Whether new to fishing or already a pro, the best shallow water fish finder will give you the perfect fishing experience.
Before you get confused looking at dozens of models and brands, here is one that we hand-picked for you:
Garmin Striker 4 Review – Our Top Pick
- 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 2023-10-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Everyone who loves to fish has heard about Garmin. Garmin is one of the leading brands in fish-finding products.
Garmin Striker is the best shallow-water fish finder.
It has a long list of features that come at a very reasonable cost.
There aren’t many fish finders in the industry that come close to this in the features and cost range. So, I have rated this as the best one available.
Based on my own experience, I will list out the pros and cons of this fish finder.
Pros
- It comes with a CHIRP sonar
- The GPS helps in wayfinding
- Affordable
- User-friendly interface
- HD screen
- Good portability
Cons
- The size of the screen may be small for some people
- The two-wire clamps that hold the transducer cables are fragile
CHIRP Sonar System
First, it features an excellent CHIRP sonar system. It operates at dual frequencies: 77kHz and 200kHz. This excellent pair of frequencies will help you catch fish and return full-handed. Thanks to this fish finder, fishing will never disappoint you again!
Waterproof
Garmin Striker 4 is waterproof with a rating of IPX7. So, it can stand exposure to water up to 1 meter for half an hour.
Design
It has a portable design that many fishers love. The best thing about this fish finder is that it works well on smaller boats.
Even a newbie doesn’t have many issues navigating the settings. Also, the keypads are big enough to control.
Performance
Garmin Striker 4 has a good power rating. So, it can go in both fresh and saltwater. Its high power gives a better-quality image.
Modes
Garmin Striker 4 offers multiple modes as well. For example, the first mode is the Traditional mode. It shows the different objects in the water. The Flasher mode helps to show different depth levels at the same time.
The Split frequency mode lets you have 22kHz and 70kHz together. So, you will be able to see under your boat in two different cones. These features make Striker the best shallow-water fish finder.
Screen
This fish finder has excellent screen quality. It has a 3.5-inch screen delivers a 200kHz reading for a high-resolution image.
For dull images, the striker has a 77 kHz reading. So, this reading will give you a dull picture but a larger scanning area.
The Striker 4 doesn’t offer the facility of a chart plotter. However, the GPS gives accurate readings. The coordinates it gives have high precision and accuracy. You can also keep a check on your speed using the GPS device.
You can save your favorite fishing spots and mark your waypoints if you want. Garmin Striker 4 can save up to 5000 waypoints.
Battery
Garmin Striker 4 has excellent battery life. This is something that separates a low-quality fish finder from the best shallow water fish finders.
It offers a 12 V, 7 mA rechargeable battery.
It has an LED indicator light that shows when the device is charging. Most customers are very happy with the battery life and don’t complain about it.
So, it is a portable fish finder that you can attach to your boat. Overall, it is not heavy on your budget. It works well in both shallow and deep water.
Get the best of both worlds with this state-of-the-art shallow water fish finder!
When fishing, luck is more important. Lucky day-you, get so many fish. Not-So-Lucky day-you gets none or only a few.
What if we give you a magic wand to help you find fish easily?
Thanks to smart tools like a fish finder, it has become so easy to detect and catch fish.
Even in shallow water.
The best shallow water fish finder will reveal information about the fish and bottom structure of the place where you want to fish.
In this article, we will talk about it and share tips to help you but the best shallow water fish finder in the market.
After trying many fish finders, we have found one that we love. At the end of the article, you will see our top pick with a list of features and reviews.
How to Choose the Best Shallow Water Fish Finder?
Here is a list of features that you should look at before making a purchase:
Transducer
This is the main part of every fish finder. So, you need to check the specs and compare them between brands.
Cone angles
These describe the area the transducer will cover. A rule of thumb is that a wide angle covers a larger area, whereas a narrow-angle covers more depth.
So, you should find a good combination that balances the two. For beginners, a 20-degree cone is recommended.
Display
Like every other fish finder, the display is also essential here. You will usually have to choose between gray screens and colored ones. For many, this choice is a personal one. Often, it is dictated by the costs as well. For either choice, the resolution of the screen cannot be compromised.
Frequencies
Some fish finders work at a single frequency, and others at two or more. The frequency you choose depends on whether you plan to fish in shallow or deep water.
Many fish finders can work in both. However, some don’t feature both. The frequency of the sound waves determines the depth they reach. If that is the case, you should buy higher-frequency transducers for shallow water.
On the other hand, if you plan to fish in deep water, then a low-frequency one is what you are looking for.
Modes
The latest models feature different modes that you can use. You can easily adjust the modes according to your personal preferences and style of fishing.
Some brands offer automatic settings for frequency adjustment. However, they come with a huge price tag.
So, if you plan to go shallow-water fishing only, you should purchase a basic model.
Battery
Last but not least, you need to consider the battery’s specs. It will not be wrong to say that the battery is one of the most important factors you should keep in mind.
If your fish finder doesn’t have a reliable battery life, you can’t expect it to help you with any fishing adventure.
Power
The wattage of the fish finder decides how quickly it will collect data and process it. So, the more power it has, the quicker it will work.
A rule of thumb is that 100 Watts of power can read well up to 400 feet of depth at a frequency of 50 kHz. At 200 kHz, it can read up to 100 feet.
Water resistance
Even if you don’t use your fish finder in water, it will get splashed occasionally. So, make sure that the fish finder is waterproof.
You should look for these features when choosing the best shallow water fish finder.
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FAQ
Does a FishFinder work in shallow water?
Yes, a FishFinder can work in shallow water. FishFinders utilize sonar technology to detect objects underwater, including fish, regardless of water depth. However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of a FishFinder in shallow water may be limited by factors such as the strength of the sonar signal and the presence of vegetation or structure that can interfere with the readings.
Does side scan work in shallow water?
Yes, side scan sonar can work in shallow water. Side scan sonar is a specialized type of sonar that provides detailed imaging of the underwater terrain and objects to the sides of the sonar device. It can be used effectively in shallow water to create high-resolution images of the bottom structure, submerged objects, and fish. However, in very shallow water, the quality and clarity of the side scan images may be reduced due to the proximity of the sonar device to the seafloor.
Can you use a fish finder from shore?
Yes, you can use a fish finder from shore. Many fish finders are designed for portable use and can be used from the shore or dock. Portable fish finders typically consist of a display unit and a transducer that can be attached to a float or cast out into the water. They work by sending sonar signals into the water and displaying the information on the screen, allowing anglers to locate fish, identify underwater structures, and determine water depth. Using a fish finder from shore can be a helpful tool for finding fish and improving your fishing success.
