Fish Finder Reviews: Comparing Popular Brands & Models
The fun of fishing can get cut short when you always seem to come up empty-handed. Knowing where to find fish can be a lengthy process, especially if you’re new to fishing. But what if we told you there’s a way you can have the upper hand?
That’s where fish finder technology comes in!
But where to start?
Popular Fish Finder Models
Garmin STRIKER Plus 4
While searching for the best fish finders, you’ll likely come across Garmin. The company has had its skin in the game since the late ‘80s and has produced quality fish finders ever since. The STRIKER Plus 4 with dual-beam capabilities is nothing short of impressive.
Yes, the unit is small, but it’s perfect for kayaks or small fishing boats. This powerful piece of tech provides high-quality images and screen modes that show both sonar and GPS maps at the same time.
The dual-beam transducer is what makes this unit shine. You can access temperature sensors and bask in the fish finder’s depth potential, which is notable for such a small unit.
Lowrance HOOK²
Lowrance is another name in the fish finder community that has garnered many glowing reviews. Everyone knows that generating reviews for your business is a positive thing, and the HOOK² provides all the features anglers could want. You can take advantage of its DownScan/SideScan sonar, CHIRP sonar viewing, GPS capabilities, and preloaded maps that offer the type of detail you need.
What’s even better is this model gives you more sonar coverage than similar fish finders. You don’t have to worry about fidgeting with the setting, as this unit has auto-tuning sonar. The HOOK² comes in 5, 7, and 9 inches, so you can choose the size that works for you.
Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP
Want the clearest underwater views? The Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP has a 7-inch wide screen that provides crisp images of the fish below your boat. Furthermore, the side imaging potential can get you up to 125 feet on either side of the boat!
The HELIX 7’s dual-spectrum CHIRP sonar enhances the fishing experience by providing better target separation. You can also pair it with your smartphone to control the unit.
Garmin ECHOMAP Plus 73cv
As we said above, Garmin pumps out popular fish finders. Not only does this unit offer touchscreen technology, but it also includes Wi-Fi and ActiveCaptain app compatibility.
The GT22 transducer is a sophisticated addition, and the CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar produces crisp and clear images for various depths. There’s no end to what you can do with this particular model. The app gives you access to Quickdraw Community data and contour mapping to personalize your maps.
Deeper PRO Wireless Fish Finder
If you want to get your hands on game-changing sonar technology, look no further. The Deeper PRO Wireless remains one of the most sought-after units.
Say goodbye to fishing boats with fixed transducers. The Deeper PRO allows sonar access to all anglers. You can scan lake bottoms and nearby fish and track it all with your mobile phone. The app enables you to save data and differentiate underwater structures from fish.
Conclusion
When settling on a specific unit, what matters is what purpose it will serve. If you want a portable unit, the Deeper PRO would be the most useful, whereas the Garmin STRIKER Plus 4 is great for canoes and kayaks. Consider what you want from the unit before dropping money on it. In the end, you should have a very capable fish finder unit.