A fishing trip is one of the best ways to spend a few hours when the weather is nice outside. Hitting the open waters early in the morning and catching what you could potentially eat later in the day is an ideal day for many. There are different fish in different areas of the lakes, oceans, and other bodies of water that you could fish for. But sometimes, there are days when the fish simply aren’t biting. In order to help you search out a location where you might be able to catch some, using a fish finder could be a good idea. These electronic devices will give you an idea of where the largest amount of fishes are to help you bring something home. If you’re a serious fisherman who fishes frequently, check out our list of the best fish finders on the market. Never come home with nothing in your cooler again.
For boat or ice fishing
Providing deep scans, the Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar is simple to use and extremely effective. This is castable sonar that casts further, scans deeper, and has more features than any others. It syncs with iOS/Android devices and is meant to be used on the shore, boat, or ice. With inbuilt GPS, this enables you to create bathymetric maps from the shore. The bathymetric management platform allows you to save and review the maps you’ve created. It syncs to a phone or tablet with Wi-Fi, so no Internet is needed. It scans down 260 feet with dual beams for 15 scans per second. For boat fishing, it installs in seconds and there are no batteries or cables needed. For ice fishing, it’s 3.5 ounces and has a flasher display and a zoom effect. There is a 0.5″ target separation.
Key Features:
- Castable sonar meant for shore, boat, or ice
- Bathrymetric management platform to store maps
- Scans down 260 feet with 15 scans per second
Color displays to follow
Boasting an easy-to-decipher screen, the HawkEye Fishtrax 1C Fish Finder will help you find the fish you’re looking for. This has FishTrax intelligent sonar that delivers precise fish finder readings up to 240 feet. This offers FishArc and FishID indicators with depth targeting along with HD bottom landscape imaging. The algorithmic software minimizes false readings. This has an HD Color VirtueView display with an LED backlight. It sounds an audible fish alarm to signal the fish.
Key Features:
- FishTrax intelligent sonar
- FishArc and FishID indicators with depth targeting
- HD Color VirtueView display
Don’t struggle using one
You’ll find it hard to enjoy using a fish finder more than the Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer. It’s so simple to use, as the Chirp Sonar sends a continuous sweep of frequencies which provides a wider range of information. This shows you more of what is in the water around your boat. It provides you with near photographic images to the display. There are preset buttons on the keyed interface and the water rating is IPX7. You can easily view, mark, and navigate locations such as stumps, brush piles, and docks. The maximum depth it can reach is 1,600 feet in freshwater and 750 in saltwater. The flasher view shows sonar data in a classic format.
Key Features:
- Chirp Sonar sends a sweep of frequencies
- Provides you with near photographic images to the display
- Preset button on the keyed interface
If you have to fit one into a budget
Some fish finders can cost a pretty penny, but one that is reasonable is the LUCKY Handheld Fish Finder. This provides fish and bottom contour readouts along with approximate fish locations. You can hang it around your neck when you aren’t using it and it displays water depth. This can be used while you’re in kayak or smaller fishing boat, as it’s lightweight. The portable detector range is in a 45 feet cone underwater. The fishing sonar sensor comes with a 25-foot cable. There are five sensitivity options and support four to five hours of continuous use with new batteries.
Key Features:
- Great for kayak or smaller boats
- Sonar sensor comes with a 25-foot cable
- Provides fish and bottom contour readouts
For Bluetooth options
Displaying right on your smartphone, the ReelSonar Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder is a solid option. This has patented sonar fish identifier technology and comes with an LED beacon. It has a rechargeable battery and a charge status indicator light, so you’ll know when it needs to be charged. The battery lasts for up to 10 hours and syncs with iOS and Android systems. You’ll get accurate sonar readings up to 135 feet deep. There are two snap swivel connections for use as a bobber or a remote fish finder. The app is free to download.
Key Features:
- Patented sonar fish identifier technology
- Rechargeable battery and charge status indicator laight
- Syncs with iOS and Android systems
