10 Best Kayak Fish Finder Gps 2025 in the United States

The Simrad GO9 XSE offers a bright, 9-inch touchscreen that's easy to read even in sunlight, making it great for fishing trips. It features an advanced sonar system including CHIRP, Forwardscan, Sidescan, and Downscan, which provides detailed underwater images to help you spot fish and underwater structures. The included 83/200 kHz transom mount transducer works well for most fishing environments, offering reliable depth and fish detection.

GPS is built in, with preloaded C-MAP Discover charts covering US and Bahamas coastal and inland waters, and Wi-Fi lets you update maps and software easily. It also supports radar and autopilot connections, useful for more serious boaters. Mounting options include a dashboard mount with a gimbal bracket that helps adjust the screen angle. The unit is waterproof, which is essential for marine use.

Some users might find its price a bit higher than simpler models, and the setup can be a bit technical for beginners. If you want a versatile, feature-rich fish finder and GPS combo with strong mapping and sonar capabilities, the Simrad GO9 XSE is a solid choice.

The Lowrance Eagle Eye 9" Live Sonar is a robust option for those looking to enhance their fishing experience on the water. One of its standout features is the ability to display four sonar views from a single transducer, which means you get comprehensive information about your underwater environment without needing additional modules. The live sonar technology, especially with the autotuning feature, is beneficial for detecting fish, making this product a solid choice for anglers seeking efficiency and clarity.

Equipped with detailed C-MAP charts and the ability to view them in various angles thanks to its IPS screen, this unit makes navigation easy and effective. It's important for kayak users to have a reliable system, and the twist-lock connector simplifies installation, ensuring that even those less experienced can set it up without hassle.

In terms of battery life, this device is powered by batteries, which can be a double-edged sword. While it offers portability, users need to be mindful of battery management for longer trips. The waterproof rating is a crucial feature for any fish finder, and the Eagle Eye holds up well in various water conditions, providing peace of mind. Its size and weight may be a concern for some kayak enthusiasts who prefer lighter gear. Weighing around 2 pounds and measuring 9 inches in screen size, it could occupy valuable space on smaller kayaks. Potential buyers should consider their kayak space and battery management needs as they make their decision.

The Lowrance Elite FS 9 is a solid choice for kayak anglers looking for a combination of detailed fish-finding technology and reliable GPS navigation. Its 9-inch high-resolution touchscreen is large enough to view maps and sonar images clearly without being bulky. The standout feature is the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer, which combines CHIRP sonar, SideScan, and DownScan with FishReveal technology to give sharp, detailed underwater images. This helps you spot fish and underwater structures more easily, which is great for both beginner and experienced fishers.

The unit comes preloaded with C-MAP Contour+ charts, offering precise contour lines for thousands of U.S. lakes, making it easier to find key fishing spots like drop-offs and ledges. GPS functionality is reliable, allowing you to mark waypoints and navigate confidently. It also supports ActiveTarget live sonar, which shows real-time fish movement around your lure, a feature that can give you an edge on the water.

Mounting options include surface mount, which fits kayak setups well, though the device requires a 12V power source, so you'll need a compatible battery setup on your kayak. The package includes necessary mounting hardware and a sun cover, which helps with screen visibility in bright conditions. The device is durable and designed for fishing environments. Battery life depends on your power source but generally will last for a good part of a fishing day with proper battery capacity. The device also supports networking features like wireless and Ethernet connectivity for sharing data or adding radar and autopilot systems, though these extras might be more than what casual kayak fishers need. The Lowrance Elite FS 9 delivers excellent sonar clarity, strong GPS mapping, and useful fishing features in a user-friendly package. It’s a bit on the heavier side and requires a 12V power source, which might be a consideration for lightweight kayaks, but its detailed imaging and charting capabilities make it a great tool for serious kayak anglers.