Pontoon boat owners often get criticized in the fishing community because most people don’t see a pontoon as a “fishing boat.”
While I do agree that there are better boats designed for fishing, there are few things more enjoyable than a day out on the pontoon and you can get plenty of great fishing done from one as well.
Finding the right fish finder for a pontoon boat is a lot easier than you think, you just need to understand a few different variables which we’ll discuss.
These factors make the Lowrance Hook Reveal the best unit in my opinion. But hey, I’ll let you make that decision.
Comparison Table
Table of Contents
Factors to Consider When Buying a Fish Finder for a Pontoon
If you’re planning on purchasing the best fish finder for your pontoon boat, there are a handful of things you’ll want to consider.
Pontoon boat fishing is different mainly because of the size of your boat which limits your ability to access certain areas and fish smaller bodies of water.
That said, pontoon boats can access water as shallow as two feet if you really know what you’re doing.
Because of that, there are some unique considerations you’ll want to think about when shopping around for the best fish finder.
Boat Size
The size of your pontoon boat will automatically impact your fish finder choice because there is a lot more space on the deck compared to a traditional boat.
This means that the style of fishing you use, your location, and the fish finder itself will impact where you put it.
If you’re targeting fish species such as bass, walleye, or panfish, you might require multiple screens to have a clear view from all angles.
As you tend to spend more time anchored in a specific area, it becomes important to see what’s happening in the water from different positions on the deck.
This means that if you’re casting from one side of the pontoon and your fish finder is on the other side… it’s not helping you very much.
On the other hand, when fishing for species that are known to be more active such as trout, salmon, or others, you will spend more time dragging the bait, leaving less time to move around the deck.
In this case, you only need to have a clear view from the back of the deck, and one large screen will suffice, rather than multiple small ones.
So, in this situation, placing one 16-inch screen fish finder on the back end of the pontoon might be the right move.
If you’re fishing for bass and walleye, you might have to move around to different sections of the boat but then spend a long period in one section which can require multiple smaller units mounted around the boat which has its own set of unique challenges.
Screen Size and Resolution
A larger display with higher resolution will make it easier to see fish, structure and bottom details, even in bright sunlight.
The ideal screen size for a fish finder on a pontoon boat is a matter of personal preference and how you plan to use the fish finder.
Generally, a display size of 4 to 7 inches is suitable for Jon and bass boats, but larger displays up to 12-14 inches may be the better choice for a larger pontoon boat with multiple people fishing on it.
As far as visibility and resolution go, it usually depends on the size of the fish finder display. Smaller screens around 4-8 inches usually come with a 320×240 resolution.
Larger screens have a resolution of 640×480 pixels which is what I would recommend. This will provide a clearer picture in bright sunlight.
Certain units like the Lowrance Hook Reveal come with SolarMAX which helps prevent a glare on the screen.
Networking Capabilities
If you plan to connect multiple units on your boat, look for a fish finder that is networkable with other devices, most new-age fish finders reviewed in this guide will have these capabilities.
Like I mentioned in previous sections, your style of fishing may require you to have multiple fish finders mounted throughout the boat. If that’s the case, you’ll want them to all be supplying you with the same data; even if they’re different models.
Some fish finders come with Bluetooth connection while others require you to wire them. Some units are only compatible with other similar models.
The Garmin EchoMap is an example of this. You can’t always connect your Garmin fish finder to other brands like Lowrance and Humminbird. It depends on the individual models.
If you’re planning to place a few units around the deck, this may be one of your most important factors to consider.
Transducer Mounting
Most fish finder transducers are mounted on the rear starboard bracket of the pontoon. This would be the right side of the boat so you would be placing the transducer on the back end of the tube on the driving side of the boat.
This would put your transducer on the right side of the motor and as long as the prop rotates clockwise, it shouldn’t interfere with your sonar readings.
Again, this poses an issue if the transducer is 20+ feet away from where you’re actually fishing. The readings can be less accurate if you’re fishing outside the cone.
In a perfect world, I would recommend placing a down imaging fish finder on the back of the boat alongside a side imaging fish finder as well. This would help you cover the most water at all times.
Trolling Motor Compatibility
Adding a trolling motor to your pontoon is a great way to make it better for bass fishing. You want to make sure to have at least a 60-inch shaft with 80 lbs of thrust to overcome whatever conditions you might be facing.
As far as compatibility goes, each fish finder brand usually has a trolling motor that it works best alongside. For Humminbird, this is Minn Kota brands like Terrova and Ultera. For Lowrance, this is the Motorguide R5.
This isn’t something you should overthink but if you don’t have a trolling motor on your pontoon, I think it’s a worthwhile investment to help nudge your way around docks and structure for bass fishing.
Best Overall Fish Finder for Pontoon Boat
Lowrance Hook Reveal
Specs
- Screen Size: 5-9-inches
- Sonar: Down, Side, and Structure
- GPS: Yes
Pros
- SolarMAX display provides great clarity
- FishReveal uses a enhanced color palette to make it easier to see
- Tripleshot transducer offers versatility in terms of readings which is perfect for pontoons
Cons
- Only goes up to a nine-inch screen size
Why We Chose It
The Hook Reveal is easily one of the best fish finders for pontoon boats. In my experience, it checks all the boxes we’re looking for in a pontoon boat fish finder.
- High resolution display
- Crystal clear imaging
- Down scan, side scan, and structure scan
- Various mounting options
It’s everything you need. Let’s elaborate a bit.
One of the biggest benefits of the Hook Reveal is its high-resolution SolarMAX display.
This display provides crystal clear images, even in direct sunlight, making it easier for you to see what’s going on beneath the water’s surface.
The display also has a split-screen feature that allows anglers to view two types of sonar data at the same time, providing even more information about what’s happening below the boat.
Another key feature of the Hook Reveal is its integrated DownScan imaging technology.
This technology provides a detailed picture of the bottom structure and helps anglers identify the location of fish, bait, and other structures that may hold fish.
Pair with this, the FishReveal feature which provides a better color palette and more contrast making it easier to differentiate fish from structure.
StructureScan 3D is another great feature that provides a three-dimensional image of the underwater structure, making it easier for anglers to identify drop-offs, ledges, and other areas where fish may be hiding.
Not to mention the fact that you get Genesis Live mapping with one-foot contours providing access to over 15,000 lakes in the United States.
Since it’s a Lowrance fish finder, you should have no issues with compatibility and networking because it’s compatible with any new generation Lowrance fish finder and trolling motor.
Click here to read our complete review of the Lowrance Hook Reveal.
Best GPS Depth Finder for Pontoon Boat
Garmin Echomap UHD
Specs
- Screen Size: 4-9-inches
- Sonar: Clearvu and Sidevu
- GPS: Yes
Pros
- Clearvu and Sidevu sonar provides versatility for pontoons
- Industry leading mapping and GPS
- Ultra clear high-definition display with 800 x480 resolution
Cons
- Challenging to pair and connect to other units
Why We Chose It
Forget the best fish finder for a pontoon boat, this is one of my favorite fish finders of all time.
The Garmin Echomap UHD is packed with advanced features and technology, making it an excellent choice for pontoon boats and pretty much any type of boat.
One of the standout features of the Garmin Echomap UHD is its ultra-high-definition display. This display provides incredibly clear images and detail, making it easier for anglers to see what’s happening below the surface of the water.
The display is also bright and easy to read, even in direct sunlight, so anglers can always get the information they need, no matter the conditions.
It comes with traditional CHIRP sonar and it also has their signature Clearvu technology.
This provides a high-resolution, real-time image of the underwater structure, making it easier for anglers to identify how fish are reacting to your lures.
This device is compatible with the Garmin ActiveCaptain app, which allows anglers to save waypoints, view detailed maps, and share their fishing experiences with friends and family.
It also has a built-in GPS receiver, so anglers can easily track their location and movements on the water.
In my experience, GPS is important on pontoon boats because you’re often in much larger bodies of water than you would be with a kayak or smaller bass boat.
This unit also comes with a bunch of mounting options and it contains the Garmin Marine Network and NMEA 2000 which makes it one of the more exclusive networking fish finders.
Meaning, you can typically only connect an Echomap with another Garmin device. If you’re trying to connect an Echomap to an older Striker, you’ll need to hardwire it.
All in all, this is easily one of the best fish finders for pontoon boats. Click here to read our complete Garmin Echomap UHD review!
Best Budget Fish Finder for Pontoon Boat
Garmin Striker 4
Specs
- Screen Size: 4-inches
- Sonar: CHIRP + Dual Beam
- GPS: Yes
Pros
- Designed to be mounted on trolling motor
- Lightweight and affordable for pontoon boats
- Simple and easy to use for new anglers
Cons
- Lacking advanced sonar options
Why We Chose It
If we back pedal a little from the Echomap it’ll bring you to the Garmin Striker 4.
This portable fish finder has been around for quite a while and it’s a top-of-the-line device that offers a range of features in a budget-friendly package.
It boasts a high-resolution 480 x 320 pixel display that provides a clear image of the underwater environment. While it’s not as high as some of the other options on this list, remember that you’re getting a budget unit.
The device is also equipped with GPS technology, allowing users to mark their favorite fishing spots, as well as keep track of their position and boat speed.
Additionally, the Striker 4 has a CHIRP sonar that provides a much clearer and more detailed image of the underwater environment, which is especially useful for locating fish.
Another great feature of the Garmin Striker 4 Fish Finder is its transducer, which is specifically designed for pontoon boats.
The transducer is mounted on a trolling motor (I recommend the Garmin Force), making it ideal for shallow water fishing, as well as for anglers who like to fish from a stationary position.
Overall, the Garmin Striker 4 Fish Finder is a great fish finder for pontoon boats because it’s easy to use, simple to install, and affordable enough to purchase multiple for your pontoon.
Click here to read our complete Garmin Striker 4 review!
Best Live Imaging
Lowrance HDS Live
Specs
- Screen Size: 7-16-inches
- Sonar: Down, Side, and Structure Scan
- GPS: Yes
Pros
- Up to 16-inch display
- Top of the line LiveSight and Active Imaging
- Industry leading FishReveal high-resolution imaging
Cons
- Price tag
Why We Chose It
The cream rises to the top with this live imaging fish finder from Lowrance. The Lowrance HDS Live is one of the most technologically advanced fish finders ever made.
This fish finder offers a range of advanced technologies, including FishReveal, down scan, side scan, and Structurescan, that all help you scan as much water as possible while providing the clearest and most accurate readings.
FishReveal is a powerful feature that enhances fish targets and structure on the display, making it easier to see fish, even in murky or low-light conditions.
Down scan provides a detailed and high-resolution image of the underwater environment, while side scan and Structurescan allow you to troll the shoreline and pick up on whatever fish are holding to structure along the shore.
The HDS Live comes in screen sizes of 7, 9, 12, and 16-inches and has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels. The device features high-resolution displays that provide crystal-clear images of the underwater environment.
It also comes with a six-fold splitscreen as you get into the 12 and higher screen size. You can view all the various options at the same time for maximum coverage.
LiveSight and Active Live Imaging provide you with an actual representation of what is happening beneath the surface as it’s literally happening. These features are the closest thing you can get to sticking your head under the water and seeing for yourself.
The Lowrance HDS Live Fish Finder is an excellent choice for pontoon boat owners who want a high-quality fish finder that is packed with features and easy to use.
Its advanced technology, high-resolution displays, split-screen capabilities, and compatibility with a range of mapping and chartplotter options make it an excellent tool for pontoon boat owners who are looking to improve their fishing ability in the boat.
Click here to read our complete Lowrance HDS Live review!
Best Display
Humminbird Solix 15
Specs
- Screen Size: 15-inches
- Sonar: Down, Side, Mega+ combo
- GPS: Yes
Pros
- Incredible 1280 x 800 screen resolution
- 15-inch split screen
- Fully grounded transducer provides a better image
Cons
- Fragile design, touchy controls
Why We Chose It
The Humminbird Solix 15 is the one of the premium options that Humminbird offers.
One of the biggest standout features of this fish finder is its large 15″ display, which provides a clear and detailed image which is great for pontoons.
Another key feature of the Solix 15 is its MEGA Side Imaging technology, which allows anglers to view a wide, detailed image of the underwater environment up to 125 feet to either side of the boat.
This technology is particularly useful for locating fish, as well as identifying underwater structures that might hold fish.
The Solix 15 is also equipped with MEGA Down Imaging, which provides a detailed and high-resolution image of the underwater environment directly beneath the boat.
In terms of connectivity, the Humminbird Solix 15 Fish Finder is equipped with Bluetooth and Ethernet connectivity, allowing anglers to easily connect to other devices, such as smartphones and tablets.
This feature is especially useful if you’re planning to connect to other fish finders mounted around the pontoon.
Its large display and advanced imaging technologies make it easier to identify fish and underwater structure in shallow water which is exactly what bass hold to.
Combine that with an incredible 1280 x 800 screen resolution and you have yourself one of the best fish finders for pontoon boats.
If the Solix is a little too much for your price range, the Humminbird Helix 7 is a great option as well. There are a number of Humminbird fish finders with great sonar technology for pontoon owners.
Click here to check out more info about the Humminbird Solix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do you put the transducer on a pontoon boat?
The transducer goes on the rear starboard bracket if you’re mounting it directly on the back. You can also mount it on your trolling motor.
What is the best fish finder for a pontoon boat?
The best fish finder for a pontoon boat is the Lowrance Hook Reveal because of its resolution, SolarMAX display, and motor/mounting capabilities.
Final Thoughts
The best fish finder for pontoon boats is right under your nose (seriously, it’s in this review). Now all you need to do is fill up the cooler, hitch the trailer, and hit the water.
Grab yourself a Lowrance Hook Reveal or a Garmin Echomap UHD, either will get the job done and you’ll be thanking yourself later!
Leave me a comment letting me know what your favorite beer is when you’re out on the water fishing for bass. Good luck out there!
