Most anglers waste money buying the wrong portable fish finder – either too basic or overloaded with features. See which 6 units deliver real results.
Last updated: December 10th, 2024
Best Overall
Garmin Striker 4 with Portable Kit
Specs
Pros
Cons
Why We Chose It
The Garmin Striker 4 is the best portable fish finder on the market today, offering incredible value for its reasonable price point. I first purchased it for my kayak several years ago, and its combination of compact size, included carrying case, and user-friendly interface makes it perfect for mobile anglers.
Don’t let the “portable” label fool you — this unit doesn’t sacrifice quality for mobility.
The Striker 4 comes equipped with all the essential features you’d expect from Garmin: high-quality CHIRP sonar, accurate GPS, and chart plotting capabilities.
During my testing, the CHIRP sonar’s accuracy consistently impressed me, revealing hidden underwater structures and fish that I would have completely missed otherwise.
For just over $100, you get core features that every beginner angler needs: reliable target separation, GPS waypoints, a color display, and water temperature readings. While it doesn’t have premium features like Bluetooth connectivity, downscan, or sidescan, these aren’t deal-breakers for most portable fishing setups.
There are two minor drawbacks to consider. First, the 3.5-inch screen can be challenging to read from a distance, especially if you have less-than-perfect eyesight like me. Second, as your fishing skills advance, you might eventually outgrow its capabilities — I eventually upgraded to the Garmin Echomap UHD2 for more advanced features.
However, these limitations shouldn’t overshadow what makes the Striker 4 exceptional: It hits the sweet spot between functionality and portability at a price point that won’t break the bank. If you need a reliable fish finder that can move as much as you do, the Striker 4 is your best bet.
Best Value
Lucky Starter
Specs
Pros
Cons
Why We Chose It
The Lucky Starter is the best value for beginners because it’s inexpensive yet offers anglers accurate readings and decent battery life.
Sometimes simplicity is the way to go; for some anglers, those fancy features are all “smoke and mirrors.” This fish finder gets the job done; it’s lightweight, portable, and cheap enough for all budgets.
According to our research, it’s accurate and precise with its depth readings as well.
I just can’t get over how portable this unit is. It doesn’t require a large 12v battery like the Garmin Striker 4 because it uses four AAA batteries that last about eight hours.
I also liked the fish alarm, which helps you identify fish from non-fish arches as you learn to read a fish finder.
Because this unit is so inexpensive, it’s going to have some downfalls.
The first is the features are super basic. So, you’ll likely outgrow this fish finder within a year of buying it, but you won’t be out much money if you do!
The other con is that you can’t move fast while you use it. The sonar transducer won’t pick up the signal if you’re traveling faster than 5 mph.
If you’re a beginner looking for something portable and simple to use, the Lucky Starter is the unit for you because it comes at an incredibly low price, especially when you compare it to the HawkEye Fishtrax on Amazon, which has similar features but is double the price.
Best Castable
Garmin Striker Cast
Specs
Pros
Cons
Why We Chose It
The Garmin Striker Cast is the best castable fish finder because you get access to Garmin’s legendary technology, solid battery life, and easy-to-use features.
All you have is a small transducer ball that you cast, and everything that’s happening in the water will display live on your Android or iOS device.
Best of all, the GPS model lets you build waypoint maps of your best fishing spots.
I also like that you can use it in salt water, freshwater, and shallow or deep water, so whether you’re using this from the bank or a boat, you’ll find it accurate combined with the traditional 2D sonar.
However, there are some limitations associated with the Garmin Striker Cast.
First of all, it’s not the most durable unit. I don’t recommend hitting it against rocks and stumps. Sometimes, that accidentally happens, but I wouldn’t make it a habit. It also lacks the features, such as downscan and sidescan, that the Garmin UHD 2 offers, but it’s also much less expensive and more portable.
The other con is that it doesn’t reach as far as some of the more expensive Deeper models, like the Deeper PRO+ 2 Smart Sonar, which have a farther range by 150’.
All in all, the Garmin Striker Cast is the best castable fish finder because it’s incredibly portable, accurate, and made by a trusted sonar brand.
Full Garmin Striker Cast review
Honorable Mentions
Lowrance HOOK2 with All-Season Pack
Specs
Pros
Cons
Why We Chose It
The Lowrance HOOK2 4x Bullet GPS Plotter has been around for a while and still remains a popular choice because it’s versatile and simple.
I appreciate that it comes with everything you need to get on the water ASAP, including the battery and charger.
The 4” SolarMAX screen is crisp and clear, and the menus are straightforward.
One of the best things about this bundle is its versatility. You can use it year-round because it comes with a suction-cup mount for small boats and kayaks and a dock/ice transducer mount for dock and ice fishing. No matter where, when, or how you fish, this unit can help you find more fish and structure.
However, it has a few cons that might make you think twice about buying it. The biggest is a reputation for poor customer service. Over the last several years, many Lowrance customers have complained its customer service is very frustrating to deal with.
The other significant con is how outdated this unit is. Lowrance has released multiple updates, including the Hook Reveal and Eagle. If they offered the Eagle in this package, it would easily be the best option on the market.
Deeper Smart Sonar CHIRP 2
Specs
Pros
Cons
Why We Chose It
I must mention the Deeper Smart Sonar CHIRP 2 because the Garmin Cast barely edged it out.
I honestly believe the Deeper Smart Sonar CHIRP 2 is more accurate than the Garmin cast because it has three beam frequencies instead of dual-frequency sonar waves.
I also loved the target separation for the Deeper Smart Sonar CHIRP 2 because it’s very easy to tell the difference between a bunch of small fish and one large fish, especially when using the fish ID icons.
The battery life is also ridiculously long; you’ll have no trouble staying on the water all day — as long as your phone doesn’t die! And if the transducer runs out of juice, it recharges very fast, so you can quickly get it back out on the water and keep fishing.
However, all the advancements come at a much higher price, which is a big reason why the Garmin Cast got the nod. The Deeper PRO+ 2 Smart Sonar is a little less expensive but doesn’t have all the advancements the Smart Sonar CHIRP 2 has.
Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP
Specs
Pros
Cons
Why We Chose It
The Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP is worth mentioning because it’s perfect for anglers who want a larger screen in a completely portable package when renting a boat or needing to remove the unit quickly.
I love that it comes with everything you need to get on the water as soon as you remove it from the packaging. Yes, it even comes with a battery!
The CHIRP sonar is accurate and dependable, but it’s slowly becoming outdated as new and better sonar types are constantly introduced.
My favorite feature is AutoChart Live, which creates a contour map of the area the transducer passes over.
The biggest downside is when the suction cup doesn’t stick very well. As long as you stay under 5 mph, it holds, but if you go faster, the water can loosen it and cause the sonar to stop reading.
For anglers needing a bigger screen, the Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP is tough to beat because it’s just so dang portable and comes with everything you need!
Full Humminbird HELIX 5 review
Recent Updates
- Nov. 22, 2024: Switched the Venterior VT-FF001 for the Lucky Starter because it’s currently unavailable, and they’re very similarly priced with the same features.
- Nov. 22, 2024: Added the Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP to the honorable mentions for a larger screen size option.
- Nov. 22, 2024: Added the Lowrance HOOK2, which remains a fan favorite among anglers who need maximum portability.
Testing Procedures
I used most of these fish finders while fishing from my kayak and the bank. During this process, I wanted to see how portable, accurate, user-friendly, and budget-friendly each fish finder was, so I put them through the wringer.
Portability: This feature is an obvious one; if the fish finder is going to be the best portable fish finder, it better be easy to transport and move. This can be achieved with quick-release attachments or by centralizing everything in a carry bag.
Accuracy: When I first started using fish finders, it was difficult to tell a fish from cover and vice versa. I also received lots of false readings, so it looked like there were fish all around me, but there weren’t, actually. So, while testing these, I ensured the readings were reasonably accurate.
User-friendliness: If a fish finder isn’t easy to use, then I won’t use it and will have wasted my money. That’s why I made sure these fish finders were not confusing. Generally, less expensive fish finders will have fewer features, which makes them more user-friendly, but high-end fish finders have come a long way in simplifying their features.
Price: Budget is a factor we all must keep in mind unless your father is willing to give you a small loan of a million dollars! However, finding an accurate fish finder with all the features you want at an affordable price is challenging, but the ones listed below do an excellent job.
How to Choose the Best Portable Fish Finder
When you’re trying to settle on a portable depth finder or fish finder, there are a few factors you’re looking for. You obviously want something that isn’t too bulky. But you likely want a fish finder that is easy to mount as well.
Here are some of the factors I considered when choosing my top picks for this list.
Transducer and Mounting
First and foremost, you need to pay attention to the transducer, how you use it, and how well it works. This is the part you’re going to either mount on the boat, throw in the water, or float on top.
The kind of transducer you choose will determine how easy it is for you to get on the water and actually fish with it.
For example, a lot of premium fish finder GPS combos require you to install the transducer to the transom portion of the boat. This can require tools and hardware, which doesn’t make the fish finder that “portable.”
Most of the devices in this review aren’t that complicated to mount. Many of them simply require you to throw the transducer into the water, and there isn’t any mounting required at all.
If a portable fish finder is what you’re looking for, that’s likely the type of transducer you’ll want. Just keep in mind that those tend to be less accurate and less feature-rich.
Power Source
Many premium fish finders are wired to the boat’s electrical system.
That’s not very portable. The fish finder you want should come with rechargeable batteries so you can take the fish finder anywhere, and it doesn’t have to stay glued to your boat.
This is important if you’re a shore fisherman as well. You might want to use the device from the shore, so you can’t have it hard-wired to the boat.
Display
Most of these fish finders won’t have advanced dual-screen displays with a ton of indicators; some of them are simpler. That said, you can choose what you’re willing to sacrifice in exchange for portability.
Some of these devices have nice HD color screens, but they’re bigger in size, require mounting, and aren’t as portable.
Simple is sometimes better, and I find that some of the best-performing and most reliable fish finders are the ones that come without the bells and whistles.
Size/Weight
The overall size and weight of your device should be an important factor. Some fit right in the palm of your hand, while others require a special carrying bag.
This is something you’ll learn with experience and time, but if you’re going to be pulling the fish finder in and out of the boat all the time, go with something lightweight and portable. You’ll thank me later.
Related Article: Fish Hunter vs. Deeper
How a Portable Fish Finder Works vs. Mountable
The main difference between these two is the fact that a portable fish finder comes with a non-mounted transducer and display.
So, most anglers will carry it in their hand, or they’ll have some type of portable mount that they can remove after each trip.
Mountable fish finders require you to install the transducer to the underside of the boat, wire the power to the motor, and mount the display somewhere in the boat. These are more permanent and are not usually designed to be removed.
So, why would someone choose a portable fish finder?
If you don’t have your own boat, you’ll want one. This way, you can use it to fish from the shore, and you can also use it if you rent a boat. You can throw it in a fishing backpack and bring it with you all the time.
I also think fishing from a kayak or canoe is another reason. You can’t always mount a fish finder to your kayak, so having a portable one is the only way to go.
Plus, you might not only use the kayak for fishing, so you don’t want it on there all the time.
Lastly, I think budget is also a factor for many people. Portable fish finders are budget-friendly because they’re not typically loaded with as many features.
That doesn’t mean they aren’t built for performance, though. As I’ve mentioned, I’m a pretty simple man. I like keeping things simple and focusing on what works.
Most portable devices offer more than enough for you to get on the water and catch some fish. That’s all we’re trying to do here. Unless you’re a professional or trying to clean out the lake, these should all do the trick.
Situations to Use a Portable Fish Finder
There are a few fishing scenarios where a portable unit will benefit you.
- You’re fishing from the shore
- You don’t own a boat
- You don’t have a good place to store your boat
- You fish with a kayak or canoe
If any of these apply, you’ll benefit from portable sonar technology. Let’s break each of these down into more detail.
Shore Fishing
Clearly, you can’t mount a fish finder and power it to anything from the shore. Plus, you may walk a decent distance to get to the spot, so you need something lightweight with a portable charger or batteries.
You’re Boatless
The same applies here. If your fishing trip consists of renting a boat, your fish-finding tool will have to go with you when the fishing experience is over.
The good news is, bringing a fish finder with you will help you find more fish, and you’ll likely enjoy yourself more.
You Can’t Store It
If you don’t have a decent place to put your boat, you won’t want to install a fish finder because you’ll have to leave it in the elements or remove it after every trip, which isn’t logical.
Most mounted options come with flashers, backlights, and other components that will easily get damaged outside.
Kayak Fishing
If you’re kayak fishing in shallow waters, you need a fish finder that you can bring and take with you when the trip is over.
A lot of people don’t use their kayaks just for fishing, so you wouldn’t want to leave them on there all the time. Plus, many kayaks don’t provide a way to mount them permanently.
Conclusion
By this point, you should have a firm understanding of why anglers use portable fish finders and their intended purpose.
After using it for several years, I’ve decided the Garmin Striker 4 is still the best portable fish finder on the market. If you think you’re ready to take a dive on a fish finder, this is a great place to start because it’s affordable and easy to use.
Be sure to ask your questions regarding portable fish finders in the comment section; we love talking fishing with you!
Tight lines!
