Catching fish is hard enough as it is.
Finding them can be even harder.
Make life easy on yourself, won’t you?
Get yourself one of these nifty fish detection devices and you’ll be fishing where the fishies hang out.
Save yourself some time.
Best Fish Finders – Reviews
1. iBobber Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder for iOS and Android
- Patented sonar fish identifier technology
- LED beacon
- Rechargeable battery and charge status indicator...
- 10+ hrs battery life.Syncs with iOS (Apple) 10.0...
- Accurate sonar readings down to a depth of 135'
If you are looking for a portable, affordable, and easy to setup fish finder, then the iBobber is an incredible choice. This one is compatible with Apple as well as Android devices. Therefore, you won’t be restricted on a particular platform. It provides you with information concerning the location of the fish, the depth, as well as water temperature. Most people fear using Bluetooth enabled devices, since they tend to drain batteries. However, with the iBobber, you don’t have to worry about such issues.
It uses a Bluetooth connection that consumes much less power as compared to normal Bluetooth connections. This means that your battery will last much longer during the entire duration of your fishing trip. Portability is another great feature that you get when you purchase the iBobber Wireless Bluetooth. It is small and compact making it easy to fit into any backpack, rucksack and even a pocket for easy transportation. It is also light, weighing less than 2 ounces. In fact, it looks like a bobber.
Featuring a 118 kHz transducer, this one can scan water depths of up to 135 feet. It can also communicate with your smartphone from as far as 100 feet. This ensures that you get the best and most accurate results. If you consider how small this device is, this is quite impressive. Once this device detects fish, it marks it based on its size. Fish are mainly divided into 2 distinct categories, those below 15 inches, and those above 15 inches in length. This is a reliable device, which provides high quality services. As long as you own a smartphone and you have this device, catching that big bass should no longer be a problem.
2. Deeper Smart Sonar PRO+, 55″, Black
- HIGH SPECS AND ROCK SOLID CONNECTIVITY: Casts out...
- BUILT-IN GPS: Create bathymetric maps from the...
- REAL-TIME DATA: Two beam frequencies with 15 scans...
- BOAT AND KAYAK FISHING: Deeper Pro Plus fish...
- RECHARGABLE BATTERY: Charge it as needed with a...
Deeper has taken the world of sonar fish finders to a completely new level with their world-class smartphone fish locators. The Deeper PRO+ is compatible with both tablets and smartphones using Android 4.0 and above and iOS 8.0 or later. One of the best features in this model is that it allows the finder’s GPS to establish bathymetric maps, whether you are onshore or offshore. If you don’t know what that is, a bathymetric map is the equivalent of a topographic map. The bathymetric map is however submerged in water. These maps are designed to provide measurable and accurate descriptions, together with a visual presentation of the underwater terrain. In short, you can now explore your favorite lake, then determine the details and contours, which will make your next fishing trip a total success.
Instead of using Bluetooth, this one uses Wi-Fi connectivity. You don’t need to be a tech-savvy to know that Wi-Fi connectivity is more reliable than Bluetooth. In today’s digital world, it is always advisable to have a wireless connection even when you are out there fishing. Someone might just need to reach you anytime. Apart from that, you can send pictures of that paddlefish you just caught to your family, just to keep them salivating! It has a battery life of around 6 hours. The good news is that it charges in less than 2 hours, which can even be done on your fishing boat. Imagine charging from zero charge to full battery in less than two hours. How cool is that? The Wi-Fi connects directly to your cell phone, meaning you don’t need to rely on your data when fishing. Just leave your other Wi-Fi devices at home and enjoy your fishing trip.
3. Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 Bbuilt-in GPS Fish Finder
- Clear Vu scanning Sonar shows you more of what is...
- The power of simple offers a keyed interface with...
- Waypoint map: Use the way point map to easily...
- Chirp Sonar sends a continuous sweep of...
- Built in flasher: View your sonar data in the...
Deep lakes without visible cover can be very challenging to fish especially without electronics. However, with the Garmin Striker 4, you have everything you need to bring home that striped bass that your child has only seen in movies. This is not your ordinary sonar unit. It comes with some of the most advanced features, in fish finder technology. The use of CHIRP technology is definitely ground breaking. What sets this baby apart from the rest? Enclosed in a strong plastic housing, the Garmin Striker 4 also has a sealed rechargeable battery, together with a charger.
Also included in the package is a suction cup for mounting on smaller vessels. Therefore, if you kayak or canoe fishing is your thing, your needs have been taken care of. With a water tolerance of around 1 meter deep for 30 minutes, you are able to scan water higher water depths. Unlike other models, this one can be used on both fresh and saltwater. For freshwater scanning, it can attain depths of up to 1600 ft. If you are using it on saltwater, you can attain depths of up to 750 ft. With such power, you can identify and map out even the most remote waters. The use of CHIRP (Compressed High Intensity Radar Pulse) technology adds some remarkable power as well as clarity to the images provided by this device. In short, you will benefit from better defined targets, clearer images and as well as less clutter. If you are looking for an affordable, small and powerful fish locator with CHIRP technology, the Garmin Striker 4 is the one for you.
4. Venterior Portable Fish Finder, Wired Sonar Sensor, LCD
- Shows you what is in the water: Detects and...
- Easy to Use: Toss the transducer into water and...
- Very portable that you can take it anywhere: It...
- Accurate Depth Reading: The fish finder use sonar...
- Warranty and Brand Support: The Venterior Portable...
The Venterior Portable is one of the best portable fish finders for kayaks and small boats. If you are tired of sitting in your boat for long hours with nothing to show for your efforts, then you should consider this device. This portable wired device comes with highly powerful sensor. It enables you to discover large shoals of fish effortlessly and fast. This one also contains a power saving feature, which turns it off whenever it’s not in use. It works by displaying the approximate distance and location where the fish are in large numbers. Apart from identifying the location of fish, it also gives you the ability to view natural elements in the bottom of the water like stones, weeds and grasses, as well as the complete contour.
This fish detector also gives an estimate of the depth of water. Unlike other devices, the screen on this device is backlit. This can create all the difference for the angler who loves fishing both day and night. Thanks to its generous operating temperatures, you can also use it for ice fishing. It is compact and easy to handle making it a breeze for novices to locate their catch. This portable fish locator produces a beam angle of approximately 45 degrees, enabling you to find large submerged structures, together with fish. This feature also allows you to zero in your targets, so that you can capture fish more easily. With its audible fish alarm, you can easily identify the location of the fish.
5. Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5" GPS Fishfinder with CHIRP Traditional Transducer
- Clear Vu scanning Sonar shows you more of what is...
- The power of simple offers a keyed interface with...
- Waypoint map: Use the way point map to easily...
- Chirp Sonar sends a continuous sweep of...
- Built in flasher: View your sonar data in the...
If you are looking for an efficient, compact, and accurate fish finder, in both shallow and deep waters, then you should check out the Garmin Striker 4. Thanks to this device, you will spend less time looking for fish and more time catching them, thanks to its exceptional levels of accuracy. It offers uninterrupted and smooth footage when you are moving between shallow and deep waters. Its design is captivating. And if you are fishing with a smaller boat, then you will love its portable design. You will also notice that its buttons are clearly marked, thus making your work easy when it comes to operating it. Even if you are wearing gloves, you will not struggle with the buttons.
Featuring a waterproof rating of IPX7, the Garmin Striker 4 is a perfect fish finder for kayak fishing and canoes. It can withstand a water depth of 1 meter, for up to 30 minutes. However, it’s not advisable to use this device for high-speed water sports. It’s also equipped with a GPS, which you can use to find your way around your fishing spot. Just like its name suggests, this device is equipped with a CHIRP sonar transducer, which makes it easy to find plenty of fish, wherever they might be hiding.
The Garmin Striker 4 is arguably one of the best fish finders for bass fishing. Its performance is outstanding. Apart from that, it’s exceptionally versatile, which means that you can use it whether you are fishing in salt or fresh water. Some of its modes include the Traditional Mode, Flasher Mode, Split Frequency, Waypoint Map, and the Sonar Screen. The Traditional Mode mainly shows the bottom structure of the river or lake while the Flasher Mode indicates the depth level. The image quality is clear, making it easy to tell the difference between the fish and other obstacles. The Garmin Striker 4 is a user-friendly and efficient fish finder, which you can use across different fishing locations.
6. Humminbird 410210-1 Helix 5 Chirp GPS G2 Fish Finder
- 5-Inch Color WVGA Display
- CHIRP Dual Beam PLUS Sonar. Power Output RMS : 500...
- Precision Internal GPS Chart plotting with...
- Micro SD card slot for optional maps or for saving...
- Target Separation - 2.5 Inches
The Humminbird 410210-1 Helix 5 is a versatile fish finder, which you can use for winter fishing, trolling with your kayak as well as onshore fishing. It’s also one of the most powerful fishfinders on the market today. Unlike previous iterations, the Gen 2 is equipped with CHIRP sonar technology, which can scan water up to a depth of 1,000 feet. It can achieve this using high, medium or low-frequency modes. Apart from that, this fish finder for deep waters features a high-resolution display, reduced image noise as well as greater target separation. Also, it features a waterproof rating of IPX7, meaning it will continue operating optimally, even when fully immersed in water.
Its design is robust, magnificent and sleek. The outer case is waterproof and sturdy. In terms of performance, this device will meet and exceed your expectations. It’s one of the best fish finders with down and side imaging. The side imaging display helps you to see underwater structures, including intertwined tree branches while the down imaging mode gives you a clear view of the water depth. Using this information, it’s easy to determine the right spots for fishing.
It comes with an ultra HD, 5-inch display, which makes it easy to see everything displayed on the screen. You can use it both indoors and outdoors, thanks to the remarkable clarity of the screen. It also comes with a fish alarm, which goes off whenever it detects the presence of small, medium or large fish. And you can customize the alarm according to your preferences. And with the help of the sonar recording feature, you don’t need to scan the same spot twice, since that information is readily stored in the micro SD card.
7. Vexilar SP200 T-Box Smartphone Fish Finder, Black
- Carries a two year warranty
- One year battery warranty
- Pre-drilled holes for optional accessories
- Easy access semi-enclosed battery compartment
- Pre-tapped transducer support eye bolt hole
This fish finder for your phone is a mix between a fixed and portable gadget. It is a remarkable choice for kayaks and smaller boats. The Vexilar SP200 is a basic transducer, featuring a small wireless module, which connects to your smartphone through an app. The app is available for both iOS and Android. With this device, you can see the temperature data and depth at the palm of your hand. However, the finder must remain connected to a 12 V power supply. Therefore, if you are using a kayak, you will have to find a means of fitting a power supply, to keep your device operational.
This one has a frequency of 200 kHz. It allows you to see depths of up to 240 fee in fresh water. This is more than enough for most anglers. The transducer itself is highly accurate. You can see the lure descending into water, moving up and down and even see the fish coming up to get the lure. Isn’t that awesome? Considering the amount you are spending, this one is quite a bargain. Apart from providing all the features available in other transducers, the display is not limited to screen size. You can use any phone or tablet that you prefer, with any screen size that you prefer. Whether it is a small 4-inch Samsung or a large 10-inch iPad, the choice is all yours.
8. Lucky FFW-718 Wireless Sonar Fish Finder, Dot Matrix 40m Range
- Depth Range: 135 feet (45meter) ; Wireless...
- Display Water Depth & Temperature (°C/°F), Fish...
- MULTI-LANGUAGE: ENGLISH (default), RUSSIAN, and...
- Wireless Sensor Coverage: 90 degrees beam angle....
- Use with rod & line / roach pole / bait...
It is a fact that fishing can be a challenging task, especially if you are still new. However, leaps in technology such as the Lucky FFW-718 Wireless Portable Sonar fish finder, have made the whole thing easy and fun. This one is engineered with a wide range of great features to enhance your entire fishing experience. The outer casing material is waterproof and versatile. You can therefore use it in salty, icy or fresh water conditions. Fitted with a wireless sensor with a wireless operational range of approximately 100 meters, it is one of the most efficient ones. This finder for your fishing line instantly reveals shoals of fish as well as other fishing targets. It is ready to use, easy to set up and has a memory feature that records your settings preferences. The screen has a clear and seamless display.
It is also easy to read during both day and night thanks to its excellent backlighting. Every angler wants a portable fish locator, which will offer peace of mind. With that in mind, this one comes with a robust wireless sensor. The battery life is just from another world. Forget the 10 hours you are used to. This one has a reliable battery life of around 500 hours before you can drain it. Imagine the tones of fish you can haul during such a period. The designated handheld unit uses 4 AAA batteries that can be replaced. The sensor is also designed with smart capabilities. Therefore, it automatically shuts down when not in use. You can use it in different ways. You can use either a boat or a roach line. This kayak fish finder manages to combine accuracy, affordability and efficiency.
9. Deeper Smart Sonar PRO Series
- HIGH SPECS: Casts out up to 330ft and scans down...
- REAL-TIME DATA: Two beam frequencies with 15 scans...
- GPS MAPPING: Create bathymetric maps from the...
- 4 SEASON FISHING: Versatile fish finder suitable...
- EASY TO INSTALL: Great addition to your boat or...
Fishing does not have to be a trial and error affair anymore, thanks to the Deeper Smart Sonar PRO Series. It is easy to use and deploy. This ultra-light and small fish finder can be cast using even the standard fishing lines. One of its best features is the Boat Mode. With this mode, you can mark the locations of fish directly on your offline map, and then display the information on your smartphone. This feature relies on the GPS on your smartphone, to set your actual location. With this device, you can access and archive the maps any time, which improves your overall fishing efficiency.
Designed with advanced sensor technology, you can easily separate objects even as close as 1.3 cm to each other. It can also identify even small underwater objects. Moreover, its 8 times extended dynamic range allows a more accurate detection of various objects. All this is done to offer you with precise underwater readings and images. The Deeper Smart Sonar PRO is boosted with double scanning frequency, producing up to 15 scans per second. This allows the device to capture underwater objects faster, including those moving at high speeds. This means that you can track all the fish passing beneath the radar. It is suitable for all types of fishing, ranging from shore fishing, kayak fishing, ice fishing and boat fishing.
10 Raymarine Axiom 7 Fish Finder with Built in GPS
- Built-in fish targeting CHIRP sonar and ultra wide...
- Quad core processor delivers blazing fast...
- Multi-touch interface and powerful lighthouse 3...
- Built-in Wi-Fi paired with free Raymarine Apps...
- Includes Navionics+ charts with coverage of...
The Raymarine Axiom 7 is a powerful and multifunctional fish finder, designed to help you catch more fish and transform your fishing adventure into fun and joy. As one of the best fish finders for boats, kayaks and canoes, the Raymarine Axiom 7 comes with all the features that you will need, whether you are a recreational or a commercial angler. It comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display. If you have used a tablet before, then the operation of this device is almost similar. For example, you can tap to open a feature, pinch to zoom, or even tap to mark a waypoint on the map. Also, the display comes with LED backlight, thus providing great visibility from different angles.
One of the best features of this device is that it comes with charts that cover the entire U.S and Canada, as well as more than 20,000 rivers, lakes, and ponds. Also, the charts come with additional features. For instance, you can count tidal correction, fishing range, depth range, and deep water color, among other useful features. It’s equipped with in-built Wi-Fi, which means you can control the device or view its display from your Android or iOS device. It uses the Lighthouse 3 operating system, which is similar to Windows 10. The interface is easy to use and intuitive. Also, it’s exceptionally fast.
The Skinny On Fish Finders
In the game of fishing, there is a wide range of cool gadgets, products and tools. The industry has fully embraced technology making fishing much easier and enabling anglers to catch more fish. Whistles and bells have replaced that notion of, “that spot looks good.” However, one tool stands out among all of them, is the fish finder. It leads the way when it comes to definite angler advantage and functionality. Without one, you will be relying on the advice of relatives, friends, and other unreliable sources, to identify potential fishing spots. Worse still, you will be relying on chance, hoping that the spot you have cast your line is the chosen one. With a powerful locator device in your posession, you have an invaluable resource that can create all the difference between that invaluable trophy and coming home empty-handed.
What is a Fish Finder?
This is a sonar instrument designed for the sole purpose of detecting fish in water. It achieves this purpose by detected reflected signals of sound energy. All electronic signals reflected off the fish, are then converted into information. This information is displayed via graphic rendition on its screen. Apart from locating fish, these devices allow an angler to measure water depth, water temperature, locate underwater debris and the view the bottom structure. Moreover, you can use finders to mark product waypoints, which adds to the overall safety of your fishing expedition using GPS technology.
Thanks to this wonderful technology, it is now more easy than ever to find some good fish! It’s possible to get a good catch without electronics as well, but why hold yourself back, you know what I’m saying? Despite the fact that a good finder device can really help you out, it never hurts to know more about manually finding fish. It is especially helpful for newbies, noobs and nubcakes to learn how to find fish, before relying entirely on an automated device. And besides… you are still going to have to learn how to read that nifty device of yours. Can’t expect automation to automate your understanding. But without further ado… let’s continue talking about fish finders!
Which is the Best Fish Finder?
How do you choose a good fish finder? With so many models and brands available today, it can be quite hard to isolate one and say it is the best of all. The best fish locator device should meet your individual fishing style as well as fishing needs. Moreover, you can easily get lost in the world of sonar, transom units, flashes, and transducers. Therefore, the most important question to ask yourself, is whether it will help you to catch more fish. After all, that is your goal as an angler. Regardless of how technically advanced a device is, if it does not enhance and improve the productivity of your fishing, then it is not worth your time and money. To make your work a lot easier, this buying guide will provide you with all the information you need, to help you make the best choice.
Transducer
This is the main part of a fish finder. It sends sound waves thus allowing you to see what is beneath the water surface. A transducer sends a sonar signal into the water. The signal is then reflected back by the objects that are underwater. The transducer then receives the signal and converts it into a picture. When assessing transducers, the most important aspect to consider is the cone angle. In simple terms, the cone refers to the extent or diameter of a beam sent from the bottom of the boat. It is narrow when it leaves the boat but gets wider as it hits the bottom of the water body.
If you are looking for a bigger viewing perspective, then you should chose a bigger cone degree. With a wider beam, you get more coverage of the target area, which gives you the ability to locate more fish. The main setback of a wider beam is the loss of strength. This means that it doesn’t have great penetrating power, as compared to the narrow beam. Apart from that, it does not provide as clear details as the narrow beam. On the other hand, the narrow beam covers a small extent. However, it can penetrate disturbed or murky waters and still provide accurate details on the structure of the bottom.
To enjoy the best of both worlds, look for transducers with dual beam sonar. They are also known as dual frequency transducers combining both features into one device. Some transducers tend to be more specialized. Some can have as many as 4 different beams or even more. These provide more options and can cover a wider water extent while scouring a lake or other water body for fish. Some brands are sold with these accessories while others need an upgrade. One other option is the Side Beam feature, which will be discussed in detail below.
Side Beam Technology
Also known as side scan, this is a revolutionary design that allows you to see what is happening on the side of your fishing boat. It provides a bird’s eye view of all the details on your screen. These picture-like, amazingly clear images, will provide every detail on either side of your fishing vessel as far as 240 feet. It saves you a significant amount of energy, when would have been spent when using a regular downward transducer. This feature penetrates murky waters easily, showing you humps, rock piles and even schools of fish that couldn’t have known they were there, if you were relying on conventional fishing methods. If you are a serious fisherman or a tournament angler, a side scan is an absolute luxury that can significantly increase your catch quota.
Display – Size, Resolution and Color Quality
The display is mainly determined by the pixels. If your display has more pixels, then you will be able to see greater object details. It is therefore an important feature to consider. However, fish finders that have higher pixels tend to be more expensive. A fish detector with a minimum of 240(v) x 160(h) pixels would be perfect for both beginners and professional anglers. However, the image will appear blocky in this resolution. If you want a better resolution and a sharper image, then you should be ready to invest more.
High definition (HD) screens are among the latest market additions. These realistic devices offer almost the same quality as your HDTV at home, giving you some of the highest realism and best quality available. You will be looking at maps that almost look like real ones. As for the fish, well, you will be able to differentiate them in sizes, and to some extent the variety. Of course, fish finders with HD-enabled screens come at a higher price tag.
Fish finders with black and white displays are also available on the market. They are much cheaper. However, it is more preferable to choose devices with color. Color provides enhanced screen definition, making fish to ‘pop out’ in different hues. This makes interpretation and identification much easier. Color screens also tend to be more visible in bright light. Additionally, viewing them under cloudy or dark conditions makes them produce a brilliant view.
However, that is not to mean that black and white is useless. If you are tight on budget, just go ahead and purchase, and they will serve the purpose to a certain extent. They are better off than nothing.
Screen size is another aspect that comes to mind, when looking at the display. Lower-end and cheaper models generally have smaller screens. This is perfect if you intend to use it as a backup or a secondary device. However, for your main device, go for the largest screen size that you can afford. Don’t, compromise on this. After all, you are buying a fish finder to help you catch more fish. A bigger screen gives you greater viewing surface, which means that you will be able to identify and isolate the fish from other structures beneath the water. A bigger screen also offers better quality. A 5-inch screen is an ideal starting point.
Power
This is another essential feature to consider when buying a fish detector. Power of sonar units is measured in watts. A device with higher wattage is more powerful and efficient. It also has better display speeds and more usable depth. On the other hand, devices with low wattage produce slow readouts. This means that it will take a longer period to receive the readouts of a spot you have just travelled over. Therefore, if you intend to go fishing in deep waters such as the Great Lakes or in various saltwater bodies, then you should buy a more powerful unit. If you are a beginner, a 600-watt fish finder will be perfect for you, as you hone your skills in shallow waters. Serious anglers who are planning on going far and deep, need to look for a device with 1000 watts or more. And in this case, also be sure to bring waterproof pants and a waterproof jacket. Those big catches aren’t letting themselves reeled aboard easily, if you catch my drift.
Fixed or Portable
You can choose either a portable or entirely self-contained unit or a fixed fish detector that you have to mount on your fishing vessel. If you usually rent boats, go ice-fishing of fly-fishing retreats, then you should consider the portable option. These can be used in various situations, are compact in size, and even come with a carrying case thus making travelling a breeze. Apart from that, they have in-built batteries, which are rechargeable. In the portable units, the transducer is already attached to the transom using a suction cup. Portable fish detectors perform the same way as their fixed counterparts with portability being the only difference. On the other hand, fixed fish finders are preferred by the watercraft owners and settled anglers. You can fix the device on any location on your boat. They can be mounted on the trolling motor, the hull or the stern.
Fish Finders and the GPS Option
Any experienced fisher knows that a GPS is a must have. GPS uses satellites positioned in the sky to identify your precise location. With this feature, you can mark product spots then come back later, once you have exhausted the other locations. It also helps in finding your way home easily, especially if you happen to be fishing on unknown territory.
Most GPS-enabled detectors are combo units. This means that they have both a chartplotter and a depth sounder. Chartplotter shows your exact location, superimposed on a map. With this feature, you can always pinpoint your exact location. A GPS-enabled fish finder also allows you to enter waypoints easily. You can use waypoints to mark all fish locations. If you are into big-water fishing, then you should have a GPS-enabled device. It will open up a completely new world of fishing opportunities and fun.
It is clear that devices for location fish, are great additions to your fishing gear. With one of these, you are guaranteed higher catch rates in the fishing world. A large catch is what everyone desires, strives and looks forward to, whenever you go fishing. Happy fishing!
Hi Brian, I’m using Humminbird Helix 7. i can recommend it to professional fishermen.
Hi John,
Thanks for the tip. I’m sure my readers will appreciate it!
Sincerely,
Brian