigate to locations such as brush piles, stumps and docks; Maximum depth 1,600 feet freshwater, 750 feet saltwater; Current draw at 12 volt: 0.23 Ampere
- Chirp Sonar sends a continuous sweep of frequencies which provides a wider range of information; Chirp Sonar is able to create crisper fish arches with better target separation
- Built in flasher: View your sonar data in the classic flasher format; Ideal for ice fishing or vertical jigging. Display size: 1.9 x 2.9 inches (4.9 x 7.3 centimeter); 3.5 inches diagonal (8.7 centimeter)
You get a better understanding of the bottom contour even at speed, suppressing signal noise at greater depths. The result is a fast interpretation of the bottom. The Striker 4 allows easy navigation with its waypoint map function. The highly sensitive GPS marks your position concerning your favorite waypoints marked on the system.
Navigate and mark locations like stumps, docks, brush piles, and your favorite fishing spots. The exemplary user interface of the Striker 4 features a speedometer, allowing you to set your trolling speed for your lure and species.
The Striker 4 comes as a portable unit. Take it out on the kayak or the center console. It’s ideal for all watersports where you need navigation and fish-finding tech to improve your experience. The Striker 4 comes with a sealed, rechargeable battery and charger, a built-in transducer cable with management, and a suction-cup mount and float.
What We Liked
- User-friendly 3.5-inch color screen and interface.
- High-sensitivity GPS.
- Mounts included.
- Portable.
- Suitable for all fishing conditions.
Raymarine Element 9
The Element 9 comes from one of the lesser-known brands in the market. However, you get a surprising amount of functionality from this device. The Element features CHIRP sonar and GPS to help you make better decisions out on the water.
The Element 9 is an angler’s dream, offering you the sharpest view of the reef or the bottom thanks to the HyperVision™ 1.2 MHz super high-resolution sonar tech. The triple-shot functionality of the HyperVision allows for a combination of side and down vision with Raymarine RealVison 3D sonar.
- Expert Advice Available we are here to answer your questions.
- Raymarine Element 9 HV Combo w/HV-100 Transducer [E70534-05]
- MSRP: $, Mfg Part Number: [E70534-05]
- Return shipping for damaged/defective items will be covered by the seller.
The result is the next level of precision-imaging with optimal fish identification. You get photo-like clarity on the bottom, allowing you to identify fish, structures, and vegetation. The Element 9 gets its power from the quad-core processor, with an ultra-fast response and instantaneous chart redraws with RealVision 3D imaging.
The Element comes with user-friendly rotary toggles and a simple keypad. An angler-centric interface allows you to focus on the fish, not the helm controls. We love the waypoint key, allowing you to identify and navigate to your favorite spots.
Element’s RealBathy™ depth map creates high-definition bathymetric maps on the go. You’ll find the 9-inch display gives you all the information you need to make accurate decisions out on the water. This model offers you all the advantages of the premium fish finders in a more affordable package.
What We Liked
- Tri-shot transducer technology.
- Accurate depth and bottom information.
- High-definition imaging.
- User-friendly operation with buttons and rotary toggle.
- Responsive.
Garmin EchoMap
If you’re looking for another premium fish finder brand, Garmin offers you an impressive piece of tech. The EchoMap comes with support for the Garmin Panoptix LiveScope scanning sonar system, allowing you to get a clear view of what’s going on around the boat in real-time.
The EchoMap comes with the standard Garmin GT24 transducer, offering you ultra HD ClearVü scanning providing a crystal-clear image of the bottom. The GT24 transducers combine with the Garmin high-wide CHIRP sonar, providing exceptional target separation for easy identification of species.
You get preloaded charts included in the EchoMap. BlueChart G3 coastal charts and integrated Navionics data cover all US coastal waters. You get maps for the east and west coasts, the Gulf, and US and Canadian shores of the Great Lakes.
- Bright, Sunlight-readable 7” touchscreen with keyed assist.Control Method:Touch
- Includes GT24 transducer for ultra High-Definition clearer scanning sonar and Garmin high wide CHIRP traditional sonar
- Preloaded bluechart G3 coastal charts with integrated Navionics data
- Supports Panoptix all-seeing sonar, including Panoptix live Scope sonar
- Sonar sharing capabilities with other ECHOMAP Plus, ECHOMAP UHD and ECHOMAP Ultra units
The EchoMap comes with multi-compatible UHD or Ultra devices, allowing you to share information with other EchoMap models. You get a 7” screen with a UHD interface for the clearest chart and bottom information in real-time.
Connect to autopilot, weather reports, digital switching, media, FUSION-Link audio system, AIS, VHF, and more, all from a central screen. The Garmin ActiveCaptain app lets you harness the built-in Wi-Fi capability of this model, giving you access to smart notifications, the OneChart feature, software updates, and Garmin Quickdraw Community data.
What We Liked
- GT24 transducer, offering you ultra HD ClearVü scanning.
- BlueChart G3 coastal charts and integrated Navionics data.
- 7” screen with UHD interface
- Built-in Wi-Fi capability
Humminbird Helix 7
If you’re looking for a professional-level fish finder at a mid-level price point, the Humminbird Helix 7 is a great choice for your boat. This model features innovative tech to make the art of finding fish easy. The Helix 7 has built-in GPS and dual-spectrum CHIRP sonar, MEGA imaging, and Ethernet networking.
This marvel of a fish finder gives you a wide range of models to suit your budget and your angling needs. The Helix features Humminbird’s MEGA side and down imaging systems for clear, responsive imaging of bottom conditions. You get distinct target separation, allowing you to identify structures, marine life, and vegetation from the feedback.
The navigation features of the Helix 7 include the AutoChart Live built into the unit, with Humminbird Basemap as a standard feature. Basemap from Humminbird covers more than 10,000 inland water locations, and AutoChart Live allows you to add your favorite waypoints to your list of destinations. Thanks to the 7” high-definition screen and ultra-wide display, you get a great user interface.
- 7-Inch screen with 800H x 480V resolution color TFT display
- Mega Side Imaging: see the world below like never before with crystal-clear viewing out to 125 feet on either side of your boat
- Mega Down Imaging: Get unprecedented underwater clarity with coverage down to 125 feet below your boat
- Powered by our proprietary, Low Q CHIRP transducer, Dual Spectrum CHIRP offers two ways to search: wide mode for maximum coverage and narrow mode for maximum detail
- Includes transducer and mounting hardware, power cable and gimbal mounting bracket
There’s split-screen viewing included, along with preloaded views from the menu system. The easy softkey controls and rotary navigation wheel make finding your setting and functions easy. The dual-spectrum CHIRP sonar brings you two methods for searching the water and bottom.
Wide-Mode offers you maximum coverage, and Narrow-Mode allows you to focus on the finer details of a specific area. The MEGA side and down imaging gives you razor-sharp views of up to 125-feet along the sides and below the boat.
In short, you get a sonar system that’s around 3-times more powerful than conventional models in its class. The Helix 7 includes a gimbal mounting bracket, transducer, power cable, and mounting hardware.
What We Liked
- MEGA side and down imaging with CIRP sonar.
- 7-inch high-definition display.
- User-friendly controls.
- Over 10,000 locations with Basemap.
Lowrance Hook Reveal
We already covered the outstanding value and functionality you get with the Lowrance Hook 2. However, if you’re on a budget, the Hook Reveal is an affordable alternative to the full package offered by the Hook 2, without the heavy price tag.
You get the same button and rotary wheel navigation system for user-friendly operation, and there’s a 7-inch SolarMAX display allowing for accurate split-screen imaging in real-time. The Reveal brings you the same CHIRP sonar system found in the Hook 2, with excellent target separation and high-resolution imaging of the bottom with DownScan imaging to light up fish on the reef on your display.
- FISHREVEAL: Fish are easier to find and easier to identify. FishReveal combines the target separation of Lowrance CHIRP sonar and the high-resolution images of structure from DownScan Imaging to makes fish light up on your display.
- GPS PLOTTER: Navigating to your favorite fishing spot is simple with the GPS Plotter, which makes route, trail and waypoint navigation easy. HOOK Reveal "x" models do not include a map or support add-on mapping.
- SPLITSHOT TRANSDUCER: Perfect for anglers who want the best views below the boat, SplitShot features the fish-finding capability of wide-angle high CHIRP sonar and the high-resolution images of fish-holding structure from DownScan Imaging.
- AUTOTUNING SONAR: Spend more time fishing and less time reworking your sonar settings with HOOK Reveal autotuning sonar, which ensures you get the best sonar image every time by automatically adjusting settings as fishing conditions change.
- 7-INCH DISPLAY: Enjoy crisp and clear views of your display no matter the conditions – even in direct sunlight – with excellent clarity and daylight visibility of HOOK Reveal’s SolarMAX display.
The GPS Plotter function lets you chart your favorite waypoints. Unfortunately, only the X-models qualify for the built-in mapping, but we’ll let that slide, for now, considering the price. The Hook Reveal utilizes the splitshot transducer system, which is ideal for anglers looking for the best view of the bottom when deep dropping.
SplitShot optimizes the use of the wide-angle CHIRP sonar and DownScan Imaging for the best identifications of structures, fish, and vegetation. The autotuning sonar capabilities of the Hook Reveal give you the best sonar imaging every time through the real-time automatic adjustment of your settings as the weather and conditions change.
What We Liked
- Affordable quality.
- 7-inch SolarMAX display for clear imaging.
- Trishot sonar and imaging technology.
- Affordable alternative to the Hook 2.
- Full mounting kit included.
Garmin Striker Plus 5cv
In this review, we covered the Striker 4 from Garmin in our best budget portable option. The Striker Plus 5cv is the flagship of the Striker series, giving you a powerful navigational tool and fish finder for your boat.
The Striker Plus 5cv comes with a bright, high-definition display. There’s a built-in GPS system linking to the Garmin Basemap network of over 10,000 US lake and waterway locations around the country. You get traditional CHIRP and CHIRP ClearVü sonar scanning with Quickdraw Contours drawing software, allowing for storage of up to 2-million acres of 1’ contours.
- Includes transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP clearer scanning sonar
- Built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software lets you create and store maps with 1’ contours for up to 2 million acres
- Built-in GPS lets you mark waypoints, create routes and view boat’s speed
- Bright, Sunlight-readable 5” display and intuitive user interface
- Rugged design for every fishing environment
You also get options for saving your favorite waypoints, and there’s a built-in speedometer. The high-sensitivity GPS maintains your position anywhere on the water. Mark boat ramps and docks, and create routes for easy retracement during your next trip.
The Striker Plus 5cv features a high-resolution display that’s easy to read in the sunlight. You get an intuitive user interface with softkey controls and a rotary wheel to navigate the menu. This fishfinder offers you fantastic high-quality imagery below the boat, and it’s affordable.
What We Liked
- Affordable quality.
- CHIRP and ClearVü sonar scanning.
- Contours mapping software.
- Built-in GPS.
Humminbird PiranhaMax 4
Humminbird brings us another affordable model with the highly portable PirahnaMAX 4 model. This unit features a user-friendly interface with Fish ID+, fish and depth alarms, and a zoom function for simple navigation and viewing what’s under your boat.
The PirahnaMax 4 comes with many of the top features of the leading fish finders in a compact, portable, affordable, and functional unit. The dual-beam sonar system uses CHIRP for the best view below the boat. You get narrow and wide beam views for covering large areas or focusing on specific targets.
- Dual Beam Sonar: Choose from a narrow and a wide beam for great detail or a generous coverage area, helping you identify fish, structure and contours.
- Tilt and Swivel Mount: Quickly adjust your viewing area angle.
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
- Includes: PiranhaMAX 4 fish finder, Tilt and Swivel Mount , XNT 9 28 T transom-mount transducer
The PirahnaMAX 4 makes it easy to separate targets and distinguish between fish, structures, and vegetation.
This model comes with Humminbird XNT 9 28 T transducer for the best feedback and screen resolution when interpreting sonar data. You get an impressive 4.3″ color LCD for identifying the bottom conditions, and there’s a full accessory and mounting kit included with the PirahnaMAX 4.
What We Liked
- Affordable.
- Portable and compact design.
- Full CHIRP and sonar capability.
- Full mounting and accessory kit included.
Lucky Fish Finder
If you’re new to fishing and sports like kayak fishing, you need equipment that works. It’s no good spending hundreds of dollars on equipment if you’re not sure you enjoy the sport yet.
So, if you’re looking for the best budget buy, we recommend going with the Lucky Fish Finder. This model is the only fish finder available for under $100, and it’s a simple but effective tool.
Sure, you’re not going to get the same level of accuracy and feedback as you would from the other models in this review. However, it’s a functional fish finder, giving you the basic elements of what you need from one of these devices and more.
- ✦ Fish Finder and Depth Finder : It is a portable fish finder that could display approximate fish location and water depth. The sonar transducer can be attached to the hull of kayak or boat in order to understand the changing of water depth when you are moving by. The water depth detection range is between 3ft(1m) and 328ft (100m) when the transducer is completely immersed in the water.
- ✦ Helpful Data Display : Besides fish depth and water depth, the handheld fish finder will also display short & tall weeds, sand & rocks on the bottom. Meanwhile, the measurement unit of the depth can be freely switched by feet or meter. The display is also visible in sunshine or darkness by turning on the back light.
- ✦ Handheld & Portable : The size of kayak fishfinder is designed for just one hand held. You will find a neck strap in the package which allows you to wear it around neck when you are busy on the kayak or boat. Meanwhile, 5 levels sensitivity adjustment makes fishing possible both in clear water or turbid.
- ✦ Fish & Fish Schools Alarm : Once the toss fish finder transducer into the water and turn on the display unit, you will get alarms when fish or fishing schools passing by. The portable fish finder can be working continuously for at least 4-5 hours with brand new battery. It can be working even longer by turning on battery save mode.
- ✦ Ideal for Fishing & Fishing Gift : It is easy to use LUCKY depth finder in boat fishing, ice fishing, shore fishing no matter in freshwater or in saltwater. If you are looking for a gift for your husband, father, friends or any anglers, then look no further, the LUCKY fish finder is now better than ever.
The Lucky fish finder comes with fish location and water depth information, with a sonar transducer operating at a 45-degree beam angle. You manually dip the scanner tip into the water to see what is below the boat, and the information pops up on the color screen.
The Lucky Fish Finder works in depths up to 328-feet. You get a built-in alarm when the sonar detects fish and five sensitivity levels. There’s a backlit display with battery-saving mode, and you need 4xAAA batteries to operate the unit.
What We Liked
- An affordable choice for beginner anglers.
- 328-depth analysis.
- Fish alarm.
- Five sensitivity levels.
- Color backlit screen.
Other Best Selling Options
- Clear Vu scanning Sonar shows you more of what is in the water around your boat; This high frequency sonar gives near photographic images with detailed representations of objects, structure and fish
- The power of simple offers a keyed interface with dedicated buttons; The device is easy to use and easy to install; Available in 3.5, 5 and 7 inch display sizes; Water rating IPX7
- Waypoint map: Use the way point map to easily view, mark and navigate to locations such as brush piles, stumps and docks; Maximum depth 1,600 feet freshwater, 750 feet saltwater; Current draw at 12 volt: 0.23 Ampere
- Chirp Sonar sends a continuous sweep of frequencies which provides a wider range of information; Chirp Sonar is able to create crisper fish arches with better target separation
- Built in flasher: View your sonar data in the classic flasher format; Ideal for ice fishing or vertical jigging. Display size: 1.9 x 2.9 inches (4.9 x 7.3 centimeter); 3.5 inches diagonal (8.7 centimeter)
- FISHREVEAL: Fish are easier to find and easier to identify. FishReveal combines the target separation of Lowrance CHIRP sonar and the high-resolution images of structure from DownScan Imaging to makes fish light up on your display.
- HIGH-DETAIL INLAND MAPS: Get high-detail maps of almost 4,000 US inland lakes. Create custom contour maps with even greater detail over any map or GPS plotter with Genesis Live, so you can get onto the fish faster.
- SPLITSHOT TRANSDUCER: Perfect for anglers who want the best views below the boat, SplitShot features the fish-finding capability of wide-angle high CHIRP sonar and the high-resolution images of fish-holding structure from DownScan Imaging.
- AUTOTUNING SONAR: Spend more time fishing and less time reworking your sonar settings with HOOK Reveal autotuning sonar, which ensures you get the best sonar image every time by automatically adjusting settings as fishing conditions change.
- 7-INCH DISPLAY: Enjoy crisp and clear views of your display no matter the conditions – even in direct sunlight – with excellent clarity and daylight visibility of HOOK Reveal’s SolarMAX display.
- 【𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐬𝐞 】 Reelsonar portable fish finder is Easy to use, With a depth range of 135 feet and rechargeable battery life of 10+ hours, IOS and Android apps Bluetooth fishfinder with sonar
- 【𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 】 Sonar signals that are integrated find and reflect visual images of both static and moving objects beneath the water's surface. Depth-tagged fish icons color coded by size
- 【𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐦 】To be alerted when fish congregate under docks and piers, turn on the fish alarm when using iBobber's fishfinder feature. With the strike alert, iBobber can even let you know when fish are biting.
- 【𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 】 With a fish finder, you may go out anytime you choose to test the waters. Regardless of the weather, whether it be freshwater or saltwater, shore fishing, or fishing on the ice. You could turn on your fish finder and begin hunting.
- 【𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 】Great Gift for Fishing Whether you're looking for a present for your husband, father, friends, or any angler, reelsonar fish detector is now better than ever
Fish Finder Buyer’s Guide
So, what do you look for when assessing the best fish finder? What components make the biggest difference to the device’s performance? Most people find themselves seduced by large screens and compact button configurations with attractive casings.
However, what matters most with any fish finder is the quality of the transducer and the types of sonar systems used in the device. This section unpacks what you need to know about fish finders. We’ll look at how they work and the components of the leading devices.
What Do Fish Finders Do?
A fish finder is an electronic device that releases a combination of frequencies into the water, interpreting the returning sound wave data into a visual image of what’s beneath the boat. The fish finder gets its name from being able to find schools of fish around the boat.
It takes some skill to read the fish finder, but when you have it down, you’ll find it’s a very useful tool to optimize your fishing productivity. With a fish finder onboard your boat, you get an accurate view of the reef and the life on it.
Check out what’s going on at your fishing spot before you decide to suit up for a dive or drop a line. A fish finder is a great device for enhancing your fishing experience.
Dual Sonar
Most fish finder models use a dual sonar system. It pairs low and high frequencies, giving you the best of both worlds in your device. Fish Finders that advertise transducer frequencies of 77/200 kHz means that it broadcasts at 77 kHz and 200 kHz frequencies simultaneously. Low-frequency reads the bottom, while high-frequency finds fish.
Standard Sonar
Conventional sonar systems bounce waves off the bottom, giving you feedback about the depth and general information about the surrounding water. However, they don’t give you any differentiation between rocks or fish.
360 and Live Sonar
This “sweeping side imaging” gives you a 360-degree view of the water around you. IT’s recently seen the fishing industry adapt it for charters and commercial use. Garmin was the first company to bring this tech to the recreational market with its “LiveScope.” Since many leading brands include this sonar in their product lineup, especially in flagship models.
CHIRP Sonar
CHIRP is a new tech designed to optimize the use of the other two sonar technologies. CHIRP transducers emit longer sweeps over a range of low and high frequencies. They operate at higher rates than traditional sonar, allowing more information to flow in and out of the system for better quality imaging of the bottom. You get the best target separation and easily identify objects below the surface.
Down Imaging
This sonar tech paints pictures of what you can expect below the boat. It also provides the system with better accuracy for target separation, and it can even see fish swimming around in the water column.
Side Imaging
This tech is similar to down imaging, giving you the 3D mapping of the area below the boat. It complements the other sonar and imaging systems incorporated into the fish finder. As a result, you get better identification of everything around the boat.
Features to Look For When Choosing a Fish Finder
Portable or Fixed Units?
Fish finders are available in portable and fixed models. The fixed models will either integrate directly into units in your console or mount to the console with adjustable brackets. Mobile units come with removable mounting brackets allowing you to take the fish finder with you.
Portables offer you better flexibility. You can take it out on the kayak and transfer it to the boat. However, they don’t have the same screen size as fixed models, and they lack the visual experience you need for an optimal fish-finding capability.
However, portables bring a level of convenience compared to fixed models, and they are usually half the price or less than fixed devices. Still, if we choose between the two, we would rather go with the larger screens on the fixed models.
Transducer
The transducer is the nervous system behind the fish finder. The transducer defines the power of the signal and the type of sonar you’re using with the device. The better the quality of the transducer, the better the image relayed to the processor and sent to the screen.
Top brands like Humminbird, Simrad, Garmin, and Lowrance use top-quality instrumentation for their devices, and you can bet you’re getting a tri-shot transducer offering you the best possible imaging of the bottom and water column.
Transducer Power
As mentioned, the transducer is the most important part of the package. If you have a bum transducer, you may as well throw the device in the trash and start looking for another unit. The transducer power determines the signal strength and how deep your fish finder can look into the water.
Eventually, all signals fade, and the stronger the transducer, the more sensitive it is to returning frequencies. A powerful transducer signal is a must-have feature for anyone that does offshore fishing. You get a deeper view into the water and around the sides of the boat.
Low-quality fish fingers with weak transducers also struggle to see through murky water. If you have a powerful transducer, you can cut through the dirty water and see what’s on the reef, even when conditions are less than desirable.
We measure transducer power in Root Mean Squared (RMS). RMS is similar to wattage on other electrical devices. Most fish finders vary in RMS outputs between 200 to 500-RMS. Anything lower than 25-RMS is a weak output, and you should look at upgrading your choice.
As you can imagine, a 500-RMS device will provide the best images possible while lower-powered models struggle to manage challenging ocean and freshwater conditions.
Mounting Systems
How does the device mount to the boat? Portable systems come with removable or fixed mounting brackets for the device. You can clip it in seconds, and the mounting system connects to the transducer under the boat. Other portables have sensors built into the housing, which you dip into the water to analyze bottom conditions and the water around the boat.
Fixed units come with brackets that you can drill directly into the console. The frame sits on a swivel, allowing you to move it to adjust to the lighting conditions. Some consoles allow for the direct mounting of the screen into the console itself for a flush, attractive finish.
Cone Angle
The width of the soundwave emitted by the transducer is the “cone angle.” The wider the cone angle, the more area the system covers. However, it’s important to note that wider doesn’t always translate to better performance.
As a result, you want a fish finder offering you wide-angle and narrow-angle beam cones. The wide-angle gives you a bird’s eye view of what’s going on underneath the boat. The narrow-angle allows you to focus on specific sections of the reef for precision targeting.
Display
The display is another critical component of the fish finder. It’s how you interact with the device and possibly the most important element of the user interface. The display should come with buttons and a rotary wheel to simplify the menu and the device’s functions.
Screen Resolution
The screen resolution of the device needs to include the high-definition output. This resolution allows for better viewing in conditions when sunlight lands on the screen.
The better the resolution, the more detail you can see through the system feedback. This feature helps identify fish and submerged objects like rocks, stomps, and other debris.
Look for models offering you the best resolution possible. Some manufacturers, like Garmin, offer UHD screens for the best resolution possible.
Screen Size
The bigger the screen, the better. Typically, fish finders come with around 4” screens for portables and up to 10-inch screens for fixed models. We feel that the bigger the screen, the better.
While portables are convenient, they make it more challenging to see the entire reef below you. With a fixed model, you have more screen real estate and a better view of what’s going on below the boat.
Form Factor
The form factors of the device also play a role in your purchase decision. We like models offering bezel sides and corners, with a durable chassis offering you drop protection.
For portables, models with rubberized edges help prevent drops. On fixed devices, this isn’t as important. We want to see clean lines and a slimline device that’s lightweight and compact.
GPS Capabilities
Your fish finder should come with GPS capabilities built into the device. Chart plotting and navigation are essential for any angler, and they come as part-and-parcel of all fish finder devices. The benefits of GPS functionality are numerous. You get the chance to plan and save your routes and waypoints, making a note of all the top fishing sports for your next trip.
Most GPS systems in fish finders come with maps built into the unit. The maps give you all the location information of lakes, rivers, waterways, ports, marinas, and more. These maps extend up and down the east and west coasts, around the Gulf, and into offshore waters.
Keep tabs on your most productive fishing spots, and return to them without getting lost at sea. A GPS is essential for fishing and safety, allowing you to keep your coordinates on hand in an emergency.
Other Features of Fish Finders
The GPS functionality of fish finders also lets them track your speed. This is a great tool for trolling, allowing you to launch lures at the right species for the species you’re fishing. Portable fish finders also include battery monitors to let you know when to charge up.
When you purchase your fish finder, it should come with everything included in the box. Be careful when choosing your fish finder. Some brands will advertise the device without the transducer. If you buy the transducer separately, it could cost several hundred dollars, adding to the costs of your fish finder.
Fish Finder FAQs
Q: Does a fish finder really help me find fish?
A: Yes, the fish finder device relies on a combination of sonar technologies to read the bottom of the ocean, lake, or river. The sensors on the fish finder interpret the data going out from the transducer and returning to it. As a result, you get a high-resolution image of the bottom and everything on it. The fish finder allows you to separate targets and identify fish schools to see if it is worth your time dropping your line on the reef.
Q: Is CHIRP better for finding fish than conventional radar?
A: Yes, most experts agree that CHIRP is a better imaging system for fish finders due to the wider range of frequencies used when creating an image of the target. As a result, the processor unit onboard the fish finder produces a highly accurate view of the bottom, allowing you to distinguish between structures, vegetation, and fish. You get better target separation and a high-quality resolution of what’s going on below the boat.
Q: Is it worth investing in a fish finder with side imaging?
A: As a short answer, yes, side-viewing sonar tech is well worth the investment. It’s an increasingly popular form of sonar, and it features in many leading devices from top fish finder and GPS brands. The side-viewing sonar can be advantageous for finding fish, complementing other sonar systems. It rarely works solo, relying on input from dual or tri-sensor transducer systems.
Q: Where can I buy the best fish finder?
A: We recommend picking up your fish finder from Amazon, the world’s largest retailer. Amazon has the best range and prices, and they offer Prime members free, fast shipping, with guaranteed delivery of your parcel. Why go out to find a limited selection at your local fishing goods store when you can order from the comfort of home?
The Best Fish Finder – The Verdict
After reading through the reviews and buyers’ guides, you should have a good idea of the right fish finder to suit your boat and fishing requirements. Whether you’re going ice fishing in your kayak, or deep-sea wrangling for wahoo, we have the right device to enhance your fishing experience.
However, we understand if you’re still on the fence with your decision. How do you settle on the right option with so many great devices? If that’s the case for you, why not go with one of our top picks? We have something to suit any application and any budget.
- The Best Overall Fish Finder – Simrad Cruise 9 GPS Chartplotter
- The Best Premium Fish Finder – Lowrance HOOK2
- The Best Budget Fish Finder – Garmin Striker 4
