Fishing is a beloved pastime for many people around the world. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting, having the right equipment can make all the difference. One essential tool for any fishing trip is a fish finder. Fish finders use sonar technology to locate fish and help you determine the best spots to cast your line. In recent years, fish finders have become more advanced, with many models now including GPS capabilities.

When shopping for a fish finder with GPS, it's essential to consider the display size and resolution. A larger screen with high resolution can make it easier to read and interpret the data. Additionally, you'll want to pay attention to the GPS features, such as mapping and waypoint marking. These can help you navigate new waters and keep track of your favorite fishing spots.

We spent countless hours researching and testing various fish finders with GPS capabilities to identify the ones that provide the most accurate and reliable data. In the following sections, we'll share our top picks and highlight the features that make them stand out. Whether you're a recreational fisherman or a seasoned pro, our guide will help you find the best fish finder with GPS for your needs.

Best Fish Finders & GPS

We have researched and tested the top fish finders and GPS devices on the market to help you find the best one for your fishing needs. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced angler, having the right tool can make all the difference in your success on the water. In this article, we will introduce you to the best fish finders and GPS devices that can help you locate fish, map out your favorite spots, and navigate through unfamiliar waters. So, let's dive in and find the perfect device for you!

Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv

We highly recommend the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv fishfinder and sonar transducer for anyone looking to take their fishing experience to the next level.

Pros

• The 7” color fishfinder with new vivid scanning sonar color palettes makes it easy to distinguish fish and structure.
• The GT20 transducer provides built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar.
• High-sensitivity GPS allows you to mark waypoints, create routes, and view your boat’s speed.

Cons

• The device does not include touch screen or mapping overlay features.
• The unit's weakest link is its transducer mount, which may require an upgrade for some boats.
• The product's price may be a bit steep for those on a tight budget.

We were impressed with the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv's easy-to-use interface and high-quality scanning sonar. The device's high-contrast color palettes make it easy to see what's beneath the surface, and the built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping software allows you to create and save maps with 1’ contours.

The device's Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to connect to the ActiveCaptain app with a compatible smartphone to transfer waypoints, receive smart notifications, and access the Garmin Quickdraw Community. The device comes with a tilt/swivel mount plus transom and trolling motor mounting hardware and cable.

Overall, the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is an excellent investment for any angler looking to improve their fishing experience.

Humminbird 411670-1 Helix 5 Chirp DI GPS G3 Fish Finder

If you're looking for a reliable and high-quality fish finder, the Humminbird 411670-1 Helix 5 Chirp DI GPS G3 Fish Finder is a great choice.

Pros

• The 5" widescreen display is clear and easy to read, even in bright sunlight.
• The DualBeam PLUS and SwitchFire sonar features provide great detail and a generous coverage area, making it easy to identify fish, structure, and contours.
• The GPS mapping, AutoChart Live, and Humminbird Basemap features make it easy to navigate and find your way around the water.

Cons

• The instructions can be a bit confusing, especially if you're new to fish finders.
• The screen could be a bit brighter in low light conditions.
• The price is a bit high compared to some other fish finders on the market.

In our experience, the Humminbird 411670-1 Helix 5 Chirp DI GPS G3 Fish Finder is a great investment for anyone who loves to fish. The 5" widescreen display is clear and easy to read, even in bright sunlight, and the DualBeam PLUS and SwitchFire sonar features provide great detail and a generous coverage area, making it easy to identify fish, structure, and contours. The GPS mapping, AutoChart Live, and Humminbird Basemap features are also incredibly useful for navigating and finding your way around the water.

That being said, the instructions can be a bit confusing, especially if you're new to fish finders, and the screen could be a bit brighter in low light conditions. Additionally, the price is a bit high compared to some other fish finders on the market. However, we believe that the quality and reliability of this product make it well worth the investment.

Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 Inch Fish Finders with Transducer

We highly recommend the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 Inch Fish Finders with Transducer for anglers who want to take their fishing experience to the next level. This product is perfect for those who want to find fish faster and with more accuracy.

Pros

• FishReveal technology makes fish easier to identify
• High-detail inland maps for almost 4,000 US inland lakes
• TripleShot transducer provides all sonar from a single transducer

Cons

• No option to load extra maps
• Limited warranty of only 2 years
• May be difficult for beginners to learn how to use

The FishReveal technology makes fish easier to find and identify, which is a game-changer for any angler. The high-detail inland maps for almost 4,000 US inland lakes are also a great feature, and the custom contour maps with even greater detail over any map or GPS plotter with Genesis Live make it easier to get onto the fish faster. The TripleShot transducer provides all sonar from a single transducer, which is perfect for anglers who want to simplify their equipment.

However, there are a few downsides to this product. There is no option to load extra maps, which may be a dealbreaker for some users. The limited warranty of only 2 years may also be a concern for some. Additionally, this product may be difficult for beginners to learn how to use, but with some practice, it can be a valuable tool for any angler.

In summary, the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 Inch Fish Finders with Transducer is a great investment for any angler who wants to improve their fishing experience. The FishReveal technology, high-detail inland maps, and TripleShot transducer make it easier to find and identify fish, and the product is well worth the investment.

Humminbird HELIX 5 Fish Finder HELIX 5 DI G2 Fish Finder

If you're looking for a reliable and easy-to-use fish finder, the Humminbird HELIX 5 DI G2 Fish Finder is a great option.

Pros

• The 5-inch color WVGA display is clear and easy to read, even in bright sunlight.
• Down Imaging provides a clear view of what's happening below your boat, allowing you to see fish and structures with great detail.
• The SwitchFire Sonar feature allows you to take command of how your sonar returns appear, giving you greater control over your fishing experience.

Cons

• The keypad control interface can be a bit difficult to navigate at first, but once you get the hang of it, it's easy to use.
• The dual-beam PLUS sonar is great for providing detail, but the coverage area is not as generous as some other fish finders on the market.
• The lack of GPS may be a downside for some anglers who rely on this feature for navigation.

We recently took the Humminbird HELIX 5 DI G2 Fish Finder out on the water and were impressed with its performance. The display is clear and easy to read, even in bright sunlight, and the Down Imaging feature provided a detailed view of the underwater landscape. We also appreciated the SwitchFire Sonar feature, which allowed us to customize the sonar returns to our liking.

While the keypad control interface took some getting used to, we found that it became more intuitive with practice. The dual-beam PLUS sonar provided great detail, but we did notice that the coverage area was not as generous as some other fish finders on the market. Additionally, the lack of GPS may be a downside for some anglers who rely on this feature for navigation.

Overall, we would recommend the Humminbird HELIX 5 DI G2 Fish Finder to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use fish finder. Its clear display, detailed imaging, and customizable sonar returns make it a great choice for any angler.

FishPod® 5X Bluetooth Fish Finder

We highly recommend the FishPod® 5X Bluetooth Fish Finder for anyone who wants to take their fishing game to the next level.

Pros

• The FishEcho feature is incredibly accurate and helps you pinpoint the size and depth of fish while filtering out unwanted clutter.
• The 4-Preset Operating Modes make it easy to adjust screen settings based on the type of fishing you're doing.
• The TraxNut Mounting System is versatile and allows you to attach the FishPod® to any 1/4 x 20 mounting bracket.

Cons

• The BottomScan feature can be a bit finicky and may require some tinkering to get accurate readings.
• The Vertical Flasher feature, while useful for ice fishing, may not be as necessary for other types of fishing.
• The battery life could be longer, especially if you're going to be out on the water for an extended period of time.

We were thoroughly impressed with the FishPod® 5X Bluetooth Fish Finder. The FishEcho feature was incredibly accurate and helped us pinpoint the size and depth of fish with ease. We also appreciated the 4-Preset Operating Modes, which made it easy to adjust screen settings based on the type of fishing we were doing.

The TraxNut Mounting System was also a standout feature for us. It's versatile and allows you to attach the FishPod® to any 1/4 x 20 mounting bracket, making it easy to use on any fishing platform.

While we did experience some issues with the BottomScan feature, we found that with some tinkering, we were able to get accurate readings. The Vertical Flasher feature was also useful for ice fishing, but may not be as necessary for other types of fishing.

Overall, we highly recommend the FishPod® 5X Bluetooth Fish Finder for anyone who wants to take their fishing game to the next level. Just be sure to bring extra batteries if you plan on being out on the water for an extended period of time.

Buying Guide

When it comes to choosing the best fish finder and GPS, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features to look for when making your purchase:

Display

The display is one of the most important features to consider. A larger display will make it easier to see what's going on underwater. Look for a display with a high resolution and good contrast. Some displays are also backlit, which can be helpful when fishing at night.

GPS

GPS is an important feature for any fish finder. It allows you to mark waypoints and navigate to specific locations. Look for a fish finder with a built-in GPS that is accurate and easy to use.

Transducer

The transducer is the part of the fish finder that sends and receives sonar signals. Look for a fish finder with a high-quality transducer that can accurately detect fish and other underwater objects.

Frequency

Fish finders use different frequencies to detect fish and other objects underwater. Higher frequencies are better for shallow water, while lower frequencies are better for deep water. Look for a fish finder with a frequency range that is appropriate for the type of fishing you will be doing.

Power

The power of the fish finder determines how deep it can detect fish and other objects underwater. Look for a fish finder with a high power output if you will be fishing in deep water.

Additional Features

There are many additional features to consider when choosing a fish finder, such as:

• CHIRP technology, which provides more detailed sonar images
• Side-scan sonar, which allows you to see a wider area of the water
• Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to share data with other devices

Consider which features are most important to you and choose a fish finder that meets your needs.