10 Best Fish Finders 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is a user-friendly fish-finder with a 7-inch color LCD screen, providing a vivid and clear display to easily distinguish fish and underwater structures. It includes a GT20 transducer that offers both traditional CHIRP sonar and ClearVü scanning sonar, which helps in getting detailed underwater images. The high-sensitivity GPS is a notable feature, allowing users to mark waypoints, create routes, and check boat speed, making navigation easier for anglers. The built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping is a great addition, enabling users to draw their own maps with 1-foot contours.

Wi-Fi connectivity is a modern touch, allowing you to connect to the ActiveCaptain app for waypoint transfer, smart notifications, and access to the Garmin Quickdraw Community. However, some users might find the reliance on a battery power source limiting if they are on extended trips without a reliable power source. The device is relatively portable with a weight of 4.4 pounds and includes a tilt/swivel bailmount bracket for easy mounting, although this might still be on the heavier side for some. Moreover, while the screen size is decent, those who prefer larger displays for better visibility might find it somewhat limiting. The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is well-suited for recreational anglers who value easy-to-use, portable, and feature-rich devices, though those on longer fishing expeditions may need to consider power source logistics.

The Lowrance Eagle Eye 9 Live is a solid choice for anglers looking for a mid-sized fish finder with a sharp 9-inch IPS screen that remains clear from various angles, even when wearing polarized sunglasses. It offers powerful sonar capabilities through its Eagle Eye transducer, delivering four different sonar views at once—Live Forward, Live Down, CHIRP Sonar, and DownScan Imaging with FishReveal—without needing extra modules. This means you get detailed underwater views to help spot fish more easily.

The device includes built-in C-MAP charts covering over 17,000 US lakes, which are updated live for accuracy, helping with navigation and fishing spots. Although it’s battery powered, the unit is lightweight and compact enough to mount on different boat types, including kayaks, making it fairly portable. Installation is user-friendly thanks to the new twist-lock connector system.

With many strong features, the Eagle Eye 9 Live stands out as a dependable fish finder with versatile sonar and good lake coverage that’s easy to install and view. It is a trustworthy pick, especially for casual to intermediate anglers.

The Humminbird XPLORE 9 GPS Fish Finder offers a range of impressive features tailored for serious anglers. It employs premium sonar technology, including MEGA Side Imaging+ and MEGA Down Imaging+, providing detailed views up to 200 feet both horizontally and vertically. The Dual Spectrum CHIRP further enhances fish detection by offering both wide and narrow sonar modes.

Its built-in GPS with extensive basemaps and included map cards for the US and Canada aids in precise navigation and mapping. The AutoChart Live feature allows you to create real-time maps, which is beneficial for tracking depth contours and other underwater features. The 9-inch full HD touchscreen display, coupled with keypad controls, ensures clear visibility and ease of use.

Connectivity is another strong point, with high-speed Ethernet and Bluetooth, making it compatible with various marine electronics. Integration with Minn Kota and Cannon products further enhances its utility. However, at 9 pounds, it is relatively heavy, which might affect portability. Additionally, while the screen resolution is adequate, it may not be the highest available in the market. This fish finder is best suited for dedicated anglers looking for a robust, feature-rich device to improve their fishing experience.