Kayak fishing is an adventure lover’s dream come true. It is a unique way to enjoy the great outdoors while indulging in your favorite hobby.
However, to make the most out of your kayak fishing experience, you need the right gear. One of the essential pieces of equipment you need is a fish finder that uses sonar technology to locate fish in the water.
The best kayak fish finders are those that are specifically designed to meet the needs of kayak anglers. These devices are compact, lightweight, portable, and easy to install on your kayak.
They typically come with features that make it easy to find fish, including GPS, depth finder, and fish alarms.
When choosing a kayak fish finder, the most critical thing to consider is the size of your kayak. You want to choose a device that is compact and lightweight enough to fit comfortably on your kayak without weighing it down.
You should also consider the type of water you will be fishing in, as some fish finders are better suited for freshwater, while others are designed specifically for saltwater.
We spent hours on rivers and lakes researching and testing the top five kayak fish finders to identify the ones that are perfect for kayak anglers.
Our top picks are compact, easy to use, and come with features that make it easy to find fish in any water.
Best Kayak Fish Finders
When it comes to kayak fishing, having a fish finder can make all the difference.
That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best kayak fish finders to help you find the perfect one for your next fishing trip.
From compact and portable to high-tech and feature-packed, these fish finders are sure to up your fishing game and keep you from getting skunked.
LUCKY Fish Depth Finder
If you’re looking for a reliable, portable fish depth finder for your kayak or boat, the LUCKY Fish Depth Finder is a great choice.
Pros
- Portable and easy to use with just one hand
- Helpful data display shows fish location, water depth, weeds, rocks, and sand on the bottom
- Fish and fish schools alarm alerts you when fish or schools of fish are nearby
Cons
- Battery life could be longer, but it can be extended with the battery save mode
- May not be as accurate as some higher-end fish finders
- The display may be difficult to read in bright sunlight
The LUCKY Fish Depth Finder is a great tool for any angler looking to improve their fishing experience. The handheld device is easy to use with just one hand, making it perfect for use in a kayak or boat. The data display is clear and easy to read, showing fish location, water depth, and other important information.
The fish and fish schools alarm is a helpful feature that alerts you when fish or schools of fish are nearby, making it easier to catch more fish. While the battery life could be longer, the battery save mode helps extend the life of the device. Overall, the LUCKY Fish Depth Finder is a great investment for any angler looking to improve their fishing experience.
One thing to keep in mind is that the LUCKY Fish Depth Finder may not be as accurate as some higher-end fish finders. However, for the price, it provides a great value and is more than sufficient for most anglers.
The display may be difficult to read in bright sunlight, but turning on the back light can help alleviate this issue. Overall, the LUCKY Fish Depth Finder is a great choice for any angler looking for a reliable, portable fish depth finder.
If you’re interested in purchasing the LUCKY Fish Depth Finder, you can find it on Amazon.
Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finders with Transducer
If you’re looking for a reliable fish finder that’s easy to use, the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finder with Transducer is a great option.
Pros
- FishReveal technology makes it easier to find and identify fish
- GPS Plotter simplifies navigation to your favorite fishing spots
- Splitshot Transducer provides clear, high-resolution images of fish-holding structures
Cons
- No preloaded maps included with the HOOK Reveal “x” models
- Documentation is lacking, but there are plenty of videos online to help you learn how to use it
- Not the most affordable option on the market
The Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finders with Transducer is a great choice for anglers who want a reliable, easy-to-use fish finder. The FISHREVEAL technology makes it easier to find and identify fish, while the GPS Plotter simplifies navigation to your favorite fishing spots.
The Splitshot Transducer provides clear, high-resolution images of fish-holding structures, so you can easily see where the fish are hiding.
While the HOOK Reveal “x” models don’t come with preloaded maps, there are plenty of videos online to help you learn the features. The only real downside is that it’s not the most affordable option on the market.
LUCKY Portable Fish Finder
Another affordable option from LUCKY, the LUCKY Portable Fish Finder is a great option. It provides accurate depth readings and can detect fish size and temperature, making it a useful tool for any fishing trip.
Pros
- Accurate depth readings up to 328ft
- Portable and easy to use
- Rechargeable battery with up to 5 hours of continuous use
Cons
- Interference in water deeper than 40ft
- Small screen size
- Limited beam angle of 45°
The LUCKY Portable Fish Finder is perfect for kayak fishing trips, as it’s lightweight and easy to transport. The device is also very easy to use, with simple controls that allow you to adjust settings like sensitivity and depth range.
However, the small screen size can make it difficult to read in bright sunlight, and the limited beam angle can make it harder to detect fish in some situations compared to more high-end fish finders.
Overall, the LUCKY Portable Fish Finder is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable kayak fish finder. It’s not the most advanced device on the market, but it provides accurate readings and is very easy to use.
Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder – No GPS
The Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder is another solid choice from the Lowrance brand.
I can always rely on them to produce a solid quality product and not feel like I’m overpaying. This version just doesn’t have GPS functionality.
Pros
- Auto-tuning sonar and phone-like menus make it easy to use right out of the box
- Wider sonar coverage means you can cover more water and find more fish
- Easy setup with a single transducer that can be mounted in a variety of ways
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with the accuracy of the depth readings in deeper water
- The included transducer doesn’t offer advanced features like side imaging or down imaging
- The 4.3-inch screen may be too small for some users
The Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder is a great option for kayak anglers who want a reliable and easy-to-use fish finder without breaking the bank.
The auto-tuning sonar and phone-like menus make it easy to use right out of the box, and the wider sonar coverage means you can cover more water and find more fish.
Setup is a breeze with the included transducer, which can be mounted in a variety of ways. However, some users have reported issues with the accuracy of the depth readings in deeper water, and the 4.3-inch screen may be too small for some users.
Overall, the Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder is a solid choice for kayak anglers who want a reliable and easy-to-use fish finder at an affordable price.
Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv
Get a clear view of what’s beneath the surface with the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv.
With its high-contrast color palettes and easy-to-use interface, this fish finder makes it easier than ever to distinguish fish and structure.
Pros
- High-contrast color palettes make it easy to see what’s beneath the surface
- Includes a GT20 transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar
- High-sensitivity GPS lets you mark hot spots, plan routes, and view your boat’s speed
Cons
- Interface could be more user-friendly
- Depth finder doesn’t work well above 10 mph
The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is a solid choice for anyone looking for an easy-to-use fish finder with clear, accurate imaging.
With its built-in GPS and Quickdraw Contours mapping software, it’s also a great tool for planning routes and marking hot spots.
One downside of the Striker Vivid 4cv is that its interface can be a bit clunky, requiring users to navigate through multiple menus to access commonly used settings.
While the ClearVü scanning sonar is a nice feature, it doesn’t offer significant advantages over traditional sonar. Finally, the depth finder doesn’t work well above 10 mph, which could be a concern for some users.
Overall, however, the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is a reliable and effective tool for any angler looking to improve their chances of catching fish.
Buying Guide
Take a look at our kayak fish finder buying guide that can help you make your final buying decision.
Factors to Consider
When choosing a kayak fish finder, there are several factors to consider:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Transducer Type | Choose between a transom mount, in-hull, or thru-hull transducer. The type you choose will depend on the type of kayak you have and where you plan to mount the fish finder. |
| Display Size | Consider the size of the display and how it will fit on your kayak. A larger display will be easier to read, but it may also be more expensive and take up more space on your kayak. |
| Frequency | Choose a fish finder with a frequency that is appropriate for the depth of the water you will be fishing in. Higher frequencies are better for shallow water, while lower frequencies are better for deeper water. |
| GPS | If you plan to navigate with your kayak fish finder, choose one that has GPS capabilities. This will allow you to mark waypoints and navigate to them easily. |
| Power | Consider the power of the fish finder. A more powerful fish finder will be able to provide more detailed images of the fish and the underwater environment. |
Features to Look For
Here are some features to look for in a kayak fish finder:
- CHIRP technology for more accurate readings
- Side imaging for a wider view of the underwater environment
- Water temperature sensor to help locate fish
- Wireless connectivity for easy data transfer
- Split-screen display to view multiple readings at once
Consider your budget and your specific needs when choosing a kayak fish finder. Look for a product that has the features you need at a price you can afford.
Fish Finder FAQ
If you still have questions about fish finders, how they work, and what else to look for, here are some frequently asked questions.
How does a fish finder work?
A fish finder works by sending out sonar waves from a transducer and measuring the time it takes for those waves to bounce back from underwater objects, such as fish, rocks, or vegetation. The device then displays the information in a visual format on a screen.
What is the ideal screen size for a fish finder?
The ideal screen size for a fish finder depends on personal preference and intended use. Typically, the standard screen size for a fish finder is between 4 to 6 inches. A larger screen will be easier to read and provide more detail, but it may also be more expensive.
What is the price range for fish finders?
The price range for fish finders can vary widely depending on the features and capabilities of the device. Basic models may start around $100, while more advanced models can cost over $1,000.
Hopefully my list of the best kayak fish finders helped weed through all of the options out there and guided you to make an educated decision.
Also take a look at our other post about what to wear kayaking here.