Sometimes even the most experienced fisherman needs a little help. Choosing the best fish finder can make the difference between success and failure.
As with most electronic purchases, there is a huge variation in both price and the bells and whistles across the different fish finders on the market. Looking for the most economical or the best fish finders GPS combo? We've got you covered in the following article.
Read next: Check out our review of the best inflatable dinghy, marine stereo, and best sit on top kayak
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Best Fish Finders - (Comparison Table)
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Top Fish Finders
Best Fish Finder Overall
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Lowrance has been in the business of producing fish finders for more than 50 years. They have put all their experience into the Elite 7 and pulled out all the stops.
This unit boasts both sideways and downward imaging with sharp images shown on a 17.7 cm (7 in) touch screen display.
A very accurate built in GPS enables you to mark your favourite fishing spots. This device is also WiFi and Bluetooth enabled and can connect to other devices.
The Elite 7 comes with an HD, high speed transducer with CHIRP technology. This makes it even easier to separate vegetation and structures from those elusive fish.
- W x H x D: 22 cm (8.6 in), 16 cm (6.3 in), 6.3 cm (2.5 in)
- Has GPS: Yes
- IPX Rating: 7
- Weight: 1.38 kg (3.0 lbs)
- Side Imaging: Yes
- Down Imaging: Yes
- Display Size: 17.7 cm (7 in) diagonal
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Best GPS Fish Finder
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Garmin has introduced the new Garmin Striker 7sv as a competitively priced fish finder that doesn’t scrimp on features.
The name of Garmin may not be as synonymous with fish finders as Humminbird or Lowrance, but the Striker does not disappoint. It has CHIRP technology along with Garmin's GPS know-how
This unit modulates the pulse of its transducer to give a detailed side and downward view.
Its compact design makes it perfect for the kayaker.
- W x H x D: 23.5 cm (9.25 in), 14.0 cm (5.5 in), 5.8 cm (2.2 in)
- Has GPS: Yes
- IPX Rating: 7
- Weight: 1.76 kg (0.8 lbs)
- Side Imaging: Yes
- Down Imaging: Yes
- Display Size: 17.78 cm (7 inches)
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Best Value Fish Finder
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The Hook2 7 is the successor to the Hook2 5. It shares similar features with some significant additions.
This is a fish finder for anglers, designed by anglers. It features an automatic sonar technology that adjusts as the water conditions change.
The Hook2 7 boasts a triple shot CHIRP transducer giving both a side and a down scan view. This unit allows you to mark fish as well as track bait etc.
This unit has a 17.7 cm (7 in) display and can accommodate up to 3 transducers t increase the range of visibility.
- W x H x D: 23.5 cm (9.26 om), 7.6 cm (3 in), 15.1 cm (6 in)
- Has GPS: Yes
- IPX Rating: 7
- Weight: 1 kg (2.2 lbs)
- Side Imaging: Yes
- Down Imaging: Yes
- Display Size: 17.7 cm (7 in)
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Best Fish Finder For Beginners
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Humminbird has a good reputation in the industry for making quality affordable products, and the Helix 7 is no exception.
It has a 17.72 cm (7 inch) bright screen that is easy to read in almost all weather conditions, from bright sunlight to stormy skies.
This unit has an integrated GPS, making it perfect for smaller vessels with limited space. It's not too heavy either so also suitable for fishing kayaks.
Like its predecessor, this unit comes with a XNT 9 SI 180 transom transducer, supporting 200/83/455 kHz frequencies
- W x H x D: 26.7 (10.54 in), 14.7 (5.80 in), 9.34 (3.68 in)
- Has GPS: Yes
- IPX Rating: 7
- Weight: 2.44 kg (5.4 lbs)
- Side Imaging: Yes
- Down Imaging: Yes
- Display Size: 17.72 cm ( 7 in) Diagonal
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Best Budget Fish Finder
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This is quite an improvement on previous Lowrance fish finders. The triple shot transducer being one of its main features.
It’s transducer enables both CHIRP, Down Scan, and Side Scan capability.
The screen is only 12.7 cm (5 in), but bright and clear enough to be seen from all angles.
Keyboard controls on the unit allow the image to be shifted from side to side, or top to bottom.
The device is nice and compact, making it suitable for smaller vessels, and kayaks.
- W x H x D: 18.54 cm (7.3 in), 10.1 cm (4.3 in), 8.4 cm (3.3 in)
- Has GPS: Yes
- IPX Rating: 7
- Weight: 1.66 kg (3.38 in)
- Side Imaging: Yes
- Down Imaging: Yes
- Display Size: 12.7 cm (5 in) diagonal
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Buyer's Guide for Fish Finders
Transducer
There are two parts to a fish finder, the monitor and the parts that send out the sonar signal, the transducer.
The transducer needs to be in the water and can be mounted in various ways. For kayaks, it can be connected to a trolling motor, for other boats, it can be mounted to the hull, or even dropped over the side.
The Transducer Cone
The transducer sends down a signal like a cone. The signal is narrow at the surface and broadens out as it goes down.
Signal Direction
In most models the signal can only go down. In the new and more advanced units a signal can be sent out to the side as well. If you are thinking of fishing in shallow waters, this is something you want to consider.
Display Screen
Since the point of a fish finder is to see if you have fish in your area, having a decent screen to see these fish one of the most important things to consider when choosing a fish finder.
Durability and Water Resistance
Choosing a fish finder with a decent IPX water resistance level is imperative if you wish to keep your equipment functioning for a long time. If your device is not going to be mounted securely you should choose a unit that is made of durable materials.
