Although we’d all love to follow our instincts, if you want success when fishing, you need reliable sources of information. Everything from the depth and temperature and even weather conditions in general can all impact the experience you’ll have.
Without the use of technology, it would take many years to get to grips with that kind of data about just one location, let alone various places you may enjoy fishing. Fortunately, technology has progressed when it comes to fish finders.
Nowadays, fish finders not only tell you with accuracy where fish can be found, but it can also tell you where they have been. That’s why we highly recommend investing in a fish finder GPS Combo.
Of course, there are some great fish finders out there that don't have GPS functionality. The added GPS technology will make all the difference in improving your fishing game.
We understand there's no shortage of options, and it can be a little daunting when you’re trying to decide on several different products that all seem the same. We're here to help, though, as this guide and our reviews will dig deep and highlight the best GPS-enabled fish finders for all budgets.
Image | Product | Sonar | Maximum Depth | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
No products found. | Humminbird HELIX 5 | 83/200kHz | 1000 Ft | |
Garmin Striker 4 | 50/77/200kHz | 1600Ft In Freshwater/750ft In Saltwater | ||
Humminbird Helix 9 | 50/83/200/455/800kHz & 1.2MHz | 1,200 - 3,500 Ft | ||
Deeper PRO+ | 90kHz/290kHz | 260 Ft | ||
Garmin Striker 4CV | 50/77/200kHz | 1,750 Ft In Freshwater, 830 Ft In Saltwater | ||
Raymarine Axiom 7 | 50/77/200kHz | Not Specified | ||
No products found. | Humminbird 409620-1 Helix 5 DI | 83/200kHz | Not Specified | |
Garmin Striker 7SV | 50/200kHz, 77/200kHz | 2,300 Ft In Freshwater, 1,100 Ft In Saltwater | ||
Simrad GO7 XSE | Not Specified | Not Specified | ||
Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP SI/GPS G2 Combo | 50/83/200/455kHz | 1500 Ft |
4 Benefits of Fish Finder GPS Combos
- 1Better Displays & Imaging
When you use a fish finder with GPS in addition to its sonar technology, you benefit from a greater amount of information about where you are, where the fish are. A further benefit is the displays tend to be better, offering a clearer image of what’s happening underwater. - 2Convenient
Fish finder GPS combos are convenient all-in-one machines. When you’re heading out and want to reduce the amount of equipment you’re bringing along, having a fish finder that also doubles up as a GPS device can be a real space saver. - 3Store Multiple Locations for Precise Fishing
Each time you go out using a GPS fish finder, you can keep a record of places you visited and where you’ve seen or caught fish. This makes it easier to find starting points. Thanks to the memory size, you can store the data related to numerous locations, so you only need one device. - 4Small Sized Handheld Devices
As the technology has evolved and there’s been an increased demand for lower-priced kits that can provide higher performance, fish finders with GPS are better and more affordable than ever before.
Buying a Top-Quality Fishing GPS
There are always important things you need to think about when purchasing anything. When it comes to finding the best GPS fish finder for your own needs, you need to look at the following aspects.
Fishing Style & Usage
The fishing style and way you intend to use a fish finder with GPS, as well as how frequently you intend to use it, are all essential considerations to make. If you’re only out on the water occasionally, and not looking to get any deep catches, it may not be particularly important for you to invest in a device that can give you information about the deepest parts of the body of water.
Sonar Reading Accuracy & GPS Integration
There are two different types of scanning, otherwise known as imaging - side imagining/side scan and down imaging/down scan.
Fish finders that use side imaging use two beams at either side of the vessel positioned, so they’re pointing upwards slightly. This side imaging allows you to scan a much wider area and have greater detail of the schools of fish in the water as you go past. The major disadvantage is that it won't give a very accurate or detailed view of deeper waters because it won't cover anything underneath your boat.
Down scan fish finders, as their name suggests, are much better in this instance. They make use of a single transducer (see more further down) that produces a very powerful but thin soundwave underneath your boat, making it easier to locate deeper water bait schools. This is the best option if you prefer fishing from a stationary position.
Aspects of the GPS integration of the fish finders you need to look at includes:
User-Friendly
You also need to consider how user-friendly it is. It’s all very well being able to operate and use a device on dry and stable dry land. When you’re out on open and choppy waters, it might not be that simple. So, always consider a device with settings and functions that are easy to use. Aspects that make a GPS fish finder more user-friendly to think about include:
Power Source/Consumption
The power consumption is crucial when buying fish finders. Watts are used to measure the power, and the higher the wattage, the faster the fish finder will work at displaying information.
The choice of how powerful a device you need really depends again on where you’re fishing. If you’re only fishing in shallow waters, you don’t need a highly powerful fish finder. Whereas if you’re heading out to deeper lakes and open seas, a more powerful fish finder is best. Other aspects of the power capabilities you need to think about are the maximum depths it’s capable of reading.
Along with that, the battery life is crucial. You want a battery that will last a reasonable amount of time between charges, so it doesn’t stop working when you’re only halfway through your trip or fishing excursion.
Durability/Versatility
Durability is always important to consider when buying anything, not least of all something you’re going to take out on the water with you. The more durable models and those with higher-rated waterproofing will be much more expensive.
Transducer Style & Compatibility
The transducer in a fish finder is the piece of technology that enables it to transmit and collect sonar waves used to display imaging of the water and any objects/fish that may be in it. The sonar waves are transmitted towards the bottom of the water, and as they hit objects, whether it’s fish or anything else under the water, they are bounced back to the device.
You need to think about the kind of transducer used with a fish finder and how it’s going to be attached to your boat, if you’re using one. Generally, they’re made of plastic, though a few are made from steel or even bronze.
There are three kinds of transducer you’ll commonly find – networked, combination, and standalone. Networked transducers connect to and work with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to provide the most up to date and live data. Combination transducers are ideal for delivering the standard finding functionality you expect and more advanced information like water temperature and graphs. Standalone transducers, as you may have guessed, are those that are just a simple sonar device and nothing fancy or extra.
When choosing a transducer, another aspect you need to consider is the cone angle. The cone angle refers to the width of the sonar beam transmitted beneath your vessel. Having a transducer with a wider cone angle can cover larger areas. A cone angle beam expands out as it reaches further down. The broader area coverage is a sacrifice on the transducer’s sensitivity and ability to detect objects in much deeper waters.
You find transducers feature cone angles ranging from 9 to 60-degrees, though it’s more common for them to sit between 16 and 20-degrees.
Extra Features
Like most equipment, depending on what you need and what you can spend, there are various extra features you can get the benefit of from GPS fish finders. The ones you need are the ones you’ll use. If you’re looking to catch fish that reside close to the bottom of the water, you need features like bottom tracking.
Whereas if you’re looking for fish species that live in specific water temperatures, it can help to track where those temperatures are underwater. Other additional features to look out for include GPS speed, depth capabilities, and battery life display.
Installation/Mounting Ease
We’ve already looked at whether you should choose fixed or mounted fish finders. You also need to give some thought to how easy or difficult a model is to both install and mount, if applicable. This is very much a personal preference, because if you’re not particularly technically minded.
Price & Warranty
The cost of a product is always an important consideration to make, even if we wouldn’t recommend you use that as the sole reason for choosing a model. Whenever deciding the price you’re going to pay, the value should always be considered.
Make a list of the features and components you need in a GPS fish finder and then find the models that give them all to you, rather than just picking out the cheapest.
The warranty is also important to consider, as this is an indication of the level of protection you’ll have if any issues arise and whether you’ll be covered for repairs and maintenance or even replacements. It's also a good indication of how much faith the manufacturer has that their product will last a long time and will not need to be replaced.
10 Best GPS Fish Finders Reviewed
1. Humminbird HELIX 5
No products found.
Our Top Pick
Dimensions | 1.1 x 7.5 x 4.3 inches |
Sonar | 83/200kHz |
Maximum Depth | 1000 Ft |
Weight | 10.1 Lbs |
Key Feature | XNT 9.5 SI 180 Transducer, CHIRP Side Imaging CHIRP Down Imaging CHIRP Digital Sonar DualBeam Plus |
Warranty | Yes, 1-year limited warranty |
First in our guide is the model we feel is the best fish finder GPS combo overall – the Humminbird Helix 5. Despite it being one of the more affordable models, it includes the powerful CHIRP sonar tech used by the brand in their higher-priced models. This produces excellent separation of targets, and its down-imaging offers an almost-photographic analysis of the structure of the bottom of the water.
The SwitchFire system is utilized throughout the full range of Helix models. This is very practical and useful, particularly if you’re regularly fishing in shallow waters or fish from a kayak. With SwitchFire, you can remove the interference you’re often faced with in choppier and shallow waters.
When you switch to the Max mode, though, it provides amazingly detailed imagery. When it comes to the GPS supplied with this device, it offers all the features and functions you'd really need. You can track and record your routes, with the option to save numerous waypoints. Downsides we would mention are the size of the buttons.
Overall, it’s not a perfect model, but if you’re looking for the best fish finder GPS combo in terms of investment value, this is a compact option you should seriously consider.
Pros
Cons
2. Garmin Striker 4
Best Budget Fish Finder with GPS
Dimensions | 3.6 x 1.6 x 5.9 inches |
Sonar | 50/77/200kHz |
Maximum Depth | 1600Ft in freshwater/750ft in saltwater |
Weight | 8.1 ounces |
Key Feature | CHIRP Transducer |
Warranty | Yes, 1-year manufacturer’s warranty |
If you’re looking for an even lower-priced model, you should consider the Garmin Striker 4. In our humble opinion, this is one of, if not the, best budget/cheap fish finder with GPS on the market now. Garmin obviously has a sterling reputation for their GPS and navigational devices, so it's not surprising that even their basic entry GPS fish finder is an excellent value.
This model makes the whole fishing experience incredibly easy. As you’ll probably know, when you’re at sea and dealing with the changing tides and choppy waters, it’s hard to remember those spots where you had the choicest of catches. With this, you don’t need to try and rack your brains and memory banks.
What's more, as well as keeping a record of those highly successful waypoints and locations, you can also use the special communication interface to share them with friends and have them share theirs with you. Above all else, the sonar tech provided with this device offers one of the clearest images for the price tag.
This device utilizes the 77/200 CHIRP transducer, which can, if and when necessary, be upgraded to a greater performance component.
Pros
Cons
3. Humminbird Helix 9
Best 9-inch Fish Finder GPS Combo
Dimensions | 20 x 13 x 10 inches |
Sonar | 50/83/200/455/800kHz & 1.2MHz |
Maximum Depth | 1,200 - 3,500 ft |
Weight | 6 lbs |
Key Feature | CHIRP Transducer |
Warranty | Yes, 2-year manufacturer’s warranty |
Back with Humminbird, we have another affordable GPS fish finder. This is what we consider to be the best 9-inch fish finder GPS combo that won't break the bank too much. However, it’s a little pricier than the Helix 5 model. You get the benefit of a very bright 9-inch LED with a clear backlight that provides both grayscale and color options.
Like other models in the line, it benefits from the DualBeam Plus sonar tech, which can actually operate two frequencies at the same time, offering either a blended or split-screen display. Similar to the Helix 5, you get the SwitchFire tech that allows you to switch easily between clear and uncluttered views and more detailed ones. Thanks to the transducer this model is equipped with, there are clear and clean imaging produced at 200kHz for the 20-degrees narrow cone and 83kHz at 60-degrees wide-angle views.
One of our favorite features of the Humminbird Helix 9 for its price tag is the graph function that displays the water temperatures. Although it may not be something everyone's looking for, it does provide the difference between the currents and surface temperatures, otherwise known as thermoclines. This is something typically found in models worth thousands of dollars.
The GPS is very precise and can produce quick positioning readings accurate to the nearest 7-inches.
Pros
Cons
4. Deeper PRO+
Best Small Fish Finder GPS
Dimensions | 3 x 5.3 x 5.9 inches |
Sonar | 90kHz/290kHz |
Maximum Depth | 260 ft |
Weight | 3.52 oz |
Key Feature | Dual-beam Frequency |
Warranty | Yes, 2-year limited warranty |
Deeper is not the biggest brand name on the market. Especially when compared to Humminbird, Lowrance, and Garmin. However, we really think in terms of looking for the best small fish finder GPS, that this is a great little choice with some exciting features. For instance, it's not just compatible with a wireless signal; it’s a fully wireless fish finder.
It's awesome because it’s castable, but on the other hand, there’s no display monitor onboard. However, thanks to the wireless connectivity, you can connect it up to your smartphone or tablet and view everything there, at distances of 330-feet away.
Considering it’s a very low-priced product, it still has a very useful and powerful transducer that can provide accurate scanning for as deep as 260-feet.
We also really like the fact that because it has a very low-key and buoy-style design, it’s not going to distract the fish too much or chase them away.
If you’re not fussed about having a proper display onboard the device itself and are happy to make use of your tablet or phone screen (let’s face it, many have amazingly clear and crisp screens nowadays anyway!), this is a very budget-friendly option. It can be used for most types of fishing, including shore, ice, and kayak fishing.
Pros
Cons
5. Garmin Striker 4CV
Best Portable Fish Finder GPS Combo
Dimensions | 3.6 x 1.6 x 5.9 inches |
Sonar | 50/77/200kHz |
Maximum Depth | 1,750 ft in freshwater, 830 ft in saltwater |
Weight | 8 oz |
Key Feature | Garmin Transducer with CHIRP tech |
Warranty | Yes, 2-year limited warranty |
Back with another Garmin Striker model and for our money, the best portable fish finder GPS combo. The Striker 4CV is so-called because it has Garmin's most recent version of down imaging known as ClearVu. It features CHIRP tech, which helps to produce amazingly detailed and crisp, clear views of the world under the sea.
Although it's very portable, it does have a tiny screen. Really, it’s tiny compared to the 9-inchers and even the standard 5s and 6s. But, if you’re new to fish finder use or are only a casual and irregular angler, this is a nice piece to invest in. Despite its modest price tag and compact design, it still boasts some excellent features.
The GPS element of this fish finder is one of its saving graces and helps you identify whereabouts you are and your traveling speed. It even offers the option to save waypoints onto the fish finder, so you never lose those spots where you had success before.
If you don't want to invest in one of its bigger and flashier cousins, the Garmin Striker 4CV is probably the best portable GPS fish finder on the market and will serve you well.
Pros
Cons
6. Raymarine Axiom 7
Best Combo For Small Boats
Dimensions | 18 x 13 x 13 inches |
Sonar | 50/77/200kHz |
Maximum Depth | Not specified |
Weight | 8.8 lbs |
Key Feature | Sonar DownVision, CHIRP SONAR |
Warranty | Yes, 2-year limited warranty |
Planning on heading out on a small boat? Why not consider taking along the best combo for small boats? We're talking about the Raymarine Axiom 7. For its price, we think it would be foolish to dismiss this too quickly. Especially if you’re in the middle playing ground between beginner-level and intermediate-level angling with a fish finder.
As we've found with many of the budget-priced models, the Axiom 7 still carries features you'd expect would only be found on the higher-priced devices. For instance, Raymarine was not content with just giving it down scan sonar tech, and they equipped it with CHIRP tech for some genuinely crisp and vivid imaging.
We’re also big fans of the optically bonded screen with one of the brightest displays on the market. There are clever little touches that show Raymarine is dedicated to designing and producing fish finder GPS devices with the customer firmly in mind. Wi-Fi connectivity means you can have the fish finder at the opposite end of the boat to where you are and can just use your smartphone to operate it.
Although this may seem like a rather small thing, it does mean you don’t need to rock the boat much to move across and change settings or check the display.
Pros
Cons
7. Humminbird 409620-1 Helix 5 DI
No products found.
Best GPS Fish Finder with Down Imaging
Dimensions | 16 x 10 x 10 inches |
Sonar | 83/200kHz |
Maximum Depth | Not specified |
Weight | 3.6 lbs |
Key Feature | CHIRP, Down Imaging |
Warranty | Yes, 1-year limited warranty |
Okay, we know what you’re undoubtedly thinking, but this is not the same Helix 5 fish finder from Humminbird we featured earlier. This, the 409620-1 Helix 5 DI, is our choice for best GPS fish finder with down imaging. That's right, it benefits from superb CHIRP tech sonar down imaging, alongside its GPS and temperature monitor.
As is expected of Humminbird nowadays, this is a very precise and accurate machine for plotting charts, and with the UniMap cartography, you can really up your fishing game. We're bowled over by the simple, but beautifully executed features such as the waypoint marking. And the fact once you've located and caught a nice fish, the GPS will help direct you back safely and in the most direct route to your starting point, with no false moves or wrong turns along the way.
Despite its small 5-inch screen, the 256-color resolution really makes the colors pop out and easy to translate.
The device benefits from having a Gimbal mount that gives you a quick and easy way to install and set it up on your boat or wherever you may be. Humminbird is known for easy to use tools, and this is no different.
Pros
Cons
8. Garmin Striker 7SV
Best Marine GPS Fish Finder
Dimensions | 9.3 x 2.3 x 5.5 inches |
Sonar | 50/200kHz, 77/200kHz |
Maximum Depth | 2,300 ft in freshwater, 1,100 ft in saltwater |
Weight | 1.7 lbs |
Key Feature | 3 different sonar options in one transducer |
Warranty | Yes, 2-year limited warranty |
We've already featured the even smaller Garmin Striker 4 in this guide. This is its bigger sister, the Striker 7SV, and we think it's the best marine GPS fish finder. Even though it’s a little bigger in the display department than the 5-inch model, this still weighs under the 2-pound mark.
This is part of why we feel it’s the best marine GPS fish finder. It’s ideal if you’re looking for the best combination of slimline build with a lighter weight, yet still powerful enough to provide excellent usability.
The most startling of all features, though, is the fact this comes with three different sonar tech options. There's the CHIRP ClearVu and SideVu from the company itself and an additional broader view. When using all options, the imaging is suitably crisp, clear, and detailed. Even at depths of around 2,300-feet when fishing in freshwater.
This robust machine is also capable of marking out targets while your vessel is moving at speed. There’s just too much to talk about right now. If you’re looking for versatility in the sonar department and like the idea of side-view scanning, this affordably priced model is a real gem.
Pros
Cons
9. Simrad GO7 XSE
Best GPS Chart Plotter
Dimensions | 10 x 9 x 8 inches |
Sonar | Not Specified |
Maximum Depth | Not Specified |
Weight | 7.7 lbs |
Key Feature | Full feature charplotter, Tripintel tech |
Warranty | Yes, 2 Year Warranty |
All fish finders in our guide have been singled out and highlighted for at least one reason. That’s not to say there’s only one thing that makes them stand out, it's just there are certain features and components that make them unique.
With the Simrad GO7 XSE it's without a doubt its chart plotting capabilities. In terms of how effective it is and how easy it is to use, we would go as far as to say it's the best GPS chart plotter fish finder available right now. Why? The Simrad just seems to have been made to be as intuitive and user-friendly as possible.
It's equipped with a 7-inch display that doubles as a touchscreen and, thanks to the way it has been designed, requires little to no previous knowledge for you to navigate around the different controls. When it comes to the imaging this device produces, we can’t rate it highly enough.
The DownVu imaging provides images as clear and detailed enough to show fish, vegetation, and blockades. Therefore, if you've been using an older or less accurate fish finder, but you're looking to upgrade, this is a sound investment. It is its chart plotting capabilities that are most appealing though.
Pros
Cons
10. Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP SI/GPS G2 Combo
Best Value for Money Pick
Dimensions | 1.1x 10.5 x 5.8 inches |
Sonar | 50/83/200/455kHz |
Maximum Depth | 1500 ft |
Weight | 3.1 lbs |
Key Feature | Compact Side Imaging, CHIRP, Digital Sonar, DualBeam, and SwitchFire |
Warranty | Yes, 1-year limited warranty |
Our final product is probably the best rated fish finder with GPS and, therefore, our best value for money pick. It's another fantastic device from Humminbird that offers some rather precise and crystal-clear side imaging. The 7-inch screen really does it justice with its resolution of 1280x800p.
We’re really loving the reduced glare and viewing from any angle options too. The power level of this device means it can reach greater depths than similarly sized and priced models, which is another plus point and one of the reasons why we’ve suggested it as a great value for money pick.
As this whole guide has been about fish finders that benefit from being combined with GPS, it's important to note this device has a stunning array of precise and convenient GPS functions and features.
Humminbird devices are so good that if you're looking for a suitable fish finder for your budget, experience, and use, you'll find one by the brand at just about any price point that's as good comparatively as other brand's products. It's very telling that we've included one Humminbird model as the best overall and one as the best rated and value for money pick.
Pros
Cons
How Fish Finders with GPS Work
Many have used fish finders in the past but did not understand how or why they work. However, it's worth giving a little deeper thought as to how they work, as this will help you know what you should be looking for and why some are better than others.
Fish finders are equipped with sonar technology and use transducers to send sonar signals out into the water. When these signals reach objects underwater, the sonar wave can estimate the depth and size of the object. The tricky thing is the object could be a rock, log, or even just the water source floor. Or, of course, it could be fish.
The soundwaves then return to the fish finder in a similar fashion to an echo, and the data collected is given to the machine to read. The raw data is then presented in the form of an image that shows what is happening in the area of water you sent the signal out.
While some only utilize one frequency, the more sophisticated and high-end fish finders use more than one to enhance the view. Fish finders that use higher frequencies can provide you with a cone angle that’s much narrower, meaning they offer greater detail. On the other side of the scale, those with lower frequencies offer better penetration of greater depths, but the sensitivity is affected.
The GPS aspect helps you to use waypoint maps to plot. You can then leave markers at GPS locations when returning a different day or part of the same day.
Installing a GPS Fish Finder
Although you’ll find not all fish finders are made the same way, for the most part, they're straightforward to install. Some, in fact, only require that you switch them on, and they're ready to work hard for you, as they are handheld. There's even some with suction cups that make mounting them to your boat easy.
Even if there's a mount that the transducer and device attach to, there will be easy-to-follow instructions. Just be sure any wires reach as far along and around your boat as they need to.
How To Use a GPS Fish Finder
Again, not all GPS fish finders work the same way, but the setup will be very similar across models and makes, as the data you’re looking to collect from them is basically the same. The best way to use them most efficiently is by combining the chart plotting features with the fish finder. By recording the GPS data, you will be able to always get back to spots where your fishing was fruitful.
You can also use them to keep track of any hazards before they become a problem, thanks to their ability to provide images of the bottom of the body of water you are in and depth measurements.
This video may also help you understand how to use them.
Care & Maintenance
GPS fish finders will only work correctly if they are taken care of properly. Therefore, when you invest in one, you will want to learn how to maintain and clean it without damaging any of the sensitive and important features or tech.
Cleaning should be done using only warm water, with just a tiny amount of dish soap, if completely necessary. Avoid using paper towels, but instead, use a microfiber cloth. Always be sure your fish finder is away from exposure to high temperatures, as it could damage and even destroy the electronic components.
People also ask (FAQs)
Are all GPS fish finder combos waterproof?
Although most may have some form of waterproofing, it's worth checking the extent and level an individual is protected. i.e., the IPX rating.
What GPS Fish Finder Accessories are needed?
It really depends on what’s included and what’s not included in a kit. You may need to invest in a separate mount or even just the batteries.
How long do fish finder GPS combos last?
You should be able to expect your fish finder to work for several years to come, given that you take care of it properly and keep it out of the elements when you’re not using it. Most fish finders come with at least a one-year warranty for your peace of mind but expect them to last 3-5 years.
How do you power a fish finder in your kayak?
There are various forms of power packs and batteries you can use; this thread has a lot of useful information.
What are the top GPS fish finder combo brands?
There are many brands well-known and popular in the GPS fish finder market, including Garmin, Humminbird, Lowrance, Raymarine, and Simrad. You can’t go wrong with any of the brands mentioned in our review.
Conclusion
So, there you have it, our look at the best fish finder GPS combos. Hopefully, we've been able to shed some light on things if you're entirely new to this area of fishing tech. Even if you're not, we hope we've given you some food for thought as to the next GPS fish finder you may purchase.
Although all the products we've highlighted come with our recommendation, as the overall best, we'd put the spotlight on the Humminbird Helix 5. It's feature-filled and is a rock-solid performer in all ways.