The Best Depth Finders: Buying Guide 2024
By, Scott NelsonUpdated
Our Top Picks
1. Best Overall: Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5" GPS Fishfinder.
Garmin Striker 4 is a high-resolution scanning Sonar that shows you more of what is in the water around your boat. It offers a bright, detailed representation of objects and fish that includes near-photographic images. The power of simplicity offers a keyed interface with dedicated buttons. This device is easy to use and easy to install and maximum depth of 1,600 feet of freshwater and 750 feet of saltwater. Read Review
2. Best Durable: HOOK2 4X - 4-inch Fish Finder with Bullet Skimmer Transducer.
The Lowrance HOOK2 4x Fish Finder offers next generation Auto-Tuning Sonar with a Phone-like Menu giving you more time to spend fishing and less time dealing with settings. With a wide-angle sonar cone and easy setup, the HOOK2 4x is perfect for the fishing enthusiast who wants to up the ante. Read Review
3. Best Reliable: Garmin Striker Plus 4 with Dual-Beam transducer, 010-01870-00.
The Garmin Striker Plus 4 with Dual-Beam transducer is the perfect choice for anglers of all skill levels. The GPS receiver offers advanced features like water and depth mapping, which allow you to mark waypoints, create routes and view your boat's speed. It also includes a built-in sonar that provides clear images of your target. Read Review
4. Best Durable: HawkEye DT1H Handheld Depth Finder with Temperature
This handheld sonar device is perfect for finding fish, coral, and other marine life in the water. It provides readings in depth and temperature, with an easy-to-read soft glow backlit LCD display. The Inductive Switching Technology (IST) allows the unit to be 100% waterproof up to 200 feet so you can use this depth finder in any environment. Read Review
If you’re an avid angler, you have your favorite spots and lures that you always use when fishing. Sure, you may change up your setup from time to time, but there are typically only a few places that you fish. With that in mind, it’s important to find the right depth finders for you.
Whether you’re looking to fish specific lakes or simply need a great tool for finding all of the shallow spots in your local pond, having a great depth finder is essential. After all, no one wants to spend their afternoon fishing with nothing but disappointment. In this article, we’ll cover the best depth finders available on the market today.
You can count on our team of experts who have spent over 16 hours conducting surveys through 4,754 real customer reviews. Because of this, we came to the conclusion that the best-reviewed product is Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5" GPS Fishfinder.. And HOOK2 4X - 4-inch Fish Finder with Bullet Skimmer Transducer. is another choice for you while keeping the product's quality and functionality.
RELATED: We have researched 4,743 reviews from customers to create a list top 10 best budget fish finders in 2024
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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)
- WIDER SONAR COVERAGE: The HOOK2 4x offers a wide-angle sonar cone giving you double the coverage of traditional fish finders.
- EASY SETUP: A single transducer can be mounted on the transom, inside the hull, on the trolling motor or through a scupper hole.
- EASY TO USE: The Lowrance HOOK2 4x Fish Finder features auto-tuning sonar and phone-like menus giving you more time to spend fishing and less time dealing with settings.
- TRANSDUCER INCLUDED: The included Bullet Skimmer transducer gives you traditional 2-D sonar (fish arch) views.
- Built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software lets you create and store maps with 1’ contours for up to 2 million acres
- Includes dual-beam transducer with Garmin Chirp traditional sonar for crystal-clear images and remarkable target separation
- Rugged design for every fishing environment. Frequencies supported: Traditional: 50/77/83/200 kHz, Transmit power: 200 W (RMS)
- Built-in GPS lets you mark waypoints, create routes and view boat’s speed
- Bright, Sunlight-readable 4.3” display and intuitive user interface
- The most versatile handheld depth finder sonar system ever produced
- Water or air temperature readings which are displayed in degrees farhrenheit or celcius on a SoftGlow backlit LCD display
- HawkEye products are manufactured both in the USA and overseas using technology designed and developed with American ingenuity.
- Inductive switching technology (IST) allows the unit to be 100% waterproof up to 200 feet (approx. 61 M)
- Water depth readings from 1.5 to 300 feet (.5 to approx. 90 M); Automatic depth range adjustment
- No glare, polarized LCD icon display with storage sun cover allows for spot free viewing with or without sunglasses; Algorithmic programming significantly reduces false readings and produces unmatched precision
- Delivers uninterrupted depth readings from 2.5 to 600 feet on the largest display available on an In-Dash Depth Sounder up to 60 mph. Transducer Frequency-200 kHz
- ShootThru sonar technology allows for depth readings through solid fiberglass hulls and up to 1/8-inch aluminum hulls
- 3-stage Advanced Warning System clearly signals an alarm condition with an audible alarm, an ultra bright red LED warning light and LCD alarm indicators
- HawkEye products are manufactured both in the USA and overseas using technology designed and developed with American ingenuity
- 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.
- 9-INCH MULTI TOUCH: The 9-inch, high-resolution, multi-touch screen is easy to use and install.
- 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.
- 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.
- Dual Beam PLUS Sonar - Two beams combine for great detail and a generous coverage area
- Keypad control interface X-Press menu system
- Down Imaging for a clear view of what's happening below your boat
- SwitchFire SOnar to take command of how your sonar returns appear
- 5-Inch Color WVGA Display
- Display type: 3.5" 18bit TFT V320XH240 sunlight readable. Depth reading from 1.8 to 984ft (0.6-300m) in 1/10th precision. Bottom contour and water temperature indicator. 100 levels of sensitivity setting and multi-level depth range.
- Auto zoom bottom tracking and quick manual zoom. "Stop chart" at any time. Multi-language menu settings (English / Russian/ French / Chinese / Japanese / Finnish / Polish / German / Italian / Spanish / Dutch / Korean / Swedish / Greek / Danish). Big/small fish identification and fish depth indicator.
- 200KHz/83KHz duel beam sonar frequency. Anti-interference from the grass when used in lake. Display different bottom (grass, sand, rock) in the sea. 800 watts maximum output power; 100 watts RMS power. Battery strength indicator. Perfect for ocean, river, lake fishing, etc.. 800 watts maximum output power; 100 watts RMS power. Battery strength indicator.
- User selectable feet or meter reading. User selectable sonar chart mode. Clear fish icon. Depth compensation. Audible fish and depth alarm, depth alarm 3-99ft.
- This amazing fish finder is specially designed for amateur and professional fishermen to find fish location, depth and bottom contour of water, perfect to be used in the sea, river, lake and fantastic for detecting schools of fish in any particular area.
- SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE - This phone fish finder has you fishing in minutes! Simply pair with the Fish Deeper app on your mobile device and instantly see useful data like fish location and size, depth, bottom contour, vegetation and more. Free to download and compatible with iOS and Android devices.
- STAY OUT FOR LONGER - Deeper's fishing gear and equipment keeps you on top of your game for longer! Reaching full charge in just 2.5 hours, this fish sonar maintains top drawer performance with an excellent 6 hours of battery life, long enough to for the casual angler to enjoy!
- SMART TECHNOLOGY - Use innovative, cutting-edge technology to your advantage with our fish finders & depth finders. By generating its own Wi-Fi, our START depth fish finder won't eat up your mobile data and automatically saves every scan with time and location for easy revisits!
- IMPRESSIVE SPECS - Our portable sonar fish finder boasts high-level specs that help you make the most of each trip! Casting far out to 165ft and also deep down to 165ft with a 40° sonar beam for ultimate accuracy and coverage. This under water fish finder also has a night fishing mode.
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- CHIRP SONAR TRANSDUCER: Included 83/200 transducer provides excellent automatic depth tracking for worry-free operation without the need for fine tuning or pre-programming.
- ALWAYS ON COURSE: Preloaded with a US coastal map, Simrad Cruise comes complete with all the charts you need to enjoy your day on the water. Supports enhanced charts from C-MAP and Navionics.
- CRUISE CONFIDENTLY: Simrad Cruise is the most intuitive, easy-to-use chartplotter available. Everything you need for simple and straightforward GPS navigation is right inside the box.
- EFFORTLESS CONTROL: Intuitive menus let you quickly find the information you need, when you need it. Rotary dial and keypad controls make navigating from screen to screen effortless.
- STAY INFORMED: Depth readings, position, battery voltage and other critical boat information, can all be monitored on your screen for quick reference and situational awareness.
What to Look For in a best depth finders?
Often buyers are reluctant to buy best depth finders. When considering a large purchase, certain things should be examined. Our knowledge and experience of best depth finders will help in making the best options.
Please keep in mind the following criterial before selecting the best depth finders:
Device Size
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.
GPS Capabilities
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.
Power
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.
Cone Angle
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.
Mounting
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.
Display
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.
Transducer
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.
FAQs
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
When new data becomes available, we routinely adjust the list of best depth finders. Please do regularly visit our website for the most up-to-date news.
If you have any questions or difficulties with best depth finders, please do not hesitate to contact us. We'll try our best to do everything we can to assist you if you ask!
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