10 Best Fish Finders 2025 in the United States

The Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder stands out due to its comprehensive feature set and high-quality components. Its most notable advantage is the Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, which includes CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan capabilities, allowing users to see underwater structures with remarkable clarity. The 9-inch LCD screen is large, high-resolution, and multi-touch, making it user-friendly and easy to install.

With preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts, anglers can navigate and pinpoint fish hotspots on 8,900 U.S. lakes, enhancing fishing success. Additionally, the device supports ActiveTarget Live Sonar for real-time fish observation, which is beneficial for serious anglers aiming to improve their catch rates. The full networking capability, including wireless, NMEA 2000, and Ethernet connectivity, allows the integration of additional devices, making it a versatile choice for comprehensive fishing systems.

On the downside, the unit’s size and weight might affect portability, making it less convenient for those needing a more mobile solution. Moreover, the power requirement of 12 Volt DC might necessitate additional power management for extended use. The Lowrance Elite FS 9 is well-suited for dedicated anglers who prioritize advanced imaging and comprehensive connectivity options in their fish-finding equipment.

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is a user-friendly fish-finder with a 7-inch color LCD screen, providing a vivid and clear display to easily distinguish fish and underwater structures. It includes a GT20 transducer that offers both traditional CHIRP sonar and ClearVü scanning sonar, which helps in getting detailed underwater images. The high-sensitivity GPS is a notable feature, allowing users to mark waypoints, create routes, and check boat speed, making navigation easier for anglers. The built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping is a great addition, enabling users to draw their own maps with 1-foot contours.

Wi-Fi connectivity is a modern touch, allowing you to connect to the ActiveCaptain app for waypoint transfer, smart notifications, and access to the Garmin Quickdraw Community. However, some users might find the reliance on a battery power source limiting if they are on extended trips without a reliable power source. The device is relatively portable with a weight of 4.4 pounds and includes a tilt/swivel bailmount bracket for easy mounting, although this might still be on the heavier side for some. Moreover, while the screen size is decent, those who prefer larger displays for better visibility might find it somewhat limiting. The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is well-suited for recreational anglers who value easy-to-use, portable, and feature-rich devices, though those on longer fishing expeditions may need to consider power source logistics.

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv is a solid choice for both casual and dedicated anglers looking for a user-friendly fish finder. It features a bright 9-inch touchscreen that is easy to read in sunlight, providing clarity and detail that can be beneficial for locating fish and navigating. Its included GT56 transducer enables traditional sonar as well as advanced ClearVü and SideVü imaging, which enhances underwater visibility and helps spot fish more effectively. Additionally, the built-in Garmin Navionics+ coastal charts are a real treat, giving users access to valuable navigation data and maps right out of the box.

One of the standout features is the built-in Wi-Fi, allowing for easy sharing of sonar data, waypoints, and routes between devices. This connectivity also lets you control a compatible Force trolling motor, making it easier to follow routes and manage speed. For those who enjoy fishing from a boat, the portability of the device allows for convenient setup, whether you prefer a dashboard mount or a flush mount installation.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. The screen resolution of 1024 x 600 may not match the highest-end models on the market, potentially limiting detail in certain situations. The weight of 8.08 pounds could be a bit cumbersome for some users, especially if portability is a key factor. Additionally, while the price point is competitive, some might find it on the higher end compared to basic fish finders with fewer features.