Fish Finder Displays & Accessories
Fish Finders for Sale
Sometimes, to bring home a cooler full of fish at the end of the day, you need to be a fishing gumshoe at the start of it. An electronic fish finder uses advanced tracking technology to locate schools of fish so you can go to them instead of them coming to you.
At TackleDirect, we carry a wide selection of fish finders for sale. When you shop our fish-finder sales, you’ll be the leading detective on the water.
Whether you are searching for Garmin chart plotter and sonar combos or other top fishing electronics, you’ll find the right fish finder for sale here at the right price. We have fish sounders from leading brands such as Garmin, Lowrance, Simrad, Humminbird Electronics, Furuno, and Raymarine
Types of Fish Finders
There are many fish finder designs, and we’ll help you choose the best fish finder for your boat and your budget. Choose sonar fish transducers that can also pinpoint underwater debris, structure and bottom contours, giving you the information you need to find the hottest hot spots. GPS fish trackers provide the coordinates of your location and destination. When used as part of a chart plotter, you have an advanced navigation system for seeing the fish and traveling to them. Radar fish finders help locate fish in the water or birds and structures above it, giving you another way to search for your target.
You also have a choice of fish finder location system technologies, including traditional 2D sonar, CHIRP sonar, down imaging and active imaging. Some fish finders now use Bluetooth wireless to connect the transducer and the display, giving you more setup versatility. If you’re not sure which fish finder is correct for your needs, call TackleDirect toll-free or email us seven days a week. Our knowledgeable team will help you track down a locator device so you can track down more fish.
Find the Fish With Ease
Shop dozens of great fish finders to use in freshwater and saltwater – including clearance fish finders that give you an unbeatable deal. Get even more from your system with a variety of fish finder accessories such as map cards, sun visors and underwater cameras. In addition, we have replacement transducers, cables, mounting brackets and all the fish finder parts you’ll need to help you get the most out of your fish-finding system.
Whether you are looking for a fish finder for coastal waters or one for your favorite lake or ice fishing spot, you’ll find an unbeatable selection of fish finders on sale here. We ship worldwide so you can follow the trail of breadcrumbs wherever you need to for a successful day of fishing.
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Best Fish Finder for the Money • Sonar Wars
Trying to decide on a new fish finder can be a daunting task. Even experienced boaters and anglers can become overwhelmed by the options and features available.
The Reality? There is no one “best fish finder,” and never will be.
There are over one hundred models to choose from each year. Each brand and model have its strengths and place for best use.
The purpose of this guide is to help you cut through the confusion and the marketing hype to help you choose the best fish finder for the money that fits your style of fishing.
We’ll walk you through the different types of sonar and features in today’s top fishing electronics, and they can be used to help you enjoy your time on the water and catch more fish.
How to Use this Guide
- Use the Table of Contents to jump to the most applicable sections.
- Read our other articles about models that interest you.
- Still not sure which unit is right for you? Ask us a Question!
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2023 Best Fish Finder – Quick Overview
Our top fish finder recommendations for the year are mostly the same as last year. Nothing drastically new has been released. We’ve included several Side Imaging, Down Imaging, Live Sonar units, and Kayaking and Portable units.
There are great units to choose from at any budget and skill level. This list is a quick rundown of our top recommendations. Keep reading for more info on each type of fish finder.
- HELIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N – Editor’s Choice for best Side Imaging fish finder. MEGA+ Imaging, big screen, great value. Compatible with MEGA Live and MEGA 360. If you can’t afford the 12, the 10 and 9 are also fantastic.
- Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 106sv– Great touchscreen unit with GT56UHD-TM transducer for improved SideVu, and compatible with LiveScope.
- Lowrance Elite FS 9 Active Imaging 3-in-1– Affordable touch screen 3-1 Imaging fish finder, compatible with new Active Target live sonar.
- HELIX 9 CHIRP MEGA DI+ G4N– Large screen for a dedicated down imaging fish finder.
- Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73cv– Great budget touchscreen model with DownVu and CHIRP sonar.
- Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 SplitShot– Best Budget Down Scan fish finder.
- Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv– Editor’s Choice for best kayak fish finder – the perfect size and capabilities for small crafts.
- HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G4– Another great kayak fish finder – the only 7-incher with MEGA SI and Dual Spectrum CHIRP.
- Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 TripleShot– Affordable and capable unit with built-in maps.
- Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73cv Bundle– Best Portable fish finder.
1. Top Fish Finders by Price Range
Do you have a specific budget to stick with for your new marine electronics purchase? We’ve got you covered with guides for choosing the best fish finder in many price ranges.
- Top Fish Finders Under $3,000
- Top Fish Finders Under $2,000
- Top Fish Finders Under $1,000
- Top Fish Finders Under $500
- Top Fish Finders Under $200
- Top Fish Finders Under $100
2.
Latest Fish Finder Reviews
We look to be headed for another great few years in marine electronics. There are a ton of products to cover, and we’ll list and link to them here, broken out by brand.
Garmin
- ECHOMAP Ultra– The 10 and 12-inch touch units with Ultra High Def MHz SideVu and ClearVu sonar. Great units for utilizing LiveScope.
- ECHOMAP UHD2 – The smaller siblings to the Ultra units, with “Ultra High Def” side and down imaging sonars, plus some new touchscreens. Replaces the Garmin ECHOMAP Plus series.
- STRIKER Vivid– This popular series has added a 9-inch SideVu model. These units replace the Garmin STRIKER Plus series.
- Livescope – The first and still best forward facing sonar system.
Lowrance
- Elite FS – New 7 and 9-inch “Fishing System” units are the lowest-cost units compatible with the new Active Target live forward-facing sonar and sport 3-in-1 Active Imaging, Fish Reveal, and Genesis Live mapping.
- HDS PRO– The high-end HDS PRO series replaces the HDS Live units and now has a massive 16-inch unit and a new all-in-one Active Imaging transducer.
- HOOK Reveal– This is the latest refresh of the Hook series, with fresh new SolarMax displays, SplitShot, TripleShot configurations, and some very attractive prices. Replacing the discontinued Lowrance Hook2
- Active Target – The Livescope clone for Lowrance owners.
Humminbird
- HELIX G4N– The sharpest, most detailed images come from MEGA+ imaging units. This year brings a new 15-inch model, which could be great for split-screen MEGA 360 and MEGA Live.
- SOLIX G3– The new G3 SOLIX series boasts new processors, which will be helpful when you add on a MEGA 360 and MEGA Live transducer. SOLIX has become well known for crystal clear imaging. The G3 builds further on that reputation.
- MEGA 360 – The only sonar system for imaging all around the boat.
360 is still an underrated tool many anglers would never want to be without.
- MEGA Live – Humminbird’s first live sonar product. It’s had a rocky start, but if you are already in the Bird ecosystem, adding Live is an affordable way to get into forward looking sonar.
Raymarine
- Axiom+– Raymarine is making a new push into consumer fish finders with Axiom. They look fantastic, especially with the 3D imaging technology. Worth a look if you can find one.
- Element– The Element series is a step below the Axiom, with many of the same excellent fish finder features of leading brands. This includes HyperVision DownVision and SideVision imaging (Megahertz frequencies) and RealVision 3D introduced in the Axiom series.
3. Top Fish Finders by Type of Sonar
Modern fish finders have a wide range of features and capabilities. We often don’t need a unit that does every last thing – but we need it to do a few particular things.
Some examples:
At the Console – You need good side and down imaging, CHIRP sonar, and excellent maps for navigating and locating productive fishing spots. This is where you want to put your best unit on the boat.
At the Bow – You don’t need side imaging – regular sonar, MEGA 360, and forward facing sonar are far more helpful. These are fishing tools used while fishing, and you can often buy a cheaper fish finder to utilize the advanced sonar accessories.
These are the essential types of sonar, followed by the best recommendations for each category.
- “Live” Sonar– Forward-facing sonar is the newest sensation among anglers. The technology has been around for decades, but Garmin was the first to bring it to the recreational market with the incredibly popular LiveScope. Lowrance and Humminbird have joined the party with Active Target and MEGA Live.
- 360 Imaging– Think of 360 as “rotational side imaging” because it is a rotating side imaging transducer that creates a full-circle image of what’s in front of and around your boat.
This technology has flown under the radar for a long time, and only recently have more people discovered how valuable a tool it is for fishing.
- Imaging Sonar– Imaging sonar pings a very narrow beam either to the sides (Side Imaging) or straight down (Down Imaging). When your boat moves, the sonar returns stack on each other, creating a realistic image of the lake bottom and showing fish and structure up to 200 feet to either side of the boat.
- Traditional Sonar– This is your basic “2D” sonar that pings straight down in a cone, and whatever comes into view of the cone is displayed on the screen. The screen then scrolls to the left; anything on the right is newer data/returns.
- CHIRP– Traditional sonar uses a set frequency, such as 200 kHz, but CHIRP transmits over a range of frequencies, such as 70-110 kHz. CHIRP transducers put more sound energy into the water, providing better returns and more detail.
Best Live Sonar Fish Finders
Live sonar is an accessory transducer, and you’ll need a compatible fish finder to use one. The transducers all cost around the same, but there is a wide price range in compatible fish finders.
If you don’t already have a forward facing fish finder, the investment in the transducer and electronics can be costly!
For each live sonar brand below, we recommend one budget fish finder to get you started at the lowest cost possible and one high-end fish finder for top performance.
Garmin Livescope
- Budget Unit – ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv
- High-End Unit – GPSMAP 1042xsv
Lowrance Active Target
- Budget Unit – Elite FS 9 Active Imaging 3-in-1
- High-End Unit – HDS PRO 10
Humminbird MEGA Live
- Budget Unit – HELIX 9 CHIRP MEGA DI+ GPS G4N
- High-End Unit – SOLIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3
Tip: If you can find a control head only (CHO) unit, you can save a few hundred bucks if you don’t need the transducer that is typically in the box.
Model:
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv
Lowrance Elite FS 9 Active Imaging
Humminbird HELIX 9 MEGA DI+ G4N
Size:
9″ (1024×600)
9″ (800×480)
9″ (1024×600)
Compatible With:
Livescope Plus
Active Target 1 & 2
MEGA Live
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Model:
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv
Size:
9″ (1024×600)
Compatible With:
Livescope Plus
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Model:
Lowrance Elite FS 9 Active Imaging
Size:
9″ (800×480)
Compatible With:
Active Target 1 & 2
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Model:
Humminbird HELIX 9 MEGA DI+ G4N
Size:
9″ (1024×600)
Compatible With:
MEGA Live
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Don’t know which Forward Facing Sonar to buy? We’ve used them all and have articles to help you learn how they work and comparisons between brands.
Best Side Imaging Sonar
Side Imaging Sonar
Side imaging uses a left and right facing beam, stitching the returns together on the screen to create realistic images of the lake bottom on both sides of your boat. Side imaging can reveal contour changes, bottom hardness transitions, fish, and structure simultaneously.
Each brand has its marketing name for this type of sonar, but they all function similarly. The imaging looks very similar on all the brands, so it’s up to you to look closely at screenshots and specifications and decide what will work best for you.
- Humminbird – MEGA Side Imaging
- Lowrance – Side Scan
- Garmin – SideVü
- Raymarine – DownVision
Side imaging is an extremely useful tool for searching out fish-holding areas on the lake. It can significantly reduce the time it takes to find fish, making you more efficient and allowing you to spend more time trying to catch them. Here is a tutorial with actionable tips and tricks.
Side Imaging Fish Finder Reviews
- HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N
- Garmin Echomap UHD2 93sv
- SOLIX 10 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3
- Lowrance Elite-9 Ti TotalScan
- Garmin STRIKER Vivid 9sv
- All Side Imaging Reviews
Best Side Imaging Fish Finders
Model:
Editor’s Choice
Best Budget SI
1. HELIX 12 MEGA SI+ G4N
2. Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 106sv
3. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv
4. Lowrance Elite FS 9 Active Imaging
Display:
12.1″ (1280×800)
10.1″ (1280×800)
9″ (1024×600)
9″ (800×480)
SI/DI Frequencies:
455, 800, 1200 kHz
260, 455, 800, 1000, 1200 kHz
260, 455, 800, 1000, 1200 kHz
455, 800 kHz
MEGA Imaging:
Live Mapping:
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Editor’s Choice
Model:
1. HELIX 12 MEGA SI+ G4N
Display:
12.1″ (1280×800)
SI/DI Frequencies:
455, 800, 1200 kHz
MEGA Imaging:
Live Mapping:
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Model:
2. Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 106sv
Display:
10.1″ (1280×800)
SI/DI Frequencies:
260, 455, 800, 1000, 1200 kHz
MEGA Imaging:
Live Mapping:
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Bass Pro Shops
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Best Budget SI
Model:
3. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv
Display:
9″ (1024×600)
SI/DI Frequencies:
260, 455, 800, 1000, 1200 kHz
MEGA Imaging:
Live Mapping:
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Bass Pro Shops
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Model:
4. Lowrance Elite FS 9 Active Imaging
Display:
9″ (800×480)
SI/DI Frequencies:
455, 800 kHz
MEGA Imaging:
Live Mapping:
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Bass Pro Shops
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What is MEGA Side Imaging? If you are looking for the best possible images in a fish finder, nothing is currently better than the Humminbird MEGA+ units. They utilize 1200 KHz frequency (1.2 MHz) to get ultra-clear images on both side and down imaging sonar. MEGA is only available in the HELIX 8, 9, 10, 12, and 15 and the SOLIX and APEX models.
Garmin has megahertz imaging capability in the ECHOMAP UHD, Ultra, and some GPSMAP units. You need the new GT56UHD-TM transducers to get the 1.2 MHz SideVu frequency. The DownVu still only supports 455 and 800 kHz.
Best Down Imaging Sonar
Down Imaging Sonar
Down imaging uses a transducer that emits a single thin slice of high-frequency sound waves to create a lifelike 3D appearance of what’s below your boat. When stacked up and painted on your fish finder, these thin slices of sonar returns make it much clearer about what is below the boat. What might look like a blob of “something” in standard sonar is instantly revealed to be brush, rocks, fish, or other kinds of structure.
Each manufacturer has their version of down imaging sonar. With imaging being more or less equal, look for the best and largest screen and the mapping capabilities that will meet your fishing style.
- Humminbird – Down Imaging
- Lowrance – DownScan
- Garmin – DownVü
- Raymarine – DownVision
Down Imaging Fish Finder Reviews
- Garmin Echomap UHD2 73sv
- Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 SplitShot
- Garmin STRIKER Vivid 7cv
- HELIX 7 CHIRP DI Sonar/GPS G3N
- Helix 10 CHIRP MEGA DI
- All Down Imaging Reviews
Best Down Imaging Fish Finders
Model:
Editor’s Choice
Best Budget DI
1. Humminbird HELIX 9 MEGA DI+ G4N
2. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73cv
3. Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 SplitShot
4. Humminbird HELIX 7 MEGA DI G4N
Display:
9″ (1024×600)
7.0″ (800×480)
7.0″ (800×480)
7.0″ (800×480)
DI Frequencies:
455, 800, 1200 kHz
260, 455, 800, 1000, 1200 kHz
455, 800 kHz
MEGA/455 kHz
MEGA DI
Live Mapping
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Editor’s Choice
Model:
1. Humminbird HELIX 9 MEGA DI+ G4N
Display:
9″ (1024×600)
DI Frequencies:
455, 800, 1200 kHz
MEGA DI
Live Mapping
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Best Budget DI
Model:
2. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73cv
Display:
7.0″ (800×480)
DI Frequencies:
260, 455, 800, 1000, 1200 kHz
MEGA DI
Live Mapping
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Model:
3. Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 SplitShot
Display:
7.0″ (800×480)
DI Frequencies:
455, 800 kHz
MEGA DI
Live Mapping
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Model:
4. Humminbird HELIX 7 MEGA DI G4N
Display:
7.0″ (800×480)
DI Frequencies:
MEGA/455 kHz
MEGA DI
Live Mapping
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MEGA 360 Imaging
As great as they are, both down and side imaging have a few drawbacks.
First, you need to be moving forward to get a clear picture. Idling speed is best, but you can slow the scrolling speed down to show a good picture while fishing from the trolling motor.
Second, you can only see what you have already passed over with your boat. Seeing the structure is great, but what good is it when you’ve already passed it?
Humminbird developed an innovative product called 360 Imaging. First with AS 360, and now the vastly improved MEGA 360.
Humminbird 360 Review
360 uses a rotating transducer to ping in a full circle, showing you on screen every rock, tree, grass, and casting target that is in front of you, behind you, and to all sides without ever moving at all.
If you want to add MEGA 360, a MEGA+ DI fish finder is the lowest cost path. We’d recommend these units for MEGA 360.
- HELIX 9 CHIRP MEGA DI+ GPS G4N
- HELIX 10 CHIRP MEGA DI+ GPS G4N
- SOLIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G3
MEGA 360 is compatible with Humminbird HELIX, SOLIX, and APEX models with MEGA+ imaging. If you already have a compatible unit, add the MEGA 360 transducer.
Other 360 Options?
Lowrance has done a clever thing with their Ghost trolling motor to give users a 360 view. Ghost 360 uses a software update to rotate the Active Imaging transducer back and forth 180 degrees, giving you a 360 image around the boat.
The significant drawback is that you can’t be spot locked and use this feature. Still, it’s a cool idea to implement and give to your customers.
Kayak Fish Finders
Kayak fishing has exploded in popularity in the last five years. If you want to get into kayak fishing, now is a great time. There have never been so many fantastic fishing kayak options and quality fish finders to put on them.
There are several excellent 5 and 7-inch models that have awesome screens with full sonar and mapping capabilities. See all our Kayak Fish Finder Reviews, or the top recommended Kayak Fish Finders below.
Model:
Editor’s Choice
Model:
1. Garmin ECHOPMAP UHD2 93sv
2. Humminbird HELIX 7 MEGA SI G4
3. Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot
Display:
9.0″ (1024×600)
7.0″ (1024×600)
7.0″ (800×480)
Sonar:
260, 455, 800, 1000, 1200 kHz
455, 800, 1200 kHz
CHIRP 2D/DS/SS
MEGA Imaging:
Live Mapping:
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Bass Pro Shops
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Editor’s Choice
Model:
Model:
1. Garmin ECHOPMAP UHD2 93sv
Display:
9.0″ (1024×600)
Sonar:
260, 455, 800, 1000, 1200 kHz
MEGA Imaging:
Live Mapping:
Check Price at:
Bass Pro Shops
Check Price at:
Amazon
Model:
Model:
2. Humminbird HELIX 7 MEGA SI G4
Display:
7.0″ (1024×600)
Sonar:
455, 800, 1200 kHz
MEGA Imaging:
Live Mapping:
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Bass Pro Shops
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Model:
Model:
3. Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot
Display:
7.0″ (800×480)
Sonar:
CHIRP 2D/DS/SS
MEGA Imaging:
Live Mapping:
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Bass Pro Shops
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Portable Fish Finders
If you make infrequent trips to the lake, rent boats, or have a smaller fishing boat not conducive to a permanently mounted fish finder – a portable fish finder is for you.
Portable units are easily transported and attached to and from a boat. These units typically come with a removable transducer and a separate battery that you stow in the shuttle carry case.
Guide: Top Portable Fish Finders
There are also castable fish finders – floating transducer pods communicating with an app on your smartphone as the fish finder. These depth finders are a cheap and fun way to fish from shore or small watercraft.
Model:
Editor’s Choice
1. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73cv Bundle
2. HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G3 PT
3. Garmin STRIKER Cast GPS
Screen:
7.0″ (800×480)
5″ (800×480)
Carry Case:
Battery:
Included Transducer:
Portable CHIRP 2D
Castable
Mapping:
LakeVü g3, Quick Draw
Lakemaster, AutoChart
Quick Draw
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Editor’s Choice
Model:
1. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73cv Bundle
Screen:
7.0″ (800×480)
Carry Case:
Battery:
Included Transducer:
Mapping:
LakeVü g3, Quick Draw
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Bass Pro Shops
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Amazon
Model:
2. HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G3 PT
Screen:
5″ (800×480)
Carry Case:
Battery:
Included Transducer:
Portable CHIRP 2D
Mapping:
Lakemaster, AutoChart
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Bass Pro Shops
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Model:
3. Garmin STRIKER Cast GPS
Screen:
Carry Case:
Battery:
Included Transducer:
Castable
Mapping:
Quick Draw
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Bass Pro Shops
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Fish Finders for Ice Fishing
Ice fishing electronics have changed dramatically over the years. Flashers used to be the only option, and many anglers still trust them today, but there are more capable units now.
- Flashers – Old school mechanical dial readouts that shows your jig and fish below the hole.
- Digital Flashers + Sonar – Regular fish finders with traditional scrolling sonar or a digital flasher mode.
- 360 Imaging – An effective scouting tool that can show you weed lines, rocks, hard bottoms, and even schools of fish. Find the best spots for drilling productive holes.
- Live Imaging – The ultimate ice fishing tool. It’s like a flasher on steroids.
With a live view below the ice, watch how fish move and react to your bait.
The only limitation here is your budget. On one end, a standard fish finder will perform well for most anglers, while a larger, more powerful unit with live sonar is the dream setup for ice fishing. Here are the best fish finders for ice fishing in each category.
Best Fish Finder GPS Combos
It used to be that fish finders and GPS were separate units. In fact, my first boat had a 4-inch Hummindbird depth finder and a Lowrance GlobalMap GPS unit for mapping.
The first fish finders with built-in GPS were called “Combos”. These days every fish finder has GPS as a standard, with a wide range of sonar and mapping capabilities.
If you are looking for a “Fish Finder GPS Combo”, we will assume you are looking for a basic unit with traditional down beam sonar and GPS for marking waypoints. If that’s what you’re after, these are reviews of the best units from each brand.
- Humminbird HELIX 7
- Garmin STRIKER Vivid
- Lowrance HOOK Reveal
- Humminbird HELIX 5
These are affordable units that get the job done but be aware of their limitations. For example, some STRIKER and HOOK models do not have mapping support, only GPS. If you want to use Navionics or C-MAP chart cards, make sure they support the SD cards!
CHIRP Fish Finders
CHIRP sonar is one of the newest technologies to come to fish finders that the average Joe can afford. Lowrance and Garmin helped push this type of sonar into the mainstream. Humminbird followed suit with Dual Spectrum CHIRP 2D sonar.
You are probably wondering what exactly CHIRP is, how does it work, and what are the benefits? You aren’t the only one, so here is a short primer.
Where regular sonar uses a fixed frequency, such as 83 kHz or 200 kHz, CHIRP transducers transmit longer sweeps across a range of frequencies.
CHIRP transducers are essentially putting many times more sound energy into the water column than a traditional transducer, making it much easier to detect objects in the water column.
This also means objects in the water can be viewed with better clarity, target separation, and greater maximum depths.
CHIRP has been normally focused on saltwater fishing, where greater depth capabilities are required. Still, the fish finder manufacturers are finding ways to utilize CHIRP signals in a way that benefits freshwater fishermen in shallower water.
Best CHIRP Fish Finders
*Last updated 2023-07-27 at 16:32 / Product Links & Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Cheap fish finders for boat fishing in winter and summer, universal and budget
Contents
- Models for boat fishing
- Models for fishing in winter and summer
- The cheapest echo sounders
- Related videos
Echo sounders are a useful tool that makes life much easier for the fisherman, especially when it comes to fishing in unknown waters or in conditions where the behavior of the fish is difficult to predict. However, the price of most of these devices is quite high, and in the overall budget of fishing equipment, their “weight” can be quite large. Nevertheless, there are several dozen types of relatively cheap echo sounders that have fairly good functionality, the acquisition of which will not cause much damage to the financial condition of the fisherman.
Every well-known manufacturer has a budget line of echo sounders, the cost of which, although it occupies the lowest position in the price list, however, in comparison with other manufacturers, it may not be cheap at all. For example, the cheapest Lowrance echo sounder that can be found in Moscow (of course, I mean modern models) costs about $150. While for some simpler company (for example, Lucky) this is the price, if not of a top model, then definitely of a good representative of the middle segment.
Boat fishing models
HUMMINBIRD echo sounders
PiranhaMAX range is the cheapest among this manufacturer’s devices. Currently, the most budget current model is 197sh. This is a dual beam echo sounder with transducer frequencies of 200 and 455 kHz. Unlike earlier models that are currently out of production (15x, 16x, etc.), this device has a scanning depth of about 200 m and a color display.
Humminbird PiranhaMAX 19 echo sounder delivery set7cx includes a sensor block and various mounts. It can be installed on board a boat or on a fishing rod.
The device has a full range of functions necessary for comfortable both summer and winter fishing. In addition to determining the depth, it has a Fish ID function that allows you to determine the size of the fish. The Structure ID feature will also be useful, allowing you not only to see what is directly under the boat, but also to analyze the structure of the bottom.
The viewing angle is 28° or 16° depending on the frequency used. The maximum transmitter power is 300W.
The color display has a diagonal of 3.5”, its resolution is 240 by 320 dots. The device is quite easy to use and remembers the last settings.
Since this is a simple model, many advanced features (GPS module, side view and connection of additional sensors) are not included. In addition, the device does not provide for the connection of external memory drives.
The cost of such an echo sounder is about 150 US dollars.
Advantages:
- simplicity and ease of use;
- the presence of three beams;
- various ways of mounting the device.
Disadvantages:
- limited functionality compared to more expensive models.
See also:
Fishfinders for winter and summer fishing
Fishfinder Lowrance HOOK2 4x Bullet
This is the cheapest fishfinder from the manufacturer Lowrance. Nevertheless, it has almost all the necessary features inherent in the more expensive models of this line. In particular, it provides the ability to automatically adjust the echo sounder when fishing conditions change.
The Lowrance HOOK2 4x Bullet fish finder can be mounted on a fixed platform using the included mounts, with its transducer attached to the transom.
Sensor field of view is 120°. The frequency of the emitter is 200 kHz. This allows you to scan depths up to 150 m. In addition, the device has an audible alarm system when it detects fish and can determine the temperature of the water.
The main advantage of this model is its ease of use, which will be especially useful for beginner fishermen. The auto-tuning functions automatically adjust the operation of the device depending on the water temperature and depth. The device can be used at temperatures from -15°С to +55°С.
The device has a relatively large color display (4” with a resolution of 480 x 272 dots) and a simple and intuitive menu that makes it much easier to work with.
The cost of such a device is in the range of 110-130 dollars.
Advantages:
- simplicity and convenience in use, automatic adjustment of sensors;
- support for many useful features;
- wide viewing angle.
Drawbacks:
- the presence of only one beam.
Models for fishing in winter and summer
The fundamental difference between winter fishing and summer fishing in terms of using an echo sounder is the lack of the possibility of free movement on the surface of the reservoir. That is, if a single-beam echo sounder is sufficient when fishing in the summer (since the disadvantage of a small viewing angle is compensated by the possibility of movement), then at least a two-beam echo sounder is required for winter fishing.
You can, of course, make many holes and transfer the echo sounder sensor from one to another, but fishing becomes a real torment.
- That is, a universal echo sounder suitable for fishing both in winter and in summer should have the following features:
- Have a wide viewing angle (minimum 60°, preferably 90° or even 120°). This is quite difficult to implement using a single frequency transducer, so two or three beam echo sounders are preferable in this case.
- Have an operating temperature range covering its negative values.
Most fish finders operate at -10°C, however, it is better to choose those that can operate at -15°C.
- At low temperatures, the current consumed by the device increases, which leads to a rapid discharge of the batteries. Therefore, it is recommended to use rechargeable batteries as power devices. It is also desirable to be able to connect additional power.
Naturally, it is quite difficult to find a cheaper echo sounder that meets all of the above criteria, so they usually consider compromise options implemented in device designs at least partially.
Garmin Striker 4
Double-beam chartplotter echo sounder with two beams. The tri-frequency transducer used provides depth measurement up to 488 m with a viewing angle of 60°.
The package includes a transducer, as well as mounting systems for the transducer and echo sounder. The device is powered by an external battery, which is purchased separately.
When used in summer, this fish finder’s dual frequency transducer can be mounted on the transom. For ice fishing, you will need a special float sensor GT8HW-IF, which must be immersed in the hole.
The device operates on two frequencies (77 kHz and 200 kHz), which allows you to view the features of the bottom topography, vegetation and detect accumulations of fish and determine the distance to them.
Thanks to the built-in GPS module, the device has a set of simple navigation functions. The device is able to determine the location of the fisherman, fix the trajectory of movement, and draw up a simple depth map.
The device has a 3.5” color display with a resolution of 480 x 320 pixels and a convenient user menu.
Base shipment $150. Complete with winter sensor and battery – $ 180.
Advantages:
- versatility and ease of use;
- large working depth;
- the ability to build a depth map.
Disadvantages:
- battery sold separately;
- there is no way to upload your own maps.
JJ-Connect Fisherman 220 Duo
One of the simplest devices with all the necessary functions. Uses dual beam sensors providing a 60° field of view. Can be used for summer and winter fishing.
Dual beam transducer operates at 83 kHz and 200 kHz. The maximum recorded depth is 73 m. It can be used to determine large details of the topography of the bottom of the reservoir.
The device is able to detect fish concentrations, display them on the display and report them with an audible alarm.
The device is equipped with a high contrast LCD screen with a resolution of 160 x 160 dots.
This echo sounder costs $80.
Advantages:
- two beams;
- ease of operation;
- high reliability.
Faults:
- small black and white display;
- relatively large weight of the device.
Cheapest echo sounders
Joyle TL88
This portable single beam echo sounder is Joyle’s lowest cost solution; perhaps this is the cheapest solution on the market today. And this is not surprising, because the price of this device is only 31 US dollars.
The TL88 comes with the bare minimum: an echo sounder, a transducer with a cable, and a simple boat mount.
The transducer is equipped with a single beam transducer operating at 200 kHz. The viewing angle of this model is small – it is 45 °. The measured depth for this device reaches 100 m, which is not possible for every echo sounder in the budget segment.
The echo sounder is able to determine the topography of the bottom, measure the temperature and find places where fish congregate. All information is displayed on a black and white screen in the form of special characters.
The device can be used both in summer and winter, its operating temperature range is from -20°C to +70°C.
Advantages:
- relatively large measuring depth;
- the possibility of mounting on board the boat;
- application in summer and winter;
- is the lowest price among echo sounders.
Disadvantages:
- narrow viewing angle;
- small black and white screen.
Lucky FFW1108-1
This model is universal in every sense. It can be used in winter and summer, when fishing from the shore or boat, its sensor can be installed manually or cast with a fishing rod. However, the secret of the popularity of this model is not only in its versatility. To all its pluses, this model also has a wireless connection with the display device.
The Lucky FFW1108-1 echo sounder consists of two components: a float sensor with a transmitter and a receiver screen with an antenna. The telescopic antenna extends to increase the signal reception distance.
This is one of the first wireless echo sounders, and despite the fact that it uses its own radio channel (this is not Bluetooth or Wi-Fi), the echo sounder has not lost its relevance to this day. Despite the relatively simple design, the device is able to communicate at a distance of up to 70m.
This unit’s transducer has a single beam and operates at 125 kHz. This allows you to use this echo sounder at depths up to 40 m. The viewing angle of the device is 90 °. In addition to the function of determining the depth, the device can measure temperature.
Information from the transducer’s sensors is sent via radio to the echo sounder, where it is displayed on the screen. The screen of the device is black and white, measuring almost 4 by 4 cm. Nevertheless, despite the small screen area and the lack of color reproduction, it informatively reflects all the data necessary for the fisherman:
- bottom structure;
- loose stones;
- algae information;
- fish position.
Unit cost $50. This is the cheapest wireless fish finder.
Advantages:
- support for all basic functions required by the echo sounder;
- convenience and ease of use due to the absence of wires;
- is the cheapest wireless fish finder.
Weaknesses:
- no standard data link;
- small black and white screen;
- the presence of only one beam.
The availability of cheap echo sounders on the market enables an increasing number of fishermen to join the fishing with the use of technical means. Even a device with a minimum of functions can significantly increase the effectiveness of fishing. It is rather problematic to determine which of the echo sounders is the best, since they all perfectly perform the necessary minimum of functions, however, the nuances of the behavior of each of them on different reservoirs will naturally be different.
Budget echo sounders for fishing: rating-review
Need a budget echo sounder for fishing, which one to choose? Any electronic device has certain technical characteristics, on which the efficiency and convenience of its use depend. Echo sounders are no exception, and below is a list of the main parameters by which you should choose a device model of this type:
- Receiver sensitivity;
- Frequencies at which the converter operates;
- Number of beams;
- Display size and type;
- Echo sounder alarm.
When compiling the following rating, three complex criteria were taken into account, namely: technical capabilities, cost, dimensions of devices.
Topic article: echo sounder functions.
Fisher rating
- Rivotek Fisher 30
- JJ-Connect Fisherman 220
- Lowrance X4
- Lowrance Mark-5x Pro
- Lowrance Elite-3X
- Humminbird PiranhaMAX 175
- Practitioner ER-6PRO
- Echo 150
- Echo 300c
Lowrance Mark-5x Pro
The first place in our rating is occupied by a stationary two-beam echo sounder from Lowrance , with a black and white display, the diagonal of which is 5 inches, and the resolution is 480×480.
Operating frequencies are the same as Elite-3x – 83 and 200 kHz, viewing angle – 60-120°.
There is also a temperature sensor, and the working depth reaches 305 m.
With a wide range of functions, it is quite easy to use.
Includes a handy stand that attaches to the boat’s transom.
Humminbird PiranhaMAX 175
A compact device with a 4-inch monochrome display that is also capable of high definition images.
Double-beam echo sounder, maximum working depth – 183 m.
The mount is also fixed, which is rather a minus given the relatively small dimensions.
Rivotek Fisher 30
Very compact fish finder with 2.4” monochrome display. The device is single-beam, operating frequency is 4333 kHz, radiation angle is 90°. The maximum operating temperature reaches 70°. A fairly good budget option for an echo sounder for fishing in the warm season.
JJ-Connect Fisherman 220 Duo Ice Edition MARK II
Fisherman boasts a rugged, waterproof housing and dual beam transducer. The beams operate at different frequencies, the viewing angle is also different (from 20 ° to 60 °). The scanning depth is up to 73 m, which is quite good when fishing in relatively small water bodies. There is also a built-in temperature sensor.
The echo sounder is able to show not only the relief, but also the very structure of the bottom of the reservoir. Runs on four standard AA batteries. Like the previous model, it has small dimensions, easy to use. Among the shortcomings, it is worth mentioning perhaps unstable work in the winter season.
Lowrance X4
Single-beam fish finder with black and white screen, the case is completely sealed and protected from moisture. The maximum working depth reaches 181-183 m. It has a high-quality temperature sensor that works quite quickly and without flaws in performance.
Also to be commended is the display, which always shows a high-quality image. In low light conditions, you can use the backlight for the display. Sometimes there are problems with the study of the bottom of the reservoir, if the latter is too silty (or does not reflect the signal sent by the sensor of the device).
You will learn about the more expensive Lowrance and Hummindird echo sounders in the review – “How to choose a boat echo sounder”.
Lowrance Elite-3x
An improved successor to the previous model, with the already 3.5″ color LCD display and LED backlighting, which provides a high-definition image that is easy to read even in bright sunlight. Operates at two frequencies of 83 kHz and 200 kHz, switching between which occurs at the touch of a button.
The ASP system allows you to automatically adjust the optimal scanning parameters, and there is also the possibility of 4x zoom. An excellent device for detecting fish at any time of the year, studying the relief and the nature of the bottom. One of the most interesting echo sounders in our rating.
Praktik ER-6PRO
A small and simple Russian-made echo sounder. The operating temperature range is from -20° to 40°С, therefore it is suitable for fishing in winter. There is only one beam, the scanning depth is modest – 25 m. The case is reliable, waterproof, but the buttons are a bit tight. The display is monochrome, with a diagonal of 2.3 inches. A good budget echo sounder without an abundance of functions, but also at a low cost.
Garmin Echo 150
Another inexpensive, but quite useful echo sounder. The display is again black and white, 4-inch. Two beams are used, the working depth is up to 400 m. Accurate scanning is ensured by a transmitter with a power of 200 watts. Although the device is small in size, the mount is also stationary.
Garmin Echo 300c
Another echo sounder model from Garmin , equipped with a 3.5-inch color display with anti-glare technology. Uses two beams, scanning depth – up to 450 m. A transmitter with a power of 300 watts is installed. Mounted, as a rule, also on the transom of the boat or trolling engine. The main drawback is the high cost of the Echo 300s.