Fishing from kayaks is becoming more and more popular. As a result, it is no longer uncommon to see a fishing kayak equipped with all the same fancy gear you’d find on a powerboat. Other than fishing rods, perhaps, the most important piece of equipment a serious angler can add to their kayak is a fish finder. These amazing devices greatly increase your chances of coming home with dinner, rather than a story of the one that got away.

When looking for a fish finder for your kayak, there are many things to consider, including where you fish most often and whether you want a permanently mounted option or a portable, handheld device. The Garmin Striker 4 is one of the former, and despite its small size and reasonable price, it is packed with features often found on larger models.

What to know before you buy a fish finder for kayaks

Handheld vs. fixed

The first thing to determine when selecting a fish finder for your kayak is whether you prefer a handheld or fixed option. Handheld fish finders are small and easily portable devices that don’t require any type of installation. Instead, you simply drop a tethered sonar sensor into the water whenever you want to check for fish. These are convenient but tend to not be as powerful as fixed models. They also aren’t designed for use while paddling.

With a fixed fish finder, the transducer is permanently attached to the bottom of your kayak, while the display unit is mounted on the top of the kayak and is usually removable. Generally, you’ll be rewarded for the more in-depth installation process with a more powerful fish finder with a deeper maximum depth, a better resolution display and more features. The downside is that fixed fish finders tend to be more expensive and require an external power source.

Down imaging vs. side imaging

Fish finders rely on two types of imaging technology: down imaging or side imaging. Both have their pros and cons. But the most important thing to understand is that down imaging scans directly beneath the boat, while side imaging can scan up to a couple hundred feet to each side of your kayak, but it won’t penetrate as deeply. This makes the former more effective for deepwater fishing, while the latter is best utilized in shallow bays and similar areas. High-quality fish finders often feature both of these imaging technologies to give you the best possible picture of what is happening in the water.

Fish finder for kayaks features

GPS

It is important to note that not all fish finders are equipped with GPS. If you want to use your fish finder to navigate to your favorite fishing spots, mark their location or find your way back to your dock, make sure to buy a model that offers GPS functionality.

Maximum depth

Not all fish finders can function to the same depth. Some are capable of identifying fish and bottom structures 1,000 feet deep or more, while basic, low-end models may only work down to 100 feet. Before choosing a model, consider the locations you fish and their depths so you don’t accidentally wind up buying one that doesn’t work for your needs.

Alarms

Fish finders may be equipped with various alarms, including audible noises when fish of a certain size are found or when you reach a specific depth. This allows you to focus on navigating your kayak rather than constantly looking down at the screen.

Auto-tuning

Fish finders have several settings that you can use to make the sonar more effective in certain water conditions, including frequency and sensitivity. While it can be helpful to adjust these manually at times, some models have an auto-tuning feature that eliminates the need for you to fiddle around with the settings yourself.

Fish finder for kayaks cost

Portable fish finders for kayaks cost $30-$150. Mountable options that are suitable for use on kayaks cost $100-$700.

Fish finder for kayaks FAQ

Are all fish finders waterproof?

A. While nearly all fish finders have some level of water resistance, this varies from unit to unit. Those from reputable brands like Garmin and Lowrance generally have an IPX7 rating, which means they can stand up to heavy rain, splashes and even a brief period of immersion. However, you should always read the product specifications before exposing your fish finder to water.

Will a fish finder help me catch more fish?

A. Fish finders aren’t magic pieces of equipment that will automatically make you catch more fish. Fishing still requires skill, patience and the proper gear and bait. That said, they will show you whether or not the place you are dropping your line has any sizable fish, which should increase your odds.

Which fish finder for kayaks should I get?

Best of the best fish finder for kayaks

Garmin Striker 4 Fish Finder: available at Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods

Our take: Though compact and affordably priced, the Striker 4 has many high-end features, like GPS, near-photographic imaging and CHIRP sonar.

What we like: It provides excellent target separation, which makes it easy to tell if you are looking at one or two large fish or a school of smaller ones. Plus, with a 1,600-foot maximum depth in freshwater, and just under half that in saltwater, it will work nearly anywhere you take your kayak.

What we dislike: The included instructions are vague and somewhat confusing, which steepens the learning curve.

Best bang for your buck fish finder for kayaks

Venterior Portable Rechargeable Fish Finder: available at Amazon

Our take: There are few easier ways to add a fish finder to your kayak than this model from Venterior, which doesn’t require any installation and has a built-in rechargeable battery.

What we like: The sonar sensor is castable, so you can even use it from shore.

What we dislike: Strangely, it isn’t waterproof, but there are waterproof cases you can buy for it.

Honorable mention fish finder for kayaks

Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Fish Finder: available at Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods

Our take: The Hook Reveal 5 is a feature-packed option perfect for serious anglers with plenty of space for gear on their kayaks.

What we like: It produces high-resolution images that make it easy for you to identify structures on the bottom, and it automatically adjusts its sonar settings as water conditions change for the best possible results.

What we dislike: The large size means it can get in the way when fighting fish or paddling.

Brett Dvoretzis a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.

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