Whether you’re fishing out of a boat, your kayak, or out of your backyard, you need a good fishing spot finder to help you locate the fish. With a portable fish finder, you can determine the location of fish and water depth at your chosen fishing spot in an efficient manner and make an informed decision about whether to fish in that location or not. You don’t need a different piece of equipment for different types of fishing. A portable fish finder can be used when you’re ice fishing as well as deep sea fishing.
Continue reading to learn more about fish finders and the best ones available in the marketplace today.
Understanding How Fish Finders Work
Anglers use fish finders to locate fish underwater. The concept of the device is fairly simple: it sends out a signal in the form of sonar which bounces off objects in the water and returns to the receiver which gives information about the location and depth of those objects. It can also help you determine the depth, speed, and water temperature of the body of water you are fishing, and depending on the model you purchase, it may also provide information about the structure of the bottom as well.
Some more advanced models can also provide information about the species of fish that are present and the size and distance of the catchable fish in the area. Here are a few models worth checking out:
Lowrance Hook2 4X
The Hook2 4X is a portable fish finder that can track down to depths of 500 feet and has a sensitivity level of -130dB on the low side. It’s accurate down to just inches below the surface, so it works for any kind of fishing imaginable.
Features
- Dimensions – 18” x 10” x 6”
- Weight – 4.5lbs
- Size of the Screen – 4 inches
Benefits
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to navigate
- Compact
Disadvantage
- The battery is not included
Hook2 4x also has a GPS functionality that lets you mark the locations of any underwater obstructions or hazards so you can avoid them in the future. It is a versatile device that you can use for any type of fishing, including ice fishing, trolling, freshwater fishing, and more.
Hawkeye Fishtrax 1C-K
This portable fish finder is designed with easy-to-use features to help anglers of all levels locate and catch more fish. It can work from a boat, canoe, kayak, kayak, ice fishing, shore fishing, or even off the dock.
Features
- Dimensions – 10″ x 9″ x 5″
- Weight – 3lbs
- Size of the Screen – 2inches
Benefits
- It has a dual-beam sonar
- The screen is colored and bright for easy viewing
- Includes an AAA battery
Disadvantages
- GPS not included
- The screen is smaller than most fish finders
Fishtrax 1C-K is specially designed for people who are looking for an affordable but reliable product. It has a universal transducer that is compatible with most types of boats and other watercraft. It also has an LED screen that is easy to read, even in direct sunlight.
Deeper Pro Plus
This is an all-in-one portable fish finder that gives you all of the tools you need for successful fishing trips. It has a simple user interface that makes everything easy for beginners to learn.
Features
- Depth Range – 260ft
- Size of the Screen – 3.53 inches
- Dimension – 5.9” x 5.32” x 2.95”
Benefits
- Compact enough to fit in a pocket
- Budget-friendly
- Can be connected to a smartphone or tablet for extra power
Disadvantage
- GPS is not advanced
Deeper Pro Plus can be connected to both Android as well as iOS devices for extra functionality. The dual-signal transducer allows it to work with both sonar and GPS signals at the same time so you can get an accurate picture of what’s happening under the water. It also has a mapping feature that allows you to create custom maps of your fishing spots so you can see where they are located and what the surrounding area looks like.
Garmin Striker Plus 7Cv
Striker Plus 7CV is an advanced fish finder that helps you identify and catch different types of fish in any environment. It is waterproof, durable, and simple to use so you can take it with you wherever you go.
Features
- Dimensions – 9.3” x 5.5” x 2.3”
- Weight – 1.7lbs
- Resolution – 800 x 480
Benefits
- Built-in GPS
- Split-screen capabilities
- High-quality screen display
Disadvantages
- It doesn’t have a chart-plotting feature
Striker Plus 7CV is budget-friendly and easy to use right out of the box. It comes with a built-in GPS antenna and a wide-angle display that makes it easy to identify different species of fish in the water.
Hummingbird Ice Helix 9 Mega
Hummingbird Ice Helix is best for ice fishing and houses a technology known as Active ImagingTM which delivers highly accurate results. It is portable and lightweight with a high-quality lithium-ion battery.
Features
- Depth Range – 1200ft
- Size of the Screen – 9 inches
- Power Consumption – 2.4 amps
Benefits
- It has a custom chart
- Battery is included
- Live view sonar
Disadvantages
- Comes without a protective case
- Not budget-friendly
Hummingbird Ice Helix has advanced features that let you target specific fish species based on location or depth. It produces a clear and detailed image of the waters you’re fishing in so you can easily see what’s underneath. The screen is large and has an easy-to-use interface that makes it perfect for both beginners and more experienced anglers. This fish finder also comes with ice fishing accessories to help you hook and land larger fish. You can bracket for the transducer cable so it doesn’t interfere with your movement while fishing.
For more recommendations, check out our buyer’s guides to portable fish finders for 2022. You can also find reviews about other products like the best all-rounder surfboards to buy in 2022, super-light electric mountain bikes, the camera drones, river fishing kayaks for 2022, and many more.
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