So you bought a nice kayak and now you need to purchase and install a fish finder. Certain fish finders just work better on kayaks. In this article, we have compiled the best kayak fish finders in one place to make your search easy.
Summary of the Best Kayak Fish Finders
| Fish Finder | Screen Size | Sonar Type | Price Range ($) | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Echomap UHD2 93sv | 9″ | CHIRP, ClearVü, SideVü | $$$$ | Touchscreen, Wi-Fi, LiveScope compatible |
| Humminbird PIRANHAMAX | 4.3″ | Dual Beam | $ | Affordable, easy-to-use, basic sonar |
| Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 | 5″ | CHIRP, DownScan | $$ | FishReveal technology, Autotuning sonar |
| Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Bundle | 4″ | CHIRP, ClearVü | $ | Built-in GPS, color palettes for sonar |
| Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv | 5″ | CHIRP, ClearVü | $$ | High-contrast color display, built-in GPS |
What to Look For in a Kayak Fish Finder
Not all kayak fish finders are created equal. When choosing one, there are several important factors to keep in mind. First is the transducer type. The main options are built-in transducers integrated into the sonar unit (portable but limited range), shoot-thru hull mounts (easy to install but can get disrupted signals), and transom mounts (best performance but challenging installation on kayaks).
Display quality is another huge factor. The screen is large with a high resolution. And full color vs monochrome also makes a big difference in conveying information. Finally, a portable design is very beneficial for kayak anglers – handhelds or mountable units with their battery provide unlimited placement flexibility on your kayak.
Top 5 Best Kayak Fish Finders
1. Garmin Echomap UHD2 93sv
This is by far the best affordable fish finder out there. The UHD2 model is as fast as all its competitors while having a high resolution. This fish finder is Livescope-ready and can be purchased as a bundle. Paired with the GT56 transducer, this kayak fish finder is a beast. Why this fishfinder is a great choice for your kayak:
- Bright, full-color 9″ display is easy to view in any lighting
- Wide angle chirp function. Structure scan and Livescope available.
- Built-in GPS mapping and included transducer with temp sensor
- Waterproof
- Easy to set up
2. Humminbird 410150-1 PIRANHAMAX 4 Fish Finder
Humminbird has been around for a long time and the piranhamax is a great choice. This is a small fish finder if you are looking to save space on your kayak. This fish finder can be run off a small batter, reducing weight in the boat. Best features that make this a good kayak fish finder are:
- Ultra-compact 4.3″ color display in a portable form
- Comes with transducer
- Great size for kayaks
- Auto adjusts sonar settings like sensitivity for optimal viewing
- Fully waterproof housing
3. Lowrance Hook Reveal 5
Lowrance is a tried and true choice when it comes to rigging your kayak. This brand has a great track record with reliability and performance. What makes this kayak fishfinder great is:
- Bright, ultra-crisp 5″ color LCD is easy to see
- Detailed inland map included
- Built-in GPS antenna for mapping and waypoint marking
- Quality transom mount transducer and tilt/swivel bracket included
- Very portable and tote-able for kayak use
4. Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Bundle with Transducer
This is a great fish finder to add to your kayak. Run this as a secondary or main sonar on your rig. The size makes it a space saver on your kayak. Below are some key benefits of this fish finder.
- Versatile handheld unit with a 4″ color display
- Fully waterproof
- Built-in flashers ideal for ice fishing adventures too
- Super portable and runs on a rechargeable lithium-ion battery
5. Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv
This is a fish finder that gives great detail. Garmin’s sonar has come a long way since the early days. Like the other best kayak fish finders listed, this one is a space saver. It can run on minimal battery power while saving weight in your kayak. What Makes It Great:
- Incredible value considering the features and performance
- Quality 5″ vivid color LCD for easy viewing
- Dual 200/83 kHz sonar frequencies for detail and depth
- Built-in high-sensitivity internal GPS for basic mapping
Tips for Using a Kayak Fish Finder Effectively
To get the absolute most out of your new kayak fish finder, follow these simple tips. First, take the time to practice interpreting the sonar returns and imaging at home before hitting the water. This will allow you to quickly identify fish, structure, bottom composition, and more once you’re fishing on Lake Erie. Remember, you are looking for hooks on the sonar. More importantly, you get a hard return on those hooks. Consider turning up the contrast on the fish finder to better see hard returns. It will help you identify structure and fish more easily.
Accessorize your finder with handy add-ons like portable battery packs, storage cases/covers, mounts, etc. This allows easy placement and maximizes mobility. Finally, proper and stable transducer installation is key for getting the best, clearest sonar performance possible. There are endless manufacturers of kayak fish finder mounting brackets. We cover these in a separate article.
Hopefully, this list of kayak fish finders will help you make a decision. Remember, these fish finders come in different sizes. Choose a size that fits your kayak and fishing style the best!