5 Best Fish Finders

Buying a new fish finder can be a big investment and one that you can't afford to get wrong. Whether you are new to fish finders or just simply looking to upgrade your old one, the technology has come a long way in the last few years, and there are a lot of options to consider when trying to find the one that's right for you. At first glance, they can be very overwhelming, but with a little research and some help from us, you will be fishing like a pro in no time!

Parts

There are two main parts to a fish finder, the head unit or display, and the transducer. The head unit takes the information from the transducer and displays it on the screen. Head units come in various display sizes and resolutions. Having a unit with a high-resolution display allows you to see even the smallest details. The transducer is what sends and receives the sonar waves. High-frequency transducers can provide more details but are recommended for shallower water. Whereas lower frequency transducers are better in deep water, showing fewer details, but will penetrate to greater depths.

Fish Finder Brands

When making the choice on a fishfinder, going with a trusted brand can be a good starting point. MidwayUSA carries all the top fishfinder brands, like Humminbird, Garmin, and Lowrance!

Display Options

Being able to customize your display is a great way to enhance your experience on the water and fish more efficiently. Every angler has their own style, and being able to fish with the right information is important. Look for display options like waypoint tracking, viewing angles, auto routing, and more to up your game.

Shown below is a list of the 5 best fish finders for sale at MidwayUSA.

1

Garmin Echomap Ultra 2 Fish Finder LiveScope Plus System Bundle

With big, crisp, sunlight-readable touchscreen displays, the Garmin Echomap Ultra 2 Fish Finder put a world of fishfinding capability at your fingertips. They're now available with the Livescope Plus LVS34.

Features

  • LIVESCOPE SONAR SUPPORT - The ECHOMAP Ultra 2 series supports the full lineup of LiveScope live-scanning sonar products
  • BUILT-IN UHD SONAR - Select models are bundled with a GT56 transducer which provides Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonars for photo-like images of what's beneath the surface.
  • VIVID COLOR PALETTES - High-contrast vivid scanning sonar color palettes make it easier than ever to distinguish targets and structure.
  • PRELOADED CHARTS - Experience unparalleled coverage and detail. Select units come with built-in Garmin Navionics+ mapping, which includes a 1-year subscription for daily updates, depth range shading and more.
  • PREMIUM MAP UPGRADES - Bring a fresh new look and feel to your chartplotter with optional Garmin Navionics Vision+ premium mapping (sold separately), featuring high-resolution relief shading, satellite imagery and more.
  • WIRELESS NETWORKING - If you have another compatible ECHOMAP Ultra 2 or ECHOMAP UHD2 chartplotter on your boat, you can wirelessly share information - such as sonar, waypoints and routes - with them.

The latest in LiveScope technology, the LiveScope Plus System offers improved resolution, reduced noise, clearer images and better target separation.

Features

  • REAL-TIME IMAGES - Real-time sonar ensures that your live images are as accurate as possible.
  • CLEAR VISION - See exactly what you need with reduced noise and fewer sonar artifacts that impede your picture of fish and structure.
  • IMAGE STABILIZATION - A built-in stabilization system keeps the sonar image on your compatible chartplotter steady, even in rough conditions.
  • VIVID COLOR PALETTES - Choose from seven vivid color options - including Aqua, Caribbean, Lava and more - to see fish and structure in maximum contrast and clarity.

About Garmin

Garmin was founded in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min Kao, hence the name. Garmin started in the cockpit navigation market and gradually expanded, including into wearable products. Garmin is now bringing GPS navigation and wearable technology to aviation, marine, automotive, outdoor, and fitness markets. Garmin series include Etrex, LiveScope, inReach, Forerunner, Alpha, Pro, Force, Echomap, Epix, Xero, GTN, GPS, Panoptix, GC, Overlander, Montana, Tread, Edge, Fenix, MARQ, Instinct, etc. Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Built with the idea of awe-inspiring designs, impeccable quality, and superior reliability to provide the best experience and goal of being the number one brand for all who enjoy their lives. Products engineered on the inside for life on the outside so users can make the most of their time pursuing their passions.

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2

Humminbird Xplore CMSI+ Fish Finder

The XPLORE Series is lightning-quick and laser-focused on anglers’ favorite features. Find your fishing spots faster with included LakeMaster and CoastMaster charts. Sync 10,000 fish spots with custom colors and icons to your phone through a new waypoint management system. Get the clearest picture of what’s below with compatibility for our best sonar, including MEGA Live 2 forward-facing sonar. Connects to Minn Kota products and control them on command – from enabling Advanced GPS navigation to deploying shallow water anchors – with One Boat Network compatibility. With their most advanced technologies and easy-to-use interface, there’s more to XPLORE.

 

Features

  • Full-HD Display with Cross Touch interface: XPLORE delivers eye-popping detail with a 1280H x 720V display. See the incredible detail of sonar and chart images that will ensure you never miss a thing. Control it all using the touchscreen or the keypad—it's up to you.
  • MEGA Side Imaging+: See the world below like never before with a crystal-clear Side Imaging viewing out to 200 feet on either side of your boat. You'll unlock more fish and structure with 20% more detail and 60% more range capability than MEGA Side Imaging sonar.
  • MEGA Down Imaging+: Get unprecedented underwater clarity with Down Imaging coverage down to 200 feet below your boat. You'll unlock more fish and structure with 20% more detail and 60% more depth capability than MEGA Down Imaging sonar.
  • Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar: Before you cast, know what's down there thanks to highly-detailed fish arches and a clear view of fish-holding structure and the bottom. Powered by their proprietary, Low-Q CHIRP transducer, Dual Spectrum offers two ways to search; Wide Mode for maximum coverage and Narrow Mode for focusing on the slightest detail.
  • Internal GPS and Humminbird Basemap: Their enhanced basemap provides you with a clear view of underwater terrain and surrounding points of interest so you can fish and navigate with total confidence. Identify buoys, day markers, hazards, marinas, contours, depth markers and much, much more. Includes charts of more than 10,000 lakes, plus coastal coverage for the continental U.S.
  • Premium Chart Compatible: Humminbird provides the most complete offering of premium chart options to anglers everywhere. Get a complete view of the world below with optional charts from Humminbird's LakeMaster and CoastMaster products, as well as your choice of compatible Navionics charts.
  • Includes LakeMaster and CoastMaster VX map card with U.S. and Canada regions standard data.
  • AutoChart Live: Create real-time maps of your fishing spots, with access to patented Humminbird LakeMaster features. Map depth contours, bottom hardness and vegetation as you drive your boat. Comes standard with eight (8) hours of built-in recording time and is compatible with AutoChart Zero Line SD cards for virtually endless AutoChart Live mapping capacity.
  • One-Boat Network Compatible: Many Humminbird models seamlessly integrate and communicate with Minn Kota and Cannon products to unlock more features and capabilities for anglers everywhere. Make the most of your time on the water with the exclusive boat control and fish-catching features of the One-Boat Network.
  • Ethernet Networking: High-speed Ethernet allows you to build a powerful, professional-grade fishing system. Easily connect multiple fish finders, or upgrade to add-on technologies like Minn Kota i-Pilot Link and Humminbird CHIRP Radar.
  • Bluetooth: Take control right from the screen of your Humminbird with wireless communication to compatible Talon and Raptor shallow water anchors, as well as Cannon Optimum downriggers. Additional features include wireless software updates from the Humminbird One-Boat App and display of smartphone notifications on your Humminbird.
  • NMEA 2000 Networking Built-in: Connect an accessory NMEA 2000 network to your control head for even more information; from boat performance to weather and water conditions, make sense of it all with NMEA 2000 networking.






















 

About Humminbird

Humminbird was founded in 1971 in Eufaula, Alabama by Tom Mann and a handful of investors known as the Allied Sports Company. Beginning in a garage-like facility, they began modifying Heath Kits into the first Humminbird depth sounders. As for the name, it came about from a slight pronunciation issue and thick drawl, but it allowed a version of Hummingbird to be registered and led to one of the most iconic names in the fish-finder market. From flashers to LCDs, analog to digital and DualBeam sonar to MEGA Imaging+™, Humminbird continues to lead the way in innovation, now including fish finders, marine GPS, LakeMaster® mapping, radar, and full boat control integration. Humminbird series include Apex, Solix, Helix, PiranhaMax, Ice, MEGA Live, MEGA 360, etc. Over the years they have listened to what customers want and it has paid off substantially. With time and energy limited, focus where the fish are with Humminbird. Fish SMARTER, Not HARDER.

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3

Garmin LiveScope Plus System with GLS 10 and LVS34 Transducer

Real-time sonar on the Garmin LiveScope Plus System with GLS 10 and LVS34 Transducer ensures that your live images are as accurate as possible. Clear vision to see exactly what you need with reduced noise and fewer sonar artifacts that impede your picture of fish and structure. A built-in stabilization system keeps the sonar image on your compatible chartplotter steady, even in rough conditions. Choose from seven vivid color options including Aqua, Caribbean, Lava and more to see fish and structure in maximum contrast and clarity. Scout ahead of your boat to see what’s happening in real time. Explore live views of the activity directly beneath your boat and see under the water with a view from your perspective above the water.

Features

  • GLS 10 sonar black box: 9.7” x 5.9” x 2.6” (24.5 x 14.9 x 6.5 cm);
  • LVS34 transducer: 6.4” x 3.1” x 1.9” (16.2 x 7.8 x 4.8 cm)
  • Waterproof IPX7
  • Transmit power 500 W
  • Power usage 21W typical, 58 W max
  • Temperature range: GLS 10 black box operating -15°C to 70°C
  • Panoptix LiveScope LVS34 transducer operating 0°C to 40°C
  • Minimum depth: 3 feet (.91 m)
  • Sonar type: live
  • Beam width: 20° x 135° 
  • Transducer cable length: 20 ft
  • Transducer number of pins: 21
  • Connections Garmin marine network ports: 1 small connector
  • Power input 10-32V
  • Max depth down and forward 200' (61 m)
  • Frequency 530 - 1,100 kHz
  • Compass-safe distance 4 feet (.1 m)

In the box

  • LiveScope GLS 10 sonar black box
  • Panoptix LVS34 transducer
  • Perspective mount
  • Trolling motor barrel mount
  • Shaft mount
  • Power cable
  • 2 meter Garmin Marine Network cable (small connector)
  • Network adapter cable
  • Documentation

 

What Customers Are Saying

Yes. It's sharper and clear at longer and shorter distance

I have 3 boats , 2 with lvs 32 , and 1 with lvs34 on a 8612 - this is my cleanest and best set up ... The lvs32 I have it on a 1242 not that clean of a graph Other is is on a 93sv not grand as well
- Bass slayer, 6/16/2022

About Garmin

Garmin was founded in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min Kao, hence the name. Garmin started in the cockpit navigation market and gradually expanded, including into wearable products. Garmin is now bringing GPS navigation and wearable technology to aviation, marine, automotive, outdoor, and fitness markets. Garmin series include Etrex, LiveScope, inReach, Forerunner, Alpha, Pro, Force, Echomap, Epix, Xero, GTN, GPS, Panoptix, GC, Overlander, Montana, Tread, Edge, Fenix, MARQ, Instinct, etc. Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Built with the idea of awe-inspiring designs, impeccable quality, and superior reliability to provide the best experience and goal of being the number one brand for all who enjoy their lives. Products engineered on the inside for life on the outside so users can make the most of their time pursuing their passions.

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4

Garmin GPSMAP 1643 CHO Fish Finder

The Garmin GPSMAP 1643 CHO, with its sleek design, powerful processing and upgraded IPS display, this advanced chartplotter integrates seamlessly into your Garmin marine system.

Features

  • Easily integrate with more engines.
  • Connect to compatible third-party devices with digital switching and OneHelm integrations.
  • Easily build your marine system by using our advanced network connectivity.
  • Navigate any waters with preloaded Garmin Navionics+ charts on select models.
  • See below your boat with built-in sonar capabilities on select models.
  • Manage your marine experience from nearly anywhere.

Included 

  • GPSMAP 1643 chartplotter
  • microSD card preinstalled
  • Power cable
  • Flush mount kit with gasket
  • Protective cover
  • Trim piece snap covers
  • Backbone/drop cable (2 meters) and T-connector for the NMEA 2000 network
  • Documentation

 

About Garmin

Garmin was founded in 1989 by Gary Burrell and Min Kao, hence the name. Garmin started in the cockpit navigation market and gradually expanded, including into wearable products. Garmin is now bringing GPS navigation and wearable technology to aviation, marine, automotive, outdoor, and fitness markets. Garmin series include Etrex, LiveScope, inReach, Forerunner, Alpha, Pro, Force, Echomap, Epix, Xero, GTN, GPS, Panoptix, GC, Overlander, Montana, Tread, Edge, Fenix, MARQ, Instinct, etc. Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Built with the idea of awe-inspiring designs, impeccable quality, and superior reliability to provide the best experience and goal of being the number one brand for all who enjoy their lives. Products engineered on the inside for life on the outside so users can make the most of their time pursuing their passions.

Shop Now
5

Humminbird Xplore CHO Fish Finder

The XPLORE Series is lightning-quick and laser-focused on anglers’ favorite features. Find your fishing spots faster with included LakeMaster and CoastMaster charts. Sync 10,000 fish spots with custom colors and icons to your phone through a new waypoint management system. Get the clearest picture of what’s below with compatibility for their best sonar, including MEGA Live 2 forward-facing sonar. Connects to Minn Kota products and control them on command – from enabling Advanced GPS navigation to deploying shallow water anchors – with One Boat Network compatibility. With their most advanced technologies and easy-to-use interface, there’s more to XPLORE.

 

Features

  • Control Head Only Model: This model does not include a transducer. This CHO model is a great choice for those looking to connect to connect to Built-in MEGA Imaging on Minn Kota trolling motors, accessory transducer options like MEGA 360 Imaging, or share sonar data from an existing Humminbird Ethernet network control. Easily access the preloaded views from the user-friendly menu system, operated by touch screen or directional key pad to reliably operate your fish finder in any conditions.
  • MEGA Side Imaging+: See the world below like never before with a crystal-clear Side Imaging viewing out to 200 feet on either side of your boat. You'll unlock more fish and structure with 20% more detail and 60% more range capability than MEGA Side Imaging sonar.
  • MEGA Down Imaging+: Get unprecedented underwater clarity with Down Imaging coverage down to 200 feet below your boat. You'll unlock more fish and structure with 20% more detail and 60% more depth capability than MEGA Down Imaging sonar.
  • Industry-leading Humminbird Sonar: Equipped with MEGA Side Imaging+, MEGA Down Imaging+ and Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar to keep you on the fish. MEGA Imaging+ provides views up to 250' under and out to either side of your boat and Dual Spectrum CHIRP shows exceptional 2D sonar with superior target separation and fish clarity.
  • Internal GPS and Humminbird Basemap: Their enhanced basemap provides you with a clear view of underwater terrain and surrounding points of interest so you can fish and navigate with total confidence. Identify buoys, day markers, hazards, marinas, contours, depth markers and much, much more. Includes charts of more than 10,000 lakes, plus coastal coverage for the continental U.S.
  • Premium Chart Compatible: Humminbird provides the most complete offering of premium chart options to anglers everywhere. Get a complete view of the world below with optional charts from Humminbird's LakeMaster and CoastMaster products, as well as your choice of compatible Navionics charts.
  • Includes LakeMaster and CoastMaster VX map card with U.S. and Canada regions standard data.
  • AutoChart Live: Create real-time maps of your fishing spots, with access to patented Humminbird LakeMaster features. Map depth contours, bottom hardness and vegetation as you drive your boat. Comes standard with eight (8) hours of built-in recording time and is compatible with AutoChart Zero Line SD cards for virtually endless AutoChart Live mapping capacity.
  • One-Boat Network Compatible: Many Humminbird models seamlessly integrate and communicate with Minn Kota and Cannon products to unlock more features and capabilities for anglers everywhere. Make the most of your time on the water with the exclusive boat control and fish-catching features of the One-Boat Network.
  • Ethernet Networking: High-speed Ethernet allows you to build a powerful, professional-grade fishing system. Easily connect multiple fish finders, or upgrade to add-on technologies like Minn Kota i-Pilot Link and Humminbird CHIRP Radar.
  • Bluetooth: Take control right from the screen of your Humminbird with wireless communication to compatible Talon and Raptor shallow water anchors, as well as Cannon Optimum downriggers. Additional features include wireless software updates from the Humminbird One-Boat App and display of smartphone notifications on your Humminbird.
  • NMEA 2000 Networking Built-in: Connect an accessory NMEA 2000 network to your control head for even more information; from boat performance to weather and water conditions, make sense of it all with NMEA 2000 networking.





















 

About Humminbird

Humminbird was founded in 1971 in Eufaula, Alabama by Tom Mann and a handful of investors known as the Allied Sports Company. Beginning in a garage-like facility, they began modifying Heath Kits into the first Humminbird depth sounders. As for the name, it came about from a slight pronunciation issue and thick drawl, but it allowed a version of Hummingbird to be registered and led to one of the most iconic names in the fish-finder market. From flashers to LCDs, analog to digital and DualBeam sonar to MEGA Imaging+™, Humminbird continues to lead the way in innovation, now including fish finders, marine GPS, LakeMaster® mapping, radar, and full boat control integration. Humminbird series include Apex, Solix, Helix, PiranhaMax, Ice, MEGA Live, MEGA 360, etc. Over the years they have listened to what customers want and it has paid off substantially. With time and energy limited, focus where the fish are with Humminbird. Fish SMARTER, Not HARDER.

Shop Now