Fish finders are a great way to locate crappie in your area. But how do you know which one is best? You can’t go by price, because some of the most expensive models don’t work any better than the cheapest ones. These reviews will help you find an affordable fish finder that performs well and will give you more time on the water instead of wasted hours trying to figure out where those pesky crappie are hiding!
Crappie are not the easiest fish to find. They normally stay near underwater structure and prefer relatively clear water, so they’re difficult to see without a good fish-finder. The best way for crappie fishermen to determine where their quarry is located is by using sound waves that bounce off of objects below them – including structures and other submerged objects – then travel back toward your boat until they reach the transducer on your fish finder.
The way these devices work is by sending out a sound pulse and then timing how long it takes for the echo of that pulse to return. This tells the fish finder what’s below your boat. The image on the screen is created by plotting this information over time, so you can see not only where the fish are but also their relative size and shape.
Some units have color screens that show different levels of intensity depending on how deep the object is; for example, red might indicate something close to the surface while blue means deeper water. Others may use symbols instead of colors or shades of gray to depict depth.
Fish Finders for Crappie Fishing Reviewed
The Garmin Striker is a popular fish finder among fishermen who are looking for an affordable unit that can do the job. The device includes down imaging with 455 kHz, side view sonar with 77/200 KHz frequencies and GPS capabilities which make it versatile in finding all types of underwater creatures.
While this model may not have some advanced features found on other units like DSI or Structure Scan, most users are satisfied by its performance. For example, you can create your own fishing maps since the GPS lets you mark waypoints where you’ve caught fish before so you’ll know what areas to avoid when searching new spots next time around.
It has one of the largest screens offered at about five inches across – great for anglers who want to keep an eye on what’s going around them at all times. It also has a backlit display making it visible even in the dark. The Striker comes with both transom and trolling motor mountable t-connectors so you can use just one unit for your boat – that’s more than many other models offer, which is why this fishfinder lands among our top picks.
- Affordable price
- GPS capabilities for marking waypoints and creating fishing maps
- Large screen size – five inches across
- Backlit display for visibility in low light conditions
- Does not include down imaging or Structure Scan features
The Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar is a unique fish finder that doesn’t require you to mount it on your boat like most models. Instead, the unit attaches to any smartphone or tablet with either iOS or Android operating systems and uses its internal GPS capabilities together with the sonar sensor to give you real-time readings of what’s going on beneath the surface.
Since there’s no need for a separate screen, this innovative little device gives you all the info you need right on your phone or tablet – perfect for when you’re trying to make quick decisions about where to cast next. The Deeper PRO+ is also one of the smallest fishfinders available, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.
One downside to the Deeper PRO+ is that it doesn’t have a transducer, which means you can’t use it in deep water. However, for crappie fishing in shallow lakes and ponds, this little fish finder is hard to beat.
- No need to mount on boat
- Attaches to any smartphone or tablet with iOS or Android operating systems
- Real-time readings of what’s going on beneath the surface
- Small size makes it easy to take with you wherever you go
- Can’t use in deep water
This is a product that was first released in 2012. It has received some very good reviews and it’s considered one of the best fish finders for crappie on the market, due to its accuracy at high speeds (up to 40mph) as well as the excellent display quality. The Raymarine Dragonfly Pro Chirp Fish Finder can be used in both fresh and salt water and has a maximum depth range of 600 feet.
The Raymarine Dragonfly Pro Chirp Fish Finder can be mounted on a boat’s console or bow, but it’s best used as a handheld device. It has become very popular for kayak fishing due to its lightweight design and high-resolution screen that makes viewing information easy even in bright sunlight conditions. The wireless connectivity of the fish finder allows users to share their sonar logs using social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter or WhatsApp with just one touch of the button. Another useful feature is the ability to use this product without installing any software onto your computer – all you need is an internet connection! This means it works equally well across both iOS and Android platforms making it great value for money too.
- Lightweight and easy to use
- High-resolution screen
- Wireless connectivity
- Can be used without installing software onto computer
- May not be as accurate at high speeds as some of the more expensive models available on the market
This is a budget-friendly option that’s perfect for those just starting out in the world of fishing. The HawkEye FishTrax Portable Dot Matrix Fish Finder is easy to use and has a depth range of up to 100 feet. It also features a backlight screen for improved visibility in low light conditions, as well as an auto shut off function that helps to conserve battery life.
One of the best features about this model is its screen. The high-resolution color display provides users with easy to understand information, including depth readings and accurate fish icons that track how many fish are present in your area at any given time.
The HawkEye FishTrax Portable Dot Matrix Fish Finder is compatible with just about every type of fishing pole available on the market today (including ice rod). It’s highly durable too – making it perfect for use both out on boat trips as well as when you go hunting near or around shorelines.
- Color display
- Auto shut off function for battery conservation
- High resolution screen provides users with easy to understand information
- Low range depth reading compared to other models
The Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder is a great option for those who are looking to buy a high quality product, but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg. This model has the same size screen as that of HawkEye, providing users with accurate fish data in real time.
In addition, it features color LED backlighting so you can use this device even when conditions outside get dark or low light level. Its waterproof design also makes it perfect for use both on land and out on boat trips at any given moment. The best part about using this unit though? It’s extremely easy to read – which allows fishermen of all skill levels (including beginners) enjoy increased fishing success rates while they’re using this device.
Another thing that we like about Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder is the fact it works great in all kinds of conditions and locations . Whether you’re out on a boat, kayak or even just fishing from the shore – expect to get real time data whenever an object crosses your sonar path!
- High quality product for a great price.
- Same size screen as HawkEye models, with accurate results in real time.
- Color LED backlighting allows you to use the device even when conditions outside get dark or low light level.
- Waterproof design is perfect both on land and out at sea.
- The high/low alarm function does not work very well – but that’s really it!
If you’re looking for a high quality, fully functional product that won’t break the bank – this is it. The Lucky Handheld Portable Fish Finder might not look like much on first sight, but don’t judge a book by its cover because underneath all of those layers lies an extremely effective piece of equipment!
This unit features both analog and digital beacons to provide users with accurate data at any given moment. It also works great in dark conditions as well as clear waters, making it perfect even when fishing from boats or kayaks .
Users will definitely love how easy it is to read this device too – which shows them their current depth range out loud every time they go over another object with the sonar.
The unit will also give you the option to add a power source, which is something that other units on this list don’t have – so if you want more autonomy and flexibility when using it out in the field, then we highly recommend getting an extra battery for your device!
- Very affordable
- Analog and digital beacons provide accurate data
- Works great in dark conditions and clear waters
- Very easy to read – shows current depth range out loud every time you go over another object with sonar
- None that we could find!
This is by far one of the most popular fish finders on the market today, and with good reason! The Humminbird Helix GPS GII offers users a ton of features and capabilities that are perfect for both amateur and professional anglers alike.
For starters, this unit comes with a CHIRP sonar which provides amazingly clear images of what’s beneath your boat – making it much easier to determine where you should be casting your line next. It also has built-in GPS capabilities so you can mark hot spots, structure, waypoints, and more for later use – ensuring that you’ll never miss another big catch ever again.
The Humminbird Helix GPS GII also comes with a generous 300W RMS power output, which is more than enough to find fish in the deepest of lakes. In fact, this unit will work from depths as low as 800 feet! It’s clear that Humminbird has put an incredible amount of thought and attention into building their top-of-the-line fish finder model for crappie anglers everywhere.
- CHIRP sonar provides clear images of what’s beneath your boat
- GPS capabilities mark hot spots, structure, waypoints, and more
- 300W RMS power output is perfect for finding fish in deep waters
- None that we could find!
The Garmin Striker is a great fish finder for crappie, and it’s one of our favorites here at Best Fish Finder. This unit features a sleek design with an easy-to-read display that makes viewing the sonar images as simple as possible – so you can always have accurate readings no matter what your location or depth.
This particular model comes equipped with both GPS and GLONASS capabilities which work to pinpoint exactly where you are on the water at all times (and even mark waypoints), making navigation easier than ever before. It also has built-in WiFi connectivity, allowing users to connect their smartphones directly to the system in order to receive email alerts and control settings right from their phone!
- Accurate sonar images for finding fish
- Very easy to read display with nice, big characters that are simple to see even in low light conditions or when out on the water.
- This model is a little pricey compared to other options. If you’re looking for something just as accurate but without all of the bells and whistles, consider this one instead.
The Lowrance HOOK² is a great fish finder for crappie, and it’s perfect for those just starting out. This unit comes equipped with a five-inch display screen and splitShot transducer which provides amazingly accurate sonar images – so you can easily locate your desired catch. This model also includes a built-in GPS, so you can mark spots and return to them later. It comes preloaded with detailed maps of the US freshwater regions – for your convenience!
The Lowrance HOOK² is very easy to use, but it does lack some features that are included in other fish finders on this list. This unit does not come with a down-scan transducer, which is used to determine the bottom contour of your desired fishing location. It also lacks sonar history – so it can be difficult to track where you’ve been and how deep that particular area is without manually marking spots on the map (which isn’t very efficient).
- Five inch display screen
- SplitShot™ Transducer provides accurate images
- Doesn’t include DownScan or Sonar History technology
- Can sometimes freeze up in colder weather
The Humminbird Helix is a great fish finder for crappie, and it comes packed with features that are sure to make your fishing experience more enjoyable. This unit includes a ten-inch display screen, CHIRP sonar (for clear images of fish and structure), down-scan imaging, GPS mapping capabilities, and much more. The Humminbird Helix can be used in both fresh and salt water – making it perfect for any fishing trip.
This fish finder is also very easy to use; but if you’re looking for a model with tons of bells and whistles, the Humminbird Helix may not be right for you. It lacks some that are included in other models on the market, such as side-scan sonar and temperature readings.
- CHIRP sonar provides clear images of fish and structure
- GPS mapping capabilities make it easy to navigate on the water
- Can be used in both fresh and salt water
- Lacks some features that are included in other models on the market (side-scan sonar, temperature readings)
How To Choose The Best Fish Finder For Crappie: A Buying Guide
The size of the screen is a very important factor in choosing which fish finder to buy. The bigger the screen, the easier it will be for you to see details about what’s going on below your boat.
If possible, try getting a model with at least an eight-inch color display that has a high resolution and LED backlighting; if you can afford it, go even larger than this since there are several good choices out there today in 13-, 15-, or 17-inch sizes (the latter two being LCD screens).
The resolution of the screen is another important factor to consider when buying a fish finder.
This number (measured in pixels) shows how many dots are on your screen; the higher this number, the more detailed and accurate what you see will be. Look for models with at least 480 x 320 pixel displays if possible or even better – 600 x 450 or 800 x 480 screens.
You should also look for LED backlighting instead of standard LCD lighting since it’s brighter and easier to read during dawn/dusk hours as well as times when there is glare off the water nearby such as early mornings near sunrise or late evenings just before dark begins. You can tell which kind of display panel comes with your unit by checking its specs; most manufacturers list this information in the product’s specifications section.
The color or black and white screen is another important factor to consider when choosing a fish finder.
A color screen will give you more information about the environment below your boat since it can show different shades of green, blue, and brown; this can be helpful in figuring out what type of cover (grass, brush, rocks) the fish are hiding around.
On the other hand, black and white screens are easier on your eyes during long days on the water and can be better for seeing faint signals from fish due to their higher contrast levels. So if you’re looking for something that’s less tiring to look at over an extended period of time – go with a BnW unit.
Just as important as the screen is the power of the transducer.
A unit with a good, powerful transducer will be able to give you a better picture of what’s going on below your boat and will also help reduce noise interference from other electrical devices on your boat.
The best fish finders come with 600-watt or greater transmitters – so if you can afford it, try to purchase one of these models.
Also note that some manufacturers list the “peak” wattage instead of the “rms” wattage; in this case, go for a model that has a peak wattage at least twice that of the rms rating just to make sure you’re getting plenty of power.
The frequency of the transducer is another important factor to consider when buying a fish finder.
This number tells you how many times per second the unit’s transmitter sends out sound waves and then listens for them as they bounce off objects below your boat; a higher rate will give you a more detailed, accurate picture of what’s going on in these areas so look for something with at least 50/200 kHz or better (some LCD models come with frequencies up to 500kHz).
Also note that most modern units can automatically adjust their frequencies according to water conditions such as depth, surface clutter, etc. – but if not make sure it has this feature before purchasing one since it can be helpful in getting an idea about specific underwater features such as fish, structure, and cover.
The range of the sonar or sound waves is another important factor to consider when purchasing a fish finder.
A larger (in both physical size and wattage) transmitter will be able to send out more powerful signals over longer distances; this can help you get a better idea about what’s going on in deeper waters where other boats are traveling so look for boat-mounted models with at least 600 ft ranges if possible.
You should also take note that some units have “down imaging” technology which sends an image from side to side instead of just straight down – while others use a “transmit/receive,” switchable feature which allow you to choose between sending out sound waves vertically only, horizontally only, or both ways depending on what you’re looking for.
The portability of the fish finder is another important factor to consider when making your purchase.
Some models are designed specifically for boat-mounting while others come with a portable case that you can take with you on fishing trips; most of these last come with transducers that can be attached to the bottom of your boat or kayak.
If you’re looking for something that’s easy to move around and doesn’t require any extra equipment – then go for a model that comes with a carrying case and choose one with a built-in screen so you don’t have to worry about bringing anything else along.
The ease of use is another important factor to consider when making your purchase.
Some fish finders are designed with the entry-level angler in mind while others come packed full of features that can be overwhelming for someone who’s never used one before; if you’re just starting out then it makes sense to go with something easy to understand and operate so look for a model that has automatic depth control, menu screens that list common fishing terms (e.g., “structure”), etc.
GPS technology is another feature that you may want to consider when purchasing a fish finder.
This can come in handy if you’re looking to mark specific spots on the water where you’ve had past success or if you need to return to a certain location; some units also have mapping capabilities which will show you the contours of the land (or underwater) and can be helpful for finding new fishing holes.
Just keep in mind that not all models come with this technology so if it’s something that’s important to you then make sure to double-check before making your purchase.
How to Find Crappies Using a Fish Finder?
These fish finder tips can help you get the most from your unit:
- Fish close to the bottom. Crappie are not deepwater fish and they prefer relatively clear water, so try fishing in areas where there is a shallow “shelf” of about 20 feet or less. This shelf will be fairly flat on one side but have a steep dropoff toward deeper water on another – this is where crappie like to hang out when looking for food.
- Look for cover near the middle of that slope – often, it may include flooded trees or brush piles. These places provide good protection from predators while allowing both prey and hunters easy access to open water via short runs up onto their beaches made by runoff at flood stage.
- When you find a likely spot, drop your depthfinder down to the bottom and slowly sweep it back and forth across that area while watching for changes in what’s displayed on the screen. Also watch for different types of fish symbols; sometimes crappie will group together in schools, which is an easy way to locate them when using a fish finder with multiple frequency settings (most units have at least two).
Fishing Tips to Catch Crappies
- Baits to Use
Crappies like live bait and will take most anything that swims. Minnows, worms and leeches all work well, but crappie anglers sometimes struggle to keep them alive for very long in the water.
Minnow type lures such as the Lindy Floating Shiner or a minnow head jig can be effective when tipped with a waxworm or maggot. Bass style soft-plastic baits are also popular amongst crappie fishermen because they hold scent well and come in an increasing variety of colors and shapes that imitate small fish species common in lakes where you plan to fish. Crappies have big appetites so natural looking grubs rigged weedless on jig heads often produce strikes when nothing else will.
Plastic worms can be rigged weedless on jig heads or with slip sinkers for fishing around logs, rocks and other structure. A small spinner blade dressed with a waxworm or maggot can also be deadly for crappies when twitched along the bottom in open water.
- Aim for the Structure Edge
Targeting the edge of structure is a tried-and-true method for catching crappies. The fish will relate to cover in different ways at different depths, so it’s important to experiment with various presentations until you find what works.
When fishing near cover, use a jighead that allows you to work your bait slowly and make contact with the bottom as often as possible. Jerking or flipping the lure too fast will usually just spook any nearby fish. If there is no visible structure around, try vertical jigging by suspending your bait below a bobber in open water.
- How to Proceed
Crappies will be actively feeding during the early morning hours and at dusk, but you can catch them all day long if you use the right bait and technique. The best way to catch crappies is to go where they are biting and put your lure in front of their face. If you’re not catching any fish, move on until you find some that want to bite.
It can be helpful to have several different lures with you when fishing for crappies, as well as a variety of colors schemes to match the conditions on the day you’re fishing. Be sure to keep track of what works and what doesn’t so you can fine-tune your presentations for the next time out. With a little practice, anyone can become a successful crappie fisherman!
- Tactics for Finding Crappie
Finding crappie fishing can be a difficult and frustrating task and it’s likely you will spend many hours on the water without catching any fish. However, if you know where to look for these fish and what they like to eat-you should have much more success out there! The key is locating concentrations of small minnows which are one of their primary food sources during spring, summer and autumn seasons (and even in winter).
One method used by anglers involves trolling slowly through shallow bays or channels. The boat remains at very slow speed while dragging live bait such as shiners behind the boat; then moving onto another area when no strikes occur.
FAQ
Conclusion
Crappies are a favorite fishing fish for many anglers. They make great panfry and can be used as bait too! If you’re looking for the best crappie fish finder, we’ve got your back with this guide to buying one that will work well on any budget or skill level. We’ll also provide some tips from seasoned crappie fishermen about how they catch these delicious freshwater delicacies. Check out our buyers’ guides below to learn more about what features matter most in finding a good crappie fisher, and hopefully even catching some of those tasty little guys yourself!