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Daddy by day, fisherman at night.
In my experience as an angler, I’ve noted a common aspect among water boat fishing, kayaking, and ice fishing fishermen. We all desire to be aware of various aspects like water temperature, rocks, and depths of the ground. That is why depth finders and fish finders are crucial tools for fishing in deep or shallow water.
Garmin fish finders have stood out since 1990 hence the huge loyal following among anglers of all skill levels. But they range widely in price, screen size, and features. Although it makes it hard to choose the right model, it also means that you can find a model for your budget and preferred method of fishing.
This blog will highlight some of the best Garmin fish finders to improve your fishing experience by seeing what’s swimming beneath you.
Best Overall Garmin Fish Finder
Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv
- Utilizes advanced multi-frequency sonar technology
- Incorporates a convenient built-in flasher feature
- Provides an expansive scanning area for enhanced performance
Best Castable Garmin Fish Finder
Garmin Striker Cast
- It doesn’t need an additional transducer
- The app interface is easy to use
- Fitting easily in your pocket or tackle box
High-End Garmin Fish Finder
Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv
- Has a 9-inch screen for excellent resolution
- It is compatible with Active Captain app for easy compatibility with phones
- Has multiple color palettes to make it easy to distinguish a fish and a structure
How We Choose The Best Garmin Fish Finder
We recommend products based on extensive research undertaken by specialists to identify the best products in the market. To bring you these options, we spent hours researching the relevant factors.
First, the display of a fish finder is the most important part. The manufacturer lets you choose from their pool of the best 5-inch, 7-inch, or 9-inch Garmin fish finders displays. We also considered visibility and only recommended fish finders with a color screen and readable in bright sunlight.
There are three types of tech to consider when choosing the best Garmin fish finder: traditional CHIRP sonar, SideVu, and ClearVu. We found those with a combination of these to provide high-definition image quality with incredible detail.
- Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv – Best Overall Garmin Fish Finder
- Garmin Striker Cast – Best Castable Garmin Fish Finder
- Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv – High-End Garmin Fish Finder
- Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv – Garmin Fish Finder For SideVü and ClearVü Usage
- Garmin Striker 4 – Best Budget Garmin Fish Finder
- Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv – Best Built-in GPS Garmin Fish Finder
Best Garmin Fish Finder: Reviews & Recommendations
#1
Best Overall Garmin Fish Finder
Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv
WHY WE LIKE IT: The crystal-clear display of the 5cv makes it the best overall fish finder from Garmin in my review. This, coupled with its large viewing screen gave a clear image of what was below our boat. The Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv also has accessible controls allowing us to switch between settings fast.
- Screen Size: 5 Inches
- Product Dimensions: 7.4 x 4.5 x 2.1 inches
- Display resolution: 800×480 pixels
- Weight: 1.0 pounds
- Mounting Options: Flush, tilt/swivel
- Touchscreen: No
- Display Type: WVGA
- GPS: Yes
- Wi-Fi: No
- Waterproof: Yes (IPX7)
Pros
- Uses multi-frequency sonar
- Has a built-in flasher
- Has a large scanning area
Cons
- Does not have touchscreen options
- Some reviewers have complained of the product lacks a protective cover
My Experience: In my experience, only a few 5-inch fish finders can beat the capability of Garmin’s 5cv. It offers most of the Garmin fish finding features and a decent-sized screen at an affordable price. If you are looking for a worthy upgrade, choose these Garmin units. They use clear vu sonar which eased my use even on bright days.
Features: The Garmin 5cv uses the Clearvu sonar technology which offers seven color displays. This makes it easy to distinguish structure, baitfish and gamefish. Although it has no in-built maps it uses Garmin’s QuickDraw contour mapping and GPS for making way points.
#2
Best Castable Garmin Fish Finder
Garmin Striker Cast
WHY WE LIKE IT: This ranks among the top fish finders priced below $200. We also liked the compact size of the Garmin Striker Cast. And despite the small size it is one of the most powerful fish finder for ice fishing, shore and kayak anglers.
- Screen Size: N/A
- Product Dimensions: 3 x 2.97 x 2.28 inches
- Display resolution: N/A
- Weight: 2.6 pound
- Mounting Options: N/A
- Touchscreen: N/A
- Display Type: N/A
- GPS: Yes
- Wi-Fi: No
- Waterproof: Yes (IPX7)
Pros
- It doesn’t need an additional transducer
- The app interface is easy to use
- Fitting easily in your pocket or tackle box
Cons
- It has a limited battery life
- Doesn't register jig in depths deeper than 70 feet of water
My Experience: Striker Cast from Garmin is small yet powerful castable fish finder ideal for shore anglers. They use a smartphone-based fish finder app with a castable transducer. This allowed us to map out a fishing area without leaving the bank.
Features: Garmin’s Striker Cast fish finder allows anglers to find fish anywhere using its traditional sonar, Garmin sounders, and powerful transducer. Its GPS and custom mapping software allow you to scout out the territory and share fishing data and custom maps with other anglers.
#3
High-End Garmin Fish Finder
Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv
WHY WE LIKE IT: It is built with an array of Garmin’s best fish finding tools for both backwater and inshore anglers. We particularly liked the powerful GPS of a Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv. We could mark location and track the speed of our target in real time.
- Screen Size: 9 Inches
- Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 6.5 x 2.4 inches
- Display resolution: 800×480 pixels
- Weight: 2.4 pounds
- Mounting Options: Flush, tilt/swivel
- Touchscreen: No
- Display Type: WVGA
- GPS: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes (IPX7)
Pros
- Has a 9-inch screen for excellent resolution
- It is compatible with Active Captain app for easy compatibility with phones
- Has multiple color palettes to make it easy to distinguish a fish and a structure
Cons
- You may have trouble keeping depths at speed
- The human interface uses buttons instead of a touchscreen
My Experience: If you prefer large screens or work with large boats you will love the large 9 inch fish finder. It is the largest size of the fish finder Striker range in my review. It offers a bigger display for ease of use. However, based on my experience using the 9sv, it may not be ideal for a small boat such as kayaks and canoes.
Features: The Striker Vivid 9sv has the latest side scanning sonar technology for transmitting signals on three frequencies. This allows anglers to enjoy greater range and detail. It also uses Garmin’s Quickdraw software for creating charts with real-time depth data.
#4
Best Garmin Fish Finder For SideVü and ClearVü Usage
Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv
WHY WE LIKE IT: Featuring the ultimate suite of handy features, the Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv is a premium fish finder for expert anglers. It is also one of the top rated 7-inch finders from Garmin. The 7-inch colored display allowed us to see fish and structure in maximum detail.
- Screen Size: 7 Inches
- Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 5.5 x 2.3 inches
- Display resolution: 800×480 pixels
- Weight: 1.7 pounds
- Mounting Options: Flush, tilt/swivel
- Touchscreen: No
- Display Type: WVGA
- GPS: Yes
- Wi-Fi: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes (IPX7)
Pros
- It has an app for controlling the finding
- The screen is bright and easy to see even in bright daylight
- It is a low-priced Garmin fish finder
Cons
- It has a limited battery life
- The depth finder doesn’t work well above 10 mph
My Experience: Based on my usage experience, SideVü and ClearVü on the Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv provide clear, detailed views to the sides and below my boat. This has been invaluable in helping me locate fish and navigate confidently in various fishing scenarios.
Features: This product not only supports CHIRP ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonars but also comes with built-in Quickdraw Contours software for creating and saving maps. What’s more, it offers Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing users to transfer waypoints, receive notifications, and access the Garmin Quickdraw Community.
#5
Best Budget Garmin Fish Finder
Garmin Striker 4
WHY WE LIKE IT: Even a compact fish finder or depth finder should not sacrifice great resolution. This is the only fish finder in my experience that offers features a multitude of useful settings and great resolution in a small screen. Also, although the Striker 4 has a small screen, it was easy to read and it had excellent clarity.
- Screen Size: 3.5 Inches
- Product Dimensions: 3.6 x 5.9 x 1.6 inches
- Display resolution: 480 x 320 pixels
- Weight: 0.5 pound
- Mounting Options: Flush, tilt/swivel
- Touchscreen: No
- Display Type: HVGA
- GPS: Yes
- Wi-Fi: No
- Waterproof: Yes (IPX7)
Pros
- It uses a a rechargeable battery
- Uses high-frequency sonar for yielding photographic images
- You can switch to flasher mode for ease of use when ice fishing
Cons
- Does not feature built-in maps for chart plotting
- Has a compact display hence unsuitable for use with large boats
My Experience: If you looking for a good value with a screen that has excellent resolution this is as good as it gets for just over $100. This makes it one of the best fish finders under $300 in my review. It also has GPS to mark fishing locations on the lake. We were able to chart a course to avoid getting lost when fishing in larger lakes beyond my region.
Features: Garmin CHIRP transducer provides a visibly higher level of clarity and detail for fish and structure than traditional 77/200 kHz transducers. The STRIKER 4 fish finder also provides crystal-clear sonar images with target separation and resolution from shallow to deeper depths.
#6
Best Built-in GPS Garmin Fish Finder
Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv stands out as the best Garmin fish finder with built-in GPS. Its GPS system helps you find your way on the water and mark important spots for fishing. It’s like having a personal guide for successful fishing adventures, making it an excellent choice for beginners.
- Screen Size: 4.3 Inches
- Product Dimensions: 3.9 x 6.9 x 1.8 inches
- Display resolution: 272 x 480 pixels
- Weight: 0.7 pound
- Mounting Options: Flush, tilt/swivel
- Touchscreen: No
- Display Type: QSVGA
- GPS: Yes
- Wi-Fi: No
- Waterproof: Yes (IPX7)
Pros
- It comes with a trolling motor bracket
- It has highly sensitive GPS capabilities for marking waypoints
- Offers both standard sonar and CHIRP fish finder technology
Cons
- It does not offer side scanning sonar capabilities
- You cannot download and share map data
My Experience: I chose the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv primarily for its exceptional GPS feature. It aids in navigation and effortlessly marks my favorite fishing spots. If you seek a fish finder with excellent GPS functionality, the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is the top choice.
Features: It uses UltraScroll fish finder technology to locate fish targets when boating at high speeds. These Garmin devices also feature high-contrast color palettes making it easy to see what’s beneath the surface.
Garmin Fish Finders Buyer's Guide
After setting a budget and screen size, you must decide the the fish finder-specific features. For instance should you choose a triple or dual frequency sonar?
The factors to consider in a Garmin fish finder include Other factors to consider include:
Target Separation
Target separation is a measure of how precise the fish finder’s sonar is at distinguishing individual fish from one another. It is indicated in numbers smaller numbers mean better performance.
Garmin fish finders are available in 0.25 to 2.5 inches. The lower the number the better the performance. The best fish finder should have a color screen. It allows for more target separation and is readable in bright sunlight.
Transducer Beam Angle
The structure of the bottom can affect the performance of a fish finder. Hence the beam angle offered by the transducer is crucial. The beam angle in Garmin units ranges from 9 degrees to 60 degrees.
If the water is shallow, you should use a wider transducer beam angle. If the water is deeper, consider using a narrower, and more focused beam angle.
Side Imaging Sonar
Side imaging sonar is a popular option for advanced fish finders. It provides a 2-D image of the water column to either side of the boat.
Garmins range from 200 to 800 feet in either direction. The wider the depth the higher the coverage area.
However, the depth of these side-facing transducers is limited, so it won’t be able to penetrate the water column very far. It is an excellent complement to a traditional transducer.
Maximum Depth
A fish finder with good maximum depth is important for deep water fishing, such as the Great Lakes or saltwater anglers. It’s crucial to compare ratings to actual usage.
The most important factor when rating a fish finder’s maximum depth is its frequency. Garmins with lower frequencies (50 to 100kHz) are suitable for deeper water. However, if you fish in shallow waters choose Garmins with higher frequencies between 200 to 500kHz. The higher the frequency the more detailed the underwater information.
Other factors affecting the maximum depth of a fish finder include the sonar signal frequency, power, transducer quality, and water clarity.
Display Size and Resolution
The larger the screen the easier it is to read The latest Garmin fish finders have full-color screens that color-code the data returned to the transducer. Some units also offer a touchscreen for easier zooming in on specific readings.
GPS and Maps
GPS fish finder gives you all the data to help you map routes, mark locations, and find your way back to the dock. It is a convenient feature and which eliminates the need for a separate GPS device.
When choosing a suitable Garmin model, ensure it is compatible with the majority of 3D mapping capabilities. These include Navionics, C-Map, Quickdraw Contours, etc. These allow you to visualize the underwater environment more easily.
Frequently Asked Questions
The main difference between SV (SideVu) and CV (ClearVu) is the type of transducer used. ClearVu transducer creates a picture-like image of fish and structure below the boat, while SideVu sonar finds fish and structure up to 200 feet away.
The best fish finder for kayaks is Garmin ECHOMAP 9-inch Garmin fish finder. In addition to chart plotting features the 9-inch screen allows you to use split-screen options. The unit also has an ultra-wide CHIRP sonar and Navionics data integration.
Garmin Striker 4cv. Not only is this fish finder built to withstand the harsh conditions of bass fishing, it is also ideal for navigation. It has Garmin’s CHIRP sonar and mapping technology for speed monitoring.
The Garmin Striker series. They have CHIRP sonar and CHIRP scanning sonar capabilities and an integrated GPS. This enables you to find fish and create routes for later use.
My Verdict
In conclusion, the Striker Vivid 5cv is the best Garmin fish finder. It offers clear sonar, user-friendly design, and advanced features like CHIRP technology and GPS. What’s more, it comes at a competitive price, making it the top choice for anglers seeking value and performance in one package.