You’ve probably heard of GPS fish finder before, but you might not know exactly what it does. Basically, a GPS fish finder is an electronic device that helps fishermen locate and identify different types of aquatic life in the water using sonar. It’s also very helpful for fisherman who live near bodies of water and want to figure out where they should go fishing next time they’re on vacation.

GPS fish finder is an electronic device that works on the principle of sonar. It emits sound waves into water and measures how long it takes for each wave to bounce back after hitting certain types of aquatic life, like a school of fish or even just some rocks. This tells fisherman exactly what kind of sea creatures they are looking at so they can decide where to cast their line next time they go fishing! Sonar has been used by many people in various different industries over the years because it’s actually very helpful. People who work near bodies of water often use sonar-based equipment as well, including scuba divers who need help locating sunken objects under the surface; commercial ships that want more information about potential hazards around them; and even archaeologists who use sonar to map out different ancient ruins.

GPS fish finder is a great tool for fisherman because it not only tells them what kind of aquatic life they’re looking at, but also where that life is located in the water. This can be extremely helpful when fishing in an unfamiliar area or if you’re looking to catch a specific type of fish.

Types of GPS Fish Finder

There are a few different types of GPS fish finders that you’ll want to consider.

  • First, there is the single-frequency sonar method which emits sound waves from one location and measures how long it takes for each wave to bounce back after hitting certain objects in order to determine where they are located.
  • The second type of GPS fish finder is called multi-frequency sonar because it uses multiple frequencies at once instead of just one; this can be more accurate but also requires some extra equipment like transducers and transmitters/receivers.
  • Lastly, there’s also down imaging sonar which works on a similar principle as regular multi-frequency sonar except that it creates images out of all of the echoes rather than simply displaying numbers or dots on a screen.

Each of these three types of sonar has their own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to do some research before you decide which one is best for you. The single-frequency sonar is the most common type and is perfect for fisherman who are just starting out or don’t want to spend too much money; however, it can be less accurate than other options.

GPS Fish Finders Reviewed

Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G2

Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G2

The Humminbird Helix CHIRP GPS G-Series Fishfinder is a great all-around option that has some of the best fish finder technology available. It offers both high sensitivity and sonar power with an impressive maximum depth of 1600 feet! This model also comes equipped with built in Wi-Fi so you can easily stream your catch to a nearby device and upload it to social media for others to see.

The Helix’s GPS function is also extremely accurate, providing you with both the latest data from satellites as well as up-to-date maps of your location via high-speed cellular service. Finally, its design comes in four different models that are perfect for a variety of situations so no matter what kind of fishing you’re planning on doing this fish finder has everything you’ll need to succeed!

PROs
  • Great sensitivity and sonar power
  • 1600 foot depth capacity
  • Built in Wi-Fi
  • Accurate GPS function
  • Four different design models to choose from
CONs
  • None identified thus far!
Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP MDI GPS G3

Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP MDI GPS G3

A high-performance fish finder, the Hummingbird Helix is an excellent choice for any serious angler. This unit combines GPS coordinates and sonar technology to provide detailed images of underwater structures, cover, baitfish concentrations and more. The dual beam transducer allows you to view down up to 2500 feet below the surface, making it an ideal choice for deep-sea fishing.

The Hummingbird Helix is also one of the most water resistant models on the market, with an IPX rating of 68 meaning it can withstand even the harshest environments. The built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features let you quickly and easily share photos and videos of your catches with friends, or update your social media pages in real time.

PROs
  • The Hummingbird Helix is a high-performance fish finder that combines GPS coordinates and sonar technology to provide detailed images of underwater structures, cover, baitfish concentrations and more.
  • The dual beam transducer allows you to view down up to 2500 feet below the surface, making it an ideal choice for deep-sea fishing.
  • The unit is also one of the most water resistant models on the market, with an IPX rating of 68 meaning it can withstand even the harshest environments.
  • The built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features let you quickly and easily share photos and videos of your catches with friends, or update your social media pages in real time.
CONs
  • None
Garmin Striker Plus 4

Garmin Striker Plus 4

The Garmin Striker Plus has quickly become a popular choice for fishermen, and it’s easy to see why. This unit features a three-inch color display with resolution of 480×272 pixels, comes preloaded with worldwide basemap and includes Garmin CHIRP technology. With this fish finder, you can mark waypoints, follow contours and fish habitats, and record sonar readings. It’s also possible to mark and save structure, fish and other targets for future reference. The Garmin Striker Plus has a rugged design that allows it to be safely used in saltwater as well as fresh water, and it also has an IPX rating of 68 for protection against water damage.

PROs
  • Rugged design
  • Preloaded with worldwide basemap
  • Includes Garmin CHIRP technology
CONs
  • None identified
Garmin Striker 7sv

Garmin Striker Plus 4

Introducing the Garmin Striker 7sv – perfect for fishing enthusiasts of all levels! This unit includes a transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP ClearVü and CHIRP SideVü scanning sonars, making it easy to find fish even in murky water. The built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping software also lets you create and store maps with 1’ contours for up to 2 million acres, so you can always find your favorite spot. And with the ActiveCaptain app, you can receive smart notifications, access Quickdraw Contours Community and transfer waypoints right on your phone. Plus, the Striker 7sv’s built-in GPS lets you mark waypoints, follow trails and navigate to your favorite fishing spots.

The Garmin Striker series has always been a popular choice for fishermen, and the Striker 7sv is sure to continue that trend. It’s easy to use, durable and perfect for any level of fisherman. So if you’re looking for a great gps fish finder, the Garmin Striker series is definitely worth considering!

PROs
  • Perfect for all levels of fisherman
  • Built in GPS lets you mark waypoints and navigate to favorite fishing spots
  • Transducer with Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar, ClearVü & SideVü scanning sonars helps find fish even in murky water.
CONs
  • Some have reported the screen being hard to see when wearing polarized sunglasses
Garmin Echomap UHD 94sv

Garmin Echomap UHD 94sv

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line fish finder, the Garmin Echomap UHD 94sv is definitely worth considering! This unit includes a transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP ClearVü and CHIRP SideVü scanning sonars, making it easy to find fish even in murky water. The built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping software also lets you create and store maps with up to 12’ contours for up to 2500 acres, so you can always find your favorite spot.

Plus, the ActiveCaptain app lets you receive smart notifications, access Quickdraw Contours Community and transfer waypoints right on your phone. And with its bright, sunlight-readable display, you can easily see fish and structures even in bright conditions.

PROs
  • Built-in CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP SideVü scanning sonars
  • Bright, sunlight-readable display
CONs
  • Expensive
Garmin Echomap UHD 74cv

Garmin Echomap UHD 74cv

Garmin Echomap UHD 74cv is a great choice for those looking to upgrade their fish finder. This unit includes built-in CHIRP traditional sonar and ClearVü scanning sonar, as well as the Garmin DownVu feature that shows you what’s below your boat on its bright, sunlight-readable screen – perfect for finding deep structures or fish along the bottom of the lake. The Echomap UHD 74cv is also compatible with the Garmin Panoptix LiveScope LVS-09 transducer, which lets you see fish and structure even in murky water.

The unit’s easy-to-use menus make it simple to find what you’re looking for, and its high-sensitivity GPS receiver provides accurate positioning information whether you’re fishing in a small pond or big lake. Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect to the free ActiveCaptain app for added convenience.

Overall, the Garmin Echomap UHD 74cv is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a quality fish finder that doesn’t break the bank.

PROs
  • Built-in CHIRP traditional sonar and ClearVü scanning sonar
  • Garmin DownVu feature
  • Compatible with Garmin Panoptix LiveScope LVS-09 transducer
  • Easy-to-use menus
  • High-sensitivity GPS receiver
CONs
  • None that we could find!
Humminbird Helix 8 G3N

Humminbird Helix 8 G3N

The Humminbird Helix 8 G3N Fish Finder is the perfect tool for anglers who want to see the world below their boat like never before. Featuring both MEGA Side Imaging+ and MEGA Down Imaging+, this fish finder provides detailed, crystal-clear views of fish and structure out to 200 feet on either side of your vessel. It also features dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar technology, which can identify well-defined fish arches and provide clear views of bottom structure and fish-holding habitat. This sonar can be split into two separate, simultaneous views or blended together to create a single view.

The Helix’s MEGA Imaging technology provides ultra-clear images of fish and bait schools that are visible on the screen at any depth. Additionally, this unit is fully networkable with an NMEA 2000 connection for use with compatible autopilot systems from Simrad, Northstar Systems, B&G/Navico and more!

PROs
  • Crystal clear views of fish and bottom structure to 200 feet
  • Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar technology identifies well defined fish arches
  • Provides two separate, split screen images or a single blended image for ease of operation
CONs
  • Does not include GPS mapping capabilities
Lowrance HDS-9 Live

Lowrance HDS-16 Live Fish Finder

The Lowrance HDS-12 Live Fish Finder is a top-of-the-line unit that provides anglers with stunningly clear images of fish and structure below their boat. Featuring both StructureScan HD Imaging and DownScan Imaging, this fish finder gives you a complete view of what’s beneath your vessel in stunning detail. The included Insight Genesis map creation software allows you to create custom maps of the areas you’re fishing, so you’ll always know where the best spots are.

This is one of the top-rated fish finders on the market, and it’s no surprise. It offers everything you need to catch more fish quickly while out on the water. Whether you’re looking for a unit with advanced imaging technologies or just want an affordable option that works well, this model should definitely be considered.

PROs
  • Gives a clear view of fish and structure beneath your boat
  • Included Insight Genesis map creation software
  • Top-rated fish finder on the market
CONs
  • None that we could find
Lowrance Hook2 9 Combo

Lowrance Hook2 9 Combo

The Lowrance Hook²-Series of fish finders have been among the most popular on the market for years, and they’re still going strong. The models in this series feature a combination of traditional sonar technology with advanced imaging to give you an intuitive understanding of what’s beneath your boat.

With both DownScan Imaging and StructureScan HD, you can see fish and structure beneath your boat with amazing clarity, making it easy to determine where the best fishing spots are. The included GPS also makes it easy to mark waypoints and return to them later.

The Lowrance Hook²-Series is available in a variety of different models, so there’s sure to be one that fits your needs.

PROs
  • DownScan Imaging and Structure Scan HD provide extremely clear images of what’s beneath the boat
  • The built in GPS makes it easy to mark fishing spots or create a route so you can return to them later
  • Available in several different models, including ones with extra features like side imaging for spotting fish hugging the shoreline.
CONs
  • Higher end models are expensive
  • Many users report that they have difficulty pairing their device with their smartphone
Garmin GPSMAP 942xs

Garmin GPSMAP 942xs

With the GPSMAP-Series of fish finders, Garmin has brought a new level of technology and design to this industry. The mapping capabilities are especially useful in areas that you’re not familiar with since they provide detailed charts for both fresh and saltwater.

The GPSMAP-Series also features DownVü scanning, which gives you a view of what’s beneath your boat in stunning detail. You can even see fish and structure in murky water. This model also includes SideVü scanning, giving you an extra level of detail when fishing near the shoreline.

The models in this series pack up to four receivers into a single device, giving it faster updates than other devices on the market. In addition to HD imaging side scan sonar, these models also include DownVu scanning sonar which provides incredibly clear images from directly beneath your boat. Finally, built-in Wi-Fi makes it easy to pair your device with compatible smartphones or tablets so you can share what’s going on under your boat at any .

PROs
  • Detailed mapping capabilities for both fresh and saltwater
  • DownVü scanning provides a clear view of what’s beneath your boat in stunning detail
  • SideVü scanning gives you an extra level of detail when fishing near the shoreline
  • Up to four receivers give faster updates than other devices on the market
CONs
  • None found as of yet!

How to Choose The Best GPS Fish Finder: A Buying Guide

Cone Beam Angle

One feature that you’ll need to pay attention to when shopping for a GPS fish finder is the cone beam angle which can tell how wide of an area each transducer sends and receives signals from. This allows fisherman to see more information about their surroundings as well as figure out where they’re at much faster than other models which simply send out one narrow line instead of broadcasting in multiple directions.

The best cone angles for fishing are between 60 and 120 degrees, but it’s important not to get too caught up on this number since even if your preferred model doesn’t offer quite what you want, there will often be larger or smaller options available that may work better (or worse) depending on your needs and preferences. Instead, focus on finding a model that has the right features for you and then consider its cone beam angle once it’s already in your cart!

Maximum Depth

Another important number to look at when shopping for a GPS fish finder is the maximum depth that it can reach. This tells you how deep the device can go in order to detect fish and other aquatic life, so it’s an essential piece of information if you’re planning on doing any serious fishing!

Most models have a max depth of around 300 feet or more, but there are a few high-end options that can reach depths of up to 1000 feet or more – perfect for those really deep sea expeditions. Just keep in mind that the higher the max depth, the pricier the model will likely be.

Power Output

The power output of a GPS fish finder is important to consider as well, especially if you plan on using it in conjunction with an electric motor. The higher the wattage, the more energy your device will require which can be taxing on both your fish finder and your battery life.

On the other hand, if you don’t have a powerful motor or are simply fishing from a dock, then you won’t need as much power and can safely go for a model with a lower wattage without sacrificing too much in terms of performance.

Power Consumption

As was mentioned above, power consumption is another important factor when it comes to finding the best GPS fish finder. If you’re using your device in conjunction with an electric motor or battery pack then its wattage will be extremely important since it determines how quickly your batteries drain and whether they can provide enough juice for both your equipment and anything else you might need!

GPS Function

The GPS functionality of a fish finder is arguably its most important feature since it allows you to not only see where the best fishing spots are, but record your catch for later as well. Some models use satellite receivers which can be really helpful if you’re in an area without Wi-Fi or cellular service, whereas others instead rely on cell phone towers which won’t work when disconnected from land completely.

Most devices have both options available though so there’s no need to worry about being stranded out at sea! It’s also worth mentioning that some products don’t come with built-in GPS functionality and instead require purchasing separate items like wristbands or cards before they’ll start working properly.

Waterproof Design

Another major factor to consider when shopping for a GPS fish finder is its waterproof design, especially if you won’t be using it in an area with ample shelter.

Most models will withstand short periods of exposure without issue but can still become damaged by either intense waves or too much time spent underwater so make sure that your device has IPX-rated protection before taking it out on the water! If there’s any doubt about whether or not the model you want offers decent waterproofing then keep looking since they’re easy enough to find even when searching within a reasonable budget.

Benefits of a GPS Fish Finder

Temperature and Depth Gauge

First helpful feature that many GPS fish finders include is a temperature and depth gauge. This can really help fisherman figure out where the best place to cast their line might be because this information tells them how deep or shallow the water is as well as what temperature it’s at (which can indicate if there are any underwater currents).

Automatic Route Planning

Another helpful feature that many GPS fish finders include is a function called automatic route planning which allows you to mark certain locations and then have the device draw a path between those spots. This can be really useful if you’re going out deep sea fishing because it will make sure all of your lines stay in areas where there’s lots of aquatic life as well as avoid any rocks, debris, or other hazards along the way!

Smartphone Integration

One of the newest models on the market is a GPS fish finder that integrates directly with your smartphone. This model doesn’t come with a screen like most traditional fish finders, but instead relies on you to use your phone’s existing display in order to see what’s going on beneath the surface.

This can be really handy because it means you don’t have to carry around an extra piece of equipment and can simply use your phone for all sorts of other things while you’re fishing too! The only downside is that this particular model can be a bit more expensive than some others.

Tips for Using a GPS Fish Finder

  • Know where your favorite fishing spots are

Having a GPS fish finder can make it easy to mark waypoints or return to well-known fishing spots. Whether you’re going out for the first time this year, or heading back after a long hiatus, knowing exactly how to get there will help ensure that you don’t waste valuable fishing time traveling.

  • Learn about local landmarks and good places for catching different types of fish

In addition to marking locations on your map, using a GPS device while learning about the area around you is also useful in identifying potential areas with lots of structure (such as downed trees) which could be great bass hotspots when water levels change during low tide periods when bass seek cover near shoreline structures like sunken logs, rocks, and artificial reefs.

  • Use sonar to scout for fish

Many GPS fish finders also include a sonar function, which is great for scouting ahead before you make your way to a spot. This can help you identify whether there are any large fish lurking in the area so that you can adjust your fishing technique accordingly.

  • Pay attention to weather conditions

Weather conditions can change quickly and impact how successful your day of fishing will be. Always check the forecast before heading out on the water, and if inclement weather is predicted, it might be best to postpone your trip or choose another location altogether.

  • Have backup equipment ready

Murphy’s Law says that when you forget something important, it’s always when you’re already on the water. Make sure you don’t get caught without all of your equipment, and always carry a spare battery or two in case something goes wrong with your GPS fish finder mid-trip.

FAQ

What is a GPS fish finder?

A GPS fish finder is a device that uses satellites to track your location and then displays it on a map. This allows you to see not only where you are, but also the contours of the bottom of the lake or riverbed, as well as any structures or fish that might be present in the area.

How does a GPS fish finder work?

A GPS fish finder works by using signals from satellites to triangulate your position on land or water. Once it has this information, it can create maps showing your location and other features around you such as underwater topography and schools of fish.

What are some benefits of using a GPS fish finder?

Some benefits of using a GPS fish finder include being able to easily mark your favorite fishing spots, identify good areas for catching different types of fish, and adjusting your fishing technique based on what you might be biting into. Additionally, they can help you stay safe while out on the water by providing weather information.

What's the difference between a regular GPS and a GPS fish finder?

A regular GPS usually just tells you your location and doesn’t have any features specifically designed for fishermen. Conversely, a GPS fish finder includes functions such as sonar that allow you to see under the water’s surface and track schools of fish. It also often has mapping capabilities that show you not only where you are, but also the contours of the bottom.

Can I use a GPS fish finder with my phone or tablet?

While there are some models that can be used with a phone or tablet, most GPS fish finders come in the form of a handheld device. This is because they need to be able to withstand the elements and provide accurate information while you’re out on the water.

Conclusion

Buying a GPS fish finder can be an overwhelming process. With so many different brands and models to choose from, it’s hard to know where to start! That’s why we compiled this list of the best-selling GPS fish finders on Amazon. We hope you will use it as a resource when making your purchase decision for one of these devices because they are all excellent products that have earned 4 or more stars. If you need any help along the way just visit our blog post FAQ page which also has answers to some common questions about buying a GPS fish finder device. Good luck in finding your perfect model!