Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv is the top choice for versatile fishing. It has a 7-inch screen, CHIRP sonar, GPS, and Quickdraw mapping.
Lowrance HOOK Reveal 9 TripleShot, which offers a 9-inch screen, TripleShot sonar, GPS, and FishReveal tech at a budget-friendly price.
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv – 9-inch touchscreen, Ultra High-Definition sonar, and advanced networking for serious anglers.
Are you tired of empty lines? A fish finder is your key to angling success, but many options can make the choice tricky. We’ve got you covered with the top 7 best fish finders of 2024, picked for every angler and budget. Get ready to change your fishing game!
Fishing shouldn’t be a guessing game. It’s time to upgrade your gear for more catches.
A fish finder gives you real-time underwater information. You can track fish, see depths, and understand water conditions—all of which boost your success.
Here’s what you’ll find in this guide:
- The best of the best: Our expert-approved fish finder picks
- Options for everyone: Kayak, ice fishing, and more
- Budget-friendly finds: Great tech without breaking the bank
Let’s dive in!
What is the Best Fish Finder for Your Needs?
A fish finder revolutionizes your fishing! But with so many choices, how do you find the perfect one? Here’s our expert-backed list for 2024, covering every niche and budget:
1. Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv
This Garmin powerhouse is an all-around champ. It packs impressive features for the price, making it our top pick for most anglers.
Our Take
The Striker Vivid 7sv is nearly unbeatable for the price. Unless you need pro-level side-imaging, it delivers everything most anglers need.
Key Benefits
- Transducer: Includes a GT52 transducer offering CHIRP sonar alongside traditional sonar for super-clear images
- Frequency: Dual-frequency (50/200 kHz) covers both shallow and deep water fishing
- Screen size & resolution: 7-inch color display with crisp 800 x 480 pixel resolution
- GPS: Built-in, high-sensitivity GPS lets you mark waypoints and create maps
- Features: Includes Quickdraw Contours mapping software, side-scanning capability
- Power: 500W output is plenty strong for most freshwater and coastal situations
- Warranty: Standard 2-year Garmin warranty
Pricing
- Base Price: Priced at $519.99
- What you get: Striker Vivid 7sv unit, transducer, mounts, power cable
- Upgrades:
- Option to upgrade to a panoptic lives cope transducer for real-time sonar
Pros
Cons
2. Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp MSI G4N
The Humminbird Helix 7 is the king of imaging! If your top priority is seeing what's below with laser-like clarity, this is your finder.
Our Take
The Humminbird Helix 7 is fantastic, but the price and complexity mean it's better suited for experienced anglers who demand the best images.
Key Benefits
- Transducer: Includes MEGA Imaging transducer delivering incredibly detailed side and down imaging
- Frequency: Operates with multiple frequencies for a wide range of depths and imaging modes
- Screen size & resolution: 7-inch display with sharp 800 x 480 resolution
- GPS: Built-in GPS with Humminbird Basemap for charting and navigation
- Features: AutoChart Live (create your maps), Ethernet and Bluetooth connectivity
- Power: Powerful enough for most fishing applications
- Warranty: Standard Humminbird 1-year warranty
Pricing
- Base Price: Priced at $889.68
- What you get: Helix 7 unit, MEGA Imaging transducer, mounts, cables
- Upgrades:
- Network with other Humminbird units
- Lakemaster or Navionics map cards
Pros
Cons
3. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv
Want a considerable screen experience and severe features? The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv is the ultimate upgrade, delivering fantastic detail and powerful networking abilities.
Our Take
This is your fish finder if you have the budget and want the best Garmin offers. It's overkill for casual anglers, but serious fishermen will love it.
Key Benefits
- Transducer: Includes the GT56 transducer for Ultra High-Definition sonar images (side and down view)
- Frequency: Works with multiple frequencies for a variety of situations
- Screen size & resolution: Huge 9-inch touchscreen with a beautiful 800 x 480 resolution
- GPS: Built-in GPS and preloaded LakeVü g3 maps.
- Features: Depth shading, Quickdraw Contours, compatible with Panoptix LiveScope for real-time sonar
- Power: Powerful delivery for both freshwater and saltwater fishing
- Warranty: Standard Garmin 2-year warranty
Pricing
- Base Price: Priced at $919.99
- What you get: ECHOMAP UHD 93sv unit, GT56 transducer, mounts, cables
- Upgrades:
- Network capabilities for multiple Garmin units
- Advanced map cards like LakeVü g3 Ultra or BlueChart g3
Pros
Cons
4. Lowrance HOOK Reveal 9 TripleShot
The Lowrance HOOK Reveal 9 is the value champion! It combines essential features, excellent performance, and a budget-friendly price point.
Our Take
The HOOK Reveal 9 is perfect for anglers who want proven tech and don't need the fanciest bells and whistles. It's a reliable workhorse of a fish finder.
Key Benefits
- Transducer: The TripleShot transducer provides CHIRP sonar, SideScan, and DownScan Imaging
- Frequency: Operates with multiple frequencies for a range of depths and imaging types
- Screen size & resolution: 9-inch color display with crisp 800 x 480 pixel resolution
- GPS: Built-in GPS with preloaded C-MAP charts offers navigation and fish-finding tools
- Features: FishReveal tech (combined sonar and down scan), Autotuning sonar, Genesis Live real-time mapping
- Power: Sufficient for most freshwater and coastal uses
- Warranty: Standard Lowrance 1-year warranty
Pricing
- Base Price: Priced at $549.99
- What you get: HOOK Reveal 9 unit, TripleShot transducer, mounts, cables
- Upgrades:
- No major upgrades are available within the HOOK Reveal series
Pros
Cons
5. Humminbird ICE Helix 5 Chirp GPS G3
The Humminbird ICE Helix 5 is designed to rule the frozen lakes! If ice fishing is your passion, this is the finder you need.
Our Take
The ICE Helix 5 is a no-brainer if ice fishing is your game. It excels at helping you track fish and structure under the ice.
Key Benefits
- Transducer: Includes a specialized ice fishing transducer with dual-beam CHIRP sonar.
- Frequency: Operates in narrow (180-240 kHz) and broad (140-200 kHz) CHIRP ranges
- Screen size & resolution: 5-inch color display with 800 x 480 pixel resolution
- GPS: Built-in GPS with Humminbird Basemap for on-ice navigation
- Features: AutoChart Live Ice (make your lake maps), Jig Charge Mode, split-screen views for multiple sonar modes
- Power: Designed for the demands of ice fishing
- Warranty: Standard Humminbird 1-year warranty
Pricing
- Base Price: Priced at $325.15
- What you get: ICE Helix 5 unit, ice transducer, portable carrying case, battery, and charger
- Upgrades:
- Not many upgrade options within the ICE Helix series
Pros
Cons
6. Deeper PRO+ 2
The Deeper PRO+ 2 breaks the mold! This castable fish finder gives you fish-finding tech from the shore, a kayak, or any small boat.
Our Take
The Deeper PRO+ 2 is perfect if you want an ultra-portable fish finder option and primarily fish near shore. It's a game-changer in its niche!
Key Benefits
- Transducer: It IS the transducer! Castable design with triple-beam sonar
- Frequency: Operates at 290kHz (15°), 100 kHz (47°), and 240 kHz (20°) for flexibility
- Screen size & resolution: Use your smartphone or tablet as the display
- GPS: Built-in GPS for creating depth maps from shore, kayak, canoe, etc.
- Features: Depth readings up to 330ft, Wi-Fi connectivity, mark fish and structure
- Power: Long-lasting battery (up to 9 hours)
- Warranty: Standard 2-year warranty
Pricing
- Base Price: Priced at $179.99
- What you get: Deeper PRO+ 2 unit, USB charging cable, neoprene pouch
- Upgrades:
- Accessories like a flexible arm mount for boats
Pros
Cons
7. Garmin Striker Plus 4
The Garmin Striker Plus four is your go-to budget pick. Small but mighty, it's perfect for kayaks, small boats, or when portability is critical.
Our Take
If you're on a tight budget or want the most compact finder, the Striker Plus 4 is fantastic! It sacrifices some bells and whistles but delivers where it counts.
Key Benefits
- Transducer: Includes a dual-beam CHIRP transducer for traditional and CHIRP sonar.
- Frequency: Operates at 50/77/200 kHz for versatility in different depths
- Screen size & resolution: 4.3-inch color display with 480 x 272 resolution
- GPS: Built-in GPS lets you mark waypoints and create routes
- Features: Quickdraw Contours mapping, flasher mode for ice fishing
- Power: Sufficient for most casual freshwater scenarios
- Warranty: Standard 2-year Garmin warranty
Pricing
- Base Price: Priced at $159.99
- What you get: Striker Plus 4 unit, dual-beam transducer, mounts, cables
- Upgrades:
- Option to add ice fishing bundle with carrying bag
Pros
Cons
What to Look for When Buying a Fish Finder?
Purchasing a fish finder can dramatically enhance your fishing experience, whether you're a casual angler or a professional. With technology rapidly advancing, knowing what features to look for to get the best value and performance is crucial. Here are the critical insights without any fluff:
- Dual Spectrum Chirp Sonar: This technology offers detailed images of what's beneath your boat, allowing you to identify fish, structures, and the bottom landscape with clarity.
- Kayak Fish Finder vs. Bass Boat Options: Your fish finder needs will differ depending on your vessel, whether a kayak or a bass boat. Kayak anglers might prefer portable fish finders or models like the Lowrance Elite FS, which is designed for smaller crafts and easy maneuverability.
- Advanced Features for Professional Anglers: If you're serious about fishing, consider fish finders with advanced features like forward-facing sonar, active imaging, and live sonar. These technologies provide real-time views of fish movements and structures, essential for targeting specific species.
- Screen and Control: High-resolution touchscreen control makes navigating menus and viewing data easier. Look for units with intuitive interfaces, such as Helix units or the Garmin GPSMAP series.
- Connectivity and Integration: Modern fish finders offer ethernet connectivity, allowing them to integrate with other boat electronics like trolling motors and radar systems. This seamless integration can streamline your fishing setup.
- Portability and Power: Portable fish finders are a solid option for kayak anglers or those who prefer a minimalist setup. Devices like the Hobie Compass with Mega Live imaging offer potent features in a compact, easy-to-transport package.
- Price Points and Value: Fish finders come in various prices, from budget options to high-end models. Assess the features offered against the cost to find the best value. Sometimes, models with fewer advanced features but excellent fundamentals can be the best budget choice.
- Transducers and Sonar Capabilities: The heart of any fish finder is its transducer, which emits and receives sonar signals. Look for models with transducers that support a wide range of frequencies for versatile fishing conditions.
- Additional Features Worth Considering: Extra features like water depth measurement, bait detection, and the ability to identify schools of fish can significantly enhance your fishing experience. Also, consider the ease of installation and whether the fish finder is compatible with your boat's electronics box.
In conclusion, choosing the right fish finder involves balancing your needs with the features and value offered by different models. From advanced options with ethernet connectivity and touchscreen controls to portable fish finders for kayak enthusiasts, a device can meet your fishing goals. Whether targeting the big ones or enjoying a day on the water, the right fish finder can make all the difference.
How Can Advanced Fish Finders Benefit You?
Opting for an advanced fish finder can significantly improve your fishing game, especially when targeting big ones in various environments. Thanks to their enhanced sonar capabilities, these devices offer a clearer picture of underwater terrain and fish location.
The best portable fish finders blend convenience with functionality, providing easy access even in shallow water, where traditional fishing methods might fall short. A robust head unit with a touchscreen allows you to navigate through settings and read data effortlessly, ensuring you spend more time fishing and less time fiddling with settings.
Moreover, integrating your fish finder with a trolling motor can give you more power and precision, allowing seamless maneuverability and positioning to hit those sweet spots where fish congregate.
Buyers Guide: How We Conducted Our Research
When embarking on our journey to uncover the best fish finder for enthusiasts and professionals alike, we took a meticulous approach. Our goal was to provide a comprehensive guide that helps you navigate the vast options of fish finders, especially for kayak fishing. Here's how we did it:
- Pricing: We scrutinized the cost of each fish finder to ensure we included options that offer great value and cover a wide range of budgets without compromising on quality.
- Features: We focused on identifying fish finders with the best features, such as dual-spectrum chirp sonar, which is crucial for precise underwater imaging and enhances your fishing experience.
- Negatives: No product is perfect. To give you a complete picture, we looked for what might need to be added to each fish finder, whether it was a lack of advanced features, poor battery life, or installation difficulty.
- Support or Refund: The availability of a supportive community, responsive customer support, or a fair refund policy was also a critical factor in our evaluation. This ensures you have the backing to make the most of your purchase.
This detailed process aims to create a reliable and informative guide that empowers you to select the best fish finder to suit your fishing style and needs.
Wrapping Up
Picking the right fish finder can change the way you fish! This breakdown of the year's best models helps you make the perfect choice. Remember, think about your budget, where you'll fish, and the must-have features. With so many great options, finding the ideal fit for your angling style is easier than ever. Now, it's time to get out there and catch those fish!
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between CHIRP and traditional sonar?
CHIRP is more precise! It sweeps across multiple frequencies, producing more explicit images of fish and underwater structures.
Do I need a fish finder with GPS?
GPS is excellent for marking fishing spots and creating routes, and some units even offer custom mapping. But it's not crucial if you fish in the same places repeatedly.
What screen size is best?
More giant screens are easier to read, especially for features like split screens. However, they impact price and portability.
What's the best brand for fish finders?
Garmin, Humminbird, and Lowrance are all top-rated. It comes down to your budget and specific features.
How much should I spend on a fish finder?
Decent models start at $200. Expect to pay $500+ for tons of features and $1000+ for pro-grade tech.
