10 Best Fishing Gadgets 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Striker Cast is a compact, castable sonar device that pairs wirelessly with your smartphone or tablet through the free STRIKER Cast app (available for Apple and Android). It’s designed for anglers who want a portable and easy-to-use fish finder without carrying bulky equipment. You simply cast it into the water, and it sends sonar images of fish and underwater structures directly to your mobile device from up to 200 feet away. It works well in both shallow and deep water, making it versatile for different fishing environments.

The sonar offers traditional 2-D views and a special ice fishing mode, which is great if you fish in cold conditions. The device also lets you download detailed maps with depth contours from the Garmin Quickdraw Community, helping you better understand where to fish. Battery life is solid at over 10 hours and charges via USB, which is convenient for longer trips. A smart power feature turns the device on only when it’s in water to save battery.

The product does not include a fishing rod, reel, line, tackle box, or lures, so you’ll need to have those separately. Since it relies on your phone or tablet for display, having a compatible device is essential. This makes the Striker Cast well suited for casual to intermediate anglers who want a modern, portable fish finder with GPS capabilities but are not looking for a full fishing kit or standalone device. Its lightweight design and easy setup provide quick access to fish location data without complicated gear.

The Lowrance HDS-7 LIVE is a top-tier fish finder that comes packed with advanced features, making it a powerful tool for serious anglers. The standout feature is its sophisticated sonar technology, which includes CHIRP Sonar, StructureScan 3D, and StructureScan HD, providing an incredibly detailed view of fish and underwater structures. The dual-core processor ensures that these features run smoothly and quickly, giving real-time updates and responses which are essential during fishing trips.

The 7-inch LCD screen offers high-visibility color contrast, enhancing the clarity of underwater images, making it easier to spot fish and navigate underwater landscapes. The device also supports dual-channel CHIRP sonar, allowing you to monitor two different frequencies simultaneously, which is beneficial for identifying fish in various conditions and depths. Additionally, the easy routing feature with automatic route planning is a significant plus for navigating bodies of water safely and efficiently, especially in new areas. The preloaded C-MAP US Enhanced Mapping further aids in navigation and fishing planning.

On the downside, the product might be on the heavier side, weighing about 8.74 pounds, which could affect portability, especially for smaller vessels or for those who prefer lighter gear. Also, the price point could be a barrier for casual fishers or beginners, as this device is targeted more at dedicated and experienced anglers. While the mounting options are adjustable or portable, some users might find the installation process a bit complex compared to simpler fish finders. The Lowrance HDS-7 LIVE is an excellent choice for dedicated anglers looking for a high-performance, feature-rich fish finder. Its advanced sonar technologies and robust mapping capabilities make it a valuable tool for enhancing the fishing experience, although its weight and complexity might be a consideration for some users.

The Reelsonar Portable Fish Finder is a handy gadget for anglers who want to locate fish easily without bulky equipment. It offers a clear LCD display in a compact size and can detect fish up to 135 feet deep, which covers most recreational fishing spots. It connects wirelessly to your iOS or Android smartphone via Bluetooth, allowing you to see sonar images and get alerts when fish are nearby or biting. The device runs on a rechargeable battery that lasts over 10 hours, so it can handle a full day of fishing trips.

It works well in different water conditions, whether saltwater, freshwater, or even ice fishing, making it quite versatile. However, this product focuses solely on fish finding and does not include other fishing essentials like rods, reels, fishing lines, tackle boxes, or lures. So, it's best for those who already have basic fishing gear and want to add a smart fish finder to improve their chances. Beginners will appreciate its simple setup and user-friendly app.

On the downside, since it depends on your smartphone for display, it may not be as effective if your phone’s battery is low or if Bluetooth connection is weak. Also, while the fish alarm feature is helpful, some experienced anglers might prefer more detailed sonar data. This device is a practical and portable tool to boost your fishing success, especially suitable for casual anglers looking for an easy-to-use fish finder without extra clutter.