10 Best Fish Depth Finder 2025 in the United States

The Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder is a feature-rich device designed to enhance your fishing experience. One of its standout features is the Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, which combines CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan capabilities to provide detailed images of underwater structures and fish. The device also supports ActiveTarget Live Sonar for real-time, high-resolution images of fish behavior.

The 9-inch multi-touch LCD screen offers high resolution and ease of use, making it simple to navigate and analyze data on the water. Additionally, the unit comes preloaded with C-MAP Contour+ charts, offering high-resolution contours of 8,900 U.S. lakes, which can be extremely helpful in identifying and navigating to fish-holding areas. The full networking capability, including wireless, NMEA 2000, and Ethernet connectivity, allows you to integrate the fish finder into a broader fishing system, sharing data across multiple displays or adding accessories like radar and outboard pilots.

This makes it a versatile option for serious anglers looking to build a comprehensive setup. On the downside, the unit is relatively bulky, with product dimensions of 16 x 14.07 x 5.54 inches and a weight of 4.53 kilograms, which might be a concern for those looking for a more portable solution. Additionally, while the device is highly capable, it might be overkill for casual fishermen who don’t need such advanced features. The 12 Volt DC power requirement is standard, but users need to ensure their boat’s electrical system is compatible.

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is a user-friendly, 7-inch color fishfinder that stands out with its vivid scanning sonar color palettes, making it easier to distinguish fish and underwater structures. The included GT20 transducer supports both traditional CHIRP sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar, providing detailed and clear images of what’s beneath your boat. The high-sensitivity GPS is a significant advantage, allowing you to mark waypoints, create routes, and track your boat’s speed, adding to its navigational capabilities.

The Quickdraw Contours mapping feature is handy for creating personalized fishing maps, giving you a better understanding of your fishing environment. Additionally, the built-in Wi-Fi connectivity enables you to connect to the ActiveCaptain app, facilitating waypoint transfer, smart notifications, and access to the Garmin Quickdraw Community for shared maps and updates.

While the screen size of 7 inches might feel small for some users who prefer larger displays for better visibility, the product is relatively lightweight at 4.4 pounds, adding to its portability. However, the surface mount type may limit flexibility in installation for some users. The LCD display type is durable, though it may not offer the best visibility in direct sunlight. The device is powered by a battery, so ensuring a reliable power source is essential for extended use. The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is a robust and versatile fishfinder, well-suited for both casual and serious anglers looking for a combination of ease-of-use, detailed sonar imaging, and navigational support.

The Garmin STRIKER 5CV is a solid choice for anglers who want a dependable and easy-to-use fish finder with good mapping and sonar capabilities. Its 5-inch sunlight-readable screen with 800 x 480 resolution provides clear images, making it easier to spot fish and underwater structures. The included transducer supports both CHIRP traditional sonar and ClearVu scanning sonar, offering detailed views beneath your boat. With a maximum depth reading of up to 2300 feet, it suits both shallow and deeper water fishing.

One of its strong points is the built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping software, which lets you create custom maps with 1-foot contours over a large area. This is very helpful for anglers who want to mark fishing spots or navigate unfamiliar waters. The built-in GPS adds convenience by allowing you to mark waypoints and routes and track your boat speed. In terms of power, the unit is battery-powered and lightweight (only 1 pound), so it’s fairly portable and easy to mount on different boats using the included mounts. The rugged design means it can handle outdoor fishing conditions well.

On the downside, the device uses button controls which might feel a bit less modern compared to touchscreen models, and the screen size, while adequate, might feel small if you prefer larger displays. It also lacks some advanced features found in higher-end models, like wireless networking or smartphone integration, which might matter if you want the latest tech perks. This fish finder balances good sonar quality, mapping, and GPS features in a compact design, making it especially suitable for casual to serious anglers who want a reliable tool without complicated setups or high price tags.