Best Portable Fish Finder – Top 7 Handy Fish Finding Devices

I know very well that every fisher or a kayaker would want to locate fish without going through any complexity. In this case, what comes in handy for a perfect fishing experience is the best portable fish finder.

These small, compact, and tiny fish finders are capable of doing wonders. For instance, you can locate the exact position of the fish with them. Not only that, but such fish finders are also helpful in showing other statistics for an enhanced overview.

Just In: Best Fish Finders Ever

All in all, the need for a portable fish finder could not be ignored, especially if you are a beginner. So, in case you are looking for one, we’ve got you covered. With the help of professional kayakers and our own research, we present to you “A list of 7 top-rated portable fish finders” respectively.

Have a look as follows:

Top 7 Best Portable Fish Finders Rated for 2020-2021

1. Garmin Striker 4 – Best Portable Fish Finder 2021

Garmin Striker 4, without a single doubt, tops our list for being the best portable fish-finding gadget available in the market. For starters, the brand, “Garmin” is all about reliability, accuracy, and portability at the same time.

Same features are prominent in Striker 4, which comes with a compact and concise shape, first of all. Secondly, the readings and locations it shows are well up to the mark.

Adding to that, the fish finder is versatile. That is, it could be utilized for multiple types of fishing, be it ice fishing, shore fishing, or deep water fishing. In short, Striker 4 from Garmin won’t be letting you down anytime soon as it could turn out to be one of the best decisions of your life.

Some important features about the best portable fish finder are as follows:

Important Features You Need to Know:

Waypoint Mapping:

You’d be surprised to know that even with such a small shape, the fish finder comes with a Waypoint mapping system. It ensures personal map creation that helps to mark crucial areas while wandering in a lake for a fish hunt.

CHIRP Sonar Technology:

Adding to that, Garmin Striker 4 also comes with special CHIRP sonar technology. The scanning is thus pinpoint and extremely accurate. Hence, it will expose the exact fish location without any worries.

Portable yet Mountable:

Another surprising fact about the best compact fish finder is that it’s portable yet mountable at the same time. Yeah, you heard it right. The fish finder could be mounted to different areas of the boat so as to get a better and clear view of your surroundings.

Easy to Use Interface:

Apart from all other features, what I loved the most about Striker 4 is that it’s extremely easy to use. I mean, all buttons and options are available on the display that could be utilized for a perfect fish hunting experience.

Easily Readable Display:

Last but not the least, Garmin Striker 4 has a small, yet clear and vivid display. It comes with a TFT colored interface that ensures easy readability even when you are fishing in a sunny environment.

Striker 4 from Garmin is what we call perfection. No matter from which perspective you judge it, the fish finder won’t disappoint you anytime soon. So get it if you are looking for a long-term portable fish finding device in 2021.

2. LUCKY Portable Fish Finder – Portable Fish Finder for Kayak

LUCKY’s been a sole brand that has focused on making nothing except portable fish finders. Although the cheap fish finders from the brand haven’t gained much attention, I must say that their latest fish finder is a gem.

Talking about LUCKY portable fish finder, it has got a compact shape. The shape resembles a full-fledged mobile phone that could easily be handled. Adding to that, there were many complaints against the previous fish finder version of LUCKY.

However, I’ve gotta admit that this updated model is extremely accurate. I’d got it tested for like 40 to 50 times in every type of water and it didn’t disappoint me at all.

That’s how improved this new fish finder from LUCKY is. It’d be a perfect addition to your fish hunting gear especially if you are interested in recreational fishing.

Just In: Fish Finders For Kayaks

Some important features that the best portable fish finder for kayak offers are as follows:

Key Features You Must Know:

All-In-One Performance:

Starting with some basic features, you can expect LUCKY Portable Fish Finder to give you an in-depth water analysis easily. From finding fish to calculating the temperature to showing the complete depth, there is nothing that this fish finder can’t do.

Large and Updated Display:

The previous models of LUCKY didn’t have an updated display. However, that’s not the case with this latest fish finder, which comes with a large TFT display. Each and everything would be completely visible and prominent to you in this way.

Improved Sonar Scanning:

In addition to other features, the best portable fish finder also comes with an enhanced sonar scanning. It covers a large area in water and allows you to locate fish for a better hunting experience.

Durable and Sturdy:

There’s no compromise from the manufacturer in terms of sturdiness and durability of the fish finder. That said, it comes with a protective housing, which helps in keeping the fish finder away from unwanted accidents or dust. Adding to that, the gadget is completely waterproof at the same time.

Handheld Design:

Finally, the shape of the fish finder is extremely compact and handy at the same time. It’s compact to such an extent that you can easily hold it in your hand and analyze the location of fish hotspots without any worries.

The portable fish finder from LUCKY is already getting the attention it deserves. With a mid-range price tag, it could become a crucial gadget for you in finding large fish clusters. So, don’t ignore it or you’d be regretting this decision for a long time.

3. HawkEye FishTrax 1C – Portable Fish Finder for Small Boat:

Next up on our list is a sophisticated fish finder from HawkEye that works like a charm especially when you are owning a small kayak or boat. Starting with some basic first impressions, the fish finder has a portable yet unique shape.

It gives off, vibes of a small mobile phone toy, to be honest. However, the tiny shape doesn’t mean that it isn’t capable of doing anything. The fish finder, in fact, can show extremely accurate readings without any hassle. Besides, what I loved the most about this gadget is its super bright and crystal clear display.

I mean, I’ve never had any issues in seeing the fish locations via FishTrax 1C even if the sunlight was extremely intense. Adding to other features, the fish finder is extremely easy to use and that’s why it’s already a top priority for a lot of fishers and kayakers out there.

Some of the most important features offered by FishTrax 1C are as follows:

Most Important Features You Should Know:

HD Color Display:

First things first, the best fish finder portable comes with a completely colored and HD display. It can show you water depth, fish location, and other sea structures without any worries. The Virtuview tech being used in the gadget is what makes it extremely bright and smooth.

Intelligent Sonar Scanning:

You’d be surprised to know that FishTrax 1C comes with its own intelligent sonar scanning feature. It ensures a deep scanning of around 240 ft. and helps to find large fish clusters within a short time.

Sophisticated Control Panel:

On the other hand, the control panel is sophisticated and easy to use as well. That said, all buttons are included on the top of the display. You can, hence, easily customize all the options and enjoy an enhanced fishing experience at the same time.

Versatile Sonar Sensor:

Last but not the least, the sonar sensor of the fish finder is versatile. That said, it can troll, float, or get attached to different areas of a small boat to give you an improved sonar scanning. As a result, you’d be able to find large fish clusters without any hassle.

Hawkeye FishTrax 1C, with some minor tweaks, is still a perfect beginner portable fish finder. You should get it, especially if you are new to locating fish or want to hunt your prey with friends or family.

4. Deeper PRO Smart – Castable Fish Finder

Here comes a unique portable fish finder that every type of kayaker would want no matter the circumstances. I’m talking about Deeper Pro Smart, which has been termed as the best castable fish finder of 2021.

This wireless fish finder is capable of giving accurate depth readings. Adding to that you can easily see the underwater environment via your smartphone and can locate large fish clusters without any hassle.

The design, on the other hand, resembles a ball. It could easily be held in a pocket and moved around accordingly. In a nutshell, if you want a perfect wireless castable fish finder within a good price tag. Then, there won’t be anything better for you except Deeper Pro Smart.

Some of the most notable features that it offers are as follows:

Most Notable Features You Must Know:

Flawless Connectivity:

You won’t have to be worried about the connectivity issues while we are talking about Deeper Pro Smart. It ensures flawless Wi-Fi connectivity which allows it to remain connected to your smartphone for as long as it’s functional.

Immense Connection Range:

Want to throw the fish finder far away from your smartphone? You can do it without facing any connectivity issue as Deeper Pro Smart comes with a 330 ft. connectivity range. It’s more than enough to cover a large pond are.

Dual Frequency Sonar Scanning:

Adding to that, the accurate readings and in-depth analysis of water is the reason fishers actually trust this compact fish finder. That said, the dual-frequency sonar scanning helps cover a large area and ensures the exposure of large fish clusters at the same time.

Versatility:

The best castable fish finder could be utilized for several fish hunting types. As per my experience, Deeper Pro Smart has worked in freezing cold water, saltwater, shore water, and deep waters without causing any disconnectivity issue.

Deeper Pro Smart is the name of innovation. With the features and options it offers, many fishers are now thinking to get rid of handheld or mountable fish finders. Give it a try and you won’t want to use any other fish finder for sure.

5. Garmin Striker 4cv – Best Portable GPS Combo

Need a combo of GPS tracking and portability at once? If that’s the case, then you should not look further, as Striker 4cv is made for such adventures. The best portable fish finder is integrated with GPS that ensures location tracking in deep waters. Adding to that, all other features almost resemble its predecessor, i.e. Striker 4.

However, the manufacturer has used some latest scanning technologies to make this fish finder as accurate as possible. Be it fish location, down imaging, or side imaging, there’s literally nothing that Garmin Striker 4cv can’t do. It’s, in fact, the jack of all trades and one can’t agree more to this fact.

Some notable features that the most advanced portable fish finder offers are as follows:

Essential Features You Must Know:

Responsive GPS Tracking:

One of the major perks that you’d enjoy with 4cv is that it has an inbuilt GPS tracking feature. The location tracking feature is perfect for those fishers who have to wonder in large lakes and that too for a long time.

Clear Vu Scanning:

In addition to that, the Garmin portable fish finder also comes with an advanced transducer. Combining to the transducer is Sonar CHIRP scanning that allows extensive research for the fish location.

Colorful Display:

The fish finder also comes with a colorful display. With that said, the display interface is easy to read and extremely clear as compared to its predecessor. You can thus get a knowhow of whatever’s been happening inside the water.

Quickdraw Contour Mapping:

Lastly, one of the best fish finders in the market has got a Quickdraw contour mapping system. It allows you to create and personalize your own maps for a perfect fishing experience.

The Striker 4cv could be another long-term investment that you can aim for an ideal fishing experience. However, mind you that it’s expensive as compared to other fish finders we’ve discussed up till now. So, the choice is yours to make, respectively.

6. ReelSonar Wireless Fish Finder – Cheap Portable Fish Finder

Can’t afford a fish finder from a brand like Deeper? Why not give a try to ReelSonar? I mean, the brand is not as famous as Deeper, but it surely is giving tough competition to other fishfinder manufacturers in the market.

Talking of its wireless fish finder, it comes with a ball-like shape. In addition to that, it has got a cheap price tag. Yeah, you heard it right. As compared with Deeper Pro Smart, this wireless fish finder is extremely cheap and rightly so.

The features and options are more than average and that’s what every random fisher require right?

Just In: Best Fish Finder For The Money

Have a look at some notable features offered by the best budget portable fish finder:

Important Features You Must Know:

Bluetooth Connectivity:

Firstly, ReelSonar wireless fish finder gets connected to the smartphone via Bluetooth. Now keep in mind that this connectivity isn’t as strong as Wi-Fi. However, it can still work ideally for an improved range.

Sonar Fish Identification:

Secondly, the manufacturer comes up with its patented sonar fish identification option in the fish finder it has introduced. It ensures easy finding of large fish clusters without any worries.

iBobber App:

Mind you that this wireless fish finder works with iBobber app only. Installing it on smartphone will enable this gadget to get connected to your device. You can thus go through the app to see different metrics as per your will and wish.

LED Beacon:

No matter how far you cast the fish finder, it would never get out of your sight. Yeah, you heard it right. The LED beacon included in the gadget could be seen from a large distance with ease.

ReelSonar with its wireless fish finder is available at an extremely affordable rate. My opinion? Get your hands on it as newbie or you won’t be able to enjoy a broad fishing experience for long.

7. Venterior Portable Fish Finder – Portable Handheld Fish Finder

Wrapping the review section with Venterior Portable Fish Finder. A thing that intrigues me about this gadget is that it comes with a wireless sonar sensor that could be cast in waters to get an in-depth analysis without any hassle.

As for the design, it resembles a typical portable fish finder as there aren’t any changes whatsoever. Regardless of that, it’s furnished enough that you can feel its smoothness in your hands for sure.

Some important features being offered by the best handheld fish finder are as follows:

Key Features You Should Know:

Cable-free Working Interface:

The fish finder, first of all, comes with a wireless sonar sensor. It’d keep you away from the hassle of handling long transducer cable. Hence, locating fish would become much easier than expected.

Versatile Display:

On the other hand, the gadget is capable of showing the fish location and fish size at the same time. Adding with that, water temperature and water depth are accurately visible on the display for an enhanced fishing experience.

Suitable For Beginners:

Last but not the least, this portable handheld fish finder is a perfect fit for beginners. It can easily be utilized to find fish hotspots even if you don’t know anything about fish finders.

Well, Venterior Portable Fish Finder suits the needs and demands of beginner kayakers for sure. Have a look at it before it runs out of stock.

Buying Guide: The Different Types of Portable Fish Finders

Before investing in a portable fish finder, it’s necessary to get yourself acquainted with what you should expect from it.

In this regard, our buying guide would focus on the three different types of portable fish finders. Secondly, we’d give you some suggestions on how to select the best portable fish finder. Finally, there’d be some FAQS with detailed answers.

So, let’s dive in without any further ado:

Types of Portable Fish Finders:

The three major types are as follows:

1. Handheld Fish Finders:

The most common and cheapest fish finders in the market. Handheld portable fish finders require a transducer, a rechargeable battery, and a mounting base to work efficiently.

The scanning that these fish finders offer are not so accurate. However, these handheld gadgets still can locate fish with ease. I’d recommend them to newbies and beginners.

2. Castable Fish Finders;

Up next are castable or simply wireless fish finders. These gadgets most of the time will get connected to your smartphone via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

You can cast them in waters for getting an overview of the underwater environment easily. Castable fish finders are suitable for deep water and ice fishing. However, you can also enjoy recreational fishing with them perfectly.

3. Mountable Portable Fish Finders:

Last but not the least, mountable fish finders are the real deal. With a compact shape and a responsive working interface, they’d get mounted to different positions as per your will and wish.

Most notable examples are the fish finders from Garmin that I’ve listed above.

So, that’s all about the types of portable fish finders.

Moving forward, let’s take a look at some of the aspects that you should never ignore in a portable fish finder:

How to Select the Best Portable Fish Finder in 2021?

1. Display Matters:

Most of the fishers don’t pay heed to the display of the fish finder. However, it’s the most crucial part of a fish finder. Why? Because a portable gadget is already small and compact. So, the display is automatically small.

Now if it’s not clearly visible or readable, then how are you going to locate large fish clusters or find the depth of waters? Ponder on this factor and always choose a fish finder that comes with a TFT colored display.

Luckily, all the portable fish finding devices I’ve mentioned above have got a TFT display. You can check out the list for a better overview.

2. Effective Scanning Interface:

There’s no point of investing in a portable fish finder if it doesn’t offer an effective scanning interface. For instance, if you take a look at the fish finders from Garmin, you’d notice the CHIRP sonar technology being used in them for a perfect scanning experience.

That’s what you should aim for in a portable fish finder especially if you are looking for a long-term investment. Effective scanning means more chances to hunt down your prey that would make your job much easier than expected.

Don’t ignore this feature especially if you want to enjoy a professional fishing experience.

3. Wireless or Mountable? Which One Is Best?

It’s a confusing question for fishers and kayakers. But, let me make the choice easier for you. Wireless fish finders are suitable for ice fishing or shore fishing mostly. You can utilize them in deep waters, but chances are that they’d get disappeared from the lake easily.

On the contrary, mountable fish finders are perfect for deep water or recreational fishing. Plus, there won’t be any worries about losing them at all.

So, based on these explanations, it’d be easier to say that you should get a wireless fish finder especially if your hunt revolves around ice fishing or shore fishing.

Similarly, a mountable fish finder should be a priority if you are interested in recreational or deep water fishing.

4. Versatile Use:

The portable fish finder you are about to purchase must be versatile enough. That said, you should invest in a gadget that could be utilized in different circumstances.

Luckily, most of the fish finders that I’ve mentioned above possess this feature as they could be utilized in freezing waters, saltwater, or deep waters without any issues.

That should be a priority for you if you want to spend your hard-earned money wisely.

5. Durability:

Never compromise on durability and sturdiness of the fish finder you are about to purchase. A durable fish finder is way better than a gadget that has more features but cannot last for more than 3 months.

Never sleep out on the durability and for that purpose, be as brand conscious as you can. Manufacturers like Garmin or Deeper should be on a priority list for you in this regard.

6. Budget:

Lastly, budget also matters. A perfect portable fish finder (mountable or wireless) will easily cost you around 200 bucks. That what you should keep in your pocket if you are aiming for a long-term replacement.

Talking of the handheld fish finders, they are cheap and fall in the budget category of around 100 bucks. So, this type should be a priority for you especially if you are low on budget.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Good Luck!