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10 Best Fish Finders And GPS Combos 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,418
Resolution
Sonar Type
GPS Functionality

Most important from
528 reviews

Resolution
The detail on this device far surpasses older models, making it a valuable upgrade for any angler.
Sonar Type
The side scan feature is incredibly useful for pinpointing fish locations, especially when fishing from a kayak.
GPS Functionality
The preloaded maps are fantastic, providing depths, water temperature, and detailed navigation—perfect for a 7-day family houseboat vacation.

The Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder is a solid choice for anglers looking to improve their fishing experience. One of its standout features is the 9-inch high-resolution, multi-touch screen, which makes it easy to see and navigate. The display is large and clear, showing detailed information with its CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan sonar capabilities. Added to this is the FishReveal feature, which helps in identifying fish more accurately.

The included Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer is a significant advantage, providing refined detailing of underwater structures and fish locations. The preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts are exceptionally useful, giving high-resolution contours for thousands of lakes in the US, which is great for planning and navigating to the best fishing spots. On the downside, the device requires a separate S3100 module for Active Imaging HD, which could be seen as an additional expense. Another point to consider is that it operates on a 12 Volt DC power source, meaning you need to have a compatible power setup on your boat.

Connectivity options are robust, including wireless, NMEA 2000, and Ethernet, allowing for full networking and integration with other equipment like Halo Dome Radar or Outboard Pilots. The Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder should be very effective for both novice and experienced anglers looking for advanced sonar and GPS capabilities in one package.

Rating
9.9
Chosen by1,418
Resolution
Sonar Type
GPS Functionality

Most important from
528 reviews

Resolution
The detail on this device far surpasses older models, making it a valuable upgrade for any angler.
Sonar Type
The side scan feature is incredibly useful for pinpointing fish locations, especially when fishing from a kayak.
GPS Functionality
The preloaded maps are fantastic, providing depths, water temperature, and detailed navigation—perfect for a 7-day family houseboat vacation.
#2

Humminbird XPLORE 12 GPS Fish Finder with Transducer, MEGA Side Imaging+ & HD Touchscreen Display

The Humminbird XPLORE 12 GPS Fish Finder stands out with its advanced sonar technology, featuring MEGA Side Imaging+ and MEGA Down Imaging+, which provide detailed fish detection in wide and narrow modes. With a 12-inch HD touchscreen display offering a resolution of 1280 x 720, the device ensures clear visuals and ease of operation through both touchscreen and keypad controls, catering to different user preferences. The built-in GPS functionality, coupled with the extensive Humminbird Basemap and additional map cards for U.S. and Canada regions, provides robust navigation capabilities, making it suitable for diverse fishing environments.

The AutoChart Live feature allows for real-time mapping, enhancing the fishing experience by documenting depth contours, bottom hardness, and vegetation, with compatibility for extended recording through AutoChart Zero Line SD cards. Connectivity options are plentiful, including high-speed Ethernet and Bluetooth, ensuring seamless integration with other marine products and networks like NMEA 2000. This makes it ideal for anglers seeking a comprehensive, interconnected fishing system.

However, the unit's considerable weight and size may require a sturdy mounting setup, which could be a drawback for smaller boats or limited space. The two-year warranty offers some peace of mind for users. The Humminbird XPLORE 12 GPS Fish Finder is a powerful tool for serious anglers looking for detailed sonar imaging, advanced GPS navigation, and real-time mapping, but it may be best suited for those with larger boats and existing marine electronics setups.

#3

Simrad NSS12 Evo3S - 12-inch Multifunction Fish Finder Chartplotter with Preloaded C-MAP US Enhanced Charts,000-15403-002

Rating
9.6
Resolution
Transducer Type

Most important from
23 reviews

Resolution
Beautiful resolution and outstanding speed, especially appreciated for its magnification capabilities.
Transducer Type
The Simrad unit works flawlessly and recognizes various transducers automatically.

The Simrad NSS12 Evo3S is a robust fish finder and GPS combo ideal for boating enthusiasts looking for advanced navigation and fish-finding capabilities. Key strengths include its large, high-definition 12-inch display that provides clear visuals and an intuitive user interface. The built-in GPS receiver with preloaded C-MAP US Enhanced charts offers extensive coverage of inland and coastal areas, making it a reliable navigation tool.

Powered by the new iMX 8 high-performance processor, it ensures fast response times and smooth transitions, enhancing the user experience. The device supports various sonar technologies like Active Imaging and StructureScan 3D, which offer excellent fish-finding performance. Moreover, the system allows for vessel-wide integration, enabling real-time monitoring of engines, fuel efficiency, and control of onboard systems, which is a significant advantage for comprehensive boat management.

Connectivity features such as Bluetooth are included, providing additional convenience for users. However, the product does have a few drawbacks. The high price point and advanced features might be overwhelming for beginners or casual users. Additionally, the size and weight of the unit may require significant mounting space and could be challenging to install on smaller boats.

Rating
9.6
Resolution
Transducer Type

Most important from
23 reviews

Resolution
Beautiful resolution and outstanding speed, especially appreciated for its magnification capabilities.
Transducer Type
The Simrad unit works flawlessly and recognizes various transducers automatically.

Buying Guide for the Best Fish Finders And GPS Combos

Choosing the right fish finder and GPS combo can significantly enhance your fishing experience. These devices help you locate fish and navigate waters with ease. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your needs. Here are the essential specs to consider when selecting a fish finder and GPS combo.
Display SizeThe display size of a fish finder and GPS combo is crucial because it affects how easily you can read the information on the screen. Larger displays, typically ranging from 7 to 12 inches, offer better visibility and more detailed views, which is beneficial if you need to see intricate details or if you have poor eyesight. Smaller displays, around 4 to 6 inches, are more compact and can be suitable for smaller boats or kayaks. Choose a display size that matches your boat size and your preference for screen readability.
ResolutionResolution refers to the number of pixels on the screen and determines the clarity of the images. Higher resolution screens provide sharper and more detailed images, making it easier to distinguish between fish and underwater structures. Resolutions can range from 480 x 320 pixels to 1280 x 800 pixels or higher. If you fish in areas with complex underwater terrain or need precise imaging, opt for higher resolution. For casual fishing, a lower resolution might suffice.
Sonar TypeSonar technology is used to detect fish and underwater structures. Common types include traditional sonar, CHIRP sonar, and side imaging sonar. Traditional sonar is good for basic fish detection, CHIRP sonar offers better target separation and depth penetration, and side imaging sonar provides detailed views of the area to the sides of your boat. If you fish in deep waters or need detailed imaging, CHIRP and side imaging are preferable. For general use, traditional sonar may be adequate.
GPS FunctionalityGPS functionality helps you navigate and mark fishing spots. Features to look for include waypoint marking, route planning, and mapping capabilities. Advanced GPS systems offer detailed maps and the ability to create custom routes. If you fish in unfamiliar waters or need precise navigation, a GPS with comprehensive mapping and waypoint features is essential. For simpler navigation needs, basic GPS functionality will do.
Power OutputPower output, measured in watts, affects the depth and clarity of sonar readings. Higher power output allows the sonar to penetrate deeper waters and provide clearer images. Power outputs can range from 200 watts to 1000 watts or more. If you fish in deep or murky waters, higher power output is beneficial. For shallow water fishing, lower power output is usually sufficient.
Transducer TypeThe transducer is the component that sends and receives sonar signals. Types include single frequency, dual frequency, and multi-frequency transducers. Single frequency transducers are suitable for shallow waters, dual frequency transducers offer versatility for different depths, and multi-frequency transducers provide the best performance in various conditions. Choose a transducer type based on the depth and conditions of the waters you fish in.
ConnectivityConnectivity options such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NMEA 2000 allow you to integrate your fish finder and GPS combo with other devices and systems. This can enable features like data sharing, remote control, and integration with boat systems. If you want to connect your device to smartphones, tablets, or other marine electronics, look for models with robust connectivity options. For standalone use, connectivity may be less critical.

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