Wouldn’t it be ideal to go on a fishing trip and know exactly where to cast your line out when fishing from the comforts of your kayak? 

This alone makes buying one worth it, why not know the exact location of the fishes this will make your fishing trip more enjoyable and you will definitely get a good haul! 

Maybe you’re someone who fishes for recreation and only paddles out every once in a while or maybe you’re a fisherman who goes out daily and its more serious for you. Whoever you are you’ll want to find the best kayak fish finder for the money to make your fishing trip even better by catching more fish!

But, it begs the question how do you know what kayak fish finder is the best? there are so much choices especially with the different sonar systems and features can be really confusing. we have simplified everything and done the long research for you.

Best Kayak Fish Finder Reviews

HDS-7 Live kayak fish finder review

[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”327″ identifier=”B07HR13Q9Z” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/413wyqbZjiL.jpg” tag=”activexsports-20″ width=”500″]The HDS 7 Live is one if not the best fish finder on the market, however with this comes a high price tag. It comes first on our list and wins our Editor’s choice award because it ticks all the boxes and more. 

It has active imaging  with 3 In 1 Transducer with Active Imaging Sonar, which basically means it will pin point the fishes exact location for you. The device comes with smartphone integration so you can receive notifications on the actual fish finder it self.

It has an easy routing system to help you navigate faster; It does this with automatic route planning that auto-plots the shortest & safest course based on a boat’s draft, beam & height, it even creates a route around fixed hazards!

Another feature is the Twin Channel CHIRP sonar, this unique sonar will make sure you never miss out on your target with two CHIRP channels running at the same time. (Personally I like to have two maps open one zoomed in and one zoomed out so i can see every detail) 

The dual core processor employs a system with more than enough speed & power to provide fast redraws and a quicker response times to easily drive technology (no more lag like other cheaper models).

The HDS Live come with preloaded high-detail C-MAP US  with enhanced charts with 1-foot contours on over 4,000 lakes and C-MAP .

The HDS 7 Live  has some of the most advanced fish finder technology. you can simultaneously view the CHIRP Sonar in 3D or  in a structure HD scan to get the best possible view of fish and structure, not just below you but to the sides of your boat as well.

Pros

Dual mapping for a better field of vision 

Dual core processor ensures no lag on your fish finder 

3 In 1 Transducer with Active Imaging Sonar

Preloaded high-detail C-MAP US

Cons

Quite expensive when compared to other fish finder that are out 

Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar review – Best Fish finder for the money 

[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”500″ identifier=”B01CQLVO5U” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51XX6HgoLrL.jpg” tag=”activexsports-20″ width=”500″]The Deeper Smart Portable Fish Finder is a versatile, wireless, castable fish finder with built in GPS for avid anglers, with an emphasis on shore fishing.

It works with all smartphones Android, Apple iOS and tablets using a wireless bluetooth connection

The standout feature  and most unique feature about this is the ability to tie the fish finder  on your fishing line, cast out the line, and receive feedback with a scan of the whole area between you and the end of your line.

This enables you to know the exact direction to cast, how far out to do this, and how deep the fish are in a certain area. This feature by makes the product worth it for us and only narrowly missed the editors choice but this definitely comes second.

One you have downloaded and paired the Deeper App PRO+ with the built in GPS, it will allow you to create bathymetric maps from the shore (the only fish finder to do this on the market!).

In addition to that you get other information such as, knowing water temperature and depth, determining vegetation, bottom structure and hardness as well as other valuable data essential for strategic and productive angling.

Additionally, this versatile and lightweight fish finder works in both fresh and salt water, providing accurate and wide coverage throughout its operation.

The intelligent Deeper Smart comprises of a free applications with features such as a fish activity calendar, maps, a diary, the weather, sharing functions, integrated camera functions, import and export functions, and a sound alarm.

A tip if you purchase this be CAREFUL where you cast this out as if you do this in very shallow water it could hit a rock or something else and damage the device 

The end result of this is a one of kind fish finder with unique features and for the price it is an absolute steal.

Pros

Creates bathymetric maps from the shore with built in GPS (Only fish finder on the market that can do this)

Casts up to 330ft and scans down to 260ft with Ddal beam sonar frequency 

Generates its own Wi-Fi signal to connect.

Cons

Screen and number could be slightly larger 

HawkEye Fishtrax 1C Fish Finder – Best fish finder for beginners

[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”466″ identifier=”B016O5IDBW” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51UYHG4xBqL.jpg” tag=”activexsports-20″ width=”500″] The HawkEye Fishtrax 1C Fish Finder has recently gained a lot of traction in the kayak fishing community and is really handy little device.

This is great kayak fish finder for beginners in terms of price,size and quality, just because of the low price it doesn’t compromise in quality.

The Hawkeye Fishtrax 1C  is very user friendly and has a easy to understand instructions manual making it easy for anyone to understand.

It features an 83/200 kHz transducer, 100-level sensitivity adjustment, and auto-zoom bottom tracking for you to homing in on your reading to either shallow or deep waters.

The key to this fish finder is in its simplicity: it has 3 user-friendly modes that give you a quick and concise reading for when you need it. Specifically, the Ice Mode’s digital flasher makes this product perfect for multi-season use, including ice fishing.

Pros

Dual-Frequency FishTrax Intelligent Sonar 

Wallet friendly price 

Ideal for beginners

Cons

Screen and numbers could be slightly larger 

Garmin Striker 4 kayak fish finder review

[easyazon_image align=”left” height=”500″ identifier=”B017NI17HQ” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41Z7uTkGCwL.jpg” tag=”activexsports-20″ width=”500″]The Garmin Striker 4 when you the the Garmin name you know that it is something to live up to and this device holds no bars in doing this.

It has an very user-friendly interface, with a vibrant full-colored 3.5″display screen, CHIRP sonar, and sharp 77/200 kHz transducer,which provides a visibly higher level of clarity and detail for fish and structure than traditional fish finders.

Instead of just sending 1 single frequency, CHIRP sends a continuous sweep of frequencies, ranging from low to high, then interprets them individually upon their return.

It also comes with a built-in GPS, which  enables you navigate routes, set waypoints  and mark different structures such as rock piles, or any obstructions that are underwater.

The Striker 4 fish finder comes with a very useful dual display feature to set two screens side-by-side.

This lets you easily view your waypoint map and reader in the same display, or to view both the  signals together for a fuller underwater reading.

At  a very modest price, the Striker 4 delivers a lot of the features that you would expect on a higher priced options.

As a result this is model is ideal for beginners and seasoned fishing yakers alike, and  it easy to tell why..

Pros

Dual-Frequency FishTrax Intelligent Sonar 

Wallet friendly price 

Ideal for beginners

Cons

Screen and numbers could be slightly larger 

Humminbird Helix 5 Review

The HELIX 5 has a vibrant widescreen color display and includes transducer and mounting hardware, as well as a power cable and gimbal mounting bracket.[easyazon_image align=”right” height=”321″ identifier=”B01M2VLBQF” locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/516PaHTKGYL.jpg” tag=”activexsports-20″ width=”500″]

The Humminbird’s features a 2D sonar but it is far from two-dimensional. If you’re fishing freshwater lakes, coastal waters or the ice, you’ll find the right solution for your environment and prey.

This device also has a unique “SwitchFire” mode which allows you to control the way your returns appear. It has two display modes—Max Mode and Clear Mode—you can select how much detail, including fish, structure and thermoclines, you want to see or not see.

With the Hummingbird fish finder you can have a wide beam for more search area or a narrow beam for more precise area.

The DualBeam shows you fish and the bottom. The DualBeam Plus lets you combine the two beams for even more  refined detail.

With this hummingbird they have enhanced their standard Basemap to deliver more detail to give a better angling experience.

The maps are based on freshwater data from LakeMaster and NOAA, (one of the most-trusted saltwater source) their accurate maps provide you with a clear view of underwater terrain.

The maps also Identify things like buoys, daymarkers, hazards, marinas and countless other navigation aids and points of interest with our comprehensive icon system. 

Pros

Accurate standard base maps based on data from LakeMaster and NOAA

Built in GPS

Unique switch fire mode

Cons

 Can have a bit of a learning curve in understanding the device