Last updated on
In order to fish like a pro you are going to need the right equipment. One of the essentials is a portable fish finder. They have been around for a long time (since the 1950s), but now with advancements in modern technology, they are better and more affordable than ever before.
To catch a lot of fish, you first need to know where the fish are. If you stand in the same spot every day, then you probably won’t have much success. You need to move around and really understand what’s underneath the water. That’s where a fish finder comes into play.
This device will help you understand your surroundings and help you locate different types of fish. It uses a sonar system to create digital images for you to examine. When a sound waves hits something (fish, rocks, etc) it sends back a response to the GPS. You will instantly know what’s underneath the surface. In addition, there are plenty of other features that are useful for fisherman.
Our Top Choices
There are hundreds of fish finders available for sale but only a few actually get the job done. We took a look at some of the top selling products, latest technologies, and newest releases to find our which fish finder performed the best.
We used a few simple criteria to decide on the best fish finders. First, we wanted something that was easy to use and understand. Our preference was for “plug in and go” models that required few initial settings adjustments and had quick out of the box and into the water setup times. We also considered functionality. We looked for the latest GPS technology and chart plotting functionality and new sonar technologies. Take a look below at our brief fish finder reviews.
Best High-End Model
The Garmin Striker 7sv has all the features you could possibly want in a fish finder. For around $500, it should give you everything you want. The first thing you’ll notice about this model is the large sunlight-readable 7″ display monitor that will give you clear and high-quality images. The ClearVü scanning sonar will allow you to see exactly what is underneath the water.
This model also comes with built-in GPS and Wifi which allow you to store your maps and receive notifications.
Best For the Money
The Garmin echoMAP CHIRP 53cv is the best fish finder for the money. It’s a great value because you get a lot of the advanced features but at a lower price. The main drawback of this model is that the screen is relatively small at only 5″. But if a smaller screen doesn’t bother you then this is a great option. It comes with the ClearVü scanning sonar, GPS, wifi, and built-in HD Maps of over 17,000 lakes.
Best Inexpensive Brand
If you’re looking for an inexpensive model then we recommend the Garmin Striker 4. This inexpensive model works great. It has most of the technology that the more expensive brands have, but the screen is much smaller and the resolution is lower. For example this model still has the ClearVü scanning sonar and the CHIRP sonar system.
If you’re just getting started with fish finders then this could be a good starter model for you.
Conclusion
Overall, buying a fish finder is a terrific investment. They are almost essential for the modern day fisherman.
The good models will be relatively expensive, but the benefits outweigh the costs. Quality models will last a while, help you catch more fish, and help you avoid frustration. They ensure a more enjoyable fishing experience, and isn’t enjoyment what fishing is all about? You simply can’t put a price on enjoyment. And for that reason, I recommend buying one of these fish finders.
