Our Top Picks:
Best small boat fish finder for the price: Wireless Fish Finder by Venterior
A budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on features, this small boat fish finder uses wireless sonar technology to detect fish and underwater structures up to 130 feet deep. Its compact size and ease of use make it a great choice for small boat owners on a budget.
Best high-end small boat fish: Garmin Striker 4
The ultimate high-end fish finder for small boats, the Garmin Striker 4 boasts advanced sonar technology and a bright, easy-to-read display. Its built-in GPS and waypoint marking make it a favorite among serious anglers who want to maximize their fishing success.
Best small boat fish finder for small lakes: Fish Finder with Color Display by Hawkeye
Designed specifically for small lakes, this fish finder uses a color display to provide accurate readings of depth, temperature, and fish location. Its compact size and affordable price make it a popular choice for anglers who want a simple yet effective tool for fishing in small bodies of water.
Fishing is a relaxing and engaging activity. You can sit for hours to reel in your prized catch. However, if you don’t know where the fish are, you will be wasting time without getting a single catch. That is where a fish finder comes in handy. You can get this device in many sizes.
Most people enjoy fishing alone as noise tends to scare away the fish. So, they head out in a small boat or kayak to enjoy this relaxing hobby. Such anglers should invest in the best fish finder for small boat to improve their fishing experience. It is only when they start using the device will they realize its value of it.
Finding the best for small boats can be tough with so many fish finders. That is why we have reviewed the 10 best fish finders for small boats and added a buying guide to make the entire selection and buying process simple and hassle-free.
The Best Fish Finders for Small Boats in 2023
Garmin Striker 4
- 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
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Garmin is a reputed company renowned for making the best fish finder, GPS’s, sports products and accessories. So, if you are looking for the best fish finder for a small boat, this is the one for you. It comes with high-frequency sonar that offers precise, detailed, and clear images of anything in the water under and around the boat.
Product Specs
- Display sizes vary from 3.5, 5, and 7 inches
- Maximum depth in freshwater 1,600 feet
- Maximum depth in saltwater 750 feet
- Requires 12 Volt power supply
Why We Recommend This Product
This particular fish finder is one of the best you will find. It comes with Clear Vu and CHIRP sonar. The former shows you what is in the water, while the latter helps you find the fish. The user interface is simple, and we loved that the screen comes in varied sizes. If you enjoy ice fishing, this fish finder is for you; it comes with a built-in flasher. It allows you to check the speed of the boat while trolling.
Pros
- Easy to install
- Simple interface
- Has CHIRP sonar and Clear Vu sonar
- Has built-in flasher
Cons
- GPS can be a bit difficult to figure out
Tip: The screen and keypad are not water-resistant even though it has an IPX7 rating. Hence, keep in a Ziploc bag to keep it safe from water spray and rain.
Info alert: You can check the sonar history to mark waypoints that you may have missed earlier.
Fish Finder with Color Display by Hawkeye
- FishTrax intelligent sonar delivers precise fish finder readings up to 240 feet
Last update on 2023-10-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This is a good fisher finder for small boat. It is portable, and its size is as much as a smartphone. The only difference is that it is thicker than a smartphone. It is filled with features that allow it to function like a full-size finder.
Product Specs
- FishTrax sonar
- HD color display that has LED backlight
- Fish finder indicators that have depth targeting
- Maximum depth of 240 feet
Why We Recommend This Product
The sonar can penetrate depths of up to 240 feet and ensure precise readings. The color display is a winner in our books. It offers glare-free images, while the fish finder indicators produce high-definition images of the bottom landscape. The superior algorithm minimizes the chances of false readings and gives out an audible alarm when a fish is spotted. What more can you ask for?
Pros
- Can be adapted to different fishing situations
- Penetrates depths of 240 feet in freshwater
- It has a color display
- Transmits data to a smartphone and/or tablet
- Made in the USA
Cons
- While the fisher finder is waterproof, smartphones and tablets are not, so they require protection if you want to use this fish finder for small boat.
Tip: You can attach this fish finder to your boat and let it do the hard work of finding the best fishing spots for you.
Info alert: The fish finder does not require a power source at it operates on four AAA batteries.
Wireless Fish Finder by Venterior
- Castable: No more long & heavy cable for transducer. Clear Color Screen: it comes with clear color TFT LCD display (2 screen background colors selectable - black and white), which enables you to read the screen in bright sunlight or at night. It applies to lake, river, sea and other fishing environment. Suitable for fishing from a kayak or boat, casting from the shore or using for ice fishing.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This small boat depth finder is wireless, which removes the need for wires and cables. It has a TFT LCD screen with a choice of two background colors. It can be used in any fishing environment.
Product Specs
- TFT LCD
- LED backlight
- 2.6-inch display screen
- Built-in polymer battery of 3.7 Volt
Why We Recommend This Product
Since it is handheld and portable, it was easy to carry it. It has two small holes that allow you to tether it to the fishing line. The display screen does not glare, and you can see the images and readings clearly, even in bright sunshine. It has a depth range of about 2.6 feet to 131 feet.
Pros
- Wireless and portable
- Runs on batteries
- Ideal for trolling, ice fishing, and shore fishing
- It can be used in rivers, lakes, ponds, and seas
Cons
- The batteries do not last very long
Tip: This fish finder is not waterproof and hence, you need to protect it.
Info alert: The fish finder switches off automatically if the depth is shown as — for five minutes. It helps to save the life of the battery.
Portable Fish Finder by Garmin
- 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.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for a good fish finder for small boat, take a look at this portable fish finder. Since it is portable, you can easily carry it in your backpack. It comes with a simple and easy-to-use interface.
Product Specs
- 3.5-inch color display
- Chirp sonar transducer
- Built-in GPS
- Built-in rechargeable battery
Why We Recommend This Product
We loved that we could mark the waypoints on the map and check our position at those points. The interface is simple, and we found it very easy to install. The Chirp sonar allowed us to discover fish, and we ended up with a good catch.
Pros
- Convenient to carry
- It comes with a waypoint map
- Easy to use
- Has Chirp sonar
- It comes with a built-in flasher
Cons
- It can have a learning curve if you have not used a fish finder before
Tip: Use the fish finder to check the speed of your boat so that you can adjust it for the lure you are using while trolling.
Info alert: The suction cup is extremely stable and can mount the fish finder on a bench or transom.
Wired and Wireless Fish Finder by Lucky
- 1)Display: 2.8inch LCD with 3 color tone：Blue, Orange, and Gray, pixel. Back lighting: On/off White LED s:240Vx320H
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This fish finder cannot only locate fish but can also measure the depth of the water, the temperature of the water, and image the bottom landscape. It has a depth capacity of 328 feet when wired and 147 feet when wireless.
Product Specs
- 2.8-inch three-tone LCD
- Rechargeable 3 Volt lithium battery
- 45-degree sonar coverage
Why We Recommend This Product
We loved that this fish finder can be used wired or wireless. It is compact and easy to carry. The device is extremely accurate and can precisely measure the depth and find fish, even in lakes that do not have too many. This fish finder is rechargeable; after a full charge, the battery lasts 10 hours when used continuously.
Pros
- Castable fish finder
- It tends to float in the water
- It can be used with or without wire
- It can be used for trolling
- Has rechargeable battery
Cons
- While it is not hard to figure out how the software works, it is not intuitive.
Tip: The float automatically comes on the moment it comes in contact with water.
Info alert: The wireless transducer has a non-rechargeable battery and requires an adapter when using in the US.
Portable and Wireless Wi-Fi-Enabled Fish Finder by Deeper
- HIGH SPECS AND ROCK SOLID CONNECTIVITY: Casts out up to 330ft and scans down to 260ft. Precise 0.5in target separation. Compatible with iOS and Android devices. Syncs to phone/tablet using its own Wi-Fi (like a hotspot). No internet or cellular data needed.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This portable fish finder can be synced with your smartphone or tablet so that you can connect it using Wi-Fi. It does not require the internet, and data can be disconnected to ensure you enjoy an uninterrupted connection with the fish finder.
Product Specs
- Portable and castable sonar
- Syncs with Android and iOS
- Built-in GPS
- Depth capacity of 260 feet
- Build-in flasher
Why We Recommend This Product
This sonar has a casting distance of 330 feet. It was easy to install as it had no batteries or cables. It provides incredible data, including fish, vegetation, and underwater structures. The built-in GPS helps you create bathymetric maps that you can store on the cloud-based map management platform.
Pros
- Portable and wireless
- Depth capacity of 260 feet
- Quick and easy to install
- It does not require cables or batteries
Cons
- The battery is not long-lasting and will need to be replaced in a year
Tip: If the sonar gets disconnected from your smartphone, reel it in to re-establish the connectivity.
Info alert: This fish finder is capable of performing 15 scans per second of the surrounding water.
Fish Finder for Lakes by Lowrance
- 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.
Last update on 2023-10-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for the best fishfinder for small lakes, this device by Lowrance will not disappoint you. It has built-in maps of inland lakes in the US, making it easy to find your way for thrilling fishing.
Product Specs
- 5-inch color display
- More than 3,000 US lake maps
- Automated sonar settings
- The transducer enables triple shot
Why We Recommend This Product
We loved the maps of lakes and the easy setup. You can easily install the transducer inside the hull or on the transom or trolling motor. It is a great fish finder for small boats with compact space on the console. It is accurate and precise and provides interesting data you can mark on waypoint maps. The GPS enables you to navigate as well as follow trails.
Related article: Full review of Lowrance Mark 4
Pros
- Auto-tuning sonar
- Easy to setup
- Easy-to-use interface
- Allows adding of waypoints
Cons
- The device requires a micro memory card to save the mapped waypoints
Tip: Get the straight down, each side, and fish arch images on the same screen with the TripleShot transducer.
Info alert: Since the sonar auto-tunes, you can spend more time fishing rather than adjusting the settings.
GPS Fish Finder by Humminbird
- 5-Inch Color WVGA Display
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This fish finder is rather high-tech and comes with built-in maps by Anima. It has a WVGA color display that is about 5 inches, making it ideal for small boats and kayaks. The images are high-definition, so you can make out every inch of the contour.
Product Specs
- 5-inch color display
- Slot for micro SD card
- CHIRP sonar
- Mounting hardware
- Gimbal mounting bracket
- Power cable
Why We Recommend This Product
This is an excellent pond fish finder as its side imaging ability allows you to see clearly on either side of the boat and under the boat to find hidden fish arches. The CHIRP sonar ensures that it shows you the fish that the 2D sonar misses out on. We loved the two display modes as they gave us complete control over the detail we wanted to see on the images.
Pros
- It can scan under your boat
- Has down imaging capability
- Uses Chirp sonar
- Allows creation of real-time maps
- It has 2 display modes
Cons
- Clips to hold the cable on the transom are made from plastic and hence, quite fragile.
Tip: The side imaging scans up to 300 feet on either side of the boat to help get a better understanding of the lake or pond bottom.
Info alert: The built-in Basemap enhances the fishing experience by providing data for freshwater and saltwater, allowing you to get accurate maps with precise details.
Smart Fish Finder by Deeper
- READY TO GO - Easily find where your next catch is hiding with the Deeper START Fish Finder! The lightweight and sleek design makes for a seamless reel without any messy wires or fiddly external batteries required. Ideal for shore anglers and family trips who want to get on with catching!
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This portable fish finder is wireless, making it the perfect choice for fishing and camping trips. It uses your smartphone’s Wi-Fi to connect with your phone without using the internet. So, regardless of where you are, the fish finder offers signals to catch fish.
Product Specs
- Fishfinder
- USB cord for recharging
- Instruction manual
Why We Recommend This Product
This small fish finder is portable; you can connect it to your line and cast it into the water. The finder provides useful details, like the location of the fish, their size, and the depth they are at. It also provides images of the bottom landscape and vegetation. It can save each scanned image with the time and location.
Pros
- Wireless and portable fish finder
- Requires just Wi-Fi to sync with mobile
- Can scan 165 feet
- It can be used for night fishing
- Lightweight
- Rechargeable battery
Cons
- The fisher finder may not work efficiently in deep depths even though it can go up to 165 feet.
Tip: If another device is connected to your smartphone, it is best to switch it off when you are using the fish finder. That way, it will not lose connectivity.
Info alert: It takes about 2.5 hours to recharge the battery, which lasts for six hours after a full charge.
Portable Fish Finder by Ricank
- 【Fishes and Contour Readout】The fish finder portable detects and displays water depth, approximate fish location, fish size, short & tall weeds, sand & rocks on bottom.
Last update on 2023-09-30 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
This fish finder is portable and comes with a display unit and transducer. It can easily detect the depth of the water, the location of the fish, the size of the fish, the bottom landscape, and the surrounding vegetation.
Product Specs
- Display unit
- Transducer with a 25-foot cable
- Removable transducer float and rubber stopper
- Neck strap
- Side-scan adapter for the transducer
- Stainless wing nut and bolt
Why We Recommend This Product
While the display unit is black and white, it displays images clearly and precisely. The transducer comes with a 25-foot cable, and once it reaches maximum depth, it detects the fish and bottom landscape from 3 feet to 328 feet. It has a backlight mode that enables you to fish at night. It does not need an external power source as it uses 4 AAA batteries, which, when new can work for 4 to 5 hours of continuous use.
Pros
- Fish alarm
- Battery save mode
- Depth range of 3 feet to 328 feet
- Easy to use
- Instruction manual included
Cons
- The fish alarm does not always function so best to depend on it
Tip: This fish finder for small boats can operate in water temperatures ranging from -4 deg F to 158 deg F.
Info alert: You can use your fishing rod to guide the transducer and float to your desired location in the river.
Buying Guide for the Best Fish Finder for Small Boat
Choosing the right fish finder for your needs can be overwhelming. That is why we have created a small buying guide that will assist you in choosing so that you purchase the best fish finder for small boat.
Material:
Ensure that the material used to make the fish finder is not only durable but also compatible with the hull of your boat. You need to pay special attention to this if you intend to mount the fish finder on your boat’s hull.
For a small boat, a plastic casing is the best choice. It is compatible with most hulls, besides being durable and lightweight.
Water Resistant Rating:
The last thing you want is a fish finder that gets damaged due to water. So, look for the IPX rating that the fish finder has. Ensure that it has a minimum rating of 4 to 5 so that you have peace of mind knowing that the fish finder will be able to handle water sprays.
The highest IPX rating is eight, meaning the fish finder can stay submerged without sustaining any damage.
Power:
The power of the finder should be based on your needs. Remember, a unit with high wattage will have more power and be more accurate. However, it is not necessary to always have an external power source to get high wattage. Many fish finders use rechargeable batteries or AAA batteries to operate.
Since you are on a small boat, it makes sense to opt for a rechargeable or battery-operated fish finder, so you do not have to get hassled about finding a power source to operate the device.
Display Screen:
You can choose between black and white and colored display. Usually, if your budget is limited, you should opt for a black-and-white display screen. The same also holds if you are a beginner. However, do remember that you will not be able to get detailed images on a cloudy day or at night, and you may find it hard to read in bright sunshine.
A colored screen makes the images more interesting as it gives you precise contours that are engaging. Most fish finders with colored screens tend to give more details about the surroundings due to the colors; hence, they offer better readability.
GPS Feature:
Having a navigation system is essential. It allows you to find your way back safely and also saves time. So, it is prudent to get a fish finder with GPS capabilities. That way, not only will you be able to navigate stress-free, but you will also be able to mark waypoints so that you know where to head the next time you come for fishing.
Type of Water:
Many anglers do not realize that they require different fish finders for freshwater, saltwater, and ice fishing. If you enjoy saltwater and ice fishing, you should invest in a fish finder with high power levels. Only then will you get accurate readings and data.
You can use a fish finder with lower power levels for freshwater fishing. It will provide accurate readings without a hassle.
Cone Angles and Beams:
A fish finder does not spread out the beam to scan the surroundings. Rather, it uses a cone-shaped beam that is directed downwards and spreads from there. This expansion is of varying degrees, depending on the device. Most fish finders have an expansion degree ranging from 16 to 20 degrees.
Some fish finders produce more than one beam, making them more advanced than a single-beam fishfinder. A device that emits more beams will be able to scan a bigger area around the boat. Such a fish finder is perfect for a lake or shallow water body.
Down Imaging:
A standard fishfinder creates images by compiling the readings. Hence, you will only get a general idea of what is under the boat. On the other hand, if a fish finder has down imaging, it allows you to get accurate and clear images of what is underneath.
That means you can discern rods, fish, and vegetation accurately. However, fish finders with this feature tend to be expensive as it is advanced sonar imaging technology.
Portability:
You have a choice between a permanently mounted or portable fish finder. If you opt for a permanently mounted fish finder, you will not be able to travel with it if you go camping or decide to take a friend’s boat. So, keep this in mind when choosing between mounted and portable fish finders.
Frequencies:
Fishfinders have transducers with single, dual, and multiple frequencies. Make sure you check the frequency of the fish finder, as the higher the frequency, the more detailed the images you see on the display screen will be.
Typically, you should opt for a high-frequency fish finder if you like fishing in shallow water bodies. However, purchasing a fish finder with multiple frequencies is best if you fish in different water bodies.
Display Screen Resolution:
While some fish finders can be synchronized with your mobile phone, and you can use your phone’s display to see the imagery, others come with a separate display unit. Check the resolution of the display unit, as one with more pixels will offer clearer and more precise images.
Ensure that the display has a minimum resolution of 240 x 160. That is the bare minimum. However, opt for a higher-resolution fish finder if you want high-quality images. Remember that a bigger screen size may not be the best choice for a small boat as it could be heavy to carry. Ultimately, the choice is yours and what you expect from your fishfinder.
Transducer:
This is the most important part of the fish finder as it is the transducer that emits the sonar waves to capture data to create images for you. The transducer sends sonar waves into the water, and they bounce off objects under the water. This information is then converted into images and displayed on the screen.
If the transducer is not of good quality, you will not get precise images of what lies in the water. This will hamper your ability to find fish and enjoy a superior fishing experience.
Our Verdict
These are the 10 best fish finders for small boats. You can read the reviews carefully, and based on the buying guide, you purchase the best fish finder for a small boat that suits your needs.
After testing these 10 fish finders, we feel that the Fish Finder with GPS by Garmin is the best. There are several reasons for this. For one, it is made by Garmin, which is a leading brand for fishing products and accessories.
This particular device comes with high-frequency sonar that enables it to create detailed and precise images of what lies under the water. The readings are highly accurate. The device uses CHIRP and Clear Vu sonar to ensure you get accurate readings. It also has a built-in flasher, making it a good choice for winter ice fishing.
This device can penetrate up to 1,600 feet in freshwater and about 750 feet in saltwater. So, you can utilize it for both kinds of water. It requires an external power source of 12 V, but getting that access to power is not that difficult, even if you are on a small boat.
The user interface is simple, and once you understand how to use the GPS, navigation will not be difficult. The display screen comes in three sizes, namely 3.5, 5, and 7 inches. So, you can choose the size you like.
You can save the sonar history, enabling you to go back to the older images to look for missed waypoints. You can mark and save them.
This fish finder has an IPX rating of seven, making it a great device to use in water without any worries.
So, there you have it – the best fish finders for small boats. Out of these, you can choose a good fish finder for a small boat that suits your needs and fits your budget with relative ease.
More Fish finder articles:
- best shallow water fish finder
- best fish finder for kayak
- how to install a fish finder on a fiberglass boat
- how to install a Garmin fish finder transducer
- how to install a Lowrance fish finder
- Castable fish finders for bank and shore fishing
FAQ
What does a fish finder do?
A fish finder is a device that uses sonar technology to detect and locate fish and other underwater structures.
Do fish finders show fish?
Yes, fish finders use sonar technology to create a graphical representation of what is below the surface of the water, including the location of fish.
How deep can fish finders work?
The depth capabilities of fish finders vary depending on the model, but some can detect underwater structures and fish up to several thousand feet deep.
