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Written by
Larry Stark, Founder / Main Editor
Professional fisherman, who loves to review new fishing gadgets.
Most anglers understand the importance of a good fish finder as it helps you locate more fish and use it for naval purposes. If you’re on a budget and need a good performing fish finder, there are several options you can get. Based on our review, these fish finders don’t support dual beam sonar technology but work fine in identifying the fish’s location. Here, is my review of the best fish finders under $100.
Best Casting Range
Deeper Smart Fish Finder Start
- Boost a simple and easy-to-use interface
- Offer a wide casting range of 165 ft.
- No internet is needed as it connects via WiFi
Best Connectivity
iBobber Castable Fish Finder
- Offer great versatility
- Compact size
- Long battery life
Great Depth Range
Venterior VT-FF001
- Supports an easy-to-use interface
- Easy to setup
- User-friendly interface
How We Choose the Best $100 Fish Finder
We understand the need to have a good fish finder when fishing. Unlike other fish finder reviews, we have taken our time to evaluate and test each fish finder. We have prepared a detailed review and indicated what each fish finder is best for to help you pick one that suits your needs.
- Deeper Smart Fish Finder Start – Best Casting Range
- iBobber Castable Bluetooth Fish Finder – Best Connectivity
- Venterior Portable Fish Finder VT-FF001 – Ensures a Great Depth Range
- LUCKY Portable Fish Finder – The Best Portable Fish Finder for the Limited Price
Best Fish Finders Under $100: Reviews & Recommendations
#1
Best Casting Range
Deeper Smart Fish Finder Start
WHY WE LIKE IT: Deeper Start fish finder tops our list of the best fish finder with great casting range and depth. What we like most about this device is it supports an improved casting range of 165ft and a target separation of 2″. It also supports WiFi connectivity.
- Screen Size: N/A
- Product Dimensions: 2.3 diameter inches
- Display resolution: N/A
- Weight: 0.14 pound
- Mounting Options: smartphone mount
- Touchscreen: N/A
- Display Type: N/A
- GPS: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- Boost a simple and easy-to-use interface
- Offer a wide casting range of 165 ft.
- No internet is needed as it connects via WiFi
Cons
- The low target separation can give false information, thus affecting its performance
- The maximum depth range can be lower than the one indicated
My Experience: The Deeper Start is a good option for anglers who don’t have a boat and want to fish from the shores or docks. This finder scans the shoreline well and sends clear images of what is in the water to your Smartphone.
We noted that this device also supports an automatic night fishing function, which is a plus if you like fishing at night.
Features: The Deeper Start is a beginner-friendly fish finder that supports a simple and user-friendly interface. It displays the size of the fish you’re targeting, and this help you to know which fishing lure to use. This fish finder also offers an improved casting range, making it ideal for anglers fishing in deep water.
#2
Best Connectivity
iBobber Castable Bluetooth Fish Finder
WHY WE LIKE IT: iBobber Castable Bluetooth Fish Finder is a good fish finder under 100, offering a depth scale of 135 ft. We like how this device features a built-in fish alarm that will notify you when the fish bite.
- Screen Size: N/A
- Product Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 3 inches
- Display resolution: N/A
- Weight: 0.1 pound
- Mounting Options: Smartphone mount
- Touchscreen: N/A
- Display Type: N/A
- GPS: Yes
- Wi-Fi: No
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- Offer great versatility
- Compact size
- Long battery life
Cons
- Reduced sonar depth compared to high-end fish finders
- Not as detailed as most fish finders
My Experience: My experience with the iBobber Castable Bluetooth Fish Finder was a mixed bag. On the positive side, its Bluetooth connectivity and smartphone app allowed for convenient real-time updates on fish activity and water depth. The castable design was also handy for reaching distant spots. However, I encountered some drawbacks. Connection issues occasionally disrupted the signal. Additionally, the app’s interface wasn’t the most intuitive.
Features: With its compact design and wireless connectivity, it allows you to locate fish effortlessly. The iBobber syncs seamlessly with your smartphone or tablet, providing real-time data on fish location, depth, and temperature. Its versatile sonar technology works in both freshwater and saltwater, ensuring you’re always prepared for your next fishing adventure. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, the iBobber Fish Finder’s user-friendly interface and precision make it an indispensable companion on the water.
#3
Ensures a Great Depth Range
Venterior Portable Fish Finder VT-FF001
WHY WE LIKE IT: Based on my review, I like how the Venterior VT-FF001 offers a good depth capability of up to 330 ft. It also offers accurate readings and the approximate location of the fish.
- Screen Size: 4.3 Inches
- Product Dimensions: 7.87 x 7.4 x 4.09 inches
- Weight: 1.85 pounds
- Mounting Options: Neck Strap
- Touchscreen: No
- Display Type: LCD
- GPS: No
- Wi-Fi: No
- Waterproof: No
Pros
- Supports an easy-to-use interface
- Easy to setup
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Limited features compared to its competitors
- Not as accurate as other high-end fish finders
- The LCD screen is not waterproof
My Experience: I recommend this device as it supports a high-definition LCD screen that displays what is happening in the water.
This is also a great device that allows you to adjust the sensitivity setting. For example, you can change the setting when ice fishing to improve accuracy and save battery power.
Features: This portable fish finder features a sonar frequency of 200 kHz, allowing you to detect fish within the depth range of 3 to 328 ft.
#4
The Best Portable Fish Finder for the Limited Price
LUCKY Portable Fish Finder
WHY WE LIKE IT: I like how this portable fish finder sends accurate information on the water depth, water temperature, and underwater contour. We love it because it’s fitting in your pocket for fishing trips. The high-resolution LCD screen ensures clear fish detection. With excellent battery life, fish all day worry-free. Its durable construction withstands harsh conditions for freshwater and saltwater fishing.
- Screen Size: 2.9 Inches
- Product Dimensions: 2.76 x 1.1 x 5.31 inches
- Weight: 0.88 pound
- Mounting Options: Tilt/swivel
- Touchscreen: No
- Display Type: LCD
- GPS: No
- Wi-Fi: No
- Waterproof: No
Pros
- It supports two light beams that make it ideal for night fishing
- The LCD screen is waterproof
- Portable fish finder
- Use rechargeable batteries
Cons
- Not as accurate as other high-end fish finders
- You may mistake suspended objects for fish
My Experience: I recently tried the LUCKY Portable Fish Finder. Its clear LCD display showed me underwater structures and fish locations, making it easy to find the perfect spot. With its portable design and long-lasting battery, I could fish all day without worries.
Features: LUCKY Fish Finder is portable and can provide up to 328 ft. depth range and 26 ft. casting distance. It also features a 45-degree beam angle and a frequency of 200Khz to detect what is happening under the water.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, we’ve thoroughly tested various fish finders under $100, and after extensive evaluation, the Deeper Smart Fish Finder Start stands out as our top choice. This fish finder impressed us with its exceptional sonar capabilities, providing clear and detailed underwater images. Its GPS and mapping features also proved valuable for navigation. Additionally, its portability and compact design make it easy to transport. If you’re in search of a reliable and budget-friendly fish finder, the Deeper Smart Fish Finder Start is the one to go for.