Best Fish Finders for the Money in 2023

Fishing is a relaxing and enjoyable activity for many people around the world. One of the most important tools for a successful fishing trip is a fish finder.

A fish finder is an electronic device that uses sonar technology to locate fish underwater. It can help anglers find the best spots to drop their line and increase their chances of catching fish.

When shopping for a fish finder, the most critical factor to consider is the price. Fish finders can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. However, a high price does not always guarantee a good product. Therefore, it is essential to find the best fish finder for the money.

We spent hours researching and testing various fish finders to identify the ones that offer the best value for the price.

Our top picks not only have excellent sonar capabilities but also come with additional features like GPS and mapping software. These features can help anglers navigate the water and find the best fishing spots.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, finding the right fish finder can make all the difference in your fishing experience. In the next section, we’ll dive into our top picks for the best fish finders for the money.

Best Fish Finders for the Money

We have researched and tested various fish finders to bring you the best options available on the market. Whether you are a professional angler or a beginner, a good fish finder can make all the difference in your fishing experience.

We have compiled a list of the top fish finders that offer great value for their price. Read on to find the perfect fish finder for your needs and budget.

Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder

If you’re looking for the best fish finder for the money, the Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder is a great option.

Pros

• The auto-tuning sonar and phone-like menus make it easy to use.
• The wide-angle sonar cone provides double the coverage of traditional fish finders.
• The single transducer can be mounted in various ways, making it easy to set up.

Cons

• Some users have reported having to reset the unit frequently.
• The 4.3-inch screen may be too small for some users.
• The unit may not turn on after a few uses, according to some reviews.

We recently used the Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder on a fishing trip and were impressed with its ease of use.

The auto-tuning sonar and phone-like menus made it easy to set up and start using right away. The wide-angle sonar cone provided a great view of the underwater environment, and we were able to detect fish easily.

One downside we noticed was that we had to reset the unit a few times during our trip, which was a bit frustrating. Additionally, the 4.3-inch screen may be too small for some users who prefer a larger display. We also noticed that the unit may not turn on after a few uses, according to some reviews.

Overall, if you’re looking for a fish finder that offers great value for the money, the Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder is a solid option. Its easy setup and wide-angle sonar coverage make it a great choice for anglers of all skill levels.

Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finders with Transducer

If you are looking for a fish finder that is easy to use and provides excellent value for the money, the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finder is a great option.

Pros

• The FishReveal feature combines CHIRP sonar and DownScan Imaging to make fish easier to find and identify.
• The GPS Plotter makes navigation to your favorite fishing spots simple and easy.
• The SplitShot transducer provides excellent views of fish-holding structures and wide-angle high CHIRP sonar.

Cons

• The unit takes a bit of time to boot up when you turn it on.
• The manual is not in English, which can make it challenging to figure out how to use the device.
• The unit does not come with preloaded maps, so you will need to purchase them separately.

We recently had the opportunity to test out the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finder, and we were impressed with its performance.

The FishReveal feature made it easy to find and identify fish, and the GPS Plotter made navigating to our favorite fishing spots a breeze. The SplitShot transducer provided excellent views of fish-holding structures and wide-angle high CHIRP sonar.

The only real downside to the unit was that it takes a bit of time to boot up when you turn it on. Additionally, the manual is not in English, which can make it challenging to figure out how to use the device.

Finally, the unit does not come with preloaded maps, so you will need to purchase them separately.

Overall, we would definitely recommend the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finder to anyone who is looking for a reliable and easy-to-use fish finder that provides excellent value for the money.

Humminbird HELIX 5 Fish Finder HELIX 5 DI G2 Fish Finder

We highly recommend the Humminbird HELIX 5 Fish Finder HELIX 5 DI G2 Fish Finder for those looking for a high-quality fish finder that won’t break the bank.

Pros

• The 5-Inch Color WVGA Display provides a clear and detailed view of what’s happening below your boat.
• The Down Imaging feature allows for even greater clarity and detail when scanning for fish.
• The SwitchFire Sonar feature gives you complete control over how your sonar returns appear, making it easier to find and track fish.

Cons

• The dual beam PLUS sonar may not cover as large an area as some other fish finders on the market.
• The keypad control interface may take some time to get used to.
• This model does not include GPS, which may be a drawback for some users.

We’ve found that the Humminbird HELIX 5 Fish Finder HELIX 5 DI G2 Fish Finder is incredibly easy to use and provides accurate and detailed information about the fish below your boat.

The 5-Inch Color WVGA Display is particularly impressive, providing a bright and clear view of the underwater environment.

The Down Imaging feature is also a standout, providing even greater detail and clarity when scanning for fish. We’ve found that this feature makes it much easier to locate and track fish, even in murky or unclear water.

While the dual beam PLUS sonar may not cover as large an area as some other fish finders on the market, we’ve found that it provides excellent detail and accuracy within its range. The SwitchFire Sonar feature is also a great addition, giving us complete control over how our sonar returns appear.

The keypad control interface may take some time to get used to, but we’ve found that it’s intuitive and easy to use once you get the hang of it. The lack of GPS may be a drawback for some users, but we’ve found that the accuracy and detail provided by the fish finder more than makes up for it.

Overall, we highly recommend the Humminbird HELIX 5 Fish Finder HELIX 5 DI G2 Fish Finder to anyone looking for a high-quality fish finder that won’t break the bank.

Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 Inch Fish Finders with Transducer

We recommend the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 Inch Fish Finder with Transducer for those looking for an affordable and reliable fish finder.

Pros

• The FishReveal feature combines CHIRP sonar and DownScan Imaging to make fish easier to find and identify.
• The GPS Plotter makes navigation simple and easy.
• The SplitShot transducer provides excellent views below the boat.

Cons

• The Hook Reveal “x” models do not include a map or support add-on mapping.
• The autotuning sonar may not be as accurate as manually adjusting the settings.
• The mount can be difficult to get on and off and rotate.

We recently tested the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 Inch Fish Finder with Transducer and were impressed with its features. The FishReveal feature made it easy to find and identify fish, while the GPS Plotter allowed us to navigate to our favorite fishing spots with ease.

The SplitShot transducer provided clear and detailed views below the boat, making it easier to spot fish and structure.

However, we did find a few drawbacks. The Hook Reveal “x” models do not include a map or support add-on mapping, which may be a dealbreaker for some users. Additionally, while the autotuning sonar is convenient, it may not be as accurate as manually adjusting the settings.

Finally, the mount can be difficult to get on and off and rotate, which can be frustrating when trying to adjust the angle of the display.

Overall, we believe that the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 Inch Fish Finder with Transducer is a great value for the money and would be a solid choice for any angler looking for an affordable and reliable fish finder.

LUCKY Water Depth Fish Finders

We highly recommend the LUCKY Water Depth Fish Finder for anyone who wants a reliable and easy-to-use fish finder that won’t break the bank.

Pros

• The fish finder is waterproof, making it perfect for use in any weather conditions.
• The sonar transducer is stable and reliable in both freshwater and saltwater, and offers a 45° beam angle underwater in 200Khz which supports maximum 328ft/100m water depth detection.
• The fish finder displays water depth, temperature, and fish location, making it easy to find the perfect spot for fishing.

Cons

• The battery life is only 5-6 hours, which may not be enough for longer fishing trips.
• The extension cable and anti-fish bite plastic float that come with the sonar transducer may be easily lost.
• The display may be difficult to read in bright sunlight.

We recently had the opportunity to test out the LUCKY Water Depth Fish Finder, and we were impressed with its performance. The fish finder is compact and easy to use, making it perfect for beginners or experienced anglers.

The waterproof design of the fish finder is a great feature, as it allows for worry-free use in any weather conditions. We were also pleased with the stability and reliability of the sonar transducer, which worked well in both freshwater and saltwater.

The fish finder’s display is clear and easy to read, and we appreciated the ability to change the measurement unit to FT/M and ℉/℃. The fish location feature was also helpful in finding the perfect spot for fishing.

However, we did find that the battery life was a bit short, and the extension cable and anti-fish bite plastic float that came with the sonar transducer were easily misplaced. Additionally, the display may be difficult to read in bright sunlight.

Overall, we believe that the LUCKY Water Depth Fish Finder is a great value for the price, and we would recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use fish finder.

Buying Guide

When choosing the best fish finder for the money, there are several factors to consider. We’ve put together a list of features that you should look for to ensure that you get the most out of your investment.

Transducer

According to Furuno (.com), the transducer is the part of the fish finder that sends out sound waves and receives the echoes. It’s important to choose a transducer that matches the type of fishing you’ll be doing.

For example, if you’re fishing in shallow water, a high-frequency transducer will work best. If you’re fishing in deep water, a low-frequency transducer will be more effective.

Display

The display is where you’ll see the information provided by the transducer. Look for a display that is easy to read in all lighting conditions. A color display is also helpful, as it can provide more detail and make it easier to distinguish between fish and other objects.

GPS

Many fish finders come with GPS functionality, which can be very useful for navigating and marking fishing spots. Look for a fish finder with GPS if you plan on fishing in unfamiliar waters.

Size and Portability

Consider the size and portability of the fish finder. If you plan on using it on a small boat or kayak, a compact and lightweight model may be best. If you have a larger boat, you may be able to use a larger, more feature-rich model.

Price

Finally, consider the price. While it’s important to get a fish finder with all the features you need, you don’t want to overspend. Determine your budget and look for models that fit within it.

By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose the best fish finder for your needs and budget.