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 catching more fish in no time. 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. Shown below is a list of the 5 best fish finders for sale at MidwayUSA.
1

Humminbird Helix CHIRP MEGA DI+ GPS G4N CHO Fish Finder

The Humminbird HELIX CHIRP MEGA DI+ GPS G4N CHO Fish Finder features MEGA Down Imaging+, Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar and internal GPS with Humminbird Basemap. All HELIX G4N models includes standard features such as AutoChart Live, Wi-Fi and NMEA 2000, in addition to Bluetooth and Ethernet networking for compatibility with the One-Boat Network family of products from Humminbird, Minn Kota and Cannon. This CHO (Control Head Only) model allows you to pick the right accessory transducer for your needs, including compatibility with Minn Kota Built-in MEGA Imaging trolling motors. Includes control head, power cable, gimbal mounting bracket. This CHO model does not include a transducer, allowing you to pick the best fit for your rigging needs.

Features

  • Access the preloaded views from the user-friendly menu system, operated by soft key controls that allow you to reliably operate your fish finder in any conditions
  • Get unprecedented underwater clarity with Down Imaging coverage down to 200 feet below your boat
  • Dual Spectrum offers two ways to search; Wide Mode for maximum coverage and Narrow Mode for focusing on the slightest detail
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 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
  • Seamlessly integrate and communicate with Minn Kota and Cannon products to unlock more features and capabilities for anglers everywhere.
  • 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
  • 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 FishSmart App and display of smart phone notifications on your Humminbird
  • 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

Note: These model does not include a transducer.

 

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
2

Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv Fish Finder with GT54 Transducer US Lake Maps

When it comes to catching more fish, they say, “Talk to a local.” With the ECHOMAP UHD2 chartplotter, which offers Garmin's best-in-class sonar and mapping and premium touchscreen display with keyed-assist, you’ll know the water even better than they do. With crisp, clear traditional sonar and brilliant ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonars, the fish will have nowhere to hide. Your ECHOMAP UHD2 also supports LiveScope™ live-scanning sonar.

Features

  • High-contrast vivid scanning sonar color palettes make it easier than ever to distinguish targets and structure.
  • Your ECHOMAP UHD2 device supports a variety of Garmin transducers. The 7” chartplotter comes bundled with a GT54 transducer.
  • You’ve never seen Garmin cartography like this before. Select chartplotters come with built-in Garmin Navionics+ cartography which includes a 1-year subscription for daily updates, depth range shading and more.
  • If you have another compatible ECHOMAP UHD2 chartplotter on your boat, you can wirelessly share information — such as sonar1, waypoints and routes — with them.
  • Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity pairs with the free all-in-one mobile app on your compatible smartphone for access to the OneChart feature, smart notifications, software updates, Garmin Quickdraw Community data and more.
  • Chartplotters with built-in Garmin Navionics+ charts include downloadable Auto Guidance+ technology with the ActiveCaptain app.
  • Your ECHOMAP UHD2 wirelessly connects to your Force trolling motor to create and follow routes, navigate to waypoints, control speed, check battery life and more.
  • Get improved position accuracy, particularly in areas where signals are reflected or weak, with multi-band GPS.

Includes

  • ECHOMAP UHD2
  • GT54-TM transducer
  • Power cable
  • Tilt/swivel mount with quick release cradle
  • Protective cover
  • Hardware
  • 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
3

Garmin STRIKER Vivid cv CHIRP Worldwide Base Map Fish Finder

See fish and structure in colorful detail with the Garmin STRIKER Vivid cv CHIRP Worldwide Base Map Fish Finder. This easy-to-use device now features high-contrast color palettes to make it easier to see what’s beneath the surface. It includes a transducer for best-in-class Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar plus tilt/swivel mount. Built-in, high sensitivity GPS lets you mark hot spots, build maps with 1’ contours and view your boat’s speed.

Features

  • Easy-to-use color fishfinder with new vivid scanning sonar color palettes to easily distinguish fish and structure; tilt/swivel bailmount bracket included
  • Includes a GT20 transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar
  • High-sensitivity GPS to mark waypoints, create routes and view your boat’s speed
  • Includes built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping
  • Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to connect to the ActiveCaptain app1 to transfer waypoints, receive smart notifications (including software update notifications) and access the Garmin Quickdraw Community
  • 7 vivid color options to see fish and structure in maximum contrast and clarity

Package Includes

  • GT20-TM transducer
  • Power/data cable
  • Tilt/swivel mount
  • Hardware
  • Documentation

What Customers Are Saying

Great product overall

Used for subsurface structure and depth mostly in a river environment . Mounting instructions were OK but were more applicable to a fiberglass boat. My boat is an aluminum jet boat. Exceeded my expectation in high speed operation. Showing depth, speed and water temp. All sales personnel at stores like Cabelas said it would not provide that information unless I was off plane. They were wrong.
- Smtoy, 8/28/2023

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
4

Humminbird Helix CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N Fish Finder

The Humminbird Helix CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N Fish Finder provides MEGA Side Imaging+, MEGA Down Imaging+, Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar and internal GPS with Humminbird Basemap. As with all HELIX G4N models, this HELIX 10 includes standard features such as AutoChart Live, Wi-Fi and NMEA 2000. In addition, the Humminbird Helix CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N Fish Finder

includes Bluetooth and Ethernet networking for compatibility with the One-Boat Network family of products from Humminbird, Minn Kota and Cannon.

Features

  • MEGA Side Imaging+: with a crystal-clear Side Imaging viewing out to 200 feet on either side of your boat
  • MEGA Down Imaging+ Down Imaging coverage down to 200 feet below your boat
  • Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar: Wide Mode for maximum coverage and Narrow Mode for focusing on the slightest detail.
  • Internal GPS and Humminbird Basemap: Includes charts of more than 10,000 lakes, plus coastal coverage for the continental U.S.
  • AutoChart Live:  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.
  • Ethernet Networking: High-speed Ethernet allows you to build a powerful, professional-grade fishing system.
  • Bluetooth: wireless software updates from the Humminbird FishSmart App and display of smart phone notifications on your Humminbird.
  • NMEA 2000 networking built-in: Connect an accessory NMEA 2000 network to your control head for even more information;
  • Dual Spectrum CHIRP, MEGA Down Imaging+, MEGA Side Imaging+ Sonar Standard
  • 20°, 42°, 60°, (2) 86° & (2) 55° @ -10dB Sonar Coverage
  • 50 kHz, 50/Low Airmar CHIRP Sonar Optional
  • Full Mode (150-220 kHz), Narrow Mode (180-240 kHz), Wide Mode (140-200 kHz CHIRP Frequencies
  • 50/83/200/455/800 kHz & 1.2 MHz Sonar Frequencies
  • 1,200 ft (standard transducer), 3,500 ft (optional 50 kHz Depth Sonar
  • 455 kHz DI+ (435-535 kHz), 455 kHz SI+ (405-505 kHz), 800 kHz DI+ (800-860 kHz), 800 kHz SI+ CHIRP Imaging
  • (780-840 kHz), MEGA DI+ (1100-1200 kHz), MEGA SI+ (1050-1175 kHz) Frequencies Supported
  • 125 ft (800 kHz), 200 ft (MEGA), 400 ft (455 kHz Depth Down Imaging
  • 800 ft (455 kHz), 250 ft (800 kHz), 400 ft (MEGA) Range Side imaging
  • Keypad Control Interface
  • 2.4 Amps Power Draw
  • 10.8-20 VDC Power Input
  • 8000 Watts Power Output Peak-to-Peak
  • 1000 Watts Power Output RMS
  • Screen Snap Shot Included
  • Sonar Recording Included
  • GPS Chartplotting Included
  • GPS Trackplotting Included
  • Speed Included
  • Built In Temperature
  • Temperature Alarm
  • Temperature Graph
  • Transducer XM 9 HW MSI T Included
  • Gimbal Mount-Standard
  • Transom Transducer Mount
  • Heading Sensor GPS
  • Platinum Compatibility
  • Upgradable Software
  • View Preset Keys
  • X-Press Menu System
  • Custom Digital Redout
  • Customer View Selections
  • Display Colors Grayscale 16-Bit
  • MEGA Live Compatibility
  • Memory Card Slot Dual Micro SD for models: 8", 9", & 15".
  • Memory Card Slot Dual SD for models: 10", 12"

Includes

  • Control Head
  • Screen Cover
  • Transom-Mount Transducer
  • Power Cable
  • Gimbal Mounting Bracket
  • Mounting Hardware

 

 

 

 

 

What Customers Are Saying

Yes

Love it
- Crappie Killer, 3/16/2021

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
5

Lowrance HDS PRO with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer

The Lowrance HDS PRO Fish Finder forms the heart of the Ultimate Fishing System, offering easy integration with autopilots, engines, radar, communications, Power-Pole and much more. Plus expanded orbiting and routing controls for trolling motors. The better your view, the better your fishing. From the high-definition touchscreen display to the high-level clarity of the newly-enhanced Lowrance sonar, HDS Pro delivers a full range of meaningful underwater views that will take your fishing experience from good to great. The SolarMAX HD touchscreen provides stunning images of fish, structure and chart details that are easy to see from any angle, in direct sunlight and through polarized lenses – a real difference maker on the water. See unmatched clarity on-screen with Lowrance’s superior, high-resolution Active Imaging HD sonar and ActiveTarget 2 Live Sonar technologies.

Spend more time catching fish and less time finding them with pre-loaded C-MAP charts. Get full-featured vector charts, custom depth shading, high-res coastal coverage and 1-foot contours on more than 19,000 lakes across the U.S. and more than 9,400 in Canada. HDS Pro also introduces a new chart overlay option, allowing you to view ActiveTarget Scout Mode or Ghost 360 trolling motor mode directly on the chart screen. For anglers that want to select their own chart, HDS PRO supports a wide range of third-party chart options, including C-MAP, Navionics, Florida Marine Tracks and more.

HDS PRO gives you full bow-to-stern networking and expanded control of the Ultimate Fishing System, including new Ghost Trolling Motor features like Ghost 360, Orbit Waypoint and Anchor at a Distance. With HDS Pro at the heart of your fishing system, it’s easy to customize your boat to fit the way you fish with your choice of fish-finding, navigation, network and entertainment options. HDS PRO offers support for the complete range of top fish-finding technologies – from ActiveTarget 2 Live Sonar and Active Imaging HD to touchscreen control of Power-Pole Anchors, Ghost Trolling Motor and more. Expand your system -- taking advantage of radar, autopilot and NMEA 2000 compatibility -- and add SiriusXM Weather/Audio to monitor changing weather conditions and to listen to your favorite tunes.

ActiveTarget 2 brings the highest-resolution and best clarity of any live sonar. By watching fish respond to your lure in real time, you can make the quick adjustments needed to catch more fish. Exclusively with HDS PRO, in addition to forward, down, and scout views, you can add a second ActiveTarget 2 System and discover new Live Sonar views like forward and scout, 180 view, and scout wide.

Features

  • SolarMAX HD Touchscreen viewable at extreme angles and through polarized lenses
  • High-definition 1.2MHz Active Imaging HD ready (Lowrance CHIRP/SideScan/DownScan Imaging)
  • High-resolution ActiveTarget 2 Live Sonar ready
  • Supports two ActiveTarget Systems for multiple views simultaneously
  • Preloaded C-MAP DISCOVER OnBoard charts with 1-foot contours on 19,000+ US Lakes, 9,400+ Canadian Lakes or worldwide basemap (AMER ONLY)
  • Preloaded C-MAP Enhanced charts for New Zealand and Australia (APAC ONLY)
  • Worldwide basemap with upgrade options for C-MAP DISCOVER and REVEAL or other charting suppliers. (EMEA/ROW ONLY)
  • Real-time mapping available with C-MAP Genesis Live.
  • Support for new ActiveTarget Scout and Ghost Trolling Motor 360 chart overlay views
  • Large programmable keys
  • Touchscreen control of Power-Pole anchors, Ghost Trolling Motor, Autopilot and Lowrance Outboard Pilot
  • NMEA 2000, Wireless and Bluetooth, connectivity – plus smartphone notifications
  • Wide range of optional chart upgrades including C-MAP REVEAL, Navionics, Florida Marine Tracks and more
  • High resolution, live action images
  • Lowrance CHIRP with superb clarity
Shop Now