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Daddy by day, fisherman at night.
Which is the best 12-inch fish finder? In my experience, a quality fish finder has the necessary technological features to help you find more fish. And it should match your budget and fishing style.
However, narrowing the best 12-inch fish finder might not be so easy. But worry not, as we have tested a dozen models to bring you these 4 top-rated models. In our review, we explain why we like each product in the list, why you should buy it, its specifications, and the pros and cons.
Best Side & Down Imaging Fish Finder
Humminbird Helix 12
- You can create or modify maps with the AutoChart Live
- The MEGA Side and Down Imaging offers clear image quality
- Offers different connectivity and networking capabilities, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and NMEA 2000
Finder with Innovative Sonar Features
Lowrance HDS 12
- Active Imaging sonar technology lets you view super-clear images of fish and underwater structures.
- Dual spectrum CHIRP sonar shows a clear view of what lies below the surface before casting.
- This fish finder provides 4,000+ maps of US lakes
Best For Shallow & Deep Waters
Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv
- The fish finder provides stunningly clear views, and you can split the screen to view four different features
- The fish finder is preloaded with maps and charts, with the option to add custom cartography
- The touchscreen is readable in bright sunlight and even when wearing polarized sunglasses
How We Chose the Best 12-Inch Fish Finder
There aren’t many 12-inch fish finders as 5-inch, 7-inch, or 9-inch models. Nevertheless, we still had to narrow down the options to find the best fish finders.
As professional anglers, we love how marine electronics make fishing and navigation easier, and testing them is part of who we are. We are always interested in the fish finder’s imaging technology, user interface, navigation, transducers, preloaded maps and compatibility, and network and connectivity.
The following models proved effective when we went fishing, and their GPS systems were incredibly accurate. And as we tested them, we discovered that each fish finder had a unique positive.
- Humminbird Helix 12 – Best Side & Down Imaging Fish Finder
- Lowrance HDS 12 – Best Fish Finder with Innovative Sonar Features
- Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv – Best For Shallow & Deep Waters
- Humminbird SOLIX 12 – Best Fish Finder with Fast Processor
Best 12-Inch Fish Finder: Reviews & Recommendations
#1
Best Side & Down Imaging Fish Finder
Humminbird Helix 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N
WHY WE LIKE IT: This Humminbird Helix 12 fish finder comes with all the features you need to find fish, including MEGA Side+ and Down Imaging. It relays sonar data as remarkable images of fish and underwater structures. Also, you can link it to other devices or connect with other anglers.
- Screen Size: 12.1 Inches
- Product Dimensions: 14.86 x 8.83 x 4.25 inches
- Display resolution: 1280×800 pixels
- Weight: 13.97 pounds
- Mounting Options: Gimbal
- Touchscreen: No
- Display Type: Color TFT
- GPS: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- It comes with a user-friendly interface, so you don’t waste time learning how to use it.
- The MEGA Side and Down Imaging offers clear image quality
- Offers different connectivity and networking capabilities, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and NMEA 2000
- You can create or modify maps with the AutoChart Live
- It is compatible with products from Minn Kota, Cannon, and Humminbird
Cons
- Quite expensive for budget-conscious anglers
- Some beginners have difficulty differentiating the features
My Experience: I noticed that this fish finder is perfect match for anglers looking for 360-degree imaging. I liked how the Side Imaging and Down Imaging ensured I got a rounded view of what’s beneath my boat. Unlike most fish finders, this fish finder’s imaging is crisp and clear, thus aiding target separation. From my experience, I loved how this fish finder had no power issues, so I fully enjoyed my fishing trip.
Features: We love the MEGA Side Imaging+ and the MEGA Down Imaging+ that produce crystal clear coverage to 200 ft. down and 200 ft. on each side of the boat, not to mention their extreme accuracy. Besides, navigating to fish hotspots is much easier with the built-in GPS and included Humminbird Basemap.
#2
Best Fish Finder with Innovative Sonar Features
Lowrance HDS 12
WHY WE LIKE IT: We love the Lowrance HDS 12 for its collection of superior sonar features like the Structure Scan 3D, Fish Reveal, and Active Imaging. What’s more, we were happy we could update the contours in our previous maps with C-Map Genesis Live.
- Screen Size: 12 Inches
- Product Dimensions: 13.68 x 9 x 3.26 inches
- Display resolution: 1280×800 pixels
- Weight: from 6.5 pounds
- Mounting Options: Gimbal Bracket, Front Dash, Flush Mount, Rear Dash, Flush Mount
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Display Type: Pure White LED
- GPS: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes (IPX7)
Pros
- Active Imaging sonar technology lets you view super-clear images of fish and underwater structures.
- Dual spectrum CHIRP sonar shows a clear view of what lies below the surface before casting.
- It creates up to ½ foot contour maps
- The display is clear in any light conditions
- This fish finder provides 4,000+ maps of US lakes
- It comes with a GPS finder
Cons
- It does not include a transducer
- Beginners often struggle with distinguishing the features
My Experience: From my experience, I like how the Active Imaging sonar and LiveSight are more highly-sophisticated. This feature made my work easier when catching fish as I could view high-resolution fish images and track their movements in real-time.
This is the right fish finder for anglers looking to map their favorite fishing maps. While other fish finders let you map up to 1-foot contours in real-time, the Lowrance HDS 12 takes it a notch higher, creating ½ foot contours.
Features: You no longer need a split-screen view of DownScan Imaging and CHIRP Sonar. With the FishReveal feature, spot fish easily with its high-resolution view of the bottom structure and individual fish. The fish finder also comes with a Quad Core processor that refreshes fast.
#3
Best For Shallow & Deep Waters
Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv
WHY WE LIKE IT: We love how the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv produces distinguishable targets with its sonar color palettes. We would even see the fish take bait instead of the usual fish arches in other Garmin fish finders.
- Screen Size: 12 Inches
- Product Dimensions: 13.4 x 9 x 3.9 inches
- Display resolution: 1280 x 800 pixels
- Weight: 5.5 pounds
- Mounting Options: Bail or flush
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Display Type: WXGA, IPS
- GPS: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes (IPX7)
Pros
- The touchscreen is readable in bright sunlight and even when wearing polarized sunglasses
- The fish finder is preloaded with maps and charts, with the option to add custom cartography.
- Built-in WiFi ensures you get software updates and notifications
- Explore inland lakes or the US coast with the preloaded maps and charts
- The fish finder provides stunningly clear views, and you can split the screen to view four different features
- It can share data with other ECHOMAP units
Cons
- Getting used to the technology takes time
- The keypad controls are not labeled
My Experience: From my review, the ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv is perfect option for anglers fishing in shallow and deep water. The included transducer offers amazing performance with its three scanning frequencies: UHD ClearVu sonar, UHD SideVu sonar, and CHIRP Traditional sonar. It also supports Panoptix sonar for live, video-like images.
We also love how you get numerous networking options. You can link the fish finder to your smartphone to unlock chart plotting and navigational options or connect it to the trolling motor.
Features: This fishfinder features Garmin Quickdraw, which enables you to create an underwater map of your favorite locations. And you can place points in areas you want to explore further. Alternatively, you can use the preloaded charts that cover inland lakes and the US coastal line.
Lastly, the 1280 x 800-pixel screen resolution with LED backlight ensures readability whether fishing during a sunny day or night.
#4
Best Fish Finder with Fast Processor
Humminbird SOLIX 12 Chirp MEGA SI+ G3
WHY WE LIKE IT: This fish finder features the best side imaging technology to help you track fish movement, identify bottom structures, and explore new locations. While competitor models offer a side imaging range of 400 ft. on both sides, the Solix 12 delivers 800 ft. This is twice the standard range, thus increasing your fishing success.
- Screen Size: 12.1 Inches
- Product Dimensions: 21.2 x 14.5 x 11 inches
- Display resolution: 1280 x 800 pixels
- Weight: 15.69 pounds
- Mounting Options: Gimbal
- Touchscreen: Yes
- Display Type: Color TFT
- GPS: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
Pros
- The transducer sends powerful frequencies compared to most fish finders
- The MEGA side and Down Imaging deliver fine details that other fish finders miss
- It features an intuitive touchscreen and keypad to accommodate all anglers
- Allows you to create custom maps with detailed contours
- Easy to install
- It has a temperature alarm and a graph
Cons
- The refresh rate can be slow at times
- Not ideal for ice fishing
My Experience: The Humminbird Solix fish finders with MEGA upgrades provide high-frequency details even at 3,500 ft. And you need not worry about fishing in bright sunlight as the model delivers crisp images, including fine-grained details.
Our minds were blown away when we used the fishfinder with the Panoptix LiveScope system. The images were more defined as we enjoyed real-time scanning images.
Features: This premium fish finder combines traditional sonar, CHIRP digital sonar, and UHD scanning sonars to produce a 20% greater range than other fish finders. So, do not worry about finding fish or hitting obstacles when fishing in shallow waters with finder.
We also love that we can connect the fish finder to our phones and other boat electronics thanks to the built-in WiFi, Ethernet connections, Bluetooth, and NMEA compatibility.
Final Thoughts
We hope our best 12-inch fish finder review has been of help in narrowing your options. Note that the right fish finder should match your boat size and have the necessary technology for your kind of fishing.
Also, consider the fish finder’s sonar frequencies, as traditional sonar is less powerful than CHIRP.