Every angler will tell you that there’s a pretty big difference between fishing and catching fish. Plus, nothing’s more disappointing than spending a day on the water and going home empty-handed.
Enter the best kayak fish finder – a sonar-equipped gadget that will transform your kayak into an efficient fish-catching machine by helping you find the perfect fishing spot and increasing your odds of making a catch.
But how do you pick one when the recent rise of fish-finding tech filled the market with all these different options?
Keep on reading, and we’ll figure it out together!
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Here Are Our Picks For Top Fish Finders For Kayak Fishing
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Overall Winner:
Lowrance Hook Reveal 7
“For a premium price tag, you’ll get a premium experience with unmatched precision. The Lowrance HOOK 7 model will help you conquer even the most challenging waters.” -
Premium Pick:
Lowrance Elite FS 7
“The Lowrance Elite FS 7 comes with every fish finder feature you’ll ever need and then some more.” -
Premium Pick:
Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv
“The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is your budget-friendly, feature-packed best friend. Backed by CHIRP ClearVü, you’re guaranteed a crystal clear picture of the underwater visuals.” -
Best Value:
Humminbird – HELIX 5 DI G2 Fish Finder
“Equipped with DUAL Beam Plus Sonar for enhanced details, you can count on Humminbird HELIX 5 DI G2 to navigate you through the underwater world effortlessly.” -
Side Imaging Option:
Garmin ECHOMA UHD 74sv With GT56UHD-TM Transducer
“Garmin’s UHD imaging and user-friendly interface guarantee exceptional fish finding for both seasoned and beginner kayakers.” -
Most Portable:
LUCKY Portable Fish Finder with Sonar Transducer
“Featuring adjustable sensitivity, alarms, and color LCD display, this is your ideal portable fish finder. Boat, kayak, or sea fishing – with 4 AAA batteries, you’re ready.”
In A Rush? The Winner After 42 Hours Of Research:
Winner
Lowrance Hook Reveal 7
Why is it better?
- The TripleShot transducer combines a wide-angle High CHIRP sonar with SideScan and DownScan imaging, making it an incredibly efficient fish-finding tool
- Equipped with a high-resolution (800×480 pixels), 7-inch SolarMAX display for maximum visibility, even in direct sunlight
- The Autotuning sonar will automatically adjust the settings based on the changing fishing conditions
- Comes pre-loaded with US Inland charts with additional mapping options available
- The simple, easy-to-access menu layout and dedicated keypad make it user-friendly
- Features a microSD card slot
In-Depth Best Kayak Fish Finder Buying Guide For Anglers
When kayak fishing, if you want to tip the odds of catching in your favour, you will need a well researched fishing location, like those found using our free best fishing spots maps, and the best fishing tech.
Kayak fish finder is a gadget that helps you locate fish, or crabs, and make a catch rather than casting into empty water.
And, is one of my top 5 kayak mods and best fishing accessories – a real must have for any budding kayak angler.
That sounds simple enough, right?
Still, there are many things you should learn about these nifty gadgets before you can choose the best kayak depth finder, especially if you never used one before.
Moreover, your decision should be based on several factors, some more crucial than others, depending on how and where you’ll be using it.
That’s why I put together this thorough guide to explain how to pick the best kayak fish finder for you. I’ve separated it into important sections you should investigate before making a decision.
Let’s get down to business!
Portable Or Fixed Fish Finder?
If you already browsed through the fish finder market, you probably noticed that these units come in various shapes and sizes.
The larger the fish finder unit, the more space it takes up onboard – and the less portable it is. And what good is it if you can’t bring it with you on all your fishing trips?
Lightweight and compact is almost always the way to go with these types of kayak fishing gadgets.
Another thing you may have noticed is that they can be either portable or permanent.
You might be wondering: Are portable fish finders any good, or should you go with a fixed solution?
For the most part, I’d say that this is mostly a matter of preference:
- Portable Fish Finders – a more convenient option for most kayaks. They take up little space on board and can be easily mounted (and detached) when needed. Some are even handheld and utilize Bluetooth connectivity to pair with your smartphone for ultimate portability and convenience!
- Fixed Fish Finders – This type of fish finder is installed permanently, so it’s generally best suited for larger boats, rather than kayaks. The initial setup is somewhat complicated – and permanent – but if you don’t plan on switching kayaks anytime soon, you could give them a shot.
Do note that they cost more than their portable counterparts, though.
Mounting Space
Fishing Kayaks aren’t exactly known for being roomy, so it’s essential to keep an eye on the mounting space and mount points you have available for the fish finder.
Think about it:
You’ll have to fit a fish finder mount, a 12V battery, cables, the actual fish finder unit – on top of everything else you typically bring on a fishing trip – inside your kayak.
More often than not, mounting space dictates the format of the fish finder for kayaks:
For smaller fishing kayaks, a 3.5 to 4-inch screen should be more than enough, especially if mounted somewhere where you can view and access the fish finder with ease. Fitting a 5-inch display shouldn’t be an issue in larger fishing kayaks, though.
That brings me to my next point.
Let’s Talk Displays
Get the biggest possible screen that fits within your budget; that’s the rule most of us follow when choosing any type of display.
However, be sure not to sacrifice quality along the way; bigger isn’t always better in terms of display size. Screen resolution is an important value to consider.
A fish finder with a smaller screen but with higher display resolution could still be easier to read than a large one with not-so-stellar resolution.
Moreover, as mentioned earlier, your onboard space will be somewhat limited, so size-wise, you have to nail that balance between an easy-to-read and an easy-to-miss screen. Nothing spells disaster as fast as having the display get in the way of your paddling.
Also, make sure that you can see what’s going on and read the screen even in direct sunlight. A fish finder with a display that is glare-resistant and preferably coloured is your best bet here.
How To Power A Fish Finder In A Kayak?
Power determines how efficient the unit will be in sending and picking up signals – more powerful fish finders typically emit stronger signals, resulting in faster, more accurate readings.
Considering that these units tend to be more expensive, you should only really get them if you plan on kayak fishing in deeper water. If you generally stick to shallow water, such an investment wouldn’t make much sense.
But how do you power a fish finder?
Built-in rechargeable batteries are, obviously, the most convenient – and eco-friendly – option, since they don’t take up any onboard space and can be recharged, rather than replaced, whenever they run out of juice.
Disposable batteries are another common power source for portable depth finders and can come in handy during extended fishing trips where you won’t have access to electricity.
Last but not least, you have external power sources:
A 12V power supply should be more than enough for most fish finders, and will typically last you a couple of trips before requiring a recharge.
Don’t have a fish finder battery yet? Find my best kayak fish finder battery reviews here, with a few more great options!
Transducer Style & Compatibility
The transducer – the sonar system that shoots out beams of sound waves and creates underwater imagery – defines the fish finder as such. You wouldn’t have a clue what’s going on below the surface without one.
So, yes, I’d say that it’s a pretty crucial component to consider.
Here are the three key factors that dictate the transducer’s efficiency and the fish finder’s overall performance:
- Cone Angles – Transducers shoot cone-shaped beams, and the broader they are, the larger the sonar’s coverage area. While transducer cone angles can vary from 9 to 60 degrees, a 20-degree one should be more than enough for most applications.
- Beams – Standard transducers feature a single beam, but dual and triple-beam units are also an option. Your fish finder’s coverage area increases with each additional beam, so it’s worth investing in – even if it comes at a higher price.
- Frequencies – The lower, 50-kHz frequencies rule the shallow waters, while higher ones, ranging from 192 to 200 kHz, carry more information and are best suited for deep waters. That’s why most transducers utilize dual frequencies.
For state-of-the-art fish finders, the scanning sonar technology ‘CHIRP’, or Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse, is the way to go.
It’s worth noting that some fishing kayak manufacturers teamed up with the best fish finder brands to create dedicated transducer mounting spots – be it in the hull, near the rudder, trolley motor or in the scupper holes – for seamless integration. Others, however, are floatable and dangle freely in the water.
Frequently Asked Questions on Fish Finders
Are fish finders waterproof?
Not all of them are – but the best kayak fish finders should be waterproof. That’s all I’m going to say.
All jokes aside, though, you’ll be out on the water, exposed to the not-so-predictable conditions.
Does that sound like a scenario where some level of water-resistance wouldn’t come in handy?
Regardless of how careful you are, your fish finder will come into contact with water. So, it’s best to play it safe and get one that offers a higher level of water resistance, or, at the very least, get a heavy-duty protective case that will keep the fish finder safe.
What is the best size fish finder for a kayak?
After some time fiddling with all kinds of units, I’ve figured out that the best size fish finder for a kayak is 7 inches. This size is the sweet spot that provides a good balance between clarity/resolution and practicality, as anything larger may be too bulky and take up valuable space in a kayak setup.
Is a fish finder worth it on a kayak?
Yes, a fish finder is definitely worth it on a kayak. It significantly enhances your fishing efficiency by determining the location of fish underwater. It also provides additional helpful information such as; water depth, water temperature, fish size, and the underwater terrain, which can assist in navigation and increase safety during your trip. Although it is an additional expense, the benefits it provides make it a valuable investment for avid kayak fishermen
What is the easiest fish finder to use?
The easiest fish finder you can use is the Lowrance Elite FS 7. Sure, it’s a bit pricey, but the interface and responsive touchscreen make it really simple to use. The interface is very similar to modern smartphones, so you’ll have no trouble getting comfortable with all the features.
Do you need a battery for a kayak fish finder?
Yes, a battery is necessary to power a fish finder on a kayak. Fish finders typically run on 12-volt batteries, and often, the ones designed for kayaks have several hours of battery life, allowing for a full day of fishing. The type of battery can vary, with sealed lead acid (SLA), lithium-ion, and rechargeable batteries being popular choices. Always ensure the battery is securely fastened and waterproofed to avoid damage or loss in the event of capsizing or water exposure.
Where is the best place to mount a fish finder on a kayak?
The best place to mount a fish finder on a kayak is a spot that is easily reachable and visible from your seated position and doesn’t impede your paddling movement. This is usually just in front of the cockpit or a little off to the side within arm’s reach.
It’s also important to ensure the transducer, the part of the fish finder that sends and receives signals, is properly mounted underwater in a location free from obstructions. Some prefer a through-hull installation inside the hull of the kayak or hanging off the back, while others prefer a scupper hole mount. Always choose a mounting location that suits your specific kayak and fishing style.
Best Kayak Fish Finders – Top 3 Fish Finders For Kayaks Reviewed
How We Tested & Rated Our Top Picks
With the buyer’s guide out of the way, I can finally focus on the actual products.
But I can’t just start talking about your kayak fish finder options without telling you a bit about how I rated them. So here it goes.
I’ve rated each fish finder based on factors that actually matter in the real world and assigned them a value from 0 to 10. These include:
- Screen Quality – This score is based on how good the display is and how it performs in extremely bright as well as low-light conditions.
- Image Quality & Accuracy – This score is based on how good the sonar imaging is and how precisely it can identify fish and other underwater obstacles, such as rocks, ledges, and changes in depth.
- Depth Range – This score is based on how powerful the fish finder’s transducer is and how its real-life performance compares to the manufacturer-specified depth range.
- Ease of Use – This score is based on how accessible the fish finder is. The score gets lower the more time you need to spend studying the manual.
- Value for Money – This score is based on the fish finder’s RRP (Recommended Retail Price) and how it aligns with the device’s features and overall value.
With this little tirade out of the way, let’s jump into reviews!
Best Kayak Fish Finder
Lowrance Hook Reveal 7
If you’ve been in the fishing game for some time now, you’re probably familiar with the Lowrance HOOK2 range of fish finders. However, the HOOK2 was discontinued recently – and in its place, we have the Hook Reveal 7, standing as a testament to Lowrance’s innovation and excellence.
“But isn’t that just the HOOK2 in a slightly different “outfit” and under a new name,” you ask?
Well, no – not really.
It boasts an expanded list of features, with the key difference being the addition of Lowrance’s FishReveal feature. The precision of the CHIRP sonar, with DownScan, SideScan imaging, and smart target viewing, pretty much makes fish light up on your screen – ensuring that nothing goes unnoticed.
The FishReveal feature is practically unmatched when it comes to spotting fish in relation to complex or varied bed structures – and it definitely gives you an edge in locating your targets.
Plus, the Hook Reveal comes with the Genesis Live mapping functionality.
Heads up, though:
This real-time mapping feature is only available on the non-X model; the 7X is limited to GPS plotting. That’s just something to keep in mind.
The C-MAP CONTOUR charts deserve a mention, too. You’ll get high-resolution 1-foot contours on around 8,900 lakes, which makes it even easier to find – and, hopefully, catch – fish.
Another feature that helped this fish finder climb the ladder of success is its 50/200 HDI transducer. It offers exceptional views beneath your kayak, ensuring that you don’t miss a thing – even in the deepest of waters.
Technical Specs:
- Sonar: HOOK Reveal Autotuning sonar
- Frequency: CHIRP 200 kHz DownScan/SideScan 455/800 kHz
- Display: 7”
- Max Depth: 1,200 feet
- Dimensions: 5.95 x 9.26 x 3 inches
Pros
- It’s extremely easy to set up and customize
- Offers improved sonar performance in deep water
- The DownScan imaging makes fish light up on the screen
Cons
- The 5-inch variant is only available with a split-shot transducer
- Genesis Live mapping is only available with non-X models
- Availability depends on the platform
With its innovative features, the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 stands as a true game-changer in the world of kayak fish finders.
Best Budget Kayak Fish Finder
Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv
It would be nice if we could all just buy Lowrance’s Elite FS7 and call it a day. However, I’m well aware that not everyone can afford top-of-the-line fishing gadgets. Thankfully, there are tons of pretty capable yet affordable fish finders out there.
Enter Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv – the “upgraded” version of the stock Stiker Vivid 4.
“So, what are the upgrades you’re talking about,” I hear you say?
Well, for starters, it comes with a 4-inch screen compared to the stock version’s 3.5-inch one. Sure, it’s not much of a difference – but it’s there. Interestingly enough, the 4cv version has a lower resolution than the stock version – only 272 x 480 pixels.
But if there’s one thing Garmin is known for, it’s the vivid scanning color palette. That is to say, you’ll hardly even notice the relatively low resolution.
On top of that, the 4cv comes with two scanning features:
Besides the traditional CHIRP frequencies (50/77/200 kHz), Striker also comes with the ClearVü scanning sonar, utilizing high-frequency sound waves (260/455/800 kHz) to ensure the best possible view of the waters below.
So, if you feel like CHIRP doesn’t provide an accurate enough picture of what’s below you, you can utilize ClearVü. Keep in mind that it works for depths up to 200 feet, though.
Garmin also upped the power on 4cv’s transducer, bringing the transmit power up to 300 watts – compared to the stock version’s 200 watts. You can now scan depths of up to 1750 feet (at least with the CHIRP sonar) – which is more depth range than you get with the Humminbird HELIX, at one-third of the price.
As for the ease of use, I can say that the menus are pretty self-explanatory, and you won’t have to consult the manual too much. The only thing that irks me is the lack of a touchscreen – but I’m glad to report that the buttons have a pretty satisfying tactile feel.
Oh, and did I mention the Quickdraw Contours mapping and waypoint marking?
Not only can you store up to two million acres of maps, but track your movements and mark hot spots along the way, too – which is a godsend if you end up on a particularly fruitful route.
Technical Specs:
- Sonar: Garmin CHIRP Sonar
- Frequency: 77/200 kHz (Traditional), 455/800 kHz (ClearVü)
- Display: 4-inch screen
- Max Depth: 1,750 feet (freshwater), 830 feet (saltwater)
- Dimensions: 8 x 11.5 x 6 inches
Pros
- Comes with a GT20 transducer you can use for both traditional and CHIRP ClearVü sonar scanning
- Quickdraw Contours mapping feature allows you to mark your favorite fishing spots, make routes and tracks on a waypoint map
- Doesn’t take up too much space
- Includes all the necessary mounting hardware
Cons
- The screen is a bit too small
- Doesn’t come with any preloaded maps
- You’ll need to spend a bit extra on addons
Affordable, compact, and chock-full of useful features, Garmin’s Striker Vivid 4cv is worth every penny. For just a quarter of what a high-end model costs, you get a pretty beefy transducer, two scanning features, and tons of customization options for the sonar data.
Best Premium Fish Finder
Lowrance Elite FS 7
Lowrance’s Elite FS 7 comes with every fish finder feature you will ever need – and then some – but it also comes with a not-so-budget-friendly price tag attached to it.
If you have money to burn, though, I suggest you stick around for this one.
As you’d expect from a high-end fish finder, the FS 7 comes with CHIRP support out of the box, with a max depth of 1000 feet. I’m not sure how a budget-friendly fish finder like Garmin’s Striker Vivid 4vc ended up with a more powerful transducer – but there you have it.
That’s just part of the whole “Active Imaging” deal, though.
The cherry on top is FS 7’s SideScan feature, which provides you with a pretty high-definition image of what’s going on beneath the surface. It’s limited to 150 feet, but it’s still pretty useful for river fishing.
You’ll need a more powerful transducer if you’re going to fish at sea, though.
Low depth range aside, FS 7 is incredibly accurate. It comes with the FishReveal feature – the same one you’ll find on the Hook Reveal 7. In essence, it turns fish arches into icons, making it perfect for kayak anglers who are still coming to grips with reading sonar charts.
Another cool, and dare I say, one of its best features is the ActiveTarget Live Sonar. It produces high-definition images of the fish below you so that you can see how they respond to your lure and adjust your technique accordingly.
As for the screen, you can choose between two sizes – 7 and 9 inches. I recommend you go for the 7-inch version, though. Honestly, you don’t need more screen real estate – and it’ll be easier to mount on a variety of ‘yaks.
Speaking of the display, it has some useful features, too. For instance, you can split zoom on a specific section of the water column, adjust the color line and range, and the frequency – all on the fly.
When it comes to mapping, this unit comes with one of the best built-in mapping I’ve ever had the pleasure of using. Out of the box, it offers maps of 15,000 US lakes and 9,400 Canadian lakes – and all of them are super detailed, even featuring 1-foot contours.
Technical Specs:
- Sonar: HDI Skimmer
- Frequency: 83/200 kHz
- Display: 7 or 9-inch LCD screen
- Max Depth: 1,000 feet
- Dimensions: 5.6 x 10.4 x 5.8 inches
Pros
- ActiveTarget Live Sonar helps you track fish movements in real-time
- Extremely detailed maps of North American rivers and lakes
- Some of the best imaging on a fish finder
- Tons of networking options, including ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and even NMEA 2000
Cons
- Doesn’t come with an in-dash mount
- The transducer is a bit weak for the price
Super detailed imaging? Check! Tons of detailed maps? Check! Tons of cool features? Check! Lowrance Elite FS 7 is definitely worth your hard-earned cash.
Best Fish Finder For The Money
Humminbird – HELIX 5 DI G2 Fish Finder
A few years ago, the Humminbird HELIX 5 DI G2 was our premium pick – with a price tag to match. However, prices have since decreased, and now this fish finder offers outstanding value for the money.
The CHIRP Dual Beam PLUS sonar works with a range of different frequencies – 200/455/800 kHz – ensuring excellent coverage and detailed imagining, with the beams penetrating to a depth of 600 feet. Moreover, you can switch between combined and separate views depending on how much detail you want.
If you’re looking for a wider depth range, you can get a Garmin Striker that can penetrate depths of up to 1750 feet for around a hundred bucks less. Still, Striker doesn’t come close to the Helix image-wise.
“But wait, there’s more,” he said, channeling his inner infomercial host:
HELIX 5 also features down imaging. With this nifty little feature, you’ll be able to get a crystal clear image of what’s happening right below your boat.
Add to that a ton of fish-identifying settings, and you get a pretty killer ‘yak gadget – albeit a bit overpriced.
One feature that justifies HELIX 5’s price is the BaseMap:
This advanced mapping feature relies on data from Humminbird, NOAA, and other trusted cartography sources to provide detailed underwater terrain maps of over 10,000 US lakes and rivers. As a cherry on top, it includes a complete map of the US coast, too.
You don’t have to do the mapping yourself – or at least you get a pretty good head start – which is perfect for newbies.
HELIX 5 comes with a 5-inch, 800 x 400-pixel widescreen display. I would very much love it if it were an inch or two bigger, but the display is still pretty vivid, even under bad lighting conditions.
Technical Specs
- Sonar: DualBeam PLUS
- Frequency: 200/455/800 kHz
- Display: 5-inch colored WVGA display
- Max Depth: 600 feet
- Dimensions: 7.55 x 4.28 x 1.13 inches
Pros
- Dual Beam PLUS Sonar produces stunningly detailed images of what’s below you
- Penetrates to depths of 600 feet
- A large, 5-inch colored display screen, in landscape orientation, for wide viewing
- Has a MicroSD card slot
Cons
- It’s a relatively expensive kayak depth finder
- Some may find the options and settings a bit confusing
- Low-quality mount and mounting hardware
- Poorly written instructions manual
More detailed imaging, more advanced features, and more screen space. The price of this fish finder is a bit high – but it’s worth it for deep waters!
Best Kayak Fish Finder With Side Imaging
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73sv With GT56UHD-TM Transducer
The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 74sv with GT56UHD-TM Transducer is truly a magnificent piece if you’re looking for some technology to up your fishing game.
The peak of this fish finder is its UHD imaging technology – which excels at helping you identify underwater structures and fish within moments. The GT56UHD-TM transducer contributes to accuracy – which pairs up with the super bright 7-inch screen.
The available screen sizes go up to 12 inches, by the way, although I doubt you’ll have enough room for a fish finder of that size on your ‘yak.
In any case, I’m happy with the 7-inch version. It’s easy to read – even in direct sunlight – and responsive to the touch.
Installation is a breeze; all it takes is a few zip ties and a moment of your time. However, the user interface isn’t as friendly – there are menus of stuff to go through to reach the desired screen. The good news is that you can add your favorites to the home screen; that’ll streamline your usage.
With Garmin, you get two distinct charts – chart 73 for fresh and 74 for salt waters. You can use both, but you’ll have to buy them and load them on your SD card first.
Speaking of maps and charts, the depth shading feature can save you quite a bit of time. Also, the 1-foot contours displayed on your screen offer precision, making sure that you never miss a spot.
The price is your biggest threat here. Just to put things in perspective, this thing costs twice as much as the Lowrance Hook Reveal.
So, if you’re on a tight budget, the cheaper alternative – the MAP CHIRP 73cv – might be worth considering. Spoiler alert:
The cheaper version lacks side-scan functionality.
Although the Elite FS 7 is known for its comprehensive mapping capabilities and user-friendly interface, Garmin ECHOMAP 74sv stands out with its exceptional UHD imaging with near photographic images, which makes it – after all – a top choice for those who prioritize precision.
Technical Specs:
- Sonar: CHIRP traditional sonar
- Frequency: Dual frequency 50/200 Hz
- Display: 7-inch screen
- Max Depth: 2,300 feet (freshwater), 1,100 feet (saltwater)
- Dimensions: 6.1 x 1.97 x 3.39 inches
Pros
- Offers exceptional UHD imaging on a 7-inch sunlight-readable screen
- Preloaded maps with 18,000 lakes with up to 1’ contours
- Extremely easy to install and customize according to your preferences
Cons
- The most expensive fish finder featured in this round-up
- The cheaper alternative lacks side-view functionality
- Probable software and troubleshooting issues
If you’re looking for perfect imaging, this is your go-to fish finder. It offers crystal-clear visuals – no detail will go unnoticed.
Best Budget Fish Finder
LUCKY Portable Fish Finder with Sonar Transducer
Last on the list – the Lucky Fish Finder with Sonar Transducer – is one of those simple, affordable gadgets that just get the job done. Don’t let the low price tag fool you, though:
You’re still getting all the essentials.
The single-beam sonar has 5 sensitivity modes and detects water depth and approximate fish locations, recognizes waterbed features – such as sand, weeds, and rocks – and even alerts you when fish appear.
But while it’s perfectly capable of detecting underwater structures, you’re going to have to look closely because the LCD is a bit tinier than preferred. And by “a bit tinier,” I mean – it’s a 2-inch display. The size, I’m afraid, also affects the imaging quality.
The battery life is good – but I wouldn’t exactly consider it “A+ worthy.” With 4 AAA batteries, you can get around four to five hours of use out of it – plus, you can activate the battery-saving mode to make it last even longer.
That’s not too bad – but if you’re planning a longer expedition, I would suggest throwing a couple of spare batteries in your dry bag.
It operates on a 25-foot cable – and once launched, it can detect depths ranging from 3 feet to 328 feet at a 45-degree detecting angle.
Lucky’s depth detection even surpasses the Lowrance Elite FS 7, with a maximum of 300 feet. And you know what the most ridiculous part is?
It costs 20 – yes, twenty – times less than the FS 7.
You can also switch between meters and feet with a long press of the “Enter” button. It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but if you ever struggled to convert meters to feet and vice versa, I know you’ll appreciate this option.
Technical Specs:
- Sonar: Battery-powered sonar transducer
- Frequency: 200 kHz frequency
- Display: 2-inch ANTI-UV colored LCD screen
- Max Depth: 328 feet
- Dimensions: 6.46 x 4.92 x 3.7 inches
Pros
- Displays fish location and depth with optional fish alarms
- The sonar has a convenient five-level adjustable sensitivity
- It’s equipped with a color LCD and a backlight for night use
- Includes a neck strap
Cons
- It’s a shame that this model isn’t waterproof
- The 2.2-inch screen size is a bit too small
- Hard to see the read-outs in direct sunlight
- The cable is somewhat short for casting
This one proves that you don’t necessarily have to spend a fortune to get a functional fish finder. If you’re a budget-conscious kayak fisherman with limited on-board space and you opt for the Lucky, then consider yourself lucky – pun intended. You’ve managed to snag yourself an award-winning portable fish finder at an incredibly reasonable price!
A Quick Side-By-Side Comparison
The main goal of this comprehensive yet informative guide was to ensure that you make a well-calculated decision when kayak-hunting. By now, you’ve seen quite the list. And yes, I get it – sometimes, it’s harder to put things into perspective when you don’t have them side-by-side.
To help you see the bigger picture, here is a quick side-by-side comparison table – offering a concise review of the key features, benefits, and even the limitations of the kayaks I’ve reviewed.
Conclusion – Best Fish Finders For Kayaks
The best fish finder for kayak fishing isn’t a one-size-fits-all type of gadget. It all depends on how and where you use it – and what works for one angler might not necessarily be the right fish finder for you.
None of the fish finder options you saw today are “bad“ – only different.
The Lowrance Elite FS, for example, brought some mind-blowing features to the table. Still, not everyone has that kind of money to spend on a fish finder.
That’s why the Lowrance HOOK 7 wins this round and is crowned king of the fish finders!
This fish finder elevates your fishing exploration to a completely new level. Equipped with Genesis Live mapping feature, detailed charts, Fish Reveal Technology, and a 7-inch display, this is the undisputed winner!
Garmin’s Striker Vivid 4cv is also a worthy mention here due to its price and value-for-money factor. It’s a great upgrade from the previous generation, which was already a hit. If you’re looking for a budget alternative, this unit won’t break the bank and will do the job.
