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

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is a user-friendly fishfinder with a 7-inch color LCD display that makes it easy to distinguish fish and underwater structures with its vivid sonar color palettes. It includes a GT20 transducer that provides both traditional CHIRP sonar and ClearVü scanning sonar, which are effective at providing clear images of what lies beneath your boat. The high-sensitivity GPS allows you to mark waypoints, create routes, and monitor your boat's speed, which is essential for navigation and fishing efficiency.

Additionally, the built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping feature enables you to create your own custom fishing maps, which is a handy tool for avid anglers. One of its standout features is Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to connect to the ActiveCaptain app on your smartphone to transfer waypoints, receive notifications, and get software updates seamlessly. This connectivity brings an added layer of convenience and modern functionality to the device. However, the unit operates with button controls, which might be less intuitive for some users who are accustomed to touchscreens.

With its tilt/swivel mount, the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is easy to install and adjust. It is a bit on the heavier side at 4.4 pounds, which may be a consideration for some users. Despite its weight, its compact dimensions make it a good fit for various boat setups. The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is best suited for anglers who want a reliable and advanced fishfinding tool with modern connectivity features, although those who prefer touch controls might find the buttons less convenient.

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.

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv with GT56 Transducer is a solid choice for boating and fishing enthusiasts seeking a comprehensive fish-finder and GPS combo. It features a 9-inch, sunlight-readable touchscreen display, which is clear and easy to use even under bright conditions. The 1024 x 600 resolution ensures detailed and crisp visuals, enhancing the user experience.

The inclusion of the GT56 transducer is notable, as it supports traditional, ClearVü, and SideVü scanning sonars, providing versatile and detailed underwater views for effective fish tracking and navigation. The built-in Garmin Navionics+ coastal charts, integrated with Navionics data, add to the product's value by offering detailed and accurate nautical maps, which are essential for coastal navigation. Additionally, the product's Wi-Fi connectivity allows for seamless sharing of sonar data, waypoints, and routes between other ECHOMAP UHD2 devices, enhancing collaboration and ease of use.

Another significant feature is the wireless connection to the Force trolling motor, which enables control over various boat functions, including route creation, speed control, and battery monitoring. This integration simplifies the boating experience and provides enhanced control and automation. However, the product's weight (8.08 pounds) and dimensions (10.4 x 6.5 x 3.2 inches) might be a drawback for users looking for a more compact and lightweight solution. Additionally, while the touchscreen functionality is a strength, it may be less ideal in wet conditions, common in boating and fishing environments. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv stands out with its robust features, making it a strong contender for those serious about their boating and fishing endeavors.