The Best All Season Fish Finder Of December: Best Picks Of 2024

Sarah Combs By, Sarah Combs
Updated
Best All Season Fish Finder
Best All Season Fish Finder

Our Top Picks

1. Best Overall: Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5" GPS Fishfinder

Garmin Striker 4 is the perfect fishing companion for your boat. The easy to use interface gives you a keyed interface with dedicated buttons. The device is water resistant to IPX7 standards and has a powerful sonar for clear images of what's below the surface of the water. The power of simple offers a keyed interface with dedicated buttons. Read Review

2. Runner Up: Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 Inch Fish Finders with Transducer, Plus Optional Preloaded Maps

With the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 Inch, you'll always find your target. This 7-inch fish finder has a built-in GPS plotter that makes navigating to your favorite fishing spot easy. Plus, its built-in Auto Tuning Sonar automatically adjusts sonar settings as conditions change, making it easier than ever to catch fish. Read Review

3. Best Quality: Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv, 4-inch Color Fishfinder, Sonar Transducer

The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is designed to give you an easy-to-use, high-performance fishfinder that gives you the advantage of both traditional and scan sonar. The new vivid scanning color palettes make it easy to distinguish fish and structure. The tilt/swivel bail mount bracket included means you can easily attach the color fishfinder to your boat with no extra hardware needed. Read Review

4. Best Easy To Use: Humminbird 410190-1 HELIX 5 SONAR G2 Fish Finder

The Humminbird HELIX 5 fish finder features a custom-designed switchfire sonar that allows you to take command of how the display appears. With two display modes, you can add or remove detail, account for water depth, temperature and turbulence, even watch lure presentations - all at the push of a button. The dual beam PLUS sonar offers great detail and a generous coverage area so you can identify fish, structure and contours. Read Review

Fish finders are amazing water gadgets that help you find fish more efficiently. They come in many shapes and sizes but they all serve the same function: They help you locate fish more easily. Because finding fish can be a challenging activity, fish finders were designed to make it less so.

So if you spend a lot of time fishing (and you do if you spend most of your free time outdoors), then investing in a good fish finder is an essential purchase. And we have the best ones on the market right now. Here’s our top 10 picks for the best all-season fishing fishfinders on the market.

Following extensive study and analysis, we've come up with the Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5" GPS Fishfinder, which we hope will meet your demands. However, it is not the only thing on our list. We also show a full buyer's guide and a number of different options are available to help you find the most suitable.

Our Top Picks

  • The power of simple offers a keyed interface with dedicated buttons; The device is easy to use and easy to install; Available in 3.5, 5 and 7 inch display sizes; Water rating IPX7
  • Clear Vu scanning Sonar shows you more of what is in the water around your boat; This high frequency sonar gives near photographic images with detailed representations of objects, structure and fish
  • Built in flasher: View your sonar data in the classic flasher format; Ideal for ice fishing or vertical jigging. Display size: 1.9 x 2.9 inches (4.9 x 7.3 centimeter); 3.5 inches diagonal (8.7 centimeter)
  • Waypoint map: Use the way point map to easily view, mark and navigate to locations such as brush piles, stumps and docks; Maximum depth 1,600 feet freshwater, 750 feet saltwater; Current draw at 12 volt: 0.23 Ampere
  • Chirp Sonar sends a continuous sweep of frequencies which provides a wider range of information; Chirp Sonar is able to create crisper fish arches with better target separation
  • 7-INCH DISPLAY: Enjoy crisp and clear views of your display no matter the conditions – even in direct sunlight – with excellent clarity and daylight visibility of HOOK Reveal’s SolarMAX display.
  • AUTOTUNING SONAR: Spend more time fishing and less time reworking your sonar settings with HOOK Reveal autotuning sonar, which ensures you get the best sonar image every time by automatically adjusting settings as fishing conditions change.
  • TRIPLESHOT TRANSDUCER: Perfect for anglers who want all their sonar from a single transducer, TripleShot features wide-angle high CHIRP sonar and the high-resolution images of fish-holding structure from SideScan and DownScan Imaging.
  • FISHREVEAL: Fish are easier to find and easier to identify. FishReveal combines the target separation of Lowrance CHIRP sonar and the high-resolution images of structure from DownScan Imaging to makes fish light up on your display.
  • GPS PLOTTER: Navigating to your favorite fishing spot is simple with the GPS Plotter, which makes route, trail and waypoint navigation easy. HOOK Reveal "x" models do not include a map or support add-on mapping.
  • Easy-to-use 4-inch 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
  • 1-Year Limited Warranty
  • 5" widescreen display
  • Dual Beam PLUS Sonar: Two beams combine for great detail and a generous coverage area, helping you identify fish, structure and contours. Use the narrow beam for high-accuracy returns of fish, structure, detail and the bottom profile. Opt for the wide beam when you want a larger search area. You can view the beams separately, side-by-side or blended together for the complete picture. Your coverage area will be equal to your depth
  • SwitchFire Sonar: Take command of how your sonar returns appear. With two display modes, you can add or remove detail, account for water depth, temperature and turbulence, even watch lure presentations - all at the push of a button
  • Features DualBeam PLUS and SwitchFire
  • Built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software lets you create and store maps with 1’ contours for up to 2 million acres
  • Bright, Sunlight-readable 5” display and intuitive user interface
  • Built-in GPS lets you mark waypoints, create routes and view boat’s speed
  • Includes transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP clearer scanning sonar
  • Rugged design for every fishing environment
  • 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
  • Easy-to-use 4-inch color fishfinder with new vivid scanning sonar color palettes to easily distinguish fish and structure; tilt/swivel bailmount bracket included
  • Genuine Garmin protective cover included. Save your unit from any damage or discoloring from the sun.
  • Includes built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping
  • PINPOINT ACCURACY - This phone fish finder displays unerring accuracy in the water. With a target separation of 0.4 in (narrow beam) and 1 in (wide and mid beams), you’ll be able to easily pinpoint target species and track even the tiniest lure when vertical jigging.
  • SMART TECHNOLOGY - Use cutting edge technology to your advantage with our fish finders & depth finders with accuracy at up to 330 ft. By generating its own dependable Wi-Fi, you can have full confidence knowing Deeper PRO+ 2 has your back with rock solid connectivity.
  • READY TO PERFORM - Locate where your next catch is hiding faster with the Deeper PRO+ 2 Fish Finder! The wide beam, mid and narrow beams make covering large expanses or drilling down on specific spots available at your disposal. Ideal for elite anglers who want to take their matchplay to the next level!
  • GAME CHANGING CAPABILITIES - Deeper's fishing gear and equipment keeps you on top of your game wherever you fish! From boat, kayak, shore, bank and even ice fishing with its flasher view. The wireless, sleek and lightweight design makes for a seamless addition to your tackle box.
  • BUILT-IN GPS - Our portable sonar fish finder allows you to create bathymetric maps from the shore, dock, or bank simply and effectively, all you have to do is cast out and reel in to start mapping! This underwater fish finder saves all of your maps to the integrated Fish Deeper app.
  • Includes built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping
  • Includes dual-beam ice fishing transducer with Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar for crystal-clear images and remarkable target separation
  • Rugged, portable carrying case to fit accessories
  • Easy-to-use 4” color fishfinder with built-in, high-sensitivity GPS
  • Find fish; mark and return to hot spots, docks and ramps
  • 7-INCH MULTI TOUCH: The 7-inch, high-resolution, multi-touch screen is easy to use and install.
  • ACTIVETARGET READY: See high-resolution images of fish swimming around structure and responding to your lure – as it happens – with support for ActiveTarget Live Sonar.
  • FULL NETWORKING: Build the complete Elite Fishing System with integrated wireless, NMEA 2000 and Ethernet connectivity – add Halo Dome Radar, Outboard Pilot or share sonar, charting, waypoints, and other user data between displays.
  • C-MAP CONTOUR: From finding key fishing areas, like ledges, drop-offs and ditches to navigating with precision to fish-holding areas, you will have more success on the water with high-resolution 1-foot contours on 8,900 U.S. lakes.
  • ACTIVE IMAGING 3-IN-1: See structure and cover with a new level of refined detail with the included Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, featuring CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan with FishReveal.
  • Lowrance Wide-Angle Broadband sonar
  • 4-inch SolarMAX Screen
  • 4-inch SolarMAX Screen
  • Easy front-dash or quick-release bracket mounting installation HOOK2-4x All Season Pack The world’s easiest fishfinder, HOOK2 4x Bullet offers simple menus, easy access to key functions and Autotuning sonar. Powered by proven Lowrance performance, HOOK2 4x features wide-angle, Broadband sonar coverage. Just plug it in and fish, it's that easy.
  • Easiest-to-use menu operation and Dedicated Keypad
  • Automated sonar settings

What to Look For in a best all season fish finder?

Looking for the best all season fish finder requires consideration of many criteria. Product learning varies in type, feature, and customer ranking. Overall, it comes with several difficulties in buying. So, we are available to support you occasionally.

It is beneficial for you to have a closer look at the things below to evaluate and then choose which one is suitable:

Power

Power refers to the output power of the transducer. Your finder's ability to display deep images will depend on how much power it has. While a powerful finder will enable you to see better under deeper water conditions, it can also work well in more difficult environments. A low-quality fishfinder will not be able to see clearly in murky water.

Your transducer's power is determined in a formula called RMS, or root mean squared. This is similar to the wattage. The ideal power for fish finders is 500 W. A 500-watt fish finder will give you clear images in all conditions.

It's sometimes not about the image. There are many finders that can show water temperature, and some have depth finders.

GPS Capabilities

A GPS fishfinder is essential because you will not realize how important it is until you actually need it. You won't be able to tell where you are if dense fog rolls in while you're on the water.

You can also create waypoints with a GPS fishfinder. Many GPS fishfinders have chartplotter capabilities so that you can record your favorite fishing spots.

Price is the only issue with GPS combo fishfinders. Although these are more costly and may be a bit bulkier than the GPS fish finder combos, you don't have to sacrifice security by always being able to see where you are. Unless you use GPS, which many of us have.

Mounting

It is also important to think about how you mount the transducer to your boat. A transom mount mount is the most common type. They are attached to the boat's back by the trolling engine so that they can withstand heavy water flow.
These transducers are often the least expensive, but they can be fragile due to their nature.
Mounts for through-hull boats are usually mounted on the sides of the boat. They're stronger and more flexible, but they can be more costly. These mounts are made for fishing trips that last longer in deeper waters and higher speeds boats.
The in-hull mount is installed inside your boat and can be removed easily. However, the downside is that it must be able to penetrate your boat's material. It will need to be mounted using bronze, stainless or plastic depending on the boat's materials.

Device Size

Take into account the dimensions of your kayak or boat and determine how much room you have for a fishfinder. Many boats have very limited space. You don't want a big device blocking your view, particularly if you need to position and pull fishing rods within a narrow area.
Fish finders come in many sizes, which is a good thing. There are devices that have screens as small as one inch and large models up to 12 inches. You don't have to go bigger, but it is important to be able read all the information on your fish finder. Before you choose the screen that you want, make sure it fits on your fishing rig.

Transducer

The transducer is next. It is an essential part of every fish finder. This is the component that transmits and receives sonar. It is the transducer that makes the difference in a good or poor fish finder.

A stronger transducer will produce a better image. The transducer that is stronger can transmit sonar signals at greater depths and through more difficult conditions. It also distinguishes between different types of fish and other obstacles underwater.

Display

After you have a size set, you can explore different screen types and sizes. It's crucial that the screen shows all the results of your fish finder. Make sure it is easy to read. Although larger screens might seem to be the best option, you need to consider the resolution of the screen. More pixels are better. You will spend more on pixels and resolutions, unfortunately.
It is important to consider the type and display method of information. Although black and white displays can do the job, they are more difficult to read than full-color displays. We recommend looking for full-color models to get the best results. They are easier to read under different weather conditions.

Cone Angle

Your fish finder's cone is the area it emits sound waves. A cone is a measurement of the size and area that your fish finder can provide. You should understand that bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. The signal strength of some fish finders, such as the ones we reviewed above, is lower than those with a wider radius.

A fish finder with a narrower cone gives me a clearer picture of the underwater world.

The cone's depth is what you should be paying attention to. You will get signals from some cones up to 100 feet away, but not if your casting is directly below the boat. This can create confusion and distortions that can result in casting places you will not catch any fish.

It is also important to consider the angle of the cone. You should look for one that has at least 20 degrees. They are the most popular, so you don't need to spend a year of salary just to have one. Dual spectrum chirp is available on many of the fish finders that I have reviewed. This will allow you to cover more areas at lower depths.

FAQs

Can I Use The Same Fish Finder For Shallow Water, Deep Water, And Ice Fishing?

Technically, the answer is yes. However, savvy fishermen employ different strategies in different circumstances. While some fish finders work better in open water, others can be used to locate fish at your local lake. It is highly recommended to buy a fishfinder that has been specifically designed for ice fishing.

Are Fish Finders Waterproof?

While most fish finders may not be waterproof, they can withstand water. Although they can't be submerged completely underwater, you won't hurt them if it gets wet. Castable fish finders from Deeper have the best water resistance, based on pressure and depth.

Because a small portion of the transducer included with your fish finder will remain underwater, it is waterproof.

What Is A Fish Finder?

The fish finder uses underwater sonar waves to detect disturbances in water. The waves bounce off any object, and then the device determines whether it's a fish or structure. High-quality fishfinders can even determine the size of the fish.

Can I Sync My Fish Finder With My Smart Phone Or Tablet?

There are apps that can sync your smartphone with your fishfinder. These models are very convenient because they can save and analyze the data over time. The waterbed can be mapped and alerted when fish enter a particular area. You can also remotely adjust the settings of your fish finder.

How To Read A Fish Finder?

There will be several ways to read your finder. The first is like a topographical maps. Some have full-color displays that can be used to show elevation changes below the water. These displays can be used to identify drop-offs or changes in the bed and help you locate optimal fishing spots.

Sonar waves can also be used, which display ripples on your screen. These "waves", or ripples, are actually fish. While some have pictures of fish, others display waves or curves.

You must also learn how to properly read the fish finders before you can choose the right one. To get the best out of your fish finder, make sure that you understand what it is doing.

What Do I Do If My Transducer Is Broken?

It may be possible for the transducer to be remounted if it has come off the mount. Most situations require the purchase and installation of a new transducer if it is damaged physically. You should dry dock your boat. Most boatyards are not liable for any damage to the transducers that occurs during drying. If the transducer appears to be in good condition but is not sending or receiving sound waves, please consult the owner's manual.

How To Install A Fish Finder?

There are many factors that affect the way a fish finder is installed. The make and model of your boat, how you fish, what type of mount, etc. are all important factors.

The list of best all season fish finder is updated frequently to approach the latest information. Please check our website to get any changes and additions usually.

Would you like to be given practical support about best all season fish finder of 2024? Our customer service department is always here to assist you. Please contact us as soon as possible whenever you need.


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About Sarah Combs

Sarah Combs
Sarah Combs is a visual editor who loves to travel and hike. She enjoys taking photographs of her journeys, which help her to remember the beautiful places she's been to. Sarah is grateful for the opportunities that she has had to see the world and looks forward to continuing to explore new places in the future. Sarah is the editor of CampfireHQ since 2021 and has written on a variety of topics, from camping, and hiking to other outdoor guides.

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