If you have been searching for a suitable fish finder, then this article is perfect for you. In this blog post, we will be going over the most important things to look for in a fish finder and how they compare to one another. By the end of reading it, you should be confident enough to make your own decision on which best fish finder is right for you!
A fish finder is an electronic device that accurately shows the depth and what objects are under water. The display will show you schools of fish, different types of structure on the bottom floor (rocks, sandbars), as well as other items in or around your fishing spot. Fish finders work by transmitting sound waves through the surface of the water via a transducer which transmits these “pings” to determine how deep it is at any point underneath your boat. The time it takes for the sound wave to bounce off of an object and return back to the transducer is what calculates how deep that particular spot is.
On most fish finders, this depth will be shown on the screen as either a number or a color-coded scale. The deeper the water, the longer it will take for the sound waves to return which in turn means that a higher frequency (pitch) is used. This also explains why you’ll see different colors on your fish finder display – each color corresponds to a different frequency.
Fish Finders Reviewed
The Garmin Striker Plus 4 has everything you need to dominate your fishing environment. With its built-in dual-beam transducer and Garmin Chirp traditional sonar, you’ll get crystal-clear images and remarkable target separation. The included Quickdraw Contours mapping software also lets you create and store maps with 1′ contours for up to 2 million acres. And the built-in GPS lets you mark waypoints, create routes, and view your boat’s speed. The Striker Plus 4’s bright, sunlight-readable 4.3″ display and intuitive user interface make it easy to use in any situation, while its rugged design provides durability for every fishing environment.
The Striker Plus also comes with a microSD card slot, so you can load it up with maps and save your favorite fishing spots.
The Garmin Striker Plus is a great fish finder for those who want the best of the best. It’s easy to use, has an impressive range, and comes with some great features that will make your fishing experience even better. If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line fish finder, the Garmin Striker Plus is definitely worth considering.
- Dual-beam transducer and Garmin Chirp traditional sonar
- Highly dependable GPS receiver
- Rugged design for all weather conditions
- Expensive
The Humminbird HELIX is one of the best fish finders on the market. It comes with a high-sensitivity GPS, full mapping capabilities that let you mark and store up to 2000 waypoints, and dual beam sonar capable of 500 Watts RMS for unmatched target separation. The display is bright at 8000 lumens so it’s easy to read even in direct sunlight—and its rubberized coating makes it durable enough to stand up against harsh weather conditions while remaining waterproof. Plus, if you want more detailed maps or sonar data than what your bundled software offers, there are several third party apps available online that can expand your knowledge even further.
The Helix also has some great features for more experienced fishers, including a multi-window display that lets you view multiple screens at once and access sonar history to see what fish have been around recently. It even comes with wireless connectivity so you can share waypoints and map data between the device and your smartphone or tablet—perfect if you want to use your phone as a second screen on larger boats where it’s impractical to fit both displays side by side.
It does come with an impressive list of advanced technologies, which means there are plenty of things to learn about before getting started using the HELIX effectively in the field. But these features make this one our top pick for best all-around fish finder.
- High-sensitivity GPS
- Multi-window display for simultaneous viewing of sonar data
- 500 Watts RMS dual beam sonar
- May be too complex for beginners
The Lowrance HOOK² is a great fish finder for those who are just starting out. It’s easy to use and comes with everything you need to get started, including a built-in transducer, intuitive menus, and preloaded maps of the U.S. coastline. The five-inch display is bright and clear, making it easy to see in direct sunlight or murky water conditions, while the device’s tilt/swivel mount lets you adjust it to the perfect angle for your fishing style.
The HOOK² also includes advanced features like TrackBack™ sonar history navigation so you can review past catches and locate spots where fish are biting more frequently; Fish ID+, which helps identify different types of fish below the surface; and a handy built-in flashlight for night fishing.
The Lowrance HOOK² is an affordable fish finder that doesn’t sacrifice features or performance, making it one of the best values on the market today.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-use fish finder with advanced features, the Lowrance HOOK² should be at the top of your list.
- Ease of use
- Built-in transducer
- Preloaded maps
- Screen could be larger
If you’re looking for an extremely powerful fish finder that can help you locate the best fishing spots in even the most difficult conditions, then Humminbird’s 410150-12 Piranhamax 240 is a great option. It features DualBeam PLUS sonar with 2400 watts of power and super wide coverage. The three-inch color display has 800×480 pixel resolution to make it easy to see through waves and chop; while casting on rough water becomes easier thanks to its built-in 16-degree tilt/swivel mount.
The device also includes advanced features like CHIRP DownVision™ imaging technology, which provides crisp images of objects below your boat regardless of time or weather conditions, as well as a built-in GPS receiver with Humminbird’s AutoChart™ Live. All you need to do is pair the fish finder and chartplotter using Bluetooth wireless technology, which makes it extremely easy to use even for beginners.
The device has been designed specifically with anglers in mind; this means that almost all of its functions are optimized for fishing purposes like marking or measuring water depth (up to 1500 feet), displaying bottom structure, trolling speed, battery life indicator etc. The unit also comes with an external transducer ready mount on the side if you want upgrade your sonar capabilities later down the road—which can definitely come in handy while hunting big game out at sea!
- The depth capacity is one of the most powerful on the market with a maximum range of 1500 feet.
- It’s extremely easy to use and comes with an excellent user manual so you’ll feel like a pro in no time!
- The display resolution could be better, but it still works great for finding fish close to your boat.
If you’re an avid fisherman looking to upgrade your old fish finder, but don’t want to spend a fortune on the latest technology, then Humminbird’s SOLIX w/ CHIRP is one of the best options out there.
This fish finder features DualBeam PLUS sonar with 500 watts of power and super wide coverage that can help spot schools of bass or trout even in murky waters; while its integrated GPS receiver makes it extremely easy to mark spots so you won’t lose them once you move on! The built-in flasher ultra bright LED display has excellent resolution (400×240 pixels) which means displaying information about speed, depth range etc. will be very straightforward even during daytime fishing sessions.
The unit also comes with the CHIRP transducer that emits sonar signals in a frequency range between 50-200kHz, making it possible to pick up even very small objects on your fishing spot. The accuracy of this fish finder is amazing and you’ll be surprised at how much information about what’s down there will get displayed right on its screen!
- DualBeam PLUS sonar with 500 watts of power
- Super wide coverage
- Built-in flasher ultra bright LED display
- None
The Deeper Chirp Smart Sonar PRO is a top-of-the-line fish finder that offers features and performance not found on other models. This unit is designed for both freshwater and saltwater use, making it the perfect choice for anglers who like to switch up their fishing spots often.
The Chirp sonar technology used in this fish finder gives you a clear image of what’s beneath your boat, regardless of water conditions; while its built-in GPS receiver ensures you’ll always know where you are in relation to your desired fishing spot. The Deeper app (available for both Android and iOS) can be used to store maps of your favorite fishing areas, as well as track your progress so you’ll always know how far you’ve gone and where you’re going next.
The Deeper Chirp Smart Sonar PRO features a built-in battery with an impressive seven-hour run time, plus it’s compatible with the TPE Power Cable (sold separately), which extends your device’s charging capabilities to up to 20 hours. This is especially great if you enjoy camping or fishing from remote areas. If for some reason this fish finder runs out of power, there are multiple settings that will shut off automatically after being idle long enough so as not to waste its remaining juice–how thoughtful!
- Chirp sonar technology offers clear image of what’s beneath your boat, regardless of water conditions
- Built-in GPS receiver ensures you’ll always know where you are in relation to your desired fishing spot
- Deeper app can be used to store maps of your favorite fishing areas and track your progress
- Seven-hour battery run time; compatible with the TPE Power Cable for extended charging capabilities
- Slightly more expensive than other models on the market
The HOOK²-Series from Lowrance offers a full suite of high-performance fish finders available in three different models: the Hook² Fish Finder, Hook² Dual Imaging Sonar and the Hook² Micro. Each unit features built-in GPS technology that allows you to mark your desired fishing spots so you can easily return to them at any time; plus they all come with an adjustable split screen feature which allow for simultaneous viewing of both sonar images and navigation charts.
While each model has its own set of unique advantages, we’ve found the best choice is dependent on what kind of angler you are (and how much money you’re willing to spend). For example, if it’s portability and affordability that matters most to you, the Hook² Micro is a suitable choice–this unit only weighs two pounds and it’s less than three inches thick. The best option for those who want to spend as little money as possible on an entry-level fish finder that still offers impressive performance would be the Hook² Dual Imaging Sonar; while anglers looking for advanced features such as side imaging will appreciate the HOOK² Fish Finder.
- Affordable
- Lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry around with you on the go
- Does not come packaged with split screen technology
The Raymarine Axiom-Series of fish finders is one of the most advanced on the market today, and offers a wide range of features that are sure to satisfy even the most demanding angler. This unit comes in three different sizes: Axiom 12 RV, Axiom 16 RV and Axiom 24 RV; with each model featuring a built-in GPS receiver and Chirp sonar technology which provides a clear image of what’s beneath your boat, regardless of water conditions.
In addition to its impressive imaging capabilities, this fish finder also includes Advanced Signal Processing (ASP) software which automatically adjusts settings according to current weather conditions, ensuring you always get the clearest possible picture of what lies beneath the surface. The Axiom-Series is also one of the most user-friendly units on the market, with a simple touch screen interface that makes navigating menus and adjusting settings quick and easy.
- The built-in GPS receiver is a great feature, especially for anglers who fish in areas with difficult to access landmarks
- This unit has one of the most advanced imaging technologies available today
- The Axiom series are among the priciest fish finders on the market.
MOOCOR Underwater Fishing Camera is a professional tool that can help you observe the fish and their movements in the water. With its 4x digital zoom, this camera allows you to see even the slightest movement of the fish, making it easier for you to choose your bait and make your fishing experience more enjoyable. The camera also comes with a waterproof and anti-corrosion casing to ensure that it will last long under any condition.
The camera is easy to use, and it comes with a fish alarm that will sound off when there is movement in the water, so you can quickly reel in your catch. The package also includes a mount for the camera, which can be attached to either a fishing rod or a boat, making it convenient for you to use.
The camera has a wide viewing angle of 120 degrees, so you can see more of what is going on in the water, and it also comes with a built-in LED light that will allow you to continue fishing even in low-light conditions.
- Comes with a fish alarm that will sound off when there is movement in the water, so you can quickly reel in your catch.
- The package also includes a mount for the camera, which can be attached to either a fishing rod or a boat.
- Wide viewing angle of 120 degrees.
- Built-in LED light allows you to continue fishing even in low-light conditions.
- None reported yet.
The LUCKY Handheld Fish Finder is a multipurpose tool that can be used to find fish in the water, but it also comes with other functions for boating activities. It has an LCD screen display which makes it easier for you to read depth and temperature of the water, so you will know where to cast your line or drop your anchor. The device also features sonar technology that allows users to see images on their screen even under murky waters–perfect when fishing at dawn or dusk when visibility may be low.
For ease-of-use, this handheld fish finder comes with a user manual that provides simple instructions on how you can get started immediately once it arrives at your doorstep. You are welcome to contact our customer service if you have any questions about its features or if you need assistance with setting it up.
The device has a compact design, which makes it lightweight and easy to bring along wherever you go. It also comes with a built-in rechargeable battery that can last for hours before needing to be recharged again.
- Lightweight and portable.
- Built-in rechargeable battery.
- User manual offers instructions on how you can start using it right away once it arrives at your doorstep.
- None reported yet.
Features to Look For When Choosing a Fish Finder
- Standard Sonar
The most basic and cheapest fish finder option. An analog display is a thin line that indicates the depth of water below your boat, but nothing more than that. This type of sonar has been used for over 30 years in all types of fishing vessels from kayaks to large ships, however it lacks features such as GPS mapping which make other sonars much more useful when trying to locate specific areas with high concentrations of fish.
Also, analog fish finders have a limited range and do not pick up live data about the temperature of objects under water, which can be important when trying to determine where certain types of prey hide.
Standard sonar is a good option if price or size are your main concerns; however, its limitations make it better suited for casual fishing trips than serious anglers who value accuracy and high-quality equipment that performs well in all conditions.
- Chirp Sonar
This type of sonar is quickly becoming the most popular and useful fish finder on the market. Chirp technology sends out a range of frequencies (hence the name) that bounce off objects in the water and return to the transducer, giving users a more complete picture of what is below their boat.
Chirp sonar can detect both small and large targets, measure depth and temperature, show contours of underwater terrain, and even create custom maps with waypoints marking good fishing spots. It also has a longer range than standard sonar so you can explore more area for potential catches.
- Down Imaging
Down Imaging is similar to chirp sonar in that the frequencies are sent out and bounce off objects below your boat. However, unlike Chirp where it sends a range of different frequencies, Down Imaging only uses one frequency which produces high resolution images on an LCD screen showing fish schools or even individual large predators swimming near you. It can track both small targets like baitfish as well as larger ones including sharks, all with incredible clarity down to several feet deep depending on how much transducer power your unit has.
This technology also allows users to see underwater terrain features such as drop-offs, sand bars, riverbeds rocks and logs so they know exactly what kind of environment their target prey lives in making strikes more likely.
- Side Imaging
This type of fish finder is similar to Down Imaging in that it sends out a range of frequencies, however instead of displaying the images on an LCD screen next to your boat, they are shown on two side panels by your console.
Side imaging uses almost twice as much bandwidth because it needs to send out more frequencies at once, but this allows it to produce incredible resolution showing objects not only below you but also beside and behind the boat.
This is the size of the area that a fish finder can see and it varies depending on whether you are using standard, down imaging or side-imaging sonar.
Standard sonar cones tend to be around 40 degrees while more expensive versions with Down Imaging allow for as wide an angle as 90 degrees. A smaller cone means less clutter from obstructions such as boat wakes and waves which makes images easier to read and understand even in rough conditions, but also reduces how far away objects will show up on screen so users need to get closer before they appear.
A wider cone lets you explore larger areas without having to move your boat making trips much faster and easier than if you were searching manually, however this comes at the cost of losing some accuracy since you will not be able to tell exactly how deep objects are.
The best fish finders offer a cone angle that is just right for the type of fishing or watersports activity in which they will be used so users can get maximum benefit with minimal drawbacks.
The higher the resolution and size of a fish finder’s LCD screen, the better it is at displaying high-quality images even in difficult lighting conditions.
Smaller screens can be harder to read depending on where you mount them since water reflections may cause glare which makes accurate readings more difficult.
Bigger screens offer easier viewing especially when using advanced functions such as GPS or controlling multiple sonar units but they take up more space and are not suited for all types of boats if mounted too low near the waterline they could get damaged by wakes and waves. A good middle ground that fits most vessels is around five inches across but larger models with side imaging also tend to produce sharper images because there isn’t any interference from transducers.
A GPS equipped fish finder can use your boat’s location to create custom maps and mark productive fishing spots.
Even older models that do not have built-in GPS capabilities benefit from having a simple compass display because the unit itself does not need to be moved when you want to check direction, however most experts recommend using an external one like those used with smartphones instead of relying on the one in your sonar for more accurate readings.
Some sonars also come with charts showing depth contours which is useful for planning routes and avoiding shallow areas before they become a problem but if you plan on traveling far or exploring new waters then it may make sense to purchase chart cartography separately since this will provide detail than what comes preloaded in some units.
Fish finders come in all shapes and sizes, so how you install one will depend on the model that you purchase. Some are small and can easily be placed on the dashboard or windshield while others are larger and need to be mounted on a pole or inside the boat.
The most important thing is to make sure that it is in a spot where it will not get wet as this could damage the unit. Also, keep in mind that some fish finders require 12-volt power which means they must be connected to a battery source; if your boat does not have an existing outlet then you will need to install one.
Once you have a fish finder installed, learning how to read the images it produces is essential for successful fishing.
The most basic task is understanding what different colors represent on the screen; usually red means shallow water while green indicates deeper areas.
Next you need to learn how to use the sonar’s sensitivity and zoom functions so that you can adjust them depending on what you are trying to find. For example, if there are schools of baitfish near the surface then decreasing the sensitivity will help eliminate noise from boats and other nearby objects and make them easier to see. Conversely, if you are looking for larger fish in deeper waters then increasing the sensitivity may be more beneficial.
Fish finders are designed to be used in wet environments, but not all of them are waterproof.
If you plan on using your fish finder in areas where it may get wet then it is important to purchase a model that is specifically labeled as waterproof. Even if your fish finder is not waterproof, there are many ways to protect it from the elements by using watertight cases or installing them in areas of the boat that will keep them dry.
Benefits of using a fish finder
- Fishermen can save time and money by catching fish that they would have otherwise missed.
- Fish finders provide an accurate depth reading which helps avoid running aground or getting stuck in shallow water.
- They also help you stay safe by indicating the location of underwater obstacles.
- A fish finder with GPS mapping capabilities can create custom maps marking productive fishing spots, saving anglers from having to search for them manually each time they go out.
- Some sonars even measure the temperature of objects below the boat, providing information on what type of fish are likely to be found in certain areas.
- Fish finders are one of the best ways to put more fish in your freezer at a fraction of the time it would take you without them.
- Once they are set up, most sonars can be left on for extended periods with no additional effort required by the user which makes fishing trips much easier and less stressful.
Tips for installing and using fish finder
- The ideal place to mount the transducer is on the boat hull near the waterline.
- If you cannot do this, then try to mount it as close to this spot as possible.
- You should also make sure that the transducer is not too low or too high on the boat.
- The most common transducer frequency is 200 kHz.
- Depth capabilities vary greatly between different types of fishfinders so choose one that suits your needs.
- Fish finders typically offer two different display types: monochrome and color. Monochrome screens are faster to read but color displays present more information about what your sonar has detected.
- Beginners Should Stick with Auto First mode until they have learned what each feature does.
- Use manual gain settings on a fishfinder model with automatic depth tracking enabled if the conditions change.
- Install and use your fish finder according to the manufacturer’s instructions for best results.
FAQ
Conclusion
Fish finders are an amazing way to help you locate fish in your area. They can be used for any type of fishing, including freshwater and saltwater angling. These tools can also be used by boaters who want to avoid the dangers of running aground on rocks or submerged logs. Whether you’re a beginner looking for their first fishfinder or an experienced fisherman with years of experience under your belt, there are some important features that you should look at when choosing one that suits your needs best. We hope this guide has helped answer some questions about what these devices do and how they work as well as provided detailed reviews on our top picks so that you have no trouble deciding which is the right choice for your specific needs.