Ever cast a line into the water and wondered what’s lurking below, just out of sight? For many anglers, that mystery is part of the thrill. But what if you could unlock those secrets and find the fish faster? That’s where a fishfinder GPS comes in, and choosing the right one can feel like navigating a maze!
With so many brands and features, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Do you need a basic sonar or the latest advanced imaging? How do you know which GPS will accurately guide you to your favorite spots? It can be tough to figure out what truly matters for your fishing adventures, leaving you unsure if you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help! In this post, we’ll break down exactly what makes a great fishfinder GPS. We’ll explain the essential features in simple terms and guide you through the decision-making process. By the end, you’ll feel confident picking the perfect tool to enhance your time on the water and, hopefully, fill your cooler!
Our Top 5 Fishfinder Gps Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 with Transducer | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv | 9.3/10 | Check Price |
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Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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Garmin 010-01870-00 Striker Plus 4 with Dual-Beam transducer | 8.6/10 | Check Price |
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Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Fishfinder Gps Detailed Reviews
1. Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 with Transducer
Rating: 8.7/10
The Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer is a fantastic tool for anyone who loves to fish. This 3.5-inch GPS fishfinder helps you find fish with its advanced CHIRP sonar technology. It shows you clear images of what’s underwater, making it easier to spot fish and underwater structures like brush piles and docks. The device is really simple to use, even if you’re new to fishfinders, with easy-to-understand buttons. You can mark your favorite fishing spots and navigate back to them easily with the waypoint map. It’s also built tough and can handle being in the water, with an IPX7 water rating.
What We Like:
- Clear Vu scanning sonar gives you detailed pictures of what’s below the water.
- CHIRP sonar helps you see fish better with crisper images and clearer arches.
- The simple, keyed interface with dedicated buttons makes it very easy to operate.
- The waypoint map feature lets you easily mark and return to good fishing spots.
- It’s built tough and waterproof (IPX7 rated).
- The built-in flasher is great for ice fishing or vertical jigging.
- It’s available in different screen sizes to fit your needs.
What Could Be Improved:
- The maximum depth is 1,600 feet in freshwater, which might not be enough for very deep fishing.
Overall, the Garmin Striker 4 is a powerful and user-friendly fishfinder that can really improve your fishing trips.
2. Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv
Rating: 8.6/10
The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is a user-friendly 7-inch color fishfinder that makes finding fish and underwater structures a breeze. Its special “vivid” scanning sonar colors help you see everything clearly. This fishfinder comes with everything you need to get started, including a mount that lets you tilt and swivel it to the perfect angle. It also includes a GT20 transducer, which gives you great traditional sonar and clear scanning sonar views.
What We Like:
- Super easy to use with a bright 7-inch color screen.
- Vivid scanning sonar colors make it easy to spot fish and cover.
- Comes with a GT20 transducer for excellent traditional and ClearVü sonar.
- Built-in GPS accurately marks spots and tracks your boat’s speed.
- Quickdraw Contours lets you create your own fishing maps.
- Wi-Fi connects to your phone for app features like sharing waypoints and getting smart notifications.
- Includes a tilt/swivel mount for easy positioning.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the colors are vivid, some users might prefer more customization options for the color palettes.
- The GT20 transducer is good, but for deeper or more complex fishing, an upgraded transducer might be needed.
This fishfinder is a fantastic tool for any angler looking to improve their catch. Its simple design and helpful features make it a great addition to any boat.
3. Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer
Rating: 9.2/10
The Garmin STRIKER 5CV is a powerful and easy-to-use fishfinder that helps you find more fish. It comes with a transducer that uses CHIRP sonar to show you clear images of what’s below your boat. This fishfinder also has built-in GPS, so you can mark your favorite fishing spots and create routes. The bright 5-inch screen is easy to read even in direct sunlight. Plus, its tough design means it can handle any fishing trip.
What We Like:
- It includes a transducer for both traditional CHIRP sonar and ClearVu scanning sonar.
- The built-in Quickdraw Contours software lets you create your own fishing maps.
- You can mark waypoints and plan routes with the built-in GPS.
- The 5-inch screen is bright and easy to see in the sun.
- Its rugged design makes it suitable for all kinds of fishing.
What Could Be Improved:
- The Quickdraw Contours mapping is limited to 2 million acres.
- The screen size might be a bit small for some users who prefer a larger display.
The Garmin STRIKER 5CV is a solid choice for anglers looking for reliable fishfinding technology. It offers great features that will help you have more successful fishing trips.
4. Garmin 010-01870-00 Striker Plus 4 with Dual-Beam transducer
Rating: 9.3/10
The Garmin 010-01870-00 Striker Plus 4 with Dual-Beam transducer is a fantastic tool for any angler looking to improve their fishing game. This device brings clarity and precision to your time on the water.
What We Like:
- It comes with a dual-beam transducer that uses Garmin Chirp traditional sonar. This gives you super clear pictures and helps you see fish and underwater objects better.
- You can easily create and save your own maps with its built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping software. These maps show depth changes with 1-foot contours and cover a huge area, up to 2 million acres.
- The built-in GPS lets you mark your favorite fishing spots, plan out your routes, and even see how fast your boat is moving.
- Its 4.3-inch display is bright and easy to see, even in direct sunlight.
- The user interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy for everyone to use.
- It has a tough design, so it can handle all sorts of fishing conditions.
- The Bluetooth feature adds convenience.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the display is bright, some users might prefer a larger screen size for even more detail.
- The transmit power is 200 W (RMS), which is good, but advanced anglers might wish for higher power options for deeper water.
Overall, the Garmin Striker Plus 4 offers excellent sonar technology and mapping capabilities in a user-friendly package. It’s a solid investment for anglers of all levels.
5. Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv
Rating: 8.7/10
The Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv is a fantastic 5-inch color fishfinder that makes finding fish and underwater features a breeze. Its new vivid scanning sonar color palettes help you clearly see fish and structure, making your time on the water more productive. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, this fishfinder is designed for simplicity and effectiveness.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to use, even for beginners.
- The new vivid color palettes really help you see fish and underwater objects clearly.
- It uses Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar for great detail (you’ll need a compatible transducer for ClearVü).
- The built-in high-sensitivity GPS lets you save your favorite fishing spots (waypoints) and plan your routes.
- You can also see your boat’s speed, which is helpful.
- The Quickdraw Contours mapping feature lets you create your own fishing maps.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 5-inch screen might feel a bit small for some users who prefer a larger display.
- While the base unit is user-friendly, getting the most out of the advanced sonar features might require some learning.
Overall, the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv is a powerful yet simple tool for any angler looking to improve their fishing success. Its clear display and helpful features make it a valuable addition to any boat.
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Fishfinder GPS
Why You Need a Fishfinder GPS
A fishfinder GPS is a game-changer for any angler. It helps you find fish and navigate the waters. This tool can make your fishing trips more successful and enjoyable. It shows you what’s below your boat. It also guides you to your favorite fishing spots.
Key Features to Look For
Screen Size and Resolution
A bigger screen shows more detail. Look for a screen that is easy to read in bright sunlight. High resolution means clearer images of the bottom and any fish.
Sonar Technology
Different sonar types show different things.
- Down Imaging: Gives a clear, picture-like view of what’s directly below your boat.
- Side Imaging: Scans wide areas to the left and right of your boat. This helps find fish and structure.
- CHIRP Sonar: Uses a range of frequencies for more detailed readings. It can better distinguish between fish and other objects.
GPS and Mapping
A good GPS is essential for navigation. It should have accurate maps of your local waters. Some units come with pre-loaded maps. Others let you add your own detailed charts.
Transducer Type
The transducer is the part that sends and receives sonar signals.
- Transom-mount: Attaches to the back of your boat.
- Trolling motor-mount: Attaches to your trolling motor.
- Thru-hull: Installed through the boat’s hull for a clean look.
Each type works best in different situations.
Connectivity and Power
Consider how the unit connects to other devices. Some can link to your phone or tablet. Make sure it has a reliable power source. Most run on 12-volt systems.
Important Materials
Most fishfinder GPS units have durable plastic casings. This protects them from water and impact. The screens are usually made of strong, scratch-resistant glass or plastic. The transducers are often made of tough epoxy or plastic to withstand water pressure.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Improving Quality
Higher resolution screens offer better detail. Advanced sonar technologies provide more accurate fish and structure readings. Built-in GPS with detailed mapping improves navigation. Units with user-friendly interfaces are easier to operate.
Reducing Quality
Low-resolution screens can be hard to read. Basic sonar may not show as much detail. Poor GPS accuracy can lead to getting lost. Units with complicated menus can be frustrating to use. Cheap materials can break easily.
User Experience and Use Cases
Ease of Use
A good fishfinder GPS should be easy to install and operate. Intuitive menus and clear displays make a big difference. You want to spend more time fishing and less time figuring out the technology.
Fishing Scenarios
- Beginner Anglers: A simple unit with basic sonar and GPS is a great start. It helps them learn to locate fish and navigate safely.
- Tournament Anglers: They need advanced features like side imaging and CHIRP sonar. These help them find subtle fishing spots and understand fish behavior.
- Kayakers and Small Boat Owners: Portable units are ideal. They are easy to mount and remove.
- Offshore Fishermen: Need robust units with powerful sonar and detailed charts for vast areas.
The right fishfinder GPS will make your fishing adventures more rewarding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main purpose of a fishfinder GPS?
A: The main purpose is to help you find fish and navigate on the water. It shows you what’s underwater and guides you to your fishing spots.
Q: How does sonar work on a fishfinder?
A: Sonar sends sound waves into the water. These waves bounce off objects like fish and the bottom. The fishfinder then reads these bounced-back waves to create an image.
Q: Do I need GPS if I already know the lake?
A: Even if you know the lake, GPS is helpful. It lets you mark your favorite fishing spots precisely. You can also use it to return to those spots easily.
Q: What is the difference between Down Imaging and Side Imaging?
A: Down Imaging shows a narrow view directly below your boat. Side Imaging scans a wider area to the left and right, helping you see more of the lakebed.
Q: Is a larger screen always better?
A: A larger screen can show more detail and is easier to read. However, it also costs more and might not fit on smaller boats.
Q: Can a fishfinder GPS help me avoid obstacles?
A: Yes, by showing the bottom contour and any submerged objects, a fishfinder can help you avoid hitting them.
Q: What kind of transducer do I need?
A: The best transducer depends on your boat type and how you fish. Transom-mounts are common for smaller boats, while thru-hull mounts are good for larger vessels.
Q: Can I use a fishfinder GPS in saltwater and freshwater?
A: Most modern fishfinder GPS units work in both saltwater and freshwater. Always check the product specifications to be sure.
Q: How do I update the maps on my fishfinder GPS?
A: Map updates are usually done through an SD card or by connecting the unit to a computer via USB. Check the manufacturer’s website for instructions.
Q: Are expensive fishfinder GPS units really worth the extra cost?
A: For serious anglers who want detailed information and advanced features, the extra cost can be worth it. For casual anglers, a simpler unit might be sufficient.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.