Do you enjoy spending time fishing? If so, then you know how important it is to have the right equipment. Fish finders are a vital part of any fisherman’s setup and choosing the best Garmin fish finder for your needs can be difficult. In this article we will outline our top picks, discuss some of the most common questions about them and provide helpful tips that every fisherman should know before making their purchase.
Garmin is a company that specializes in GPS and navigation products. They have been making fish finders for over 20 years, with their first model being released all the way back in 1996. Garmin has continued to innovate ever since, releasing some of the best fish finder technology on the market today as part of their high-end models such as EchoMap 73dv or Fishfinder 160 . In recent years they’ve branched out into other markets including fitness trackers and wearable tech like smart watches – but we won’t go into those here.
There are a number of reasons why choosing Garmin as your fish finder manufacturer is such a good idea. The first, and probably most important reason to choose Garmin over other companies like Lowrance or Eagle Fishfinders , is because they’ve been in the game for so long. With nearly 30 years experience making GPS and navigation products, you know that when you buy their product it will be reliable and innovative.
Another great thing about buying from one of the top names in navigation technology, instead of an unknown company with limited experience producing sonar equipment, is customer service. When something goes wrong (and let’s face it – things break sometimes!) having easy access to support can make all the difference between getting back on track immediately or waiting weeks for a fix. Garmin has a long history of providing excellent customer service and you can be sure that if anything goes wrong with your fish finder, or you need any help with it, they will be there for you.
There are a few things you should know about Garmin before making your purchase. Firstly, they make a range of different fish finders to suit all budgets and needs. Whether you’re looking for an entry-level model or something more advanced, they have you covered. Secondly, their products are not just limited to freshwater fishing – they also have a range of models designed specifically for saltwater use too. Finally, Garmin is constantly innovating and releasing new technology so even if you buy a product today there’s a good chance that it will be outdated in a year or two (though we doubt you’ll want to upgrade after reading this comprehensive guide!).
Garmin Fish Finders Reviewed
Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer 3.5″ GPS Fishfinder is perfect for fishing enthusiasts of all levels. With its clear scanning sonar, you’ll be able to see more of what’s in the water around your boat, making it easy to mark and navigate to locations like brush piles, stumps and docks. The device also features a keyed interface and dedicated buttons for easy use, as well as a waypoint map that makes it simple to view and navigate to locations. Plus, the Garmin Striker 4 is available in three different display sizes so you can choose the one that best fits your needs. And with its water rating of IPX7, you’re sure to stay safe even if things get rough on the water.
The Garmin Striker comes with a CHIRP (77/200 kHz) transducer, which is designed for use in both freshwater and saltwater. Plus, it’s preloaded with maps of the US coastlines so you can easily find your way to your favorite fishing spot. The device also includes a microSD card slot for expandable memory, as well as an AutoGain Technology feature that automatically adjusts the gain on the sonar according to the surrounding noise level. This helps ensure clear images even in noisy environments. And with its built-in GPS receiver, you’ll always know where you are on the water.
- Clear scanning sonar
- Easy to use
- Dedicated buttons and keyed interface
- Water rated IPX71
- Some users found the unit’s screen difficult to see in direct sunlight.
The Garmin Striker is a great fishfinder for anglers of all skill levels, and it’s easy to use. The device features a built-in GPS receiver with the preloaded maps of US coastlines so you can easily find your favorite fishing spot. Plus, its water rating of IPX71 means that even rough conditions won’t keep this unit from working as needed. And if you lose power or have trouble finding your way back to shore at night, then you’ll be glad to know about the automatic chart plotting feature included on this device as well as its dedicated buttons for simple usage and keyed interface navigation options.
The Garmin Striker also comes with an amazing transducer (which you can choose) that’s included in the box, and it has a built-in flasher for easy viewing of fish on your display. You’ll never get tired of using this fish finder because its power saver feature provides up to 20 hours of operation on two AA batteries. Also, since it doesn’t require any external cables or cords like other devices do, this unit is great if you don’t want to hassle with tangling wires when you’re out at sea fishing!
- GPS receiver with preloaded maps of US coastlines
- Water rating of IPX71
- Automatic chart plotting feature
- Dedicated buttons for simple usage and keyed interface navigation options
- Comes with an amazing transducer that’s included in the box
- None
Introducing the Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer – your perfect fishing partner. This device includes a transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP ClearVü and CHIRP SideVü scanning sonars, providing you with a complete view of the water and what’s beneath it. The built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping software lets you create and store maps with 1’ contours for up to 2 million acres, so you’ll never lose your bearings while exploring new territory. Plus, Wi-Fi access to the ActiveCaptain app allows you to receive smart notifications, access community resources, and transfer waypoints. And with its built-in GPS receiver, you’ll never find yourself lost again.
The Garmin Striker fish finder is a great option for anglers of all levels. It’s easy to use and provides you with accurate information about what’s beneath the surface of the water. The included transducer gives you a clear view of what’s happening below, while the Quickdraw Contours mapping software makes it easy to track your progress and find new fishing spots. Plus, with its built-in GPS receiver, you’ll never lose your way again. So if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable fish finder, the Garmin Striker is a great choice.
- Great fish finder for beginners
- Clear CHIRP sonar with traditional, CHIRP ClearVü and CHIRP SideVü scanning modes
- Built in GPS receiver with Garmin Quickdraw Contours mapping software (for up to two million acres)
- Not waterproof or submersible – must be used above the water only.
The Garmin echoMAP 73cv with CHIRP transducer is another great option for anglers looking for an affordable and reliable fish finder. This device features a built-in GPS receiver, as well as Garmin’s Quickdraw Contours mapping software, which lets you create and store maps with contours down to one foot. The included transducer provides you with a clear view of what’s happening below the surface, while the CHIRP technology ensures accurate readings every time.
The Garmin echoMAP 73cv is one of the most popular fish finders on the market, and for good reason. With its high-quality design, budget price tag, clear display screen, and vibrant colors that show depth readings in real time it’s easy to see why anglers are willing to pay a little extra for this unit. It’s also very durable thanks to its IPX rating which means you can use it under slightly murky conditions without worrying about water damage or other problems arising during normal usage. This model doesn’t come with additional transducers so if you’d like more than one option we recommend checking out some of their other products such as the Garmin GPSMAP 96sv CVD . The only downside with this device is that it doesn’t come with a mounting system, which can make it difficult to get started right away.
- Affordable
- Clear display screen with vibrant colors showing depth readings in real time
- Durable thanks to its IPX rating, which means you can use it under slightly murky conditions without worrying about water damage or other problems arising during normal usage.
- Doesn’t come with additional transducers so if you’d like more than one option we recommend checking out some of their other products such as the Garmin GPSMAP 96sv CVD.
The Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker with CHIRP transducer is another great option for anglers looking for a high quality fish finder without spending too much money. This unit features a built-in GPS receiver, as well as the brand’s own SmartStrike technology which automatically adjusts your settings based on conditions such as depth and water type to ensure you’re getting accurate readings every time. The included sonar system provides you with a clear view of what lies beneath your boat in vibrant color where deeper waters show up blue while shallower areas appear yellow or red depending on how close they are to the surface.
This device also comes equipped with Waypoint Manager Pro so that you can plan new fishing spots from home before you even hit the water, as well as a microSD card slot for expanded storage capacity. The Striker is also one of the easiest fish finders to use on the market with an intuitive interface that makes it simple to get started without any prior experience.
- CHIRP sonar provides extremely accurate readings
- SmartStrike technology adjusts settings to ensure accuracy no matter what the conditions are
- Built in GPS receiver makes it easy to navigate and mark new spots before you take off
- Screen is a little bit small compared with other models on the market today.
The Garmin Striker Plus 4 with Dual-Beam transducer provides you with excellent sonar images and target separation, making it easy to find the fish. The built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software lets you create and store maps with 1’ contours for up to 2 million acres, while the built-in GPS allows you to mark waypoints, create routes and view your boat’s speed. With its bright, Sunlight-readable 4.3” display and intuitive user interface, this product is perfect for every fishing environment. It also features a rugged design that can withstand any condition.
This fish finder is perfect for inshore, offshore or ice fishing. It can be used in fresh water and saltwater to a depth of 800 ft.
- It has a bright, Sunlight-readable display
- It is compatible with the Garmin CHIRP sonar technology for clear images of fish and structure in ultra-clear water
- The built-in GPS allows you to mark waypoints, create routes and view your boat’s speed.
- There are no cons when it comes to this product since there have been no complaints yet reported about it.
The Garmin EchoMap UHD Fish Finder with SideVü transducer offers a brighter, more detailed sonar image of what is below the water. It features a built-in GPS for marking waypoints and creating routes while its easy to use interface provides you with excellent readability in any lighting condition. With a depth rate up to 1500 ft., this fish finder is perfect for fishing on lakes or out at sea where there are multiple types of terrain such as rock piles, humps and oyster beds.
This product also has an available Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar that enhances your target separation along with its ability to distinguish baitfish from game fish when compared with other brands’ models which makes it easier for fishermen who are looking to make the most of their catch.
The Garmin EchoMap UHD Fish Finder is a top choice for those who are serious about their fishing and want the best technology on the market today.
- Long battery life
- Built in GPS
- Fish arches and fish alarms can be turned on or off as needed to save power
- Pricey (but it is one of the best fish finders available)
The Garmin Striker Vivid Fish Finder is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable fish finder that still offers quality features. This product comes with a built-in GPS, as well as ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonar which provide you with a clear view of what is below the water’s surface. The included transducer has a maximum depth rate of 1000 ft., making it perfect for fishing in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
In addition, the Garmin Striker Vivid Fish Finder can track down fish arches and identify baitfish thanks to its CHIRP (Compressed High- Intensity Radiated Pulse) sonar technology. This fish finder also includes AutoGain which adjusts how quickly the fish finder can pick up on moving targets. This feature helps to provide a more accurate interpretation of what is below your boat, and it also reduces noise from fast-moving objects such as boats or other watercraft that may be in your area.
The Striker Vivid Fish Finder comes with an easy-to-use touchscreen interface which allows you to easily program waypoints for future fishing spots, track down sonar history data, measure water depth and temperature, mark specific areas where you’ve caught large quantities of fish before (so that you know where to return).
- Affordable price
- Very easy to use interface
- Cannot be mounted on a kayak (not recommended for small boats)
The Garmin Small Ice Fishing Kit is designed for anglers who are looking for an easy way to track their fish while ice fishing. This kit includes a portable, lightweight Fish Finder that can be easily attached to any rod and reel, as well as a wireless transducer which sends sonar data directly to the Fish Finder.
The included Fish Finder has a high-resolution display with 256 colors and 320 x 240 pixels of resolution. It also offers AutoGain technology which adjusts how quickly the fish finder can pick up on moving targets, as well as BottomLock which highlights the bottom of the lake or river so that you can easily see where your bait is located. The Fish Finder also includes a built-in GPS receiver which allows you to mark your favorite fishing spots and return to them later.
The wireless transducer included in the kit operates on a frequency of 155 kHz, and can be used in water that is up to 240 feet deep. It also includes an ice-fishing mount which will keep it stationary while you are drilling holes in the ice.
- Lightweight and portable
- High resolution display
- AutoGain technology adjusts quickly to moving targets
- BottomLock highlights the bottom of the lake or river
- Built-in GPS receiver marks favorite fishing spots
- Only operates on a frequency of 155 kHz
The Garmin Striker Cast is a castable sonar that gives you the power to find fish in freshwater and saltwater. It has CHIRP traditional sonar, ClearVü scanning sonar, and SideVü scanning sonar for an incredibly clear view of what’s below your boat. The built-in GPS lets you mark your favorite spots, and the included Quickdraw Contours map software gives you instant mapping of your fishing areas.
The Striker Cast is easy to use – just cast it into the water and start fishing. The sonar will send back data to the included display, which has a bright, color screen for easy viewing even in direct sunlight. The unit also includes an AutoGain feature which automatically adjusts how quickly the sonar can pick up on moving targets, as well as Bottom Lock which highlights the bottom of the lake or river so that you can easily see where your bait is located.
The Striker Cast operates on a frequency of 455 kHz, and can be used in water that is up to 800 feet deep. It also includes a castable mount that will keep it stationary while you are casting your line, as well as an adjustable rod holder for mounting on the side of your boat.
- Includes CHIRP traditional sonar, ClearVü scanning sonar, and SideVü scanning sonar
- Built-in GPS lets you mark favorite fishing spots
- AutoGain feature automatically adjusts how quickly the fish finder can pick up moving targets
- Only operates on 455 kHz frequency
How To Choose The Best Garmin Fish Finder: A Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to deciding which Garmin fish finder is right for you, the first step is to decide on the series that best suits your needs. The most popular models are in the Striker and echoMAP series, but there are also a number of other options available.
The Striker Series is designed for anglers fishing inland waters and offers some good features for the price point. These include; an intuitive touchscreen interface, built-in GPS with preloaded maps that identify contours of lakes and rivers as well as displaying boat docks, marinas and other points of interest.
The second step is to decide on the type of sonar you want. As mentioned above, there are three main types of sonar that are used in Garmin fish finders; CHIRP sonar, traditional sonar and ClearVü scanning sonar.
CHIRP sonar is a type of broadband sonar that transmits a large range of frequencies. This allows it to provide very accurate images of fish and structure beneath the water’s surface. The technology is also able to penetrate deep into the water, making it ideal for fishing in both freshwater and saltwater.
Traditional sonar sends out a single frequency at a time, which can be helpful when trying to distinguish between individual fish and baitfish schools. It is less effective than CHIRP sonar in terms of image quality but can still provide useful information about what lies beneath the water’s surface.
ClearVü is a type of sonar that transmits low-frequency sound waves which can show images of fish and structure below the water’s surface in more detail than traditional or CHIRP Sonar.
The third step when choosing your Garmin fish finder, is to decide on how you want it to display its readings (graphically or numerically). Graphical displays are easier for many anglers to interpret quickly while numerical readouts might be better suited for those who prefer numbers over pictures.
The next step is to decide on the supported frequencies your Garmin fish finder should have. This will depend on the type of water you will be fishing in, as different frequencies are better suited for different environments.
For freshwater fishing, a frequency range of 50-200kHz is ideal. This covers a good range of depths and can provide accurate readings even in murky waters. If you plan to do some saltwater fishing as well, then a model with a frequency range of 77-225kHz would be better as it offers greater sensitivity to targets in deeper water.
Once you have decided on the series, sonar type and supported frequencies that best suit your needs, it’s time to start looking at specific models within those categories.
Garmin fish finders offer a variety of navigation features that can help anglers get from point A to B while also helping them locate and catch more fish.
In addition to their primary sonar capabilities, Garmin units also have built-in GPS with preloaded maps, chart plotting capabilities and waypoints for marking fishing spots or other points of interest along the water’s edge.
Waypoint markers provide an easy way for anglers to return to specific locations on the map. They are particularly useful when trying to navigate back up river after exploring downstream or finding a certain location in a large lake where you caught your last big one.
When choosing the best Garmin fish finder, it’s also important to look at what accessories are included in the package. You should expect things like transducer and mount hardware as well as battery packs. In addition you might get a carrying case or even a remote control for easier use when mounted on an external trolling motor.
In some cases you may have to purchase these items separately from your unit so be sure to check if they come with everything needed before making your final purchase decision.
Once you have made all of these decisions, then it’s just a matter of finding which model offers all of those features within your budget range and going over any additional customer reviews that can help confirm its quality level before finally deciding to buy.
Benefits of Owning a Garmin Fish Finder
Garmin fish finders are ideal for all kinds of fishing (inland, coastal and sailing). If you are looking for a unit to use in deep water, there are many sophisticated, but easy to use, Garmin models available on the market. Don’t let all the technical slangs scare you away because Garmin units are built with the user in mind, and you should be quickly well on your way to find lots of fish, even if you are just starting out. Having said that, it is time to dig deeper into the technical specs of Garmin brands that enable it to be one of the leading fish finding manufacturers.
Sonar combos are a great way to go if you want to fish inland and in freshwater. The units offer GPS mapping, FishSmart sonar with AutoChart Live, CHIRP traditional sonar (inland) and ClearVü scanning sonar with SideVü scanning on the same unit. This gives you plenty of options no matter where you choose to wet a line.
The Garmin Striker Plus series is one of the most popular lines for anglers fishing inland waters and offers some good features for the price point. These include; an intuitive touchscreen interface, built-in GPS with preloaded maps that identify contours of lakes and rivers as well as displaying boat docks, marinas and other points of interest.
There are three main types of sonar that are used in Garmin fish finders, and each has its own benefits:
CHIRP sonar is a type of broadband sonar that transmits a large range of frequencies. This allows it to provide very accurate images of fish and structure beneath the water’s surface. The technology is also able to penetrate deep into the water, making it ideal for fishing in both freshwater and saltwater.
Traditional sonar sends out a single frequency at a time, which can be helpful when trying to distinguish between individual fish and baitfish schools. It is less effective than CHIRP sonar in terms of image quality but can still provide useful information about what lies beneath the water’s surface.
ClearVü is a type of sonar that transmits low-frequency sound waves which can show images of fish and structure below the water’s surface in more detail than traditional or CHIRP Sonar.
Garmin fish finder tips
- Before buying a fish finder, it is important to have an idea of what you are looking for.
- You need the best Garmin fish finder if you want to catch more large and medium sized fish in your local lake or stream.
- Fish finders help anglers identify underwater structure so they can pinpoint exactly where their boat should be positioned when fishing. This reduces time spent casting into empty water because many areas that look good on paper do not actually hold any fish!
- There are several different types of fish finder available, each with their own unique features.
- Garmin offers many high quality options to choose from that will meet the requirements for any fisherman or woman looking to upgrade their equipment.
- It is important to do some research before committing to a purchase so you can ensure you buy the best Garmin fish finder for your needs!
- Read on to learn more about Garmin fish finders and the best options available.
- Garmin is one of the most well known innovators in marine electronics, with a history dating back over 30 years!
- Their current line up includes several popular models which are perfect for anglers looking for an affordable but powerful tool to help them catch more fish than ever before.
FAQs
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a Garmin fish finder, then this guide is just what you need. We review the top brands of Garmin fish finders and provide in-depth information on each model to help make your decision easier. Whether you want one with mapping features or GPS capabilities, we can help! Read our buyer’s guide below to learn more about these helpful gadgets that every fisherman needs. Don’t forget to check out our FAQ section if there are any questions that still remain unanswered after reading through the blog post. Happy fishing