Top 5 Depth Fish Finders For Fishing Kayaks

Kayak fishing has grown in popularity recently. Many anglers enjoy the challenge of catching fish from these small, agile boats. However, finding the best fishing spots from a kayak can be tricky.

Depth fish finders help solve this problem. These devices use sonar to show what’s under the water. They help anglers find fish, understand the lake or river bottom, and locate promising fishing areas.

For kayak fishers, a good depth fish finder is a valuable tool. It can transform an unproductive day into a successful fishing trip. With a reliable fish finder, you’ll locate fish more quickly and efficiently.

Choosing the right depth fish finder for kayak fishing is important. You need a device that fits well in a small space, is easy to operate, and can handle the wet conditions of kayak angling. The best fish finders for kayaks combine useful features, toughness, and good value.

Why Depth Fish Finders Are Essential For Kayak Fishing

Depth fish finders are crucial tools for kayak fishing. They help anglers see underwater structures and fish that are otherwise invisible from the surface. With a depth fish finder, you can locate fish-holding areas like drop-offs, submerged logs, and weed beds quickly.

These devices also show water depth, which is vital for safe navigation and finding productive fishing spots. In unfamiliar waters, a depth fish finder can help you avoid shallow areas that might damage your kayak or electric trolling motor.

Moreover, modern depth fish finders often include GPS functionality. This feature allows you to mark and return to productive fishing spots, enhancing your chances of a successful outing. It also helps you navigate back to your launch point safely, which is especially important when fishing in large bodies of water.

Best Depth Fish Finders For Kayaks

Here are our Top picks for 2024:

1. Garmin Striker 4

The Garmin Striker 4 is a compact depth fish finder that works well for fishing kayaks. Its 3.5-inch color display is easy to read, even in bright sunlight. We found the CHIRP sonar technology provides clear images of fish and underwater structures.

During our tests, the Striker 4 accurately measured depths up to 1,600 feet in freshwater and 750 feet in saltwater. The built-in GPS allowed us to mark fishing spots and navigate back to them easily. This feature is particularly useful when exploring new waters.

The device is simple to use, with a user-friendly interface. We appreciated the keyed interface, which worked well even with wet hands. The Striker 4 also includes a water temperature sensor, which helped us identify potential fishing zones.

For kayak anglers, the portable kit is a bonus. It includes a rechargeable battery and a suction cup transducer mount, making it easy to set up and take down.

2. Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G2

The Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G2 offers a larger 5-inch display, which we found beneficial when reading detailed sonar returns from our fishing kayak. The screen’s 800×480 pixel resolution provided sharp, clear images.

This fish finder uses CHIRP Digital Sonar, which gave us a more detailed view of fish and structure compared to traditional sonar. We were impressed by its ability to separate closely spaced targets.

The built-in GPS and Humminbird Basemap were handy for navigation. We could create our own maps with AutoChart Live, a useful feature for fishing in unmapped areas.

The Helix 5 can reach depths of up to 1,500 feet, which is more than enough for most kayak fishing scenarios. Its SwitchFire feature allowed us to adjust the sonar return to our preferences, whether we wanted to see more detail or reduce clutter.

While it’s a bit larger than the Striker 4, we found it still fit well on our fishing kayak. The unit is waterproof, which gave us peace of mind during choppy conditions.

3. Lowrance Hook Reveal 5

The Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 is a powerful depth fish finder that’s well-suited for fishing kayaks. Its 5-inch SolarMAX display offers clear visibility, even in bright sunlight. During our tests, we found the screen easy to read from various angles.

This fish finder uses CHIRP sonar technology, which provided detailed images of fish and underwater structures. The DownScan Imaging feature gave us photo-like views of what’s beneath our kayak. We were impressed by the FishReveal feature, which combines CHIRP sonar with DownScan Imaging for easier fish identification.

The Hook Reveal 5 includes preloaded C-MAP contour mapping, covering over 4,000 lakes. We found the Genesis Live real-time mapping feature particularly useful for creating custom maps of our favorite fishing spots.

Installation on our fishing kayak was straightforward, thanks to the included bracket and transducer. The unit is also available with a TripleShot transducer for side-scanning capabilities, though this might be overkill for most kayak anglers.

4. Raymarine Dragonfly 4PRO

The Raymarine Dragonfly 4PRO, despite its compact size, packs a punch for kayak fishing. Its 4.3-inch display might seem small, but we found it surprisingly clear and easy to read, even in bright conditions.

This fish finder uses CHIRP DownVision technology, which gave us remarkably detailed images of fish and structure. The wide-spectrum CHIRP sonar provided excellent target separation, allowing us to distinguish between closely grouped fish.

We appreciated the built-in GPS and the included Navionics+ charts. The ability to create our own bathymetric maps with Raymarine’s Wi-Fish mobile app was a nice bonus. This feature let us map and save our favorite fishing spots directly from our kayak.

The Dragonfly 4PRO’s ball-and-socket mounting system made it easy to adjust the viewing angle on our fishing kayak. The unit is also impressively durable, with an IPX6 and IPX7 waterproof rating.

5. Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar

The Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar offers a unique approach to kayak fish finding. Unlike traditional fixed units, this castable sonar connects to your smartphone or tablet via Wi-Fi, eliminating the need for a separate display unit.

During our tests, we found the Deeper PRO+ incredibly versatile. We could cast it out to scan areas around our fishing kayak or troll it behind us. The device scans depths up to 260 feet and casts up to 330 feet, which is impressive for its size.

The built-in GPS allowed us to create detailed bathymetric maps from our kayak. We found this feature particularly useful for mapping shallow areas that larger boats can’t access. The Deeper app provides a user-friendly interface for viewing sonar data and creating maps.

One of the standout features is its dual-beam sonar. The narrow beam (15°) provided detailed scans of structure and fish, while the wide beam (55°) gave us a broader view of the area. The device’s rechargeable battery lasted about 5-6 hours in our tests, which was sufficient for most kayak fishing trips.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Depth Fish Finder For Your Fishing Kayak

Before selecting a depth finder you need to consider these factors

Screen Size And Readability

When selecting a depth fish finder for your fishing kayak, screen size is crucial. Kayaks offer limited space, so you’ll need to balance visibility with practicality. A 5-inch screen is often a good compromise, providing enough detail without taking up too much room. However, if you have space for a larger unit, a 7-inch screen can offer even better visibility.

Readability in various light conditions is equally important. Look for a fish finder with a high-resolution, color display that’s visible in bright sunlight. Some models offer adjustable backlighting, which can be helpful when fishing in low-light conditions.

Transducer Compatibility

The transducer is the heart of your fish finder, sending and receiving sonar signals. For fishing kayaks, you’ll want a transducer that’s compact and easy to mount. Some kayaks come with built-in transducer mounting options, so check if your chosen fish finder is compatible with these.

Consider the type of transducer as well. CHIRP (Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse) transducers offer superior target separation and clarity compared to traditional sonar. For kayak fishing, a transom-mount or through-hull transducer usually works best.

GPS And Mapping Features

GPS functionality can greatly enhance your kayak fishing experience. It allows you to mark productive fishing spots, track your route, and navigate back to your launch point. Look for a fish finder with built-in GPS and preloaded maps of your local fishing areas.

Some advanced models offer the ability to create custom maps or update existing ones. This feature can be particularly useful for kayak anglers who often fish in unmapped or poorly mapped waters.

Battery Life And Power Options

Since you’re on a kayak, you won’t have access to an onboard power system like on larger boats. Therefore, battery life is a critical factor. Look for a fish finder that can last at least 8-10 hours on a single charge. Some units come with their own rechargeable battery packs, while others may require separate batteries.

Consider how you’ll charge the unit as well. Some fish finders can be charged via USB, which is convenient for kayak anglers who might want to use a portable power bank for extended trips.

Waterproofing

Kayak fishing often involves exposure to water, whether from splashes, rain, or accidental submersion. Ensure your chosen fish finder has a good waterproof rating. Look for units with an IPX7 rating or higher, which means they can withstand temporary immersion in water.

Mounting Options

Consider how you’ll mount the fish finder on your kayak. Many kayak-friendly units come with versatile mounting options, such as RAM mounts or adjustable brackets. These allow you to position the screen for optimal viewing and can be easily removed when transporting your kayak.

Additional Features

Some extra features can enhance your kayak fishing experience. For instance, side-imaging can be useful for scanning a wider area around your kayak. Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to connect your fish finder to your smartphone for additional functionality. Consider which extra features align with your fishing style and needs.

Choosing the right depth fish finder for your fishing kayak involves carefully weighing these factors against your specific needs and budget. Remember, the best fish finder is one that you can use effectively and that enhances your time on the water. As kayak fishing technology continues to evolve, we can expect even more specialized options tailored to the unique needs of kayak anglers in the future.