How To Find The Most Suitable Portable Fish Finder-Buyer Guide’s (2018)

If you have ever gone fishing on a bad day, then you will understand that finding fish is not a walk in the park. Sometimes you can spend your fishing session tirelessly trying to locate fish on the water only to be very disappointed. Considering the fact that there are a variety of fish finder units available in the market, even the most experienced fish finders will find it difficult to specify and identify the best fish finder unit.

In this article, we picked the best fish finders and expounded on them.

Deeper Smart Sonar

iBobber Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder

Venterior Portable Fish Finder

Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 

Humminbird 4090501 386Ci DI Combo Down

HawkEye Portable Fish Finder w/WeedID®

FishHunter Military Grade Portable Fish Finder 3.0

BEST
Portable Fish Finder

Deeper Smart Sonar iPhone iOS and Android Smatphone and Tablet Compatible FishfinderiBobber Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder for iOS and Android devices.Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder, Fishfinder with Wired Sonar Sensor Transducer and LCD DisplayGarmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 Bbuilt-in GPS Fish FinderHumminbird 4090501  386Ci DI Combo Down Imaging with DualBeam Color Fishfinder and GPSHawkEye Portable Fish Finder w/WeedID®FishHunter Military Grade Portable Fish Finder 3.0

Our Rating:

Amazon's customers rating & reviews:

(1392 reviews)

(729 reviews)

(230 reviews)

(428 reviews)

(1 reviews)

(11 reviews)

(206 reviews)

Price:

$194.99

$99.98

$39.99

$109.47

Price not available

$76.73

$125.75

Depth:

130 ft

135 ft

328 ft

600 ft

100 ft

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Last Update:

2017-09-08 PST - Details

2018-08-20 PST - Details

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Factors To Consider When Deciding On The Most Suitable Portable Fish Finder

We all agree that it is tough to choose the most appropriate fish finder by just physically looking at them. You must have some aspects to look for to guide you in selecting a particular fish finder over others. Listed below are some of the factors that one should consider before deciding to buy a particular fish finder:

Features​

The features of the fish finder should suit your specifications as an angler such that the fish finder will perform its function just as you expected it to.

Ease of use

You should purchase a portable fish finder which is easy to use and also one that you are comfortable when using to avoid wasting too much time learning how to use it.

Price

As an angler, you should seek to purchase a portable fish finder that that you can afford. Also, if you have enough cash you can purchase one that is of a higher price instead of getting a cheaper one that will not fulfill the purpose you intended it to.

Display

The portable fish finder should have a clear screen which displays details such as the depth of the fish underneath the water, the size of the fish and the location of the fish.

Portability

The fish finder you get should be portable enough such that it does not occupy too much space and that it is not heavy, thus making it convenient to be carried around during the fishing sprees.


Consider The Device You Are Going To Use While Fishing

A rented boat

With a rented boat, the most appropriate fish finder is one that you do not need to install permanently.

Kayaks

A kayak is a small device and so all the equipment needed for fishing will already be weighing it down. A portable, compact and lighter fish finder will save you the worry of having more space occupied.

Fishing in a Kayak

Fishing in a Kayak

Small boats

A small boat may not have enough space for mounting a fish finder since the fishing equipment, the anglers and the engine already occupy too much space and also weigh the boat down. Putting all these into consideration, a light and portable fish finder is ideal.


Our Top 7 Of The Best Portable Fish Finders

Last update on 2017-09-08 PST - Details


1. Deeper Smart Sonar


First Best Portable Fish Finder Deeper Smart Sonar

Deeper Smart Sonar iPhone iOS and Android Smatphone and Tablet Compatible. Via: Amazon.com

Deeper Smart Sonar

Amazon's customer rating & reviews:

(1392 reviews)

Price:

$194.99  (last update: 2017-09-08 PST - Details)

Description:

  • Bluetooth connected wireless, castable, portable smart fishfinder; compatible with iOS and Android...
  • Perfect tool for all styles of fishing: shore-fishing, ice-fishing, bank-fishing, boat-fishing,...
  • Mark anything up to 3in sized bodies in a water up to depth of 130ft, with adjustable sensitivity;...
  • Working temperature range between -4°F to 104°F; operating on Fresh and Salt water; working on...
  • Simultaneous detailed sonar readings of bottom contour AND fish tagging, together with water depth,...

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A significant percentage of our lives revolve around the use of Android phones for purposes such as research and entertainment. How about finding a fish finder which you can connect to your Android device, iPhone or iPad?

I know this is appealing to all anglers. The deep, smart fish finder can provide fish location, water temperature or depth directly to your Android device through Bluetooth. It can be used to depths of up to 45 meters. It has an audible alarm which will notify you of details such as the location of the fish, the depth where the fish are and the size of the fish. These features will help you a great deal since you will come up with the best way to tackle the fish.

To add to the fish finding purpose, the application has other features such as weather forecasting, map and fishing log.


Pros

  • Works while connected to an Android device or an iPhone via Bluetooth.
  • Easily floats.
  • Has a battery which lasts up to four hours.
  • Has a fishing log with daily activities.
  • Can be used for ice fishing since it has an ice flasher.
  • Is of lightweight and compact design.
  • Does not need to be installed, it’s a grab and ready to go device.
  • A dual beam of 90-290 kHz and 15-55 degrees which gives a broad area coverage.

Cons

  • It has a non-removable battery.

2.iBobber Castable Bluetooth Smart Fishfinder


Second Best Portable Fish Finder

iBobber Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder for iOS and Android devices. Via: Amazon.com

iBobber Castable Bluetooth Smart Fishfinder

Amazon's customer rating & reviews:

(729 reviews)

Price:

$99.98  (last update: 2017-09-08 PST - Details)

Description:

  • • Patented sonar fish identifier technology
  • • LED beacon
  • • Rechargeable battery and charge status indicator light
  • • 10+ hrs battery life
  • • Accurate sonar readings down to a depth of 135'

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This fish finder can also be connected to your Android device via Bluetooth technology. It gives information on the location of fish, depth and and temperature. If your phone has GPS, it’s an added advantage since it will also provide GPS data.

It connects to a device which is within a range of 50 meters. Its app for iOS and Android is free and needs a regular update.

Second Best Portable Fishfinder iBobber Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder for iOS and Android devices

iBobber Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder for iOS and Android devices. Via: Amazon.com


Pros

  • Portable
  • Connects with Android and iOS devices
  • Connects with wireless Bluetooth devices
  • Has a lunar calendar window
  • You can see data on a bigger screen if you are using a device with larger screen

Cons

  • It may be less enjoyable to people who don’t like technology.


3. Fishfinder with Wired Sonar Sensor Transducer and LCD Display


Third Best Portable Fish Finder.

Venterior Portable Fish Finder, Fishfinder with Wired Sonar Sensor Transducer and LCD Display. Via: Amazon.com

Fishfinder with Wired Sonar Sensor Transducer and LCD Display

Amazon's customer rating & reviews:

(230 reviews)

Price:

$39.99  (last update: 2018-08-20 PST - Details)

Description:

  • Detect and display water depth, approximate fish location, short & tall weeds, sand & rocks on...
  • Apply to lake, river, sea and other fishing environment. Depth range from 3ft to 328ft.
  • Round transducer with 25 ft cable and removable transducer float. Can be used for fishing off the...
  • Various features settings: 5 user selectable sensitivity; battery save mode; backlight mode; fish...
  • Warranty: This device is covered by a 2 Year Warranty. Any questions before or after purchase,...

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This fish finder is one of the best and cheapest fish finders in the market. It may be appealing to most anglers due to its size and cost. It can be used at any time of the day, including dawn, dusk and night since it features some backlighting mechanism.


Pros

  • It is cheap and hence affordable to many anglers
  • Portable
  • Has power saving mode
  • Detects grass, weeds, sand and rocks
  • Has an audible fish alarm
  • Suitable for new anglers or occasional anglers

Cons

  • Not recommended for serious anglers
  • Does not show readings in cold weather

4. Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 Bbuilt-in GPS Fish Finder


Fourth Best Portable Fishfinder

Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 Bbuilt-in GPS Fish Finder. Via: Amazon.com

Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 Bbuilt-in GPS Fish Finder

Amazon's customer rating & reviews:

(428 reviews)

Price:

$109.47  (last update: 2017-09-08 PST - Details)

Description:

  • Easy-to-use 3.5-inch color fishfinder with built-in, high-sensitivity GPS, 3.5-inch CHIRP Fishfinder...
  • Find fish; mark and return to hot spots, docks and ramps
  • Convenient keypad operation, 3.6'' x 5.9'' x 1.6'' (91.6 x 150.8 x 42.8 cm), Display size: 1.9'' x...
  • Includes CHIRP (77/200 kHz) sonar transducer; transmit power (200 W RMS)/(1,600 W peak-to-peak)
  • Upgrade to high performance CHIRP with a GT8 or GT15 transducer (each sold separately)

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This portable fish finder is the newest member of the STRIKER fish finder series which has been known to be very successful. The Garmin Striker 4 Bbuilt- in GPS Fish Finder uses the ClearVu technology. This fish finder has been designed to allow anglers to mark their favourite fishing spots and navigate back to the same spot the next time they will be fishing. It is available in display sizes of 3.5 inches, 5 inches and 7 inches.


Pros

  • It can find fish, mark the hotspot and navigate you back to the same spot next time when fishing
  • It has a very highly sensitive in-built GPS system
  • Offers a convenient keypad operation
  • Upgrading to the high performance CHIRP with a GT8 or GT15 is possible.
  • It is very light and only weighs 8 ounces

Cons

  • The GPS does not have maps
  • Does not have a suction cup transducer

5.Humminbird DI Combo Down Imaging with DualBeam Color Fishfinder and GPS


Fourth Best Portable Fish Finder Reviews

Humminbird 4090501 386Ci DI Combo Down Imaging with DualBeam Color Fishfinder and GPS. Via: Amazon.com

Humminbird 4090501 386Ci DI Combo Down Imaging with DualBeam Color Fishfinder and GPS

Amazon's customer rating & reviews:

(1 reviews)

Price:

Price not available  (last update: 2017-09-08 PST - Details)

Description:

  • Depth: 250 ft (DI) 600 feet
  • Mounting: Quick Disconnect or In-dash
  • Down Imaging and DualBeam PLUS SONAR with SwitchFire
  • 3.5 inch 256 color display
  • Precision GPS and built-in Unimap

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It has a 256 colour screen which is suitable for reading the fish location and a colour display which makes it attractive due to its down imaging. It has a 3.5-inch colour display and a resolution of 240*320.


Pros

  • Down imaging
  • Searches over a large area
  • Has a high accuracy
  • A portable ice transducer can be added if need be
  • Covers more area since it has a dual beam
  • Has an SD card slot for enhanced navigation
  • Has a dual beam plus sonar
  • Has built in UniMaps for water bodies
  • GPS enabled

Cons

  • It has a bigger and sufficient display


6.HawkEye Portable Fish Finder w/WeedID®


Sixth Best Portable Fishfinder

HawkEye Portable Fish Finder w/WeedID®. Via: Amazon.com

HawkEye Portable Fish Finder w/WeedID®

Amazon's customer rating & reviews:

(11 reviews)

Price:

$76.73  (last update: 2017-09-08 PST - Details)

Description:

  • Ship to United States Only

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Take this cheap and reliable device, which has a battery life of 30 hours and an ultra-wide sonar beam which can read to a range of 1.5 to 99.9 feet, to help you get instant depths, fish, contours and weed reading. It is easy to use and read.

The fish finder has a resolution of 160*132 pixels and a display of 2.3 inches which is backlit and not coloured. It comes with mounting tabs to mount on the halls of the fishing boats easily. It is portable enough to fit in your palm or pocket.


Pros

  • Very portable
  • Easy to use
  • Cheap
  • Has a longer life battery than other fish finders of about 30 hours.

Cons

  • It is not reliable for ice fishing since it does not show readings well

7. FishHunter Military Grade Portable Fish Finder 3.0


Best Portable Fishfinder

FishHunter Military Grade Portable Fish Finder 3.0. Via: Amazon.com

FishHunter Military Grade Portable Fish Finder 3.0

Amazon's customer rating & reviews:

(206 reviews)

Price:

$125.75  (last update: 2017-09-08 PST - Details)

Description:

  • Bluetooth casting range is up to 80 ft.(25m)
  • Depth range is up to 100 ft.(30m). Ice fishing depth is up to 60 ft.(18m) up to 30 ft(9m) to track...
  • Fish Hunter Comes complete with charging station, mini USB cable, manual and carrying bag, Charger
  • You can keep detailed information on your catches, photos, type of fish, weight and length and bait...
  • With FishHunter in your tackle box you gain access to military grade sonar technology, including GPS...

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According to my review, this is the best portable fish finder. It comes with advanced features to enhance your fishing activities by making them productive. Its price is decent and affordable.

Fish Hunter can be used for several types of fishing such as boat and ice fishing and can be used at all places. Using an app, Fish Hunter can be connected to both Android and iOS devices. Via Bluetooth, it casts to a range of up to 80 feet, and the depth range and catfishing range are 100 and 60 feet respectively.

The Fish Hunter app is useful when keeping information such as catches, fish details and photos. It is also possible to measure the bottom contour and have raw sonar data on the display of your smartphone.


Pros

  • Temperature check avaible
  • Can be used for several types of fishing but is best for Kayak fishing
  • Its battery has a life of approximately 8 hours
  • The device has a rubber coating
  • Has a portable charging station
  • GPS tracking, mapping, and navigation are avaiable
  • The application has a fishing log
  • Military grade sonar
  • Free Android and iOs application
  • Can store information such as fish weight and depth and share it from the app

Cons

  • Does not produce the best results when used for ice fishing

Winner

In my opinion, the FishHunter Military Grade Portable Fish Finder 3.0 is the best portable fish finder.

FishHunter Military Grade Portable Fish Finder 3.0
206 Reviews
FishHunter Military Grade Portable Fish Finder 3.0
  • Bluetooth casting range is up to 80 ft.(25m)
  • Depth range is up to 100 ft.(30m). Ice fishing depth is up to 60 ft.(18m) up to 30 ft(9m) to track jig
  • Fish Hunter Comes complete with charging station, mini USB cable, manual and carrying bag, Charger
  • You can keep detailed information on your catches, photos, type of fish, weight and length and bait used right inside our app; Now, who would dare say you did not catch that big one
  • With FishHunter in your tackle box you gain access to military grade sonar technology, including GPS tracking, mapping and navigation to your best fishing spots. By tracking your spots you'll never have to remember again

Last update on 2017-09-08 PST - Details

FishHunter Military Grade Portable Fish Finder 3.0

FishHunter Military Grade Portable Fish Finder 3.0. Via: Amazon.com

It can be used when fishing at all places and can also be used for both boat and ice fishing. Through Bluetooth the fish finder casts up to a range of at most 80 feet and the depths of the catfish beneath the waters are 100 feet and a range of approximately 60 feet.

FishHunter Military Grade Portable Fish Finder 3.0

FishHunter Military Grade Portable Fish Finder 3.0. Via: Amazon.com

It provides raw sonar data on the screen of your smart phone, making it easy for you to read the details. It has only one disadvantage which is that it is not appropriate for use in ice fishing since it does not produce the best results.


Conclusion

Last update on 2017-09-08 PST - Details

Considering the pros and cons listed for each fish finder, you can comfortably select the fish finder that suits you. Again, don’t go for the cheapest fish finder if you have the cash. Cheap could turn out to be expensive, especially when your fishing activities are rampant. I hope that after reading this, you will get the best fish finder to start finding your favorites fishes, for me is tilapia fish.

Do you believe there is another better fish finder that deserved to be on this list and didn’t make it? Please let us know on the comments section below so that next time it must be included on the list.Let me know your views by leaving a comment on the article.

Please share it with others who are interested in learning about fish finders and getting the best fish finder.

you might also like : The Best Crappie Rod 2017: The Best Combos in the Market Today,What Is The Best Size For A Catfish Hook?

Louella Trump
 

Hi there, I’m Louella Trump, an adventurous young lady who loves exploring our beautiful nature by traveling and fishing. I write so as to share my passion and experiences with fellow readers who enjoy fishing and traveling as one of their recreational activities. My primary objective in sharing my experiences while traveling and fishing is to basically inspire any like-minded person out there to stop at nothing and leave no stone unturned in ensuring that they explore their passion as much as they can.

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