10 Best Fish Finders 2025 in the United States

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 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 Humminbird XPLORE 12 GPS Fish Finder is a solid choice for anglers who want detailed underwater imaging and reliable navigation. It features advanced MEGA Side Imaging+ sonar technology that scans up to 200 feet on each side and below, giving clear views of fish and structures. The Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar helps spot fish with good detail in both wide and narrow modes. Its 12-inch HD touchscreen with 1280 x 720 resolution makes it easy to see images and navigate menus, and you can also use a keypad if you prefer.

GPS is built-in with a large lake map covering over 10,000 lakes and compatibility with popular charts, plus it can create live maps of water depth and bottom features as you boat. Connectivity options like Bluetooth and Ethernet allow integration with other devices, including Minn Kota motors. One thing to consider is its weight, around 7 kg, which might limit portability if you need to carry it often.

This fish finder is best suited for serious freshwater anglers who value detailed sonar imaging and advanced GPS mapping, especially those using compatible boat systems. For users seeking a feature-rich device that balances screen clarity, sonar power, and navigation, the XPLORE 12 offers good value, though it might be more than casual fishers need.