The Best Beginner Fish Finder For 2025
By, Scott NelsonUpdated
The Quick List
Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5" GPS Fish Finder
ReelSonar CGG-MY-IBOBBER iBobber Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder
HOOK2 4X - 4-inch Fish Finder with Bullet Skimmer Transducer
With the rise of fishing apps and websites, finding fish has never been easier. However, not every fish finder is made equal. Some function better than others depending on the type of water, size of the lake, and other factors.
Finding fish on your own can be frustrating and it’s easy to get discouraged if you don’t see any fish after a few tries. Thankfully some great beginner fishfinders make it easy to start seeing results right away while simultaneously developing your patience and knowledge as you continue to use the device. In this article, we focus on our top picks for beginner fish finders, which are perfect for people who want to get into fishing but don’t have much money or time available. We do have a full list of reviews further down in case you want more information about a particular model instead.
Before making our recommendations, our specialists spend substantial time researching and analyzing your requirements. Then we found the Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5" GPS Fish Finder is the greatest choice for its high-quality performance. If you're looking for another one, consider ReelSonar CGG-MY-IBOBBER iBobber Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder.
Our Top Picks
- 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
- 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)
- 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
- Bluetooth Smart sync up to a distance of 100' for best battery life on the market
- Trip Log with date, time, location, water temp, conditions, type of fishing, lure, number and species of fish caught
- Compatible with Google Watch and iWatch
- GPS spot tagging with interactive map
- Depth-tagged fish icons color coded by size
- 10+ hrs battery life.Syncs with iOS (Apple) 10.0 and later operating systems and Android 4.3 or later that use Bluetooth Smart (4.0)
- Choose between raw sonar or fish tagging views
- Fish & strike alarms
- Rechargeable battery and charge status indicator light
- Accurate sonar readings down to a depth of 135'
- 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.
- WIDER SONAR COVERAGE: The HOOK2 4x offers a wide-angle sonar cone giving you double the coverage of traditional fish finders.
- TRANSDUCER INCLUDED: The included Bullet Skimmer transducer gives you traditional 2-D sonar (fish arch) views.
- Includes a GT20 transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar
- Includes built-in Quickdraw Contours 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
- High-sensitivity GPS to mark waypoints, create routes and view your boat’s speed
- Powered by our proprietary, Low Q CHIRP transducer, Dual Spectrum CHIRP offers two ways to search: wide mode for maximum coverage and narrow mode for maximum detail
- MEGA Down Imaging: Get unprecedented underwater clarity with coverage down to 125 feet below your boat. Not a Minn Kota i-Pilot Link Compatible
- Includes transducer and mounting hardware, power cable and gimbal mounting bracket.Watts RMS: 500
- With two display modes, you can add or remove detail, account for water depth, temperature and turbulence, even watch lure presentations
- 7-Inch screen with 800H x 480V resolution color TFT 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.
- 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.
- SPLITSHOT TRANSDUCER: Perfect for anglers who want the best views below the boat, SplitShot features the fish-finding capability of wide-angle high CHIRP sonar and the high-resolution images of fish-holding structure from DownScan Imaging.
- 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.
- 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.
- Genuine Garmin protective cover included. Save your unit from any damage or discoloring from the sun.
- Includes built-in Quickdraw Contours 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
- High-sensitivity GPS to mark waypoints, create routes and view your boat’s speed
- Includes a GT20 transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar
- Built-in Wi-Fi for access to ActiveCaptain app so you can receive smart notifications, access Quickdraw Contours Community and transfer waypoints and software update notifications
- Built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping software lets you create and store maps with 1’ contours for up to 2 million acres. Resolution : 800 x 480
- Includes transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP ClearVü and CHIRP SideVü scanning sonars
- Bright, sunlight-readable 7” display and intuitive user interface
- Built-in GPS lets you mark waypoints, create routes and view boat’s speed. Transmit power - 500 W (RMS)
- SwitchFire SOnar to take command of how your sonar returns appear
- Keypad control interface X-Press menu system
- Down Imaging for a clear view of what's happening below your boat
- 5-Inch Color WVGA Display
- Dual Beam PLUS Sonar - Two beams combine for great detail and a generous coverage area
- WAYPOINT MAP - Use the waypoint map to easily view, mark and navigate to locations such as brush piles, stumps and docks.
- CLEARVÜ 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.
- 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
- CHIRP SONAR - CHIRP 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.
What to Look For in a best beginner fish finder?
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
Conclusion
Its features, not its name, are what define best beginner fish finder in 2025. This may seem self-evident, but it's easy to become fixated on a specific company or brand due to its reputation. We strongly advise you to consider your needs and determine which products will assist you in meeting them. With our options above, if you can't choose any suitable one, let's check LUCKYLAKER Portable Display Fish Finder Boat Handheld Transducer Fish Finder. Wish you a nice shopping day!
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