10 Best Kayak Fish Finder Gps 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv is a user-friendly fish finder with a bright 7-inch color screen that helps you easily spot fish and underwater structures using vivid color palettes. It combines traditional sonar with ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonars, offering detailed views beneath and beside your kayak, which is great for finding fish in different water conditions. The included GT52HW-TM transducer supports these sonar types effectively.

Its built-in high-sensitivity GPS lets you mark fishing spots, plot routes, and even check your boat’s speed, making navigation simpler on the water. The device also comes with Quickdraw Contours mapping, allowing you to create custom maps of the areas you fish, which is a handy feature for kayak anglers exploring new spots. Wi-Fi connectivity lets you sync waypoints and receive smart notifications through your smartphone, adding convenience to your fishing trips.

The tilt/swivel mount helps you adjust the device easily on your kayak. The device runs on boat power, so you’ll need to ensure your kayak setup can supply power. If you want a reliable, easy-to-use fish finder with versatile sonar and GPS features for kayak fishing, the Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv covers many bases well, especially if you value detailed imaging and mapping.

The Simrad GO9 XSE is a solid choice if you're looking for a kayak-friendly fish finder and GPS combo with a sharp 9-inch touchscreen display. Its 9-inch size strikes a good balance—not too big to be cumbersome on a smaller boat or kayak, yet large enough for clear navigation and sonar views. The standout feature is the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer, which combines CHIRP sonar, SideScan, and DownScan imaging. This gives you detailed underwater images that help spot fish and structure better than basic sonar systems. The included FishReveal technology enhances this further by distinguishing fish from bottom and cover.

The GPS functionality is robust, supported by a C-MAP Discover chart card with detailed maps covering U.S. and Canadian waters along with tide and current info, which is great for fishing trips and navigation. Mounting options are versatile, with both dash mounts and bracket included, making it adaptable to different kayak setups. The unit is waterproof and designed for marine use, so it can handle splashes and wet conditions common in kayaking. Connectivity features like the ability to mirror the display to your smartphone or tablet add convenience.

One minor downside is that, with a package weight over 5 kg and dimensions of about 9 inches cube, it’s a bit heavier and bulkier than simpler fish finders, which might affect portability for some kayakers. Also, while radar readiness is a nice touch, it’s more useful for powerboats than kayaks. If you want a feature-rich, easy-to-read fish finder with reliable GPS and excellent sonar detail in a mid-size display, the Simrad GO9 XSE performs very well, especially for serious kayak anglers who want more than just basic gear.

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.