10 Best Handheld Fish Finder 2025 in the United States

The Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder is a powerful tool for fishing enthusiasts. One of its standout features is the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer, which includes CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan, providing detailed images of underwater structures and fish. This device also supports high-resolution ActiveTarget Live Sonar, allowing you to see fish in real-time as they react to your lure.

The 9-inch multi-touch screen offers a clear and user-friendly interface, which is a significant advantage for easy navigation and setup. Additionally, the preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts cover 8,900 U.S. lakes with high-resolution contours, aiding in locating fishing spots and precise navigation. Another strength is its full networking capabilities, including wireless, NMEA 2000, and Ethernet connectivity, which allow integration with various accessories and sharing of data between displays.

However, the device is quite substantial in size and weight (10 pounds), which may affect its portability. It operates on a 12-volt DC power source, so ensure compatibility with your boat's setup. On the downside, the high-resolution Active Imaging HD requires an additional S3100 module, which means extra cost. The Lowrance Elite FS 9 is a feature-rich fish finder ideal for serious anglers who value detailed underwater imaging and comprehensive network connectivity, though its size and the need for additional modules are considerations to keep in mind.

The Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 Fishfinder is designed to help users locate fish and navigate waters with ease. One of its notable strengths is the Clear Vu scanning sonar, which provides near-photographic images and detailed representations of underwater objects and fish. The Chirp Sonar technology also adds value, offering crisper fish arches and better target separation, which can be especially helpful in identifying individual fish targets.

The device includes a built-in flasher, making it versatile for ice fishing or vertical jigging. Additionally, the waypoint map feature allows users to mark and navigate to specific locations such as brush piles or docks, enhancing the fishing experience. The 3.5-inch screen size and resolution of 480 x 320 pixels offer a clear display, although it may seem small to some users. The depth capability of up to 1600 feet in freshwater and 750 feet in saltwater is impressive, providing a wide range of usability. This fishfinder is designed with simplicity in mind, featuring a keyed interface with dedicated buttons that make it user-friendly, even for beginners. The device is also portable and lightweight, weighing only 8 ounces, which is convenient for handheld use.

However, the battery life is dependent on a single lithium metal battery, which may require frequent replacements depending on usage. The GPS integration is a valuable addition that enhances navigation, though some users might find the smaller screen size challenging for detailed map viewing. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin Striker 4 is a solid choice for those looking for an efficient and easy-to-use fishfinder with advanced sonar capabilities.

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is a 7-inch color fish finder that is user-friendly and designed to help you easily locate fish and underwater structures. Its vivid scanning sonar color palettes make distinguishing between fish and other objects more intuitive. It comes with a GT20 transducer which provides both traditional CHIRP sonar and ClearVü scanning sonar, ensuring high-quality imaging and reliable performance in various conditions.

Additionally, the high-sensitivity GPS feature allows you to mark waypoints, create routes, and monitor your boat’s speed, which is very useful for navigation and tracking your fishing spots. The built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping feature lets you create custom fishing maps with 1-foot contours which can be very helpful for detailed exploration of fishing areas. The inclusion of Wi-Fi connectivity is a nice touch, allowing you to connect to the ActiveCaptain app on a compatible smartphone to transfer waypoints, receive notifications, and access community maps.

There are some potential drawbacks to consider. The screen resolution, while sufficient for many, may not be as high as some other advanced models which could impact clarity under certain lighting conditions. Also, being battery-powered, you need to ensure you have an adequate power source for extended trips. At 4.4 pounds, it is relatively portable but might feel a bit bulky for some users who need something lighter. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is a solid choice for fishing enthusiasts looking for a reliable and feature-rich fish finder.