What’s the best fish finder under 200? In this article, we will review some of the top rated models and help you find a high quality one to suit your needs. We’ll also provide tips for how to choose a good model that is within your budget – so whether you’re a beginner or an expert fisherperson, there should be something here for you!
A fish finder is a device that scans the water under your boat and displays information about what you’re seeing. This includes depth, bottom composition (gravel, rocks), underwater structures like drop offs or submerged trees/logs, and even where fish are located.
The way it works is by using sonar technologies to send out pulses of sound waves into the water below your boat – this data gets converted into an image on your screen so you can see exactly what’s going on underneath you as you move across different parts of the lake/ocean. Fish finders operate at various frequencies such as 50 kHz which penetrate deeper than lower frequency models for example 200kHz which show better details but don’t go as deep or CHIRP which sends out multiple frequencies simultaneously and can be customized to show you more specific information.
What can I expect from a fish finder under $200?
At this price point, you can expect to get a pretty basic unit with some essential features. They are typically portable handheld devices that have knobs for adjusting settings and buttons for switching between display screens – so they tend to be fairly intuitive even if you’ve never used one before. The screen is usually small (size of about half your hand) which makes it easy to see but not as detailed compared to larger models or fish finders on boats where multiple people can simultaneously view the data being produced by the device. However at this price range, most units will come equipped with a transducer included in the package which means all you need is an external battery source such as a cigarette lighter plugin inside your boat/kayak/raft etc..
Fish Finders Under $200 Reviewed
The Humminbird Helix is a great fish finder. It’s an upgrade from the popular Sonar 20/40 line, with improved GPS and mapping functions. The built-in map contains more than 8000 preloaded lakes, rivers and coastal contours for both US coasts so you can choose which area to go fishing in next. No need to buy additional maps or update your device every time new updates are available! The sonar has dual view mode that allows you to see two windows at once – just like looking through binoculars but without the distortion of angling side to side.
And if you’re not sure what kind of depth readings are being displayed on screen there are color indicators making it easy for everyone including novices to understand what they’re seeing. This fish finder is also Wi-Fi enabled so you can use the free Humminbird FishSmart app on your smartphone or tablet to view live sonar, create waypoints and track your catches – perfect for bragging rights with friends and family!
The only downside of this device is that it might be too advanced for some anglers who are just starting out and may not need all the features that come with it.
- Dual-window display
- Built in 800,000+ preloaded freshwater maps and coastal contours (US)
- Free Humminbird Fishsmart app for smartphone or tablet viewing of sonar live, creating waypoints & tracking catches
- Might be too advanced for some users.
The Deeper Smart Sonar is a budget-friendly fish finder that still offers some great features. It has a wireless range of up to 330 ft, so you can cast it out and leave it to do its job without having to stay glued to the screen – perfect for those who like to wander around while they’re fishing. You don’t need cell phone service or internet access for the Deeper Smart Sonar to work; all the data processing takes place within the device itself.
This sonar also offers two viewing modes: Classic (for fishermen who want more detailed information) and Fish ID (which highlights different types of fish with symbols onscreen which makes identifying them much easier) and you can switch between the two with just one click of a button.
The best part about this fish finder is its ability to work even in deep water (up to 180 ft) and on ice – it’s also touted as being freeze proof so winter anglers don’t need to worry about their device getting damaged when they’re out fishing in freezing temperatures!
- Low price
- Wireless range of up to 330 ft
- Two viewing modes: Classic and Fish ID
- Works in deep water (up to 180 ft) and on ice
- Freeze proof
- Can be difficult to read screen in direct sunlight
The Garmin STRIKER series of fish finders offers a variety of features, including the ability to mark and return to up to 1000 waypoints. They also come with built-in maps (which is great for those who like exploring new fishing spots) as well as an internal GPS antennae which can be shared between several compatible devices – this means you only need one chart plotter on your boat or kayak if everyone has their own STRIKER!
This unit also comes equipped with ClearVü sonar (Garmin’s most advanced downscan imaging technology), CHIRP Sonar and Flasher, plus it has excellent target separation thanks to its dual-channel design. It works in depths ranging from 25 ft all the way up to 1000 ft, making it a great option for both freshwater and saltwater anglers.
The Garmin STRIKER also has some handy features like AutoGain Technology (which automatically adjusts the gain on the sonar according to the noise level) as well as Fish Symbol ID which makes fish targets easier to distinguish from surrounding structure.
Overall, we think that the Garmin STRIKER is an excellent choice for those looking for a reliable and affordable fish finder – especially if you’re interested in kayak fishing!
- Mark and return to up to 1000 waypoints
- Built-in maps
- Internal GPS antennae
- None
The Vexilar SP200 T-Box is a great option if you’re on the market for a fish finder that offers more than just basic sonar capabilities. For example, it comes with an Ice Fishing mode (which allows users to measure water depth) as well as several additional features like multiple Temperature readings and battery life indicator – each of these can be displayed in large text which makes them easy to read even while wearing gloves or mittens!
The package also includes an adjustable rod holder and swivel base bracket so you can attach your unit wherever it’s most convenient; we especially love using this feature when ice fishing because we don’t need anything fancy like suction cups to hold the finder in place.
The Vexilar SP200 T-Box is also one of the most affordable options on our list, making it a great choice for those who are just starting out in the world of fish finding.
- Multiple Temperature readings
- Battery life indicator
- None
The Humminbird PiranhaMax 197C is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable fish finder with advanced features. This unit offers DualBeam PLUS sonar which provides both wide-angle and narrow-angle views of the water below, making it easier to track down your prey. It also includes a built-in GPS system that can be used to mark hot spots or record the location of your catches; this can come in handy if you plan on revisiting any areas in the future.
The PiranhaMax 197C also features an automatic depth tracking system which ensures that you’ll always have the latest water depth readings available, and it can even be programmed to provide alarms when fish are detected within a certain range.
In terms of display, this unit comes equipped with a color LCD monitor which can be viewed from a wide range of angles. The screen itself measures in at five inches diagonally and it displays all the information you need to make sure that your outing is an enjoyable one.
- DualBeam PLUS sonar for wide-angle and narrow-angle views
- GPS system to mark hot spots and record catches
- Depth tracking system with alarms
- Color LCD monitor for clear display
- No backlight on the screen which can make it difficult to see in low light conditions
The Garmin STRIKER is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable and easy-to-use fish finder. This unit comes with a built-in GPS system that can be used to mark hot spots or record the location of your catches, as well as a depth tracking system which ensures that you’ll always have the latest water depth readings available. In terms of display, this unit comes equipped with a color LCD monitor which can be viewed from a wide range of angles. The screen itself measures in at three inches diagonally and it displays all the information you need to make sure that your outing is an enjoyable one.
One of the best features of the Garmin STRIKER is its automatic fish detection system. This system is capable of detecting both small and large fish, as well as baitfish, and will provide you with an audible alarm whenever it detects a fish in your area. The STRIKER also includes a built-in flasher which can be used to help you determine the size and location of your catches. In addition, this unit comes with a trolling motor mount that makes it easy to attach to most trolling motors on the market today.
- Affordable
- Built-in GPS system provides hot spots and depth readings
- Can be used as a flasher or with a trolling motor
- Screen is somewhat small compared to other models on the market today.
If you’re looking for a unit that comes with plenty of extra features, the Boblov fish finder may be right up your alley. Not only does this device come equipped with high-resolution 1000TVL 30M IR night vision which ensures clear visuals in all lighting conditions, but it also offers an upgraded digital zoom feature and additional sensors (elevation sensor, water temperature sensor). The built-in GPS system on this unit provides hot spots as well as depth readings so that you’ll always know where to go when you hit the open waters.
One unique feature about this product is its automatic scanning sonar mode which automatically keeps track of all potential targets within close proximity while constantly updating their information on screen. This makes it easy to keep an eye on all the fish in your vicinity without having to constantly adjust settings.
The Boblov is also one of the most affordable units on this list, making it a great value for those on a budget.
- Affordable
- Can be paired with a GoPro camera to capture point of view footage
- Not as many features as other models on the list
The Venterior portable fish finder is a great choice for those who are looking for an easy-to-use and budget-friendly option. This unit comes with a bright, backlit LCD display which makes it easy to see in all lighting conditions, as well as a built-in transducer that provides accurate depth readings.
One of the best features of this product is its simple one-button operation – all you have to do is turn it on and start fishing! The Venterior also includes a handy fish alarm function which will notify you when there’s something biting on your line.
This device runs on two AA batteries (not included) so you can take it with you wherever you go, making it perfect for small boats, kayaks and even ice fishing.
The product is built to last with a sturdy plastic body that can withstand freezing temperatures without any issues – just toss it in the water and get ready for some fish!
- Affordable
- Easy to use
- Bright LCD display
- Fish alarm function
- No depth readings in meters
- Runs on AA batteries (not included)
The Lowrance Hook-III is not only a fish finder, but also has side and down imaging that provides excellent coverage of the water below your boat. It reads at speeds up to 45mph so you are able to view images in real time as well as record sonar history for future reference.
This product is easy to use with a simple three-button interface, and it has a backlit display that makes it easy to see in all lighting conditions. The Lowrance Hook-III also includes Trackback which allows you to review past sonar images so you can pinpoint the exact spot where you caught that big one!
The Hook-III runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery which provides up to eight hours of use, and it comes with a built-in transducer for accurate depth readings.
- Three-button interface
- Backlit display
- Trackback feature
- No fish alarm function
The Eyoyo Professional is a high-resolution fish finder that can read up to 240ft of depth. It has an easy-to-use interface with three buttons, and it also provides you with images in real time so there are no delays when viewing sonar history or past catches.
This product comes with built-in sensors for accurate readings even at higher speeds, and the unit itself is waterproof so rest assured knowing your investment will last even if you encounter some bad weather on the water. The Eyoyo Pro includes all necessary wiring needed for installation including power cable adapters which makes setting up quick and painless.
This fish finder is a great option for those who are looking for quality performance without spending a fortune, and it would be great for use in both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
- High resolution
- Real time images
- Waterproof
- Built in sensors for accurate readings
- None found
Things to Consider while Buying a Fish Finder Under $200
If you are looking for a Fish Finder Under 200 check the space of your cockpit. You should also measure how much depth and width your boat can handle. This is important because if you buy a fish finder that is too big or too small, then it will not be effective for you while fishing.
The type of transducer that comes with the Fish Finder Under 200 is very important. You should consider how you will be using your fish finder before making a purchase. If you are looking for a fish finder to use in freshwater only, then you do not need a transducer that is designed for saltwater use. There are many different types of transducers available on the market today. Make sure to choose the one that fits your needs best.
The material that the transducer is made from is also important. The most popular type of transducer on the market today is the plastic transducer. This type of transducer is less expensive, but it may not be as durable as some of the other types available. If you are looking for a more durable option, then you should consider a metal transducer.
When looking for a Fish Finder Under 200 you will have to choose between black and white or color screens. The black and white screen is easier to see in direct sunlight, but the color screen provides better image quality. If you are unsure about which type of screen to choose, then ask the salesperson at your local fishing store.
Dual frequencies are for saltwater use while single frequency fish finders are best suitable for freshwater. These days, most of the features are available in both dual and multiple frequency units but if you want to save some money then go with a unit that has only one frequency.
Since there is not much difference between these two types of units it’s better to choose based on cost or brand name. One thing though – make sure your sonar sensor matches the transducer type (single/multi) because they don’t always match up perfectly especially when using older models or cheap brands like Eagle Cuda Pro series etc.
Key Features of Fish Finders under 200$
Transducer material is important because it will affect the quality of sonar readings and durability. Most models in this price range use plastic transducers which can be damaged if accidentally hit or run into rocks – so you’ll need to be a little more careful when using them. There are also some higher end models that come with stainless steel transducers which are much more durable but tend to be more expensive.
The reading depths and speeds of a fish finder are important factors to consider when choosing the right model for you. Fish finders that can read at deeper depths and higher speeds will be more expensive, but they’re worth it if you plan on doing a lot of deep-sea fishing.
If you’re just looking for something basic that will help you find fish in your local area, then a model with a lower reading depth and speed should suffice. Reading depths of 100-200 feet and speeds of around .50 MPH are common in this price range.
The transducer frequency is another important factor to consider when choosing a fish finder. The higher the frequency, the better the resolution of the sonar readings will be – but this also means that you’ll need a more powerful transmitter to send those signals out.
Most models in this price range have frequencies of around 50 kHz, which is adequate for most fishing needs. If you’re looking for something with more advanced features, then you may want to consider a model with a higher frequency of 80 or even 100 kHz.
The data accuracy of a fish finder is important to consider if you want to get the most accurate readings possible. All of the models in this price range have pretty good accuracy, but there are some that are more accurate than others.
If you’re looking for the best possible accuracy, then you’ll want to choose a model that has a GPS receiver built in. This will ensure that your sonar readings are as close to reality as possible.
The sonar data that a fish finder provides is the most important factor to consider when choosing one. All of the models in this price range will provide you with basic information like water temperature, depth etc, but some are better than others.
If you’re looking for detailed and accurate readings then it’s worth spending more money on a model with high-quality transducers and advanced screen technology – these tend to be expensive though so they may not be suitable if your budget is very tight.
There are also lots of cheaper options which use older technologies with lower accuracy – even though they cost less than $200, we wouldn’t recommend them unless portability was an absolute necessity (they usually have smaller screens).
The screen resolution of a fish finder will affect how easy it is to read the sonar readings, so this factor should be considered carefully. The higher resolutions are usually around 256-color VGA or 800×600 SVGA – anything lower than that and you’ll almost certainly have problems reading the display when there’s lots of sunlight.
The user interface of a fish finder is the display and controls, so this factor will affect how intuitive it is to use. If you’re new to fishing or just want something really simple then any model with only push-button controls should suffice – however if you’ve got lots of experience using fish finders then choosing one with an advanced touch screen could make things much easier.
When comparing models in this price range its important to remember that they all have very similar features because their main purpose is finding fish – where they differ significantly are usually around details like performance at depth/speed etc.
The water resistance of a fish finder is an important consideration if you’re going to be using it in difficult conditions. All of the models in this price range are waterproof, but some are more resistant than others – so if you know that you’ll be taking your fish finder out into rough seas then make sure to choose one with a higher IP rating.
The final factor to consider is whether you want a black and white or color display. The main advantage of a B&W display is that it’s easier to see in direct sunlight, but the disadvantage is that it doesn’t show as much detail as a color one.
Color displays are more expensive, but they provide much better image quality and can be used to identify different types of fish more easily. They’re also great for seeing contours on the bottom of the sea which can help you plan your next fishing trip more effectively.
Tips for using fish finder under $ 200
- The most important feature of the fish finder is that it must be portable. You need to see how big your boat is and whether you can carry a device without too much struggle during fishing trip
- It needs to have clear screen resolution, because sometimes water reflects back light making image harder to read
- Portable units are usually attached with suction cup mechanism, so they do not bounce off in rough waters or fall when moving around deck
- Voltage input should match battery output on your vessel – if one has 12V power supply then use only devices running at same voltage
- It should have a GPS sensor to track the coordinates of your fishing spots – this is very helpful for planning and making new routes through familiar waters
- The more features it has, such as deep water switch or fish alarm sound – the higher price you will pay. However some units offer only basic functions that are still good enough for those who would like some help with navigation without too much expense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
If you’re not sure how to use a fish finder, or if the best one for your needs is too expensive, don’t worry. We have all of this covered in our article about choosing and using a fish finder under $200. In it we discuss what features are important when buying a cheap unit that doesn’t cost more than 200 dollars. You can also read reviews from other customers who have purchased these units before, as well as tips on how to use them properly so you get accurate readings every time. Don’t forget! The most frequently asked questions section will answer any unanswered questions that may be holding you back from making an informed decision today!