Best Kayak Fish Finders Reviewed

Kayak Fish Finders Compared

How Fish Finders Work

Types Of Kayak Fish Finders

Types Of Sonar Systems In Fish Finders

Standard Sonar

These are the oldest of sonar technology and are the most difficult to read. This is because the transducers used for these sonars operate at 50/83/200 kHz and produce a rather low-quality resolution compared to the newer types.

These devices aren't as accurate about temperature and depth reading but do a decent job – especially considering their low price point.

Down Imaging

This is a type of sonar where the sound waves are emitted by transducers in a downward direction, below the boat. While this is great for deep water bodies, it is not as accurate as side-imaging. If you’re on a budget, then getting a down-scan is a good investment as they are cheap, yet effective.

Side Imaging

This is the most efficient of all sonar technologies; it not only covers a larger surface area of water because it emits sound waves from both sides of the boat but is also highly accurate in its readings.

Benefits Of Kayak Fish Finding Tools

Buying A Top-Quality Kayak Fish Finder

Size, Space & Portability

Fishing Style

Frequency & GPS Integration

Before you invest in a fish finder, ask yourself:

Do you want a single frequency sonar (conventional) or one that transmits a spectrum simultaneously (CHIRP)?

The sonar frequency plays a huge role in determining resolution quality and accuracy. GPS integrated units help you not only keep track of your path but can also save your co-ordinates and redirect you to a spot where you got a good catch in the past.

User-Friendly

Modern-day fish finders come with several features to choose from which make them ideal for different users. While a larger screen might be useful for those with larger vessels, kayak anglers should opt for models with small screen sizes.

Newer models are designed to be smartphone compatible; meaning that instead of occupying extra space in your kayak, these units display the images on your phone.

Power Source

Most devices require a 12-volt marine battery to function – ensure that it's in a waterproof casing to avoid damage. If you're trying to utilize less space, especially for kayak fishing, it would be ideal for you to invest in portable battery-powered devices that are smaller and transmit to your smartphone directly.

Durability/Versatility

Looking for a durable product should always be one’s prime concern – you don’t want to spend money again and again on re-purchase or repairs.

When it comes to fish finders, look for waterproof models – all devices are water-resistant, but few can survive submersion. Ensure that the transducers are also built using durable material that prevents corrosion.

Transducer Style

Transducers are integral to fish finders as they are the component that emits sonar signals. The echo produced from the interaction of these waves with other objects is what creates an echo and generates images.

Here are three options you can choose from:

Extra Features

Looking for additional features in a kayak fish finder can help make your fishing trips more productive – and fun. Look for devices with integrated combo systems, such as those with GPS, Wi-Fi, and smartphone integration.

Some units also have temperature gauges to detect water temperature, so you know where you'll have a better chance of finding fish. Speed-o-meters are also an added feature offered by some devices that calculate the speed at which you’re paddling.

Installation Ease

Out in the kayak, you don’t have the room or the time for complicated installations. Therefore, investing in devices that are easy to set up is a good option for all small-vessel anglers. Look for options that require minimal assembly or come mostly pre-assembled.

Price & Warranty

Fish finders come in a huge range of prices, but before you a purchase one, consider the following:

If the answers are satisfactory, you are good to go ahead with the purchase.

An important thing to remember is to check for the manufacturer’s warranty – see what parts and services are covered under it and how long it will last.

1. Garmin Striker 4 With Transducer

This product is perhaps the best you can find on the market and comes equipped with the latest technology – a hallmark of Garmin.

Its scanning sonar is capable of producing high definition images that provide a detailed and accurate representation of the objects present underwater near your boat. This is enabled by the CHIRP sonar system that is designed to emit a spectrum of frequencies into the water, instead of just one.

With an integrated GPS, this device can help you plot your course using a waypoint map, which comes with a simple and easy to use interface. The 3.5-inch display makes it ideal for kayaks, considering this device would not require a lot of mounting space.

What’s more, this highly portable device comes with a kit and rechargeable batteries so you can use them over and over again without having to worry about storage space.

2. Humminbird HELIX 5

Next up on our list is the Humminbird HELIX 5, which has earned a reputation as the best kayak fish finder with GPS.

Here’s everything that makes this product great:

This product is equipped with a down imaging sonar that can help detect depths of up to 1500 feet. Combined with the CHIRP (Compressed High-Intensity Radar Pulse) technology which emits multiple frequencies to produce clearer images, this unit has no parallel. 

With superior imaging technology, you can accurately identify fish, boulders, reefs, and other underwater structures.It even allows you to choose the mode of view or how you want to see your results. These are the options offered:

With a built-in base-map, you can see the underwater terrain while plotting your course in real-time with the help of the Auto-chart live feature.

3. Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar

The Deeper Pro+ is every anglers dream. It's a high-end castable and portable fish-finding system that is perfect for the tech-savvy, and easy to use for those who’re not.

What does being cast-able entail? It merely means that you can hook your locator to a line and put it in the water. The waterproof feature of the device gives it a casting range of 330 ft., which means that the device is not merely water-resistant, but submersible as well.

With its in-built GPS technology and depth sensing, you can map the underwater terrain without having to get your boat out. This helps you pre-determine the areas to avoid while kayaking.

The best part is that it connects to your phone using Wi-Fi, thereby saving you the hassle of choosing and maintaining a separate display. It also emits a powerful dual-beam frequency to locate fish accurately and scan a large area of water.

4. Vexilar SP200 T-Box Smartphone

Why are we calling it the best smartphone integrated locator?

Well, this unit comes with a Wi-Fi patented signal technology that helps you connect it to your smartphone or tablet, and turns an everyday device into a full-fledged sonar system. To link the two devices, all you need to do is download the free SonarPhone app on your phone.

But this isn’t the only best-selling feature of this product. Vexilar SP200 also has automatic ranging, an accurate depth calculator and a temperature measure to tell you how cold the water is. All of these features make it easier for you to navigate to areas where the fish you’re looking for might be found.

With a loud alarm for fish and a clear and easy to understand fish icon, there’s no way you will miss a catch with this system. As it is a permanent mounting device, you don’t have to worry about installation every time you want to go fishing.

5. Lowrance HOOK2

Lowrance is a name well-known to fishing enthusiasts, and this product is the prime example of why the brand is so successful. The most important feature of this device is its CHIRP sonar that provides extensive coverage and yields accurate results. It is an easy to set up machine with a transducer that can be mounted whichever way you like: hull transom or scupper.

And you know what? This device is as easy to use as your phone – here’s how:

This model has an auto-tuning sonar with a menu similar to what most digital devices have. In short, this means that you can focus all your attention on catching as many fish as you can, without having to worry about fiddling with the settings.

With its SplitShot transducer, it not only down scans to efficiently map any geographical details under the water, but also provides accurate and distinct arches to represent fish.

6. LUCKY Portable

If you are searching for an easy to use fish finder with good battery life and all the features of a high-end product without breaking the bank, then this product is for you. This product from Lucky is the best cheap fish finder available on the market, so it's not only user-friendly in design but also has a great price point.

Not only does this unit allow you to take your kayak out during the day, but with a night light feature, you can even go for overnight fishing trips. Another great feature that facilitates any long fishing trip ideas you might have is its power-saving mode that can help you conserve battery for up to 4-5 hours.

This castable unit can even be used without leaving the shore; hook up to a line and see as it uses the sonar frequency to map the underwater region for you.

7. Humminbird 409620-1 Helix 5

This is the second product from Humminbird on our list – because that’s just how good their fish finders are. With an accurate GPS mapping system and an integrated UniMap cartography, this model is ideal for chart-plotting and mapping your course.

The Humminbird 409620-1 Helix 5 model comes with down imaging sonar that helps locate fish in deep water by emitting sound waves downwards from the bottom of your kayak.

Additionally, it comes with a micro SD card slot that can be used to introduce maps or save waypoints for future navigation.

8. Garmin Striker 4cv

Next up is our second entry for Garmin – the striker 4cv. This device comes with all the quintessential features we associate with great Garmin fish finders. It has a user-friendly, easy to read 3.5-inch color display that provides accurate and speedy data, and helps make locating fish easy.

With a high sensitivity GPS, it ensures precise marking of all underwater bodies, including fish, and helps you to save maps and waypoints so you can return to previously discovered hot spots. The CHIRP scanning sonar emits multiple frequencies to display clear images with sharp color contrasts.

9. Garmin Striker 4 With Portable Kit

The best kayak fish finder kit we have for you that is both portable, easy to use, and versatile, is the Garmin Striker 4 with portable kit.

This device is simple but not any less efficient than the other fish finders on this list. So let’s take a look at what makes it such a good investment. The product comes in multiple display sizes, which means that you have the flexibility to choose the one that fits your needs the best.

Its high sensitivity GPS allows you to not only accurately chart your path, but also mark hotspots and locations like brush piles that you can avoid in the future. Equipped with the latest CHIRP sonar technology, it provides excellent resolution and precise images.

Best Brands Of Kayak Fish Finders

With the popularity of fish finders, more companies than ever are manufacturing this device, which provides consumers an excellent selection to choose from. However, not every manufacturer offers the same quality and customer satisfaction to its clients.

Here are the top three most popular brands on the market.

Garmin

Garmin is a well-known brand that perhaps every angler knows of. Being one of the oldest manufacturers in the market – established in 1989 – they provide quality devices that are equipped with the latest technology.

Lowrance

This is also one of the oldest brands available; in fact, their first product was introduced way back in 1957. To date, they are considered as pioneers for high definition fish finder systems and are known for making high-quality devices.

Humminbird

For a relatively newer brand on the market, Humminbird has set its standards right. Established 45 years ago only, they have emerged as one of the leading manufacturers of fish location systems and can successfully compete against older, more established brands.

Installing A Kayak Fish Finder

While installation may vary slightly from one system to another, most fish finders are easy to put together and set up on your kayak.

Here are some general guidelines for installation:

Note: if you have a mountable or affixed system, make sure to install it before you leave land.

For a more detailed guide, watch this video.

How To Use A Fish Finder Effectively

If you’re new to the world of fish finders, it may take you a while to understand how to read the information displayed on the screen effectively – and how to put it to good use.

Here are a few tips to help you through the process:

You can watch this video for more detailed instructions.

Care & Maintenance

Using your device carefully and conducting regular maintenance can help increase its life. Here are some tips to help keep your fish finder in the best shape:

Display Unit

Regularly clean the display with a microfiber cloth and avoid using liquids. For harder stains, make a mixture of 50% warm water and 50% isopropyl alcohol, and then start cleaning.

Note: Keep industrial solvents away from the machine.

Keys

If grime and dust accumulate in your keys, make sure to clean them out regularly and properly.

Transducer

Transducers can get dirty pretty fast, and without proper cleaning, their efficiency takes a hit. Use a brush or cloth dipped in warm soapy solution to clean your transducer thoroughly.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Are fish finders the same as depth finders?

While fish finders do give a reading for the depth of the water you’re boating in, they are not the same as depth finders. Depth finding systems are typically limited to calculating how deep the water is and cannot help you locate underwater objects.

What do air bubbles look like under a fish finder?

Hitting air bubbles underwater causes your sonar waves to reflect back and hinders the fish-finding process. The transducer can misread these bubbles as fish and appear as arches or fish ID on the screen.

How long do kayak fish finders last?

The life of your product depends on the manufacturer you choose and the frequency of maintenance.

Conclusion

We’ve reviewed and provided a list of the best nine kayak fish finders on the market, any of which can make your trips a definite success. But the best out of all of these is the Garmin Striker 4 with transducer – truly, its clear imagery rivals that of photographs, and it even has accurate speed and depth sensors.