Who makes the best Fishfinder?
Let's look at the top 5 consumer products.
- Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4
- Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5″, 7″ and 9″
- Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv
- Reelsonar iBobber
- Raymarine Element 7 HV
Garmin Vs Lowrance? Raymarine... the list goes on
Choosing the best fish finder in 2025 doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With new features and tech upgrades from Garmin, Lowrance, and Raymarine, it’s important to know which one fits your fishing style.
In this guide, we’ll cover key features, user experience, and the unique pros and cons of each brand. From sonar tech to ease of use, you’ll have everything you need to pick the best fish finder for 2025.
So what are the key factors in making your choice?
Choosing the right fish finder for 2025 means evaluating several key factors that can impact your fishing experience. Here’s what to keep in mind when comparing Garmin, Lowrance, and Raymarine:
1. Screen Size
The screen size should suit both your boat and mounting location. Larger screens provide better clarity and detail, but you’ll need to balance size with available space on your dash.
2. Performance
Where do you fish? The depth and type of water you’ll be navigating should influence your choice. If you fish in deep waters or offshore, ensure your fish finder can handle greater depths and still deliver accurate results.
3. Expansion and Future-Proofing
Think ahead — will you add radar, sonar, or AIS later? Many modern fish finders offer expansion options, so choose a model that can grow with your needs.
4. Price
What’s your budget? Fish finders come in a wide price range, so consider what features are essential for your fishing style without overspending on unnecessary extras.
Common Specs and Features to Understand
Touch Screen vs. Physical Buttons
Many fish finders now feature exclusively touch screens, offering a sleek, modern look. While this design is visually appealing, it can be frustrating to use, especially when you’re cruising at high speeds. When choosing between a touch screen and models with physical buttons, consider the type of boat you have and the conditions you fish in. A touch screen may be perfect for calm, slow-moving waters, but buttons could be more reliable in rough conditions or while underway.Transducer Type
For trailer boats, a transom mount transducer is usually the easiest to install and offers solid performance. Larger vessels, such as launches, typically use a thru-hull transducer — either low profile or with a fairing block — for better accuracy. In both cases, the placement of the transducer is crucial for optimal performance and depth readings.Transducer Frequency and Power
Transducer frequency plays a significant role in both image quality and the depth your fish finder can reach. For instance, if you’re targeting snapper in shallow waters, there’s no need to invest in a high-powered 1kW transducer. A 300W or 600W transducer will be more than sufficient for your needs. Always consider your fishing environment and the type of fish you’re after when selecting the appropriate frequency and power for your transducer.LOWEST PRICE IN 30 DAYS!
Deep Sea Fishing: Transducer Power and Frequency
When fishing at depths over 150m, a 1kW transducer is essential to get clear, definitive fish targets and bait visibility. While a 600W transducer may work in some situations, it won’t provide the same level of detail. If you’re fishing at depths of 150m or more, you’ll likely be going even deeper, so investing in the extra power of a 1kW transducer will help you see the bottom with more clarity — at depths of up to 1000m.
Expert anglers with a finely tuned setup and a noise-free electrical environment can even detect fish as deep as 500-600m. But, remember, high performance at these depths requires both the right equipment and the right knowledge.
For consistent fishing at depths between 300m and 500m (for species like swordfish, hapuku, and bass), you’ll want to switch from the standard 50kHz frequency to 38kHz for better depth penetration. This upgrade also requires additional power, meaning you’ll need to use a sounder module capable of supporting 2kW or 3kW power.
At this level, gear costs rise, and installation becomes more complex. If you need guidance on high-end gear and setup, don’t hesitate to contact us for unbiased advice on choosing the right equipment for your needs.
Navigation Charts and Mapping Features: Navionics vs. C-Map
When it comes to charts and mapping, fish finders rely on external suppliers like Navionics and C-Map to provide the mapping data. Both have their advantages, and the right choice depends on where and how you fish.
Navionics offers Platinum charts with SonarChart™ options, which provide high-resolution bathymetric data. While these charts are excellent in many areas, they can sometimes lack accuracy, especially in certain locations. If you’re fishing in popular areas or shallow waters, Navionics can be a solid choice.
On the other hand, C-Map has spent years conducting hydrographic surveys along many coastal areas, resulting in more accurate maps for these regions. If you’re targeting deeper fishing grounds or exploring less-charted coastal areas, C-Map’s data may be the better option, as it tends to be more reliable in these zones.
Lowrance Hook Reveal
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GPS: Internal vs. External Antennas
Boats with aluminum hard tops may experience difficulties maintaining a strong GPS signal. In these cases, it’s recommended to use an external GPS antenna mounted outside the boat for a more reliable connection. Fiberglass boats usually have fewer issues, but metallic coatings and tinted windows can still interfere with signal strength. If you have a hard-top boat, the best practice is to prioritize an external GPS antenna for optimal performance.
GPS is a critical safety feature for your boat, so it’s important to make an informed decision that ensures reliable navigation.
Ease of Use: Try Before You Buy
Before investing thousands of dollars in a fish finder, it’s worth visiting a store to test out different models. Make sure the user interface makes sense to you and is intuitive. Some fish finders are designed with everyday users in mind, while older models from brands like Furuno can be more complex and less user-friendly. Additionally, consider the level of support provided by the manufacturer — some companies offer excellent customer service, while others may not be as responsive.
