Best Fish Finder on the Market

best fish finder
Last updated:

Wanting to catch more fish with the least possible effort and highest levels of efficiency is the desire of every amateur or pro angler out there.

What if we told you there was a device that can help you do just that and more?

Modern fish finders are devices that allow fishermen and anglers to locate fish more easily by automating the process of finding where the fish are.

Using this fish finding technology fishermen can maximize their fishing hauls.

Even pro anglers use fish finder features such as GPS features, high-frequency sound waves, and forward-facing sonar for targeting fish.

With advancements in the marine technology industry and marine electronics at large, fish finders have become more and more powerful and offer a lot more utility and features than ever before.

However, the market is flooded with countless fish finder brands that offer a variety of models all claiming to be the best.

This has made it difficult even for experienced anglers to find a quality fish finder that’s right for them.

Therefore, we have compiled a list of the best fish finder available in the market.

If you are a beginner, enthusiast, or even a pro angler looking to buy a new fish finder you have come to the right place.

Down below is our buying guide for the best fish finder that you can buy for your next fishing expedition.

The ranking is based on fish finder reviews and fish finder manufacturers that have had the most success in 2022.

At a Glance

Top 10 Fish Finder Reviews of 2022

1) Helix 10 Chirp Mega SI+ GPS G4N Fish Finder

Helix 10 Chirp Mega SI

The Humminbird Helix 10 MEGA SI+ GPS G4N is hands down one of the top fish finders on the market.

It offers a widescreen display, premium imaging features, and navigation features. It also has the necessary tidbits that an enthusiast will want in their fish finder for a good fishing experience.

At 10.1 inches, the Humminbird Helix 10 MEGA SI+ GPS G4N is one of the largest fish finders in terms of screen size.

This also makes it appear bulky but it does not weigh too much, making it portable and convenient for travel.

Pros

  • Anti-Glare Screen with Wide Viewing Angles
  • 360-degree view around the boat with a radius of 300 feet
  • Enhanced Imaging
  • Wide and Narrow ( Dual ) Spectrum Mode
  • AutoChart Live Enables User to map out their fishing spot

Cons 

  • Expensive Option

The Humminbird Helix 10 MEGA SI+ GPS G4N has made it to our list of top fish finders due to its excellent build quality, advanced features, and portability.

The 10-inch display of Helix 10 has a display ratio of 16:9 and a resolution of 1024 x 600 HD.

With brightness going up to 1500 nits, you can still see the screen even with the sun glaring at it.

360° imaging offers fishers to have a greater viewing ability in their proximity.

It can do imaging of around 150 feet on each side of the boat or you can say in a radius of 300 feet.

The refresh rate of the image is quite high so it allows you to keep an eye on the movement of fishes in the viewing area.

Humminbird Helix 10 also has the Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar.

Dual Spectrum CHIRP allows the angler to choose between wide mode or narrow mode.

Although the wide mode reduces the quality of the image produced on the screen it scans a wider area allowing you to switch to the narrow mode once you have found the ideal fish locations.

It also offers a multitude of frequencies, which makes fish tracking easier.

The side imaging capabilities of Humminbird Helix 10 are 20% more detailed as compared to other fish finders.  It also uses a high frequency sound wave to get the most detailed image of that region.

Down imaging capability of Helix 10 are also unmatched and it allows you to choose between various frequencies such as:

  • 800kHz (up to 125 feet)
  • MEGA (up to 200 feet)
  • 455khz (up to 400 feet)

The MEGA Down Imaging+ shows crisp images, making sure you never miss out on any fish.

With built-in features such as a Humminbird base map, no matter where you are, you will always have a detailed map of the underwater terrain.

The GPS capabilities aided by the base map allow you to explore waters more confidently and increase your chances of catching fish.

Another great feature of this fish finder is the AutoChart Live facility. This feature essentially maps out the underwater terrain of your fishing spot.

It can produce map contours, bottom hardness, vegetation, and other important underwater features increasing your capability to find fish-holding areas.

Humminbird Helix 10 is an expensive option but it is feature-laden and offers unmatched utility to the user.

Rest assured it would turn out to be a great investment over the years to come.

2) Lowrance Hook Reveal

Lowrance Hook Reveal

The Lowrance Hook Reveal fish finder is an affordable entry-level option.

It is the go-to fish finder for enthusiasts and casual fishers.

Being one of the many kayak fish finders from Lowrance, this is the cheapest and costs under $900.

This fish finder comes in multiple transducer configurations and mapping options

It is a portable fish finder and offers a plug-and-play utility to the user.

With a user interface that is easy to understand for newbies and beginners, it is user-friendly.

Pros

  • Extremely Customizable
  • Easy To Set Up
  • CHIRP SONAR feature
  • Adjustable Gimbal Mount
  • Feature-Rich
  • Great Mapping
  • FishReveal

 Cons

  • A Tad Expensive For An Entry Level Model
  • Too Many Options To Choose From Can Lead To Wrong Buying Decision

The Hook Reveal multiple model lineup offers great customization therefore it has made it on our list of best fish finders.

The Lowrance Hook Reveal has three models namely:

  • HOOK Reveal 7 SplitShot
  • HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot
  • HOOK Reveal 7 HDI

All of these models have the same SolarMax HD 7’’ display.

The screen offers great viewing angles in all weather conditions.

It has an option to split your screen into 4 panels so you can have four different views of DownScan, SideScan, Map, and sonar chart.

You can also adjust the size of these panels so if you want a better view of a certain image you can make it larger.

It has all the required quirks and features with a great interface.

The only downside is that it comes with a touchpad and has no touch screen functionality.

But the addition of touchscreen functionality would have increased the price of this unit and it would have been no longer a budget option.

The three Hook Reveal models have different transducer configurations.

These transducers are the SplitShot, the TripleShot, and the 50/200 HDI, with all three offering the CHIRP Sonar facility.

The SplitShot and Triple Shot have a 200 kHz CHIRP sonar, which increases the coverage but the viewing cone becomes too wide and increases noise.

On the other hand, the 50/200 HDI has a 50 kHz option, which has a narrower cone and reduces noise, making it the best option for deeper fishing (up to 500 feet).

However, the 50/200 HDI does not have side imaging, therefore you should carefully consider it before buying any of these.

The TripleShot transducer will offer both side and down imaging sonar.

Most anglers find side and down imaging to be extremely useful because it allows them to have better insights into the region they are fishing in.

As far as the mapping options go, you will need to consider between the options with and without maps.

Mapless or chartless options are cheaper but they have lesser utility.

If you can afford to spend a few more bucks we will recommend you to get the model with C-MAP Contour+.

One of the drawbacks of this fish finder is that it cannot be connected with other devices over WiFi, Bluetooth, or through an ethernet port.

The fish reveal feature, combines 2D sonar with 3D imaging, overlays fish arches on the structure and other images in your 3D view, and makes fish spotting easier.

In conclusion, Hook Reveal is a great option for enthusiast anglers and fishers who want an entry-level fish finder with premium features and offerings.

3) Humminbird Solix 10

Humminbird Solix 10

Humminbird Solix 10 is a high-end feature-laden fish finder that gives an all-around fishing experience regardless of your fishing style.

Although this is an expensive fish finder as compared to others it offers the best imaging, amazing ranges, and loads of other features.

This fish finder comes with a touch screen, button controls, and a joystick as well, making it user-friendly.

Pros

  • CHIRP Sonar MHz
  • HD Imaging
  • Top-tier user interface
  • Highly customizable
  • Incredible frequency/transducer support
  • Great networking and device compatibility
  • Loaded with features

Cons

  • Expensive (built for enthusiasts and pros)
  • Only one map is available in the bundle

The display and imaging offered by the Solix 10 are top-notch.

The HD backlit screen has ample brightness, therefore, can be used in rain, sunshine, and even during the night.

The screen offers crisp and high-resolution imagery that is necessary to take advantage of SOLIX’s very sharp imaging technology.

Moreover, the display has customizable views that allow you to split the screen into four just like the Lowrance Hook Reveal.

But it has an additional sidebar feature as well that keeps you informed about the depth and temperature without having to navigate through the menu.

Moreover, the screen offers a wide range of color palettes for your charts and maps.

Solix 10 offers a smooth and hurdle-free interface with the option to set up favorite views and other vital information.

The Humminbird SOLIX 10 is equipped with the industry-standard CHIRP SONAR with an array of different settings.

SOLIX 10 offers two different modes:

  • Narrow Mode (75-155 kHz)
  • Wide Mode (130-250 kHz)

The narrow mode is for greater depths and the wide mode is for more coverage.

Transducers with lower frequency ranges can utilize the full mode and deepwater mode that give cones that go even deeper.

This makes Solix 10 an excellent option for anglers who fish in a variety of environments.

You can use it for shallow waters or deep water fishing (3000 feet) without the need to change your equipment.

Although Solix 10 can be bundled with a variety of transducers your best bet would be to go for the “XM 14 HW MSI T.”

This transducer offers features such as Mega Side Imaging and Mega Down Imaging.

Which allows it to send out frequencies in the Mega Hz range and produce a clearer image.

The mega side/down imaging allows you to get a range of 250 feet down and per side which increases your coverage area as compared to kilo Hz imaging.

Another transducer that we will recommend is the MEGA 360 Imaging Transducer, it will allow you to have the perfect insights with a glance.

As far as the mapping goes the Solix 10 comes bundled with the Humminbird Basemap.

However, you can incorporate other maps as well such as Navionics Maps and Humminbird’s LakeMaster and CoastMaster series of maps.

This fish finder also includes the AutoChart Live feature.

It offers great connectivity and networking, which makes the procedure of bundling it with other electronics seamless.

Another added feature is the SmartStrike software that allows you to choose a fish that you want to catch and the software will tell you where you can find it.

Moreover, you can couple it with a Minn-Kota trolling motor and it will follow the route to your desired fishing spot.

In short, the Humminbird Solix 10 automates almost all the aspects of fishing and makes fishing a lot easier.

4) Lowrance ActiveTarget Live Sonar system with Trolling Motor mounts

Lowrance ActiveTarget Live Sonar system

The Lowrance ActiveTarget Live Sonar allows you to have real-time updates on your lure and fish.

It allows the fishers to see how the fish are reacting to their lures.

Assisting them in optimizing their casting, retrieving, action, and types of lures.

Active Target is one of the top fish finders out there due to its live sonar system, with similar utility as Humminbird Mega Live and Garmin Livescope.

The Lowrance ActiveTarget offers multiple viewing options, an upgraded processor, and trolling motor mounts.

Pros

  • Better Image Quality
  • Longer Range
  • Comes with a mounting bracket for Scout Mode

Cons

  • Compatible With Same Brand Units
  • Limited Maps
  • Not The Best Choice For Shallow Water

Lowrance ActiveTarget is an amazing option for live mapping and imaging fish finders and therefore makes it to our list of best fish finders

The Lowrance ActiveTarget uses live sonar technology and noticeably higher resolution, however, it struggles with beam stitching.

Beam stitching is the process through which multiple seams between sonar beams are joined together to form a larger image.

The cone angle of ActiveTarget is 18 degrees, which makes it difficult for anglers to keep their lure inside the sonar cone.

However, a smaller cone angle allows anglers to use ActiveTarget fish finders in deeper water.

The ActiveTarget has a range of 200 feet that is much better than any other live imaging sonar fish finder on the market.

Feedback from anglers suggests that Active Target allows them to see their lures for greater distances, leading to longer casts when fishing for bass and other species.

If you are into deep water fishing, then your best bet would be the Lowrance Active Target.

This fish finder device gives out more detailed data and is also great for viewing fish that are right at the bottom, making it an excellent option for ice fishing.

Therefore, if you live in a colder region where lakes and streams have a layer of ice most of the year, you should opt for ActiveTarget to do ice fishing as it can easily scan water up to 50 feet.

The networking ability is limited to units from the same brand.

We will always recommend you go with equipment that is from the brand you have previously bought so you do not have to worry about compatibility.

With a retail price of around $1500, this is competitively priced as compared to other similar fish finders.

Unlike most fish finders it also has mounts in the box for trolling motors.

5) Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv

Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv

The Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv is the top-of-the-line fish finder from Garmin.

The “SV” stands for Side View feature, which gives the Garmin striker sideways imaging capability.

Although this particular model is expensive, it offers state-of-the-art Chirp technology, customized mapping technology, and a large and bright display that can provide you with all the necessary information at a glance.

However, the unit has some limitations. To begin with, it does not come with any maps and has no SD card slot to upload maps.

But worry not, it still has a lot to offer.

Pros

  • Decent Transducer
  • Sharp imaging
  • Multiple Color Palette Option
  • ActiveCaptain

Cons

  • No Touch Screen
  • No built-in maps
  • No way to add maps

Garmin striker vivid has made it to our list of best fish finders because it does not give you everything served on a plate but instead, it will require you to indulge yourself in the fishing experience.

Garmin striker does not come with in-built maps but it will offer you the liberty to create your own charts.

Moreover, its features such as ActiveCaptain allow you to share your charts and download charts of other anglers who have surveyed nearby fishing spots.

ActiveCaptain is an app( downloaded on your smartphone) that can be connected to Garmin fish finders and allows you to navigate and download charts.

The imaging offered by Garmin striker is the best in class at this price point.

It allows you to get imagery up to 250 feet on each side and 500 feet below in HD resolution.

It also makes pre-fishing a lot easier. You can see the underwater topography by using ClearVu.

Or if you want to find a fish pool you can use the SideVu and have a glance around your boat to find any fishes that are hiding.

The display of the Garmin striker is extremely crisp and clear.

The screen is backlit and has great utility in all kinds of weather.

The interface is also easy to navigate through and makes fishing easier.

The display offers extreme details of almost anything in the water including the arches.

With 7 color palettes option, it is best for anglers who have vision deficiencies.

The sonar capabilities of the Garmin striker are also up to the mark.

The transducer that comes with the unit  GT52HW-TM is decently powered.

It has a range of 800 feet and is a great option for shallow water fishing. It has the CHIRP Sonar which gives great accuracy and target separation.

The unit is more or less plug-and-play and offers zoom and range set features.

It has multiple settings for a zoom that includes split zoom and a full column display.

The unit can also be used for ice fishing because it has a flasher mode.

It has an edge over the competition because of its ultra-wide colored display and high-frequency Chirp sonar combined with SideVu and ClearVu.

It offers minimal design features and options while ticking all the boxes of necessary utility and intuitive controls.

6) Humminbird SOLIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3 Fish Finder/GPS Chartplotter

Humminbird SOLIX 12

Humminbird Solix 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ is a professional-level fish finder used by anglers that are serious about their job.

It has all the features and capabilities professional anglers would want.

Some highlight features of this fish finder are a 12-inch multi-color display, touch screen interface/functionality, and a multitude of sonar technologies.

It can find you fish more effectively than other lower-end fish finders available on the market.

Pros

  • Large, high-quality display with great viewing angles
  • Number of networking options
  • Built-in Maps and features such as AutoChart Live
  • MEGA Side and Down Imaging

Cons

  • Complaints Regarding Threaded Connectors
  • 50 kHz transducer required for greater depths

The Solix 12 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS is one of the best fish finders on our list because it can scan up to depths of 5000 feet.

The extreme depth sonar feature allows this fish finder to scan depths of up to 1500 feet right out of the box but you can use a 50 kHz transducer to scan up to 5000 feet.

This fish finder comes with a 12 inch TFT display that has ample space for multiple views and offers high-resolution graphics at your end.

MEGA Down And Side Imaging capabilities allow you to scan the water with 3 times higher frequency than other transducers.

This allows the Solix 12 to produce more detailed and accurate imaging.

Solix 12 is an expensive fish finder, therefore anyone buying it would want it to have all the features and tidbits.

Therefore Humminbird incorporated cross-touch technology when designing its interface.

You can control Solix 12 using touch screen functionality or the traditional keyboard.

So it is a perfect option if you have multiple anglers with their preferences.

Moreover, having a traditional keyboard can come in handy if the screen gets wet.

Another feature that is incorporated in Humminbird Solix 12 is AutoChart Live.

AutoChart Live gives fishers the ability to add a more detailed chart to existing maps or even create their custom maps.

It allows you to map out the underwater topography.

It also has other features such as 360-degree imaging and HD radar.

360-degree imaging allows anglers to spot fish in any direction with a range of 150 feet.

HD- radar allows you to navigate easily in the waters you are fishing in all types of weather.

As far as the networking goes Humminbird Solix 12 can connect with a multitude of devices.

Since it has ethernet support, WiFi, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Humminbird Solix 12 is an amazing option for anglers looking to upgrade to a high-end option from an entry or mid-level fish finder.

7) Raymarine Element 9 HV

Raymarine Element 9 HV

Raymarine Element 9 HV is a fish finder released in recent years and has become a popular choice among boat owners and anglers.

This fish finder offers dependable performance with clear image quality and high sensitivity.

It offers a wide range of networking features and live mapping capabilities.

Moreover, it is compatible with different premium charts, which will allow you to enhance your success rate.

Pros

  • Includes HV-100 all-in-one transducer.
  • CHIRP, DownVision, SideVision, and RealVision 3D.
  • HyperVision uses the 1.2 MHz frequency.
  • Wide Range Of Network Capabilities
  • Accurate internal GPS.

Cons

  • Does not include the SD card for Charts

The Raymarine Element 9 HV is one of the best fish finders because it offers a multitude of connectivity and networking features.

It is compatible with premium charts such as LightHouse NC2, C-MAP Essentials, Navionics, and other charts.

Making it an attractive choice for anglers that want to make use of their previous equipment and charts.

The LCD of Raymarine Element 9 has an 800 x 480 resolution.

It is backlit with 1500 nits and you can adjust the brightness according to your needs

It has push-button controls that can be used to control the device and set up menus and homepages.

This fish finder has multiple alarms that can be set up, these include alarms for AIS targets, shallow water, and waypoint arrival.

With sonar capabilities integrated into the system, Raymarine element 9 also has an HV-100 transducer.

The transducer can operate a wide range of frequencies that includes 200 kHz, 350 kHz, and 1.2 MHz.

The 2D CHIRP sonar uses 200 kHz, the structural scanning sonar uses 350 kHz while the HyperVision sonar uses 1.2 MHz.

The transducer in this setup has CHIRP sonar, DownVision, SideVision, and RealVision 3D.

The in-built GPS receiver is an important feature but this fish finder does not include any charts.

However, you can choose a chart of your liking and upload it to the fish finder using an SD card.

You also use Raymarine’s Realbathy contour mapping system to create your charts.

The fish finder comes with NMEA 2000 connectivity and uses it to connect your autopilot, AIS receiver, external GPS, and other boat tools.

It also has Wifi Connectivity and Bluetooth that can be used to install updates and connect your smartphone.

It is a great fish finder for people looking for Axiom capability at a more attractive price.

Its sonar capabilities are amazing and help you to separate structures and identify fish.

With excellent network and navigation, it is the go-to option for people who want to use the charts of their own choice.

8) Helix 7 Chirp Mega SI GPS G3N

HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3N

With a wide variety of fish finders available in their lineup, Humminbird’s has also introduced the Helix 7 fish finder.

Helix 7 is a decently priced option that has all the quirks and features required by an angler.

It has MEGA SIDE and DOWN IMAGING, it offers stunning graphics that are in high definition.

The model has a 7-inch display and comes with a transducer inside the box.

Pros

  • Split-screen feature.
  • Fast and responsive interface.
  • CHIRP, MDI, and MSI sonar.
  • SwitchFire sonar.
  • Depth capability of 1,200 feet.
  • Accurate GPS.
  • Multiple Connectivity And Networking Options
  • Easy to use.
  • Attractive price.

Cons

  • No NMEA 2000 port.
  • Features only one micro SD card slot, which means that you can’t use your Navionics SD card at the same time as you record sonar.

Helix 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3N is one of the best fish finders currently available on the market.

We have included it in our best fish finders list because it has the latest sonar technology, highly accurate navigation capabilities, and more.

The display of this fish finder has an HD resolution and provides excellent image quality for easy reading of the displayed information.

The model has a glass screen which is an upgrade over the plastic screen of helix 5

The Helix 7 CHIRP has an IPX7 rating, which means that it is waterproof and you do not have to worry about damage.

This Helix 7 model comes in two configurations which are Mega Down Imaging and Mega Side Imaging.

The one we are discussing is the Mega Side Imaging model.

Mega Side Imaging uses beams that extend out to 125 feet on both sides of the boat,

The benefit of this imaging method is that it provides the best view of the lake bottom, and reveals the structures, cover, and density of the water body floor.

The DUAL Spectrum CHIRP Capability allows the angler to choose between wide or narrow modes.

It also has the added feature of SwitchFire Sonar, which allows the angler to adjust the sensitivity of the sonar by switching between Clear and Max mode.

Ethernet networking offers high-speed connections that allow fishermen to build professional-grade fishing systems.

It also offers Bluetooth connectivity, which makes syncing your phone with this device a lot easier.

Although it comes with a UniMap base map, this might be insufficient for some people so they can use other charts using an SD card.

In short, Helix 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G3N is an excellent all-rounder fish finder at an attractive price.

9) Lowrance Elite FS 7 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts

Lowrance Elite FS 7 Fish Finder

Lowrance Elite FS7 was launched in 2020 and incorporates several improvements over the previous generation of this model.

It now supports ActiveTarget Live sonar and comes pre-loaded with new C-MAP Contour+charts.

The Lowrance Elite FS 7 stands out because it not only comes preloaded with C-MAP contour but also supports premium charts such as C-MAP Max N, C-MAP MAX N+, Navionics Gold, Navionics+, Navionics Platinum+, Nautic Insight Pro, and Nautic Insight HD.

Pros

  • active 3-in-1 sonar (2D CHIRP, DownScan, SideScan);
  • Various sonar functions, such as FishReveal, Bottom Lock, A-Scope, Fish ID, Sonar Recording, etc;
  • Fairly easy to install.
  • Easy Connectivity and Networking
  • Seamless Interface

Cons

  • To use Genesis Live you need a microSD card as support;
  • In-dash mount not included.

The Lowrance Elite FS 7 offers 3-in-1 sonar capability and standard CHIRP Sonar, DownScan, And SideScan.

With a multitude of operating frequencies, it offers flexibility to the angler when it comes to shallow and deep water fishing.

Lowrance Elite FS 7 has a 10 Hz GPS receiver which allows it to have accurate and precise location data and waypoints.

Since it comes preloaded with maps and charts, these will include inland and near-shore coastal areas of the continental United States, Hawaii, and Bermuda.

You can also purchase other premium charts and maps for it.

The GenesisLive feature allows you to create your custom bathymetric maps with the most up-to-date contours.

The unit offers superior networking features, including NMEA 2000, Ethernet, WiFi, and Bluetooth.

The Lowrance App also allows anglers to control Elite FS 7 through their smartphones.

The unit has an SD card slot that can be used to load new charts or you can record your sonar scans on it.

If you ask us, Lowrance Elite FS 7 is one of the best fish finders currently available on the market.

Moreover, its preloaded maps and compatibility with other charts make it an attractive option for anglers.

10) HDS-7 LIVE – 7-inch Fish Finder, Multi-Touch Screen

Lowrance Elite FS 7 Fish Finder

Lowrance HDS-7 Live is one of the best portable fish finders out there.

Although it is small in size it still offers the same utility as other higher-end fish finders.

The new HDS-7 Live offers a user-friendly interface and a high-resolution display.

Moreover, it is compatible with the most advanced transducers available on the market and has tons of other features as well.

This portable fish finder is equipped with all the gimmicks required for your fishing experience.

With its smaller dimensions, it is great for anglers with smaller boats.

Pros

  • Portable
  • LiveSight Compatible
  • Great Resolution
  • Fast (Dual-Core Processor)
  • Top of the Line Networking (Wireless, Bluetooth)
  • High Precision Internal GPS
  • Works in Salt/Fresh/Brackish Water, Deep or Shallow
  • Easy-to-Adjust Gimbal Mount

Cons

  • A bit less range than comparable fish finders
  • A tad expensive

We recommend you to purchase HDS-7 live with an active imaging 3-in-1 transducer because this bundle will offer you an all-around utility and functionality, making it one of the best fish finder money can buy.

HDS-7 incorporates a 7-inch screen that uses SolarMAX technology, which gives an HD fish-finding experience.

The screen has a seamless interface and you can easily glide your fingers to control it.

It uses a combination of keypad and touchscreen for input making it a great option for anglers that want all the quirks.

The Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer comes with three ways of finding fish: CHIRP Sonar, which we already discussed, SideScan, and DownScan.

It allows low-frequency sonar up to a depth of 1000 feet, combined with the CHIRP capability means that you get more precise imagery.

It also comes with a built-in map that contains thousands of US inland lakes but you can also purchase other maps from C-Map and use them with an SD card.

You can also create your maps and contour charts using the Genesis Live feature.

HDS-7 Live has excellent networking capabilities.

It has wireless networking and Bluetooth capabilities that lead to other added features.

The Livesight feature on this fish finder allows you to react to the movements of the fish in real-time.

Similarly, the StructureScan 3D transducer by Lowrance enables the FishReveal feature and gives you a 3D picture of the water.

HDS-7 Live is a portable fish finder that is best for anglers that have limited space but want a utility that is similar to other high-end fish finders.

How To Choose Between The Top 10 Fish Finders?

Choosing the best fish finder can be confusing especially when you are spending your hard-earned money.

However, you can make the decision-making process easier by considering the following:

  • Transducer
  • Beams and Cone Angles
  • Type Of Screen ( Black & White Or Colored)
  • Screen Resolution
  • Type Of Frequency Range
  • Power
  • Water Resistance

Considering these few things will allow you to make an informed decision.

However, you will also need to consider your fishing style and the environment you are fishing in.

For example, if you live in a colder climate you should opt for a fish finder that is suitable for ice fishing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are The Different Types Of Sonars Found In Fish Finders?

There are two main types of sonar in fish finders namely down scan and side scan. Choosing from the two types of fish finders can be tricky. Down scan fish finders scan directly below the boat, while side scan will scan the sides of your boat.

What Does CHIRP Mean On Fish Finders?

CHIRP stands for “Compressed High-Intensity Radar Pulse.” CHIRP allows you more detailed imaging with better definition and separation.

Is CHIRP Better Than Sonar?

CHIRP fish finders have a longer pulse than traditional sonar. They have a higher frequency rating up to 117 kHz. CHIRP also gives out a sweeping range of frequencies as compared to a traditional 2D sonar fish finder.

How Deep In The Water Should A Transducer Be?

To use a fish finder transducer you should begin by taking your boat into water that is at least 2 feet in depth. Also, always make sure that the water depth is less than the depth capability of the fish finder. You can use depth finders for this.

Remember the transducer should be fully submerged because the sonar signals cannot pass through the air. If the unit is working properly, gradually increase the boat speed to test high-speed performance.