Shopping for a fishfinder has never been more exciting. That's because compared to fishfinders of yesteryear, today's anglers enjoy a panoply of technologies that make locating fish and structure easier than ever. While traditional sonar, with its limited number of frequencies still has its place, technologies like scanning sonar, CHIRP, and real-time 3D sonar imaging now provide anglers with unprecedented views of what swims below and around their boats.
The following list of fishfinders/chartpoltter combos is arranged according to their relative price, from the least expensive to higher end, more expensive units. While the more expensive displays can cost north of $2000, it's surprising how even anglers on a budget can pick up some great technology for as little as $200 or less.
Under $200:
Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Fishfinder with GT20-TM Transducer
This compact, budget-friendly unit with CHIRP and basic fishfinding capabilities is ideal for a small boat or a kayak.
At under $200, the STRIKER Vivid 4cv fishfinder delivers outstanding performance that belies its low price. With seven vivid color options, it's easy to spot fish and structure. The built-in sonar includes CHIRP traditional and ClearVü scanning, which taken together leaves finned quarry scant places to hide! Waypoint marking helps you never lose a hot spot, while high-sensitivity GPS aids in navigation. Store up to 2 million acres of maps with 1' contours using QuickDraw Contours. Plus, the package includes a convenient mount for easy installation. A fantastic companion for your fishing adventures!
Striker 4 Specs at a Glance:
- Diagonal Screen Size: 4"
- Dimensions: 3.9" x 6.9" x 1.8"
- Display Color: Color
- Display Shape: Vertical
- Display Type: Color QSVGA
- Frequency: Traditional: 50/77/200 kHz
- GPS: Internal GPS Antenna
- Maximum Depth: Traditional: 1,900’, ClearVü: 750’
- Mount Type: Flush, Quick Disconnect, Tilt, Swivel
- Screen Resolution: 272H x 480V
- Sonar: CHIRP, Down Imaging, Traditional
- Included Transducer: Garmin GT20 TM
- Transmit Power: Traditional 500W
- Waterproof Rating: Waterproof to IPX7 standard
- Warranty: One Year
Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv FishfinderUnder $500:
HOOK Reveal 5 Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo with SplitShot Transducer and C-MAP Contour Plus Charts
The Hook Reveal 5 takes the features up a notch with a larger display and additional features like mapping and chartplotting.
With a bevy of features packed into its 5” display, this unit includes autotuning sonar for hassle-free adjustments, FishReveal™ technology that combines CHIRP sonar and DownScan Imaging™ to make fish more visible, and Genesis Live Real-Time Mapping for on-the-fly creation of contour maps. The SolarMAX™ Display ensures clarity in all conditions, and the user-friendly keypad makes navigation a breeze. With double the sonar coverage, the HOOK Reveal offers precise data and comes with preloaded US/Canada Inland and Coastal mapping. It's the ideal companion for anglers looking to enhance their fishing capabilities.
Hook Reveal 5 Specs at a Glance:
- Cartography: US/Canada Inland and Coastal
- Diagonal Screen Size: 5"
- Dimensions: 7.31" x 4.32" x 2.11"
- Display Color: Color
- Display Shape: Horizontal
- Display Type: Color LED Display
- Frequency: Varies with Transducer
- GPS: Internal GPS Antenna
- Maximum Depth: 300’
- Mount Type: Tilt
- Screen Resolution: 800H x 480V
- Sonar: Down/CHIRP/Temperature/Fish Reveal
- Included Transducer: SplitShot Transducer
- Type: Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo
- Waterproof: Waterproof to IPX7 standard
- Warranty: One Year
Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 Fishfinder/Chartplotter ComboUnder $1,000:
Elite FS 9 Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer and C-MAP Contour Charts
A mid-range option with CHIRP sonar technology, GPS, and advanced mapping features, the Elite Fishing System (FS) is a powerful yet user-friendly fishfinder that combines Lowrance's latest fishfinding technologies with an easy-to-install display. With features like Active Imaging™ 3-in-1 sonar, which includes CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan with FishReveal™, you'll see structure and fish in unprecedented detail. ActiveTarget™ Live Sonar allows you to track fish movements in real time, making your fishing techniques more effective. The device comes with preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Fishing Maps and offers extensive connectivity options, including wireless, NMEA 2000®, and Ethernet. With a high-resolution touchscreen and user-friendly interface, the Elite FS is an impressive tool for anglers looking to maximize their fishing success.
Elite FS 9 Specs at a Glance:
- Cartography: US Coastal, US Inland
- Diagonal Screen Size: 9"
- Dimensions: 3.05" x 7.04" x 11.02"
- Display Color: Color
- Display Shape: Horizontal
- Display Type: Backlit LCD
- Frequency: 83/200 kHz, 455/800 kHz
- GPS: Internal GPS Antenna
- Maximum Depth: 2D Sonar 1000’, Side Scan 300’
- Mount Type: Flush, Tilt
- Resolution: 1280H x 800V
- Sonar: Down Imaging, Side Imaging, CHRIP
- Included Transducer: ActiveImaging 3-in-1 Transducer
- Type: Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo
- Waterproof: Waterproof to IPX7 standard
- Warranty: Two Years
Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fishfinder/Chartplotter ComboUnder $1,500:
Garmin ECHOMAP™ UHD2 94sv Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo with GT56 Transducer and U.S. Coastal Navionics+ Charts
The 9" ECHOMAP™ UHD2 touchscreen chartplotter offers an impressive display with enhanced detail, clarity, and viewing angles, ensuring you're well-acquainted with the water. It supports Garmin traditional sonar, ClearVü™, and SideVü™ scanning sonars, each with vivid color palettes for high-contrast views. With built-in Garmin Navionics+™ cartography and Wi-Fi® connectivity, you can easily share sonar data and waypoints with other ECHOMAP UHD2 chartplotters. This versatile device also boasts multi-band GPS for improved position accuracy and compatibility with the ActiveCaptain® app, offering access to the OneChart™ feature and more. Additionally, it supports NMEA 2000® networks for seamless integration with autopilots, digital switching, and other systems, all on one screen. A must-have tool for navigating the waters like a pro.
ECHOMAP™ UHD2 94sv Specs at a Glance:
- Cartography: US Coastal Navionics+
- Diagonal Screen Size: 9"
- Dimensions: 10.4" x 6.5" x 3.2"
- Display Color: Color
- Display Shape: Horizontal
- Display Type: Color WVGA LCD
- Frequency: Traditional High-wide CHIRP (150-240 kHz), ClearVü/SideVü 455 kHz (425-485 kHz), 800 kHz (790-850 kHz), 1000 kHz (940-1100)
- GPS: Internal GPS Antenna
- Maximum Depth: Traditional: 800' (freshwater), ClearVü: 400', SideVü: 500'
- Mount Type: Flush, Quick Disconnect, Tilt
- Screen Resolution: 800H x 480V
- Sonar: Down Imaging, Side Imaging, Traditional, Temperature
- Included Transducer: Garmin GT-56
- Transmit Power: 500W
- Type: Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo
- Waterproof: Waterproof to IPX7 standard
- Warranty: Two Years
Garmin ECHOMAP™ UHD2 94sv Fishfinder/Chartplotter ComboUnder $2000:
ECHOMAP™ Ultra 2 106sv Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo with Navionics+™ U.S. Inland and Coastal Charts
The ECHOMAP™ Ultra 2 106sv combo with a 10" keyed-assist, in-plane switching touchscreen display has all the built-in fishing tools you need for successful fishing.
Vivid scanning sonar color palettes make it easier than ever to distinguish targets and structure. The device also supports the LiveScope™ and LiveScope™ Plus Systems and the entire line of live sonar products (transducers sold separately). Share sonar, waypoints and routes with other ECHOMAP Ultra 10” and 12” units as well as ECHOMAP Plus and UHD 7” and 9” units. The combo is preloaded with Garmin Navionics+™ maps offering both coastal and inland lake coverage as well as Auto Guidance+™ technology (for planning purposes only; does not replace safe navigation operations). It also includes Quickdraw Contours custom map drawing software.
ECHOMAP™ Ultra 2 106sv Specs at a Glance:
- Cartography: Navionics+ US and Canada Inland and Coastal
- Diagonal Screen Size: 10”
- Dimensions: 11.6" x 7.7" x 3.9"
- Display Color: Color
- Display Shape: Horizontal
- Display Type: Color VGA LCD
- Frequency: Varies with transducer
- GPS: Internal GPS Antenna
- Maximum Depth: Varies with transducer
- Mount Type: Flush, Quick Disconnect, Tilt and Swivel
- Screen Resolution: 1280H x 800V
- Sonar: Down, Side, CHIRP, Temp
- Included transducer: Sold separately
- Type: Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo
ECHOMAP™ Ultra 2 106sv Fishfinder/Chartplotter ComboUnder $3000:
Garmin ECHOMAP™ Ultra 2 126sv Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo with Navionics+™ U.S. Inland and Coastal Charts
A top-of-the-line fishfinder and chartplotter combo with RealVision 3D sonar technology and a wide array of features, Garmin's ECHOMAP™ Ultra 2 126sv combo boasts a 12” touchscreen display and an array of essential fishing tools for successful outings. Compatibility with LiveScope™ and LiveScope™ Plus Systems enhances your sonar capabilities (transducers sold separately). You can conveniently share sonar data, waypoints, and routes with other ECHOMAP™ units, including ECHOMAP Plus and UHD models. Preloaded with Garmin Navionics+™ charts covering both coastal and inland areas, plus Auto Guidance+™ technology, it simplifies navigation planning. Quickdraw Contours custom map drawing software is also included, making this combo a comprehensive tool for anglers seeking success on the water.
ECHOMAP™ Ultra 2 126sv Specs at a Glance:
- Cartography: Navionics+ US and Canada Inland and Coastal
- Diagonal Screen Size: 12”
- Dimensions: 13.4" x 9" x 3.9"
- Display Color: Color
- Display Shape: Horizontal
- Display Type: Color VGA LCD
- Frequency: Varies with transducer
- GPS: Internal GPS Antenna
- Maximum Depth: Varies with transducer
- Mount Type: Flush, Quick Disconnect, Tilt and Swivel
- Resolution: 1280H x 800V
- Sonar: Down, Side, CHIRP, Temp.
- Included Transducer: Transducer sold separately
- Transmit Power: 600 Watts
- Type: Fishfinder/Chartplotter Combo
- Waterproof: Waterproof to IPX7 standard
- Warranty: Two Years
Garmin ECHOMAP™ Ultra 2 126sv Fishfinder/Chartplotter ComboConclusion
The fishfinder/chartplotter combos you see here are among the best that we offer. Keep in mind that the best fishfinder for you will depend on your specific needs and fishing style, such as whether you fish in freshwater or saltwater, your preferred display size, your budget, and the specific features you require. For more choices, browse our complete selection of dedicated fishfinders and fishfinder/gps combos.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sets budget-friendly units apart from high-end fishfinder/chartplotter combos?
While budget-friendly models, like the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv, offer plenty of bang for your buck, they they are characterized by smaller, lower-resolution displays and focus on essential features like CHIRP sonar and basic GPS functionality. High-end models, such as the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv, offer larger, high-definition displays and advanced technologies, including ultra-high-definition sonar, real-time 3D imaging, comprehensive mapping, and enhanced connectivity options. These features provide a more detailed and immersive fishing experience.
Are these fishfinder/chartplotter combos suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing?
Yes, all the models featured in this article are versatile and can be used in both freshwater and saltwater environments. However, it's essential to select a unit with the appropriate depth capabilities and mapping options for your preferred fishing location.
What is CHIRP sonar, and why is it beneficial?
CHIRP sonar (Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse) sends a continuous sweep of frequencies, providing clearer and more detailed images of fish, structure, and the bottom than traditional sonar. It's particularly useful for distinguishing between individual fish and other underwater objects.
How does GPS functionality enhance fishfinder/chartplotter combos?
GPS allows you to mark waypoints, track routes, and navigate to fishing spots with ease. It also integrates with mapping features to provide a comprehensive view of your location relative to underwater structures and potential fishing hotspots.
Do these devices come with preloaded maps?
Many of the combos, such as the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra series and Lowrance Elite FS 9, come with preloaded maps like Garmin Navionics+ or C-MAP Contour+ charts. These maps provide detailed coastal and inland coverage for navigation and fishing.
What type of mounting options are available for these units?
Most of the fishfinder/chartplotter combos offer flexible mounting options, including flush, gimbal, and quick disconnect mounts, making it easy to install them on different types of boats.
Can I upgrade the transducer on these devices?
Yes, many of the featured combos are compatible with additional or upgraded transducers, such as LiveScope™ or ActiveTarget™ systems, allowing you to enhance your sonar capabilities as needed.
What should I consider when selecting a fishfinder/chartplotter combo?
Consider your budget, the type of fishing you do (e.g., saltwater vs. freshwater), the size of the display you prefer, the depth and sonar capabilities you need, and whether advanced features like live sonar or side imaging are important to you.
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