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10 Best Handheld Fishing Gps 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Humminbird XPLORE 9 GPS Fish Finder with Transducer, MEGA Side Imaging+ & HD Touchscreen Display

The Humminbird XPLORE 9 GPS Fish Finder is a robust option for anglers needing advanced technology on their fishing trips. One of its standout features is the 9-inch full HD touchscreen display with a resolution of 1280 x 720, ensuring clear and detailed visuals. Its mapping and charting capabilities are exceptional, featuring AutoChart Live for real-time mapping and preloaded maps covering over 10,000 lakes across the US and Canada. The included LakeMaster and CoastMaster VX map cards, along with compatibility with Navionics charts, offer extensive mapping options.

The built-in GPS is highly capable, aiding in precise navigation and waypoint management. Durability seems solid with a plastic build, and the unit weighs 9 pounds, which is relatively heavy for a handheld device but manageable given its features. With both touchscreen and keypad controls, the user interface is versatile and user-friendly.

Connectivity is another strong point, featuring high-speed Ethernet and Bluetooth, and compatibility with NMEA 2000 networks, enhancing its integration capabilities. The device appears to be a significant investment for serious anglers, thanks to its comprehensive features.

#2

Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv, U.S. with GT20-TM Transducer - Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02552-00)

Rating
10.0
Display Size and Resolution
Durability and Build Quality
User Interface and Ease of Use

Most important from
345 reviews

Display Size and Resolution
The large screen is easy to read and program, making it a great depth/fish finder.
Durability and Build Quality
Easy to mount and hook up, this device is tough as nails and works great.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Replacing the Striker 4, this device is easy to operate and offers great value.

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv handheld fishing GPS stands out with its 7-inch color display, making it easy to spot fish and underwater structures using vivid scanning sonar color palettes. Its inclusion of the GT20 transducer for CHIRP traditional sonar and ClearVü scanning sonar enhances underwater clarity and detail. This device is also praised for its high-sensitivity GPS, which is great for marking waypoints, creating routes, and tracking boat speed, making navigation convenient for anglers.

Additionally, the built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping allows users to quickly create custom fishing maps, which can be an invaluable feature on the water. The Wi-Fi connectivity is a nice touch, enabling synchronization with the ActiveCaptain app for waypoint transfers, software updates, and smart notifications, all of which can be managed from a compatible smartphone. The tilt/swivel bailmount bracket included offers flexible mounting options, adding to its ease of use.

However, the device operates with button inputs rather than a touchscreen, which might be less user-friendly for some. Weighing 4.4 pounds, it may be considered slightly bulky for a handheld device, potentially affecting portability. Despite these minor drawbacks, the build quality and feature set make it a strong contender for serious anglers looking for a reliable and advanced fishfinder.

Rating
10.0
Display Size and Resolution
Durability and Build Quality
User Interface and Ease of Use

Most important from
345 reviews

Display Size and Resolution
The large screen is easy to read and program, making it a great depth/fish finder.
Durability and Build Quality
Easy to mount and hook up, this device is tough as nails and works great.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Replacing the Striker 4, this device is easy to operate and offers great value.
#3

Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar - Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder for Kayaks, Boats and Ice Fishing with GPS Enabled | Castable Deeper Sonar with Free User Friendly App

Rating
9.9
Battery Life
User Interface and Ease of Use

Most important from
490 reviews

Battery Life
Works great for ice fishing and has a very good battery life.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Easy to setup with a great connection range, making it preferable over a vexilar due to its portability and extra features like water temperature and GPS.

The Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder is designed for anglers who need a portable and accurate device for finding fish in various environments, including kayaks, boats, and ice fishing. One of its standout features is the built-in GPS, which allows you to create detailed maps from the shore or dock, and saves them to the integrated Fish Deeper app. This makes it a great option for those who like to keep track of their fishing spots.

The device offers impressive accuracy with its three beam frequencies, providing detailed information on fish location and depth up to 330 feet. The wide, mid, and narrow beams help cover large areas or focus on specific spots, which is a significant advantage for serious anglers. The target separation is particularly noteworthy, with 0.4 inches for narrow beams and 1 inch for wide and mid beams, allowing precise tracking of fish and lures.

The display size of 2.4 inches might be considered small for some users, and the 9-hour battery life is decent but might require frequent recharging on longer fishing trips. The device is equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, which ensures a reliable connection to your smartphone or tablet, though it does not support Bluetooth. Durability is a plus, given its sleek, lightweight, and water-resistant design, though it's primarily made of plastic. The user interface, combined with the free app, is user-friendly, making it relatively easy to operate even for those who are not tech-savvy. The Deeper PRO+ 2 is a solid choice for anglers looking for a portable and advanced fish finder, but the small display and limited battery life may be drawbacks for some users.

Rating
9.9
Battery Life
User Interface and Ease of Use

Most important from
490 reviews

Battery Life
Works great for ice fishing and has a very good battery life.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Easy to setup with a great connection range, making it preferable over a vexilar due to its portability and extra features like water temperature and GPS.

Buying Guide for the Best Handheld Fishing Gps

Choosing the right handheld fishing GPS can significantly enhance your fishing experience by helping you navigate waters, mark fishing spots, and track your journey. To make an informed decision, it's important to understand the key specifications and how they align with your specific needs. Here are the essential specs to consider when selecting a handheld fishing GPS.
Display Size and ResolutionThe display size and resolution determine how easily you can read the information on your GPS device. A larger display with higher resolution provides clearer and more detailed maps, which is crucial when navigating waters and identifying fishing spots. If you often fish in bright sunlight, look for a screen that is readable in direct sunlight. For those who prefer compact devices, a smaller screen might be more convenient, but ensure the resolution is still adequate for clear visibility.
Waterproof RatingThe waterproof rating indicates how well the GPS device can withstand exposure to water. This is particularly important for fishing, where the device is likely to get wet. Look for devices with at least an IPX7 rating, which means the device can be submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. If you fish in harsh weather conditions or are prone to dropping things in the water, a higher waterproof rating will provide extra peace of mind.
Battery LifeBattery life determines how long the GPS device can operate before needing a recharge or battery replacement. Longer battery life is essential for extended fishing trips, especially if you are in remote areas without access to power. Devices with replaceable batteries can be a good option for longer trips, as you can carry spare batteries. For shorter, day-long trips, a device with a rechargeable battery and moderate battery life may suffice.
Mapping and Charting CapabilitiesMapping and charting capabilities refer to the types of maps and charts the GPS device can display. High-quality maps with detailed topography and waterway information are crucial for identifying fishing spots and navigating unfamiliar waters. Some devices come preloaded with maps, while others allow you to download additional maps. Consider your fishing locations and ensure the device supports the maps you need. Advanced features like depth contours and fish finders can also be beneficial.
Waypoint and Route ManagementWaypoint and route management features allow you to mark specific locations and create routes to follow. This is useful for marking fishing spots, launch points, and other important locations. The number of waypoints and routes a device can store varies, so consider how many locations you typically mark on a trip. If you fish in multiple locations or have a complex route, look for a device with ample waypoint and route storage.
Durability and Build QualityDurability and build quality are important for ensuring the GPS device can withstand the rigors of fishing. Look for devices with rugged construction, shock resistance, and materials that can handle exposure to the elements. A durable device will last longer and provide reliable performance in various fishing conditions. If you fish in rough environments or are prone to dropping your gear, prioritize a device with high durability.
User Interface and Ease of UseThe user interface and ease of use determine how intuitive and straightforward the GPS device is to operate. A user-friendly interface with simple menus and controls is important for quickly accessing information and making adjustments on the go. Touchscreen interfaces can be convenient, but ensure they are responsive and work well in wet conditions. If you are not tech-savvy, look for devices with clear instructions and minimal setup requirements.

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