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If you’ve just purchased a sea fishing kayak, maybe even one with pedals, you’re probably thinking about how to kit your vessel out. If you’re not, you should be. Kayak fishing can be immensely challenging, particularly when out on the open ocean. The bigger the body of water, the bigger the challenge.
If you’re looking to maximise your success out on the kayak, what you need is one of the best fish finders on the market. By adding a sonar transducer and small screen to your fishing kayak an entirely new world is there at your fingertips. Not only do fish finders help you locate the fish, but the very best ones are also GPS-enabled and have in-built mapping software that will let you save marks, hotspots and areas to avoid. Nothing is wasted.
There are multiple options to choose from, with budget-friendly fish-finders starting at around £150 to the very best which are in excess of £1,000. We’ve compiled a list of entry-level models, mid-priced ones and absolute blowouts. Find the model for you below.
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Table of contents
Kayak fish finder glossary
- CHIRP Sonar: CHIRP stands for ‘Compressed High-Intensity Radar Pulse.’ It is a type of sonar technology that uses a sweeping frequency instead of a single-frequency pulse. It is more accurate than traditional sonar and can transmit a much wider range of frequencies, which allows for a more detailed and accurate representation of the underwater environment.
- Navionics: Navionics is a Garmin-owned company that specialises in digital marine charts and navigation software. It provides charts and mapping data for lakes, rivers, and coastal waters in many countries around the world and is commonly integrated with fish finders.
- Transducer: A transducer is a device that converts energy from one form to another. In a fish finder context, a transducer converts electrical signals into sound waves (transmission) and converts these sound waves back into electrical signals (reception). The sound waves that bounce back off of fish and structure are received and converted by the transducer before being processed by the sonar system.
- Dual-beam sonar: Dual-beam sonar is a type of sonar technology that uses two separate sonar beams to provide a more detailed and accurate representation of the underwater environment. Instead of a single narrow beam, these sonar systems use a wide and narrow, providing and broad overview and a detailed look.
- Sidescan: Sidescan imaging is a type of sonar technology that uses a special transducer that emits a fan-shaped beam of sound waves that spread out to the side as they leave the transducer. It provides a greater level of detail than traditional sonar technologies.
- Downscan: Downscan sonar is similar to sidescan imaging in that it is used to create images of the underwater environment, but downscan imaging only looks directly down. The two are best used together for the most detailed representation of the sea or lake.
What is the best fish finder for kayaks?
The best fish finder for kayaks is Garmin’s ECHOMAP 9″ Touchscreen Chartplotter. With an incredible quality 9″ screen, ultra-wide CHIRP sonar, split-screen options and Navionics integration it is a stunning piece of kit. But it doesn’t come cheap.
If you’re in the market for a more budget-friendly fish finder for your kayak, then Hummingbird’s Piranhamax 4 Fish Finder is a superb option. It doesn’t have Navionics integration or GPS-enabled, but it will absolutely do the job.
What makes a good fish finder for a kayak?
When choosing a good fish finder for a kayak you should consider the below;
- Portable: A kayak fish finder should be compact, lightweight and easy to transport, as well as simple to install and remove when needed.
- Appropriately sized: Smaller, single-person kayak fish finders have a screen size of around 4-5 inches. Larger models come in up to the 9″ mark.
- Power supply: A number of fish finders run on a 12V system. Not all kayaks have this capacity, so it’s worth investing in a battery-operated fish finder.
- Transducer: The transducer sends out the sonar signal and receives the echoes in return. Not all fish finders come complete with a transducer, so firstly check it’s included and secondly make sure you pick one that is suitable for kayaks, such as a transom-mount or gimbal-mount transducer.
- Sonar technology: Consider the frequency and power of the sonar, as well as the type of environment you will be using it in. The top-of-the-range models have dual-beam, narrow and wide CHIRP sonar. All in ultra-HD. But this isn’t essential.
- Durability: Kayaks can travel through some pretty rough conditions. Waves, wind, howling rain. You don’t get the relative safety of a boat, so make sure you choose an ultra-durable model.
- Price: Competent entry-level kayak fish finders can be bought for £100 – 200. If you’re after the best on the market then you should be looking to spend around £1,000, where you’ll get contour maps, lake maps, clarity, split-screen options, Navionics integration. The works.
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At a glance
The 8 best fish finders for kayaks
Garmin ECHOMAP Touchscreen Chartplotter
- The best all-round kayak fish-finder on the market
- UHD compatible screen
- Sonar, navigation, sidescan and downscan included
- Incredible screen quality
- Pre-loaded global maps of freshwater systems
- Sonar quality is so good shapes are easy to distinguish
- Some of the features can be complicated and take time to learn
- No depth warning option
Sportsman's Guide
Gael Force Marine
Tackle Direct
eBay
| Price history for Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv, 9" Keyed-Assist Touchscreen Chartplotter with U.S. LakeVü g3 and GT54UHD-TM transducer | |
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| Feature | Included |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 9″ |
| Sonar type | CHIRP, sidescan and downscan |
| Sonar depth | 500 feet in freshwater, 350 in saltwater |
| Mapping data integration | Yes – Navionics covers more than 17,000 lakes |
| Transducer included | Yes – GT54UHD-TM |
| Power output | 500 watts |
| Smartphone-enabled | No |
| GPS-enabled | Yes |
| Mount | Tilt and swivel |
Garmin’s ECHOMAP 9″ Touchscreen Chartplotter is the best kayak fish finder on the market. The 9″ screen is – whilst chunky – stunning quality thanks to its ultra HD, ultra-wide CHIRP sonar and the ultra HD SideVü scanning sonars. The flexibility of the system is outstanding too. We love the multi-purpose split screen that gives you the option to have a one, two, three or four-way split screen that includes an ultra-detailed fish finder and high-quality contour maps alongside the time, speed, battery, water temperature etc.
Like any quality Garmin fish finder, it has an inbuilt Navionics integration and almost 20,000 preloaded lake maps from the LakeVü G3 inland maps plugin. For less well-travelled areas that don’t have maps pre-loaded, the QuickDraw feature builds your own precise maps as you go.
The main key consideration you need to take into account is whether a 9″ unit is too big for your kayak. Typically the best kayak fish finders have a screen of around 5″ and nine can be a little on the bulky side.
Humminbird Piranhamax 4 Fish Finder
- 4.3″ display screen with a sonar depth of up to 600 feet
- Choose between narrow and wide beam sonar
- Simple and effective fish finder
- Incredible value at just over £100
- More than sufficient sonar depth of 600 feet (albeit at a lower frequency)
- Dual-beam sonar
- Not the best for deeper water
- Not GPS-enabled or integrated with a mapping tool
Fishing, Tackle & Bait
| Feature | Included |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 4.3″ |
| Sonar type | Dual-beam sonar (narrow and wide) |
| Sonar depth | 320 feet at 455kHz or 600 feet at 200kHz |
| Mapping data integration | No |
| Transducer included | Yes – XNT 9 28 T to be mounted inside hull or transom |
| Power output | 200 watts |
| Smartphone-enabled | No |
| GPS-enabled | No |
| Mount | Tilt and swivel |
Humminbird’s Piranhamax 4 Fish Finder is probably the best value fish finder on the kayak fishing market. Ultra-transportable, lightweight and sturdy, it’s such an excellent entry-level option. The single screen has a tilt and swivel transom mount and a single clear screen that focuses on depth, structure and – thanks to the Fish ID+, fish and depth alarms – identifying target species is particularly effective.
It obviously doesn’t have the bells and whistles of a higher-end Garmin or Humminbird, but the dual-beam sonar has very good coverage and works at a depth of up to 320 feet at 455kHz and 600 feet – albeit at only 200kHz. The single screen doesn’t provide the same level of detail around the water temperature or kayak speed, but that is not what this fish finder is designed for.
At this price, you’re getting a good quality fish finder without the bells and whistles. As long as that’s what you’re after this is a great option.
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Garmin STRIKER Plus 4 Fish Finder
- A super value Garmin fish finder complete with QuickDraw software
- Dual-beam transducer and GPS integration included
- A water temperature sensor is great for understanding fish behaviour
- Built-in Garmin QuickDraw contours mapping software lets you store two million acres of maps
- Built-in GPS lets you mark waypoints, create routes and view the boat’s speed
- Excellent image quality for the price
- The user manual is very limited
- Not suitable at high speeds or in very deep water
| Price history for Garmin Striker Plus 4 with Dual-Beam transducer, 010-01870-00 | |
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| Feature | Included |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 4.3″ |
| Sonar type | CHIRP |
| Sonar depth | Dependent |
| Mapping data integration | Yes – Garmin Quickdraw™ Contours mapping software |
| Transducer included | Yes – dual-beam |
| Power output | 200 watts |
| Smartphone-enabled | No |
| GPS-enabled | Yes |
| Mount | Tilt and swivel |
Garmin’s STRIKER Plus 4 Fish Finder comes complete with a dual-beam transducer, CHIRP traditional sonar, mapping software and built-in GPS at the miserly price of £170. It’s another superb fish finder at this money. The mapping software is a really standout touch at this price point, which lets you create and store up to two million acres of maps with contour lines accurate to one foot. When you combine this with the inbuilt GPS, you can mark waypoints and map routes that will level up your kayak fishing. The more you go, the more you know.
The screen itself is much the same as the Humminbird Piranhamax 4 Fish Finder, but with slightly more detail. The split-screen option means you can view the fish finder and contour maps individually, as well as a combination of the two. With boat speed and fish size included.
Again this is an excellent fish finder and a clear step up from the Humminbird Piranhamax 4. You’re paying a little extra but to us, it’s worth it.
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Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP Fish Finder
- This fish finder features Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar, AutoChart Live, GPS and Humminbird Basemap
- Supremely high-quality resolution and detailed imaging of fish and underwater structure
- Access to patented Hummingbird Lake Master features. Map depth contours, bottom hardness and vegetation
- Easy installation and setup
- Accurate, powerful sonar imaging to serious depths
- You can create real-time maps of your fishing spots
- Sonar is not effective at high speeds
| Price history for Humminbird 411610-1 Helix 7 Chirp MDI GPS G4 Fish Finder | |
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| Feature | Included |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 7″ |
| Sonar type | Dual-spectrum CHIRP, wide and narrow mode |
| Sonar depth | Dependent (but deep) |
| Mapping data integration | Yes – 10,000 lakes and US coastal coverage included |
| Transducer included | Yes – dual-beam |
| Power output | 500 watts |
| Smartphone-enabled | No |
| GPS-enabled | Yes |
| Mount | Gimbal |
Humminbird’s HELIX 7 CHIRP Fish Finder is another super high-end fish finder complete with all the bells and whistles. This model’s best feature – particularly the MDI GPS G3 – is the quality of the imaging. The screen resolution is up there with the very best on the market and the two display modes allow for excellent flexibility. You can add or remove water depth, temperature, and turbulence and even watch how your lure moves through the water.
The Low Q CHIRP transducer (specific to Humminbird) and Dual Spectrum CHIRP let you search in wide mode when coverage is the goal and narrow mode for maximum detail. Fantastic for fishing in larger bodies of water.
Whilst it has excellent freshwater and coastal mapping data, it is limited to the US so you’d need to purchase a UK-based or global add-on if you’re looking for regional map data. Contour-wise – as it isn’t a Garmin product – there’s no Navionics integration. Although its contour mapping detail is excellent.
When you have such high-quality, dual-beam fish finders a good approach is to use the wide mode to uncover as much of the area as possible, before honing in on your targets with the narrow mode.
Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP Fish Finder
- High-quality Imaging Sonar reveals the lake bottom
- The inclusion of GPS mapping, AutoChart Live and Humminbird Basemap give directions
- High and low-resolution map offering to provide appropriate detail
- High-quality mapping software
- Precision GPS Chart plotting with built-in Anima cartography
- A more affordable option in the Helix range
- Requires some fine-tuning. Out-of-the-box setup isn’t best for fish-finding
- No maps outside of US lakes included
| Feature | Included |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 5″ |
| Sonar type | Dual-spectrum CHIRP, wide and narrow mode |
| Sonar depth | Dependent (but deep) |
| Mapping data integration | Yes – built-in Humminbird Basemap, based on freshwater data from LakeMaster and NOAA for the seas |
| Transducer included | Yes – dual-beam |
| Power output | 500 watts |
| Smartphone-enabled | No |
| GPS-enabled | Yes |
| Mount | Gimbal |
Humminbird’s HELIX 5 Fish Finder is Humminbird’s more affordable offering in the HELIX range. And – for the kayak fishermen who need a slightly smaller setup – the 5″ screen and smaller monitor is an excellent option. With the same CHIRP dual-beam sonar and 500W power output, it’s still an incredibly high-tech piece of kayak fishing kit.
The screen quality is still exceptionally good and provides a split-screen option for chart depth and contour mapping. The in-built Precision Internal GPS offers superb chart plotting and the AutoChart Live lets you create real-time maps of your most successful fishing spots. The Humminbird Basemap is based on fresh and saltwater data from LakeMaster and NOAA and provides an excellent view of all underwater structures and depths. Contours, depth markings, buoys, navigation aids. None of them escapes the HELIX 5.
Whilst the Humminbird models don’t have Navionics integration, Humminbird Basemap – Humminbird’s own charting data software – is included and offers excellent salt and freshwater mapping.
Lowrance Elite FS 7 Series Fish Finder
- Arguably the highest quality resolution fish finder on the market
- Scan logs and phone sync included
- Active Imaging™ sonar delivers excellent clarity and high res images of fish and structure at a huge range
- FishReveal technology gives crystal-clear imaging
- Visualises fish behaviour as they attack your lure in real-time
- Navionics integration
- No maps outside of US lakes included
- 8,900 US lakes included. Roughly half of the top Garmin models
| Price history for Lowrance Elite FS 7 Fish Finder with HDI Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts | |
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| Feature | Included |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 7″ |
| Sonar type | Dual-spectrum CHIRP, sidescan and downscan |
| Sonar depth | Dependent (but deep) |
| Mapping data integration | Yes – preloaded with C-MAP and 8.900 US lakes built-in |
| Transducer included | Yes – Active Imaging 3-in-1 |
| Power output | ? |
| Smartphone-enabled | Yes |
| GPS-enabled | Yes |
| Mount | Gimbal or dual-flush mount |
Lowrance Elite FS 7 Series Fish Finders are an absolutely excellent set of fish finders. Complete with Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar featuring CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan it has arguably the best interface on the market. Control-wise the 7″ screen has multiple split-screen options when it comes to contour mapping and fish finding. The navigation panel works just like a sat nav and includes depth, power, speed, temperature et al. It’s an excellent piece of kit.
The ActiveTarget feature of Lowrance’s fish finder means you can see ultra high-res images of fish swimming to (or more likely away from) your lure. One of the Elite FS series’s best features is its buildability. By that we mean you can create a kayak that is virtually impossible to blank on. Wireless NMEA 2000-enabled technology that you can add multiple Lowrance accessories that let you share sonar, charting, waypoints, and other user data between displays.
LUCKY Wireless and Portable Fish Finder
- The key difference between traditional fish finders is the option to cast the transducer (ball) to use in different positions
- Fish icons with size estimations included
- Wired and wireless modes are available
- Sensitivity adjuster to set the size of fish you want to target on the screen
- Fish and shallow alarms included
- Bottom contour display
- Maps and GPS not included
- No ability to store data or work with built-in depth and water charts
| Feature | Included |
|---|---|
| Screen size | 4.3″ |
| Sonar type | Dual-spectrum CHIRP, sidescan and downscan |
| Sonar depth | 147 feet wireless, 328 feet wired |
| Mapping data integration | No |
| Transducer included | Yes – 45 – 90 degrees |
| Power output | Battery-powered (6 hours of battery life) |
| Smartphone-enabled | Yes |
| GPS-enabled | No |
| Mount | Gimbal or dual-flush mount |
LUCKY’s Waterproof Handheld Fish Finder is a tremendous value wireless fish finder with 5-6 hours of battery life, a transducer and a bottom contour display. The included transducer is designed to be attached to the kayak’s hull and is ball-shaped, so you have the option to cast the transducer away from the kayak. Superb for targeting easily spooked fish or understanding how rich in fish potentially treacherous areas are without putting yourself at risk.
It’s smartphone-enabled and the sonar transducer is complete with a sensitivity adjustor, fish alarm, and a 328 feet range when wired (147 feet when wireless) over a 90-degree detection area. And – in one of the most entertaining features on the market – the transducer comes complete with an attraction lamp for fish.
Deeper CHIRP+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder
- Castable ball transducer fish finder
- Transducer-free fish finder designed for ultimate portability
- App-compatible fish-finder, excellent for chart mapping and mark identification and plotting
- Excellent GPS and mapping integration, making planning fishing trips easy
- Excellent battery life
- Ultra-durable
- The app and GPS function can be laggy and take time to work effectively, so load it up beforehand
- Whether this is negative or not is up to you, but it doesn’t come with a screen, you need to use your smartphone
Decathlon UK
Deeper
| Feature | Included |
|---|---|
| Screen size | n/a (your smartphone) |
| Sonar type | Dual-spectrum CHIRP, sidescan and downscan |
| Sonar depth | 330 feet |
| Mapping data integration | Yes |
| Transducer included | No – GPS-enabled fish finder only |
| Power output | Battery-powered – 15 hours of battery life |
| Smartphone-enabled | Yes |
| GPS-enabled | Yes |
| Mount | n/a |
Deeper’s Chirp+ 2 Fish Finder is a castable fish finder accurate to 330 feet deep. The transducer itself is a step up from LUCKY’s Wireless Fish Finder thanks to its enhanced battery life, greater range and quality connectivity in the roughest conditions.
Its best feature, which is fantastic at this price point, is having the ability to create and store bathymetric maps that can be accessed through the Fish Deeper app or website. You can plan your fishing trips and map potential marks beforehand, leaving a series of waypoints and catch marks to give you a superbly detailed picture. This can be accessed both on and offline, with over 50,000 marks to choose from.
So although it isn’t a traditional fish finder for a kayak, it’s a great option to have. particularly if you’re going on longer trips.
With a five-year warranty, Deeper’s CHIRP+ 2 is an ultra-durable fish finder that the manufacturers have a high level of confidence.
FAQs
Can you put a fish finder on a kayak?
Yes, you can install a fish finder on a kayak. A fish finder is one of the best accessories you can add to a fishing kayak and can revolutionise your fishing experience.
Typically they’re mounted to the hull of the kayak and use sonar to give you a clear picture of the underwater world. This is particularly useful when fishing large bodies of water.
Is a fish finder worth it on a kayak?
If you can afford to and you’re struggling with catching fish from a kayak, then a fish finder is absolutely worth it. Adding a fish finder to a kayak is a personal preference and whilst they will almost certainly improve your catch rate – particularly if you’re fishing expansive bodies of water – they aren’t essential.
If you’re fishing huge lakes or out on the ocean and are struggling to locate fish, a fish finder will help you locate the fish, structure or any potential hotspots and hazards. Making them – in our opinion – worth it.
How does a fish finder work on a kayak?
A fish finder uses sonar technology to create a detailed image of the underwater environment. By emitting high-frequency soundwaves that travel through the water and bounce back off objects – fish, structures, plants etc – the echoes are received by a transducer, appearing on the fish finders screen, typically attached to the kayak’s hull or transom.
By providing a clear image of the underwater environment to kayak fishermen, a fish finder allows you to target fish more effectively from the vessel.
Where do you put a fish finder on a kayak?
On a kayak, a fish finder is typically mounted on the hull or transom of the vessel. The exact location can vary and some kayaks have built-in transducer scuppers, which makes securing the technology incredibly straightforward.
For others, you may need to use a drill and mounting kit to install it in a position that is accessible, visible, stable and doesn’t obstruct water flow.
What is the best size fish finder for a kayak?
Typically a fish finder with a display screen of 4-5 inches is sufficient for kayak fishing. There’s no hard and fast rule to follow and the best size fish finder for kayaks must give some weight to personal preference.
Larger fish finders may require more power and the subsequent energy source needs to be taken into consideration. If you’re fishing in much deeper waters, then a fish finder with dual-frequency or side-scanning sonar would be preferable. and bigger. Whereas in shallower waters a smaller, single-frequency sonar would be sufficient.
What is the best type of fish finder for a kayak?
The best type of fish finder is one that is suitable for the size of kayak you’re using, the prevailing weather conditions, its portability and its screen size. Ultimately the most important consideration for fish finders for kayaks is the display screen size and its ability to cope with the body of water you’re fishing in.
If you’re fishing in a larger kayak in deeper, rougher waters, then you should choose a dual-frequency or side-scanning sonar as opposed to a single-frequency sonar. This type of fish finder is more powerful and provides a more accurate picture of the below.
What brands make the best fish finders?
Garmin, Humminbird, Deeper, LUCKY and Lowrance make the best fish finders. The brands have years of expertise, and quality integrations and offer high-quality budget options as well as top-tier models.
Harry
Hi, I'm Harry. A keen, albeit exceedingly average fisherman. I've spent the last few years trawling London's waterways with - if I'm being kind - varied success and would love to help you avoid the mistakes I have made.
