The 5 Best Kayak Fish Finders : Fish The Next Level

Kayak anglers first quality is adaptation and optimization. One of mandatory gear following that rule and a must have is a fish finder!

With a ton of fish finder out there, finding one for you might prove to be a challenge.

Today you’re in luck! We’ll make your job a lot easier, by listing the top 5 fish finders we’ve come across in the market.

Top 5 of the Best Kayak Fish Finders Reviewed For You

1. Garmin Striker 4 Sonar  – Best Overall Fish Finder

Key Takeaways

Display

The screen is as impressive as it can get. You can do various things with it!

Let’s start with monitoring the speed of your kayak. On the screen, you’ll know how fast you’re navigating.

And certainly, this is an important feature if you don’t want to disturb the silence of the water and scare the fishes around you.

The screen also allows you to look at what’s going on underneath, and more! It essentially makes your job a lot easier.

Take it out of the box and use it immediately. It’s that easy!

Frequency

The device has a pretty impressive transducer that you can easily mount on the hull of your kayak. Convenient right? You’ve got nothing to worry about!

You don’t have to experience any tricky-set up, and you can easily navigate your way around the device. Think of the first time you learned how to use a phone. Easy and intuitive!

The Garmin Striker uses an impressive sonar technology that can easily trump other fish finders in the market.

You can enjoy an almost photographic view of the water you’re navigating. You can easily view the peaks or troughs under the water.

In effect, you can accurately look at what you’re dealing with. You don’t have to submerge yourself underwater just to check if the area is right for you.

Even when you’re on the water with great depths, the sonar technology Garmin Striker remains to be impressive!

Size

We especially love how portable the Garmin fish finder it is. You can bring it for any fishing expedition, transfer from one boat to another, and more!

And we aren’t the only in love with its portability! Right now, this product stands as one of the best kayak fish finders for its size.

Is the Garmin Striker 4 Sonar for You?

Without a doubt, Garmin is one of the best devices when it comes to navigation. And the Garmin Striker 4 DC is no exception to their brilliance!

If you’re someone who’s always on the go, then this is the best kayak fish finder to have around. It has awesome features, and installation is a breeze.

It’s durable and works well regardless of the terrain you’re up against!

What more can you ask for?

2. Humminbird HELIX 5 Chirp GPS G2 – Best Value for Money

Key Takeaways

Display

There’s no doubt that one of the selling features of this fish finder is its 5-inch colored WVGA display. It gives you a clear view of the water, even if you’re visually impaired. Wow!

Even if you’re fishing in deep-waters, expect to get a crystal clear view of what’s below you. Even at 180 meters underwater, you’ll see the images as if you were there.

All we’ll have to say, the display works well with all the other awesome features of this fish finder.

Feature

The Humminbird sports impressive features to complement its great display.

Humminbird comes with an impressive transducer that measures a range of 83 to 200 kHz. Simply put, this fish finder can reach up to 450 meters!

You’d be happy to know that this fish finder also comes with GPS mapping. You’ll be able to pin your destination and navigate through it. No more getting lost for you.

And hey! The GPS feature lets you save a location for later use. You can keep coming back to your favorite fishing spot.

The Helix 5 comes with an SD card, so you can keep storing your favorite kayak fishing destination.

With its impressive CHIRP digital sonar technology and sonar imaging, you can get an accurate and clear view of the water surface below.

Finally! A feature that can match your display.

But that’s not the reason why we’re impressed with its sonar system. This kayak fishing system provides the best level of accuracy you’ll find out there.

Sure there other fish finders for kayaks you’ll find out there can detect objects underwater. But can you confidently say that it can distinguish between fishes and other objects?

With the Helix 5, you can confidently answer with a yes! It provides a great level of accuracy which other devices can never have. You can find fish and not foreign objects!

Its impressive imaging sonar gives you a clear and full view of what’s going on underneath. You’ll have an in-depth knowledge of the condition you’re working on, and find the best fishing spots each time.

Size

The size of this fish finder is relatively portable. So you can bring it with you with no problem. You can transfer it to another kayak, pack it up, and you’re all set!

Everything would’ve been perfect with this fish finder, except for one thing. Unfortunately, this device doesn’t come with a mounting bracket.

With that, you’ll have some struggles with mounting the device on your kayak. Yikes!

Is the Humminbird HELIX 5 for You?

The only downside we have with the Helix 5 is its price. It’s pretty expensive! But for a fish finder that has an awesome display and packs impressive features, it’s sure worth some extra bucks.

So if you can afford it, why not? We promise that this is one of the best fish finders for kayak fishing!

3. iBobber Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder – Best Budget Pick

Key Takeaways

Display

A look at this product and you’ll know it doesn’t sport a display. How is that possible?

Well, this fishing device does away with the traditional 5-inch screens and makes use of your smartphone!

Nevertheless, its wireless feature makes it one of the coolest and smartest fishing devices in the market. Sync the device to your phone, and you’ll be able to see what’s going on!

Although this means that the display could be small, depending on where you’re using it, we assure you that you’ve got nothing to worry about.

Frequency

Pull your kayak to the water, ride, and go! Release the iBobber in the water and you’re all set.

All you’ll need is your phone, the fish finder, kayak, and of course your fishing gear.

You can expect to receive data on your phone, even with the iBobber 100 feet away from you! That being said, we can say that this fish device can compete with other products out there.

The app can store important information, like your favorite fishing spots, routes, and more!

This tiny device can also detect fish up to 135 feet below! So you’ll be able to kayak anywhere and catch fish wherever you end up in.

And going back and forth from your home to your favorite spot won’t be a problem, thanks to its GPS locator.

Size

The iBobber fish finder stands out for its portability. It’s light, stylish, and a head-turner.

Is the iBobber Smart Fish Finder for You?

If you’re trying to stick to a budget, then the iBobber Smart Fish Finder for you. Don’t worry, just because it’s affordable doesn’t mean it’s not the best.

The device offers great value for money, that won’t break your bank! So consider this product to be one of the most popular and the best fish finder for its price.

4. Lowrance HOOK2 7 Fish Finder

Key Takeaways

Display

The screen of this fish finder measures at 7-inches. You can easily access the impressive features of this device, and get detailed information about what’s going on.

Safe to say, the screen works well enough for you to view your route, sonar images, and find the best fishing spots out there!

That being said, we can say that the display of the Lowrance HOOK 2 is sufficient. No thrills or frills, just gets the job done!

Frequency

This new and upgraded fish finder comes with a split shot transducer. You can easily mount it on your kayak, and you’ll have a detailed view of what’s going on underwater!

What makes the HOOK 2 standout, compared to its former counterparts, is the CHIRP sonar coverage. It’s twice as wide compared to other fish finders in the market! Impressive right?

You can see far and wide enough into the water below! So if you’re looking for a functional and easy to use a fish finder, the HOOK 2 is definitely worth your time.

We also enjoyed the fact that this fish finder comes with a pre-loaded mapping feature! Key in the hot spot areas, and enjoy fishing immediately!

With the SD card that comes with the device, you’re practically all set! Save as many fishing spots you want, revisit them each time, and enjoy!

There’s also an auto-tuning feature, which for us is a life and time saver. You don’t have to waste your time struggling and tinkering with the device settings! It’s intuitive enough to do the job for you!

Size

We love the fact that HOOK 2 is portable and compact. Bring it on your next fishing adventure, and you’re all good.

You can easily view the results of your sonar system, and more!

We can say that the size is decent for its impressive functions.

Is the Lowrance Fish Finder for You?

Lowrance makes some of the best fish finders for kayaks. They’ve manufactured a ton of devices already, and they’ve certainly up their game each time.

Whether you’re a newbie or a professional to fishing, the HOOK 2 comes highly recommended.

It’s easy enough to use, perfect for first-timers! Installation is a breeze, and you can easily navigate your way to the program.

5. Hawkeye Fishtrax 1C Fish Finder

Key Takeaways

Display

The screen sports ergonomic navigation buttons, which make it a lot easier for you to use this device for kayak fishing.

Compared to other models, it’s a big plus for us! After all, we want to be able to access all the other features with no hassle.

But the buttons on the display aren’t the only thing that’s standing out. The HD color display stands out in the market!

The display makes it one of the best kayak fishing devices you’d want to have.

Frequency

The Fishtrax 1C sports a pretty impressive transducer that can help target the location of your potential catch.

You can easily find fish, thanks to its advanced features! You can scan the water under your kayak, and it’ll give you an accurate reading of the surface below of up to 240 feet! That’s pretty deep!

You can access up to the bottom of the water, and you’ll see the results immediately! Scan it, and catch it! That’s simple!

It’ll make a sound each time it detects fish under your kayak, so you’ll know what your next move should be.

The Fishtrax 1C also has an exceptional sonar sensor. It provides a wide range of data like water temperature, depth, device voltage, and more!

Size

Hawkeye is among the list of crowd favorites having the best fish finders. And not just because of the awesome features we’ve listed!

It comes in a perfect size and sports a very compact design. That being said, expect this fish finder to be very portable for kayak fishing.

Is the Hawkeye Fishtrax Fish Finder for You?

If you’re looking for an easy to use fish finder, Hawkeye’s Fishtrax is one for you. It was designed to be user-friendly, so anyone can use it!

With a press of a button, you’ll have access to important data that are important for your fishing. And you can view all of this on its color HD screen.

The ringing sound makes it also a lot easier for you to find fish, even under your kayak!

Essentially, this fish finder is one that can make your fishing adventure a breeze. You can expect it to function according to plan, and make your escapade a fun and memorable one.

What Are Kayak Fish Finders?

Kayak fish finders are just fish finders adapted for kayak, since optimization is the key point when fishing inside a kayak.
It has multiple features, the most basic includes detecting fishes and displaying data on the screen.

Today, you can find a kayak fish finder that sports advanced features. It has GPS and wi-fi functions, and you can even connect it to your smartphone!

It makes fishing a lot easier and convenient for you! And who wouldn’t want that?

All you’ll have to do is mount the device on your kayak, and you’re good to go. You can view the data on the 5-inch screen, and see what’s going on underwater.

A Guide to Find the Best Kayak Fish Finder

There’s a ton of fish finders in the market, and frankly choosing which among is the best is no easy task.

Besides your considerations, there are other things you need to factor in when making a choice.

To make things a little easier for you, here’s a buying guide to help you find the best fish finders out there.

Get your money’s worth and enjoy your fishing escapade!

Depth

Before anything else, the most important feature you need to check out is the depth of your fishfinder. What’s the maximum depth is it capable of? And does it match your fishing activity?

Generally, we recommend a fish finder capable of reaching great depth for people who enjoy deep sea fishing. It’s easier to locate the target, even in deep waters!

If you aren’t into deep-sea fishing, there are other fish finders with a lower depth range.

But as a rule of thumb, and for purposes of convenience, you can never go wrong with having a fish finder with great depth features.

Display Screen

You’ll find various fish finders out there with a big display screen. Out of the box, it looks pretty impressive.

But once you take it out of the box and switch on the fish finder, you realize that it’s not as awesome as it looks.

It’s hard to understand, it’s unclear, and it’s just very confusing and frustrating to have around!

Once you’re out in the open waters, you’ll begin to appreciate having a quality display for your fish finder.

Which is why it’s always best to invest in a fish finder that comes with a quality display. The screen is well defined, easy to learn and understand.

It can help make your fishing escapade a success, by guiding you through the best fishing spots out there!

GPS

Not all kayak fish finders come with a GPS function. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s bad. It’s just that a GPS feature can come in very handy on your next fishing adventure.

You can navigate through open waters, plot hot spots for your next visit, and more!

For us, we recommend a fish finder that already comes with a GPS feature. It’s cost-efficient and effective! You don’t have to buy a separate device anymore.

Some even sport a wi-fi feature, so you can easily pair it with your phone!

That being said, expect your fish finder to be a little above the normal price if it comes with a GPS feature. Nevertheless, it’s an investment worth spending extra on.

But if you only frequent fishing on rivers or lakes, you can manage without the GPS function.

Installation

Once you’re out on the open waters, we’re sure all you’re thinking of is finding the best catch. You don’t want to think about all the unnecessary things anymore, including installation.

You want to get straight to fishing, and do away with the tinkering and installing of your fish finder!

Which is why we recommend a fish finder that’s easy to install and use. Why? It’s convenient and efficient!

You can spend all your precious time catching fishes instead!

Manufacturer

We wouldn’t blame you if you preferred one fish finder from another just because of their brand. It’s only natural!

Whenever you’re faced with choosing an unfamiliar or well-known brand, we recommend going with the latter. Why?

Well, we don’t have any prejudice against unknown brands. But if we were faced with a decision like what we’ve mentioned, we’d always go for a brand we know will work.

So when you’re choosing the best kayak fish finder, going for the brand that’s been in the industry for a long time is always a good choice.

Because of how long they’ve been in the industry, consider them as masters of their product! You’ll know their fish finder works like how it should.

And in case anything goes wrong with the fish finder, reputable brands always offer a warranty.

Portability

There are two types of fish finders out there: fixed or portable. Each has its pros and cons, depending on your needs.

A fixed fish finder comes with great power. Although they tend to be a little more expensive than portable fish finders, believe that it can serve you ages.

The only downside we can say about fixed fish finders is that they’re hard and complicated to install. You have to install and attach it on your boat, which could get a little tricky for some.

Portable fish finders on the other hand, as its name suggests, are highly portable. They come in small sizes, and some of them are even small enough to fit your pocket! Convenient right?

It’s easy to install and you don’t have to worry about drilling anything. Rest assured, you can easily move from one boat to another using a single portable fish finder.

However, portable fish finders come with disadvantages of their own. The most notable one is that they tend to be unstable and give inconsistent results.

This could prove to be a big disadvantage for some people who are serious about fishing.

Price

Price is always an important factor in making your choice. Is it worth it? Is it an investment? Or will your money just end up in the trash?

Before you head to the store and buy your kayak fish finder, ask yourself, “How much are you willing to spend?”

Once you’ve figured out the range of your budget, it gets easy for you to narrow down your choice. And that’s one less thing you’ll have to worry about!

Regardless of your budget and before you buy a fish finder, we’ll leave you with a bit of wisdom.

Not all expensive fish finders are the best. And this is something people fail to realize. Just because it comes with a hefty price tag doesn’t mean it’s always the best!

Believe it or not, some of the best fish finders out there won’t break your bank! Some come at an affordable price, packed with all sorts of features you’d want.

Whatever you end up buying and how much you’re willing to spend, make sure that you spend your money on a fish finder that fits your needs.

Transducer

Have you ever been out in the open waters and wonder to yourself, “How do other people manage to fish a ton, but not you?”

What’s their secret and how do you get a hold of it? The answer is simple, their fish finder has a transducer.

It’s essentially a sonar system that provides a means for you to detect the location of fishes ranging between 9 to 60 degrees. Thus, you’ll be able to locate your fish in no time!

Generally, transducers tend to be helpful in deep water. Its sonar beams can locate the area you want to be in, with no problems!

Nevertheless, you can also enjoy the sonar system in shallow waters. We recommend a transducer with a wide sonar beam, to make it work to your advantage!

Top Picks

Runner Up: Humminbird Helix 5

Humminbird has been in the industry for a pretty long time. Truth be told, they’re one of the brands you can always count on to have the best fish finder.

And their commitment to continually make the best fish finder astounds us. They’ve certainly taken things up a notch with the Helix 5.

It’s one of the most advanced fish finders for kayaks you’ll find today. With its five impressive features, you’ll have no problem enjoying your fishing expedition.

Winner: Garmin Striker 4

Of all the kayak fishing devices we’ve listed, nothing compares to the greatness of the Garmin Striker 4.

It’s jam-packed with features you’d want for a kayak fishing device! There’s CHIRP sonar technology, advanced GPS function, and more!

It’s a device we’re sure you’ll be dying to get your hands on.

Because of its ease of use, you’ve got nothing to worry about. All you’ll need to struggle with is dragging your kayak from the land up to the shore.

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Your Action Now On The Best Fishing Sonar

Now that you know some of the best fish finder in the market, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get your hands on them and start fishing.

We hope you enjoyed this article. Feel free to share it.

Until our next review, catch you later!