best handheld fish finder
Introduction
As an avid fisherman, I know the importance of having a reliable handheld fish finder in your gear. A handheld fish finder is a small, portable device that helps you locate fish underwater. It’s an essential tool for any angler who wants to increase their chances of catching fish. In this blog post, I’ll share my experiences and insights on what features to look for in a handheld fish finder and the top five best products on the market in 2021.
Features to Look for in a Handheld Fish Finder
The features of a handheld fish finder are crucial in determining your success in fishing. The following are some of the features you should look for when buying a handheld fish finder:
Display type and quality
A good-quality display is critical when using a handheld fish finder. A high-resolution screen with a clear and bright display allows you to read and interpret the readings accurately. A colored display with adjustable brightness is also preferable as it visualizes the details of the underwater environment.
Scanning depth and range
The scanning depth and range are essential features to consider when looking for a handheld fish finder. The deeper the scanner can probe and the broader the area the scanner can cover, the more accurate it will be.
Battery life
A handheld fish finder’s battery life should be long enough to last your entire fishing trip. Look for models with rechargeable batteries to ensure uninterrupted use.
GPS capabilities
GPS capabilities allow you to mark specific locations where you’ve caught fish or identified good fishing spots. It also enables you to see your location on the water, which is helpful for navigating waterways.
Portability
Portability is a crucial factor for a handheld fish finder. It should be lightweight and easy to handle. Also, they should come with a carrying case or a wrist strap to keep it secure and within reach.
Top 5 Best Handheld Fish Finders on the Market in 2021
1. Humminbird PiranhaMax 4 PT
The Humminbird PiranhaMax 4 PT is a high-quality handheld fish finder with an excellent display and a 320×240-pixel resolution. The device has a depth range of 600 feet and can scan up to 28 degrees.
2. Deeper Pro+ Smart Sonar
The Deeper Pro+ Smart Sonar is a compact and lightweight handheld fish finder with built-in GPS. It has a scanning depth of up to 260 feet and a 15° beam angle. Additionally, the device is compatible with iOS and Android devices.
3. Garmin Striker 4
The Garmin Striker 4 is an affordable handheld fish finder that offers GPS capabilities and a 3.5-inch color display. It has a depth range of up to 1,600 feet and a maximum scanning range of 200 feet.
4. HawkEye Fishtrax 1C
The HawkEye Fishtrax 1C is an affordable and straightforward handheld fish finder with a depth range of up to 240 feet. It has a color screen with adjustable LED backlighting and an audible fish alarm.
5. Lucky Wireless Portable Sonar Fish Finder
The Lucky Wireless Portable Sonar Fish Finder is a wireless and rechargeable device with an adjustable depth range and scanning angle. It has a colored screen and an audible fish alarm that alerts you when fish are detected.
Comparison of the Products
Pros and cons of each product
Each product has its strengths and weaknesses, and it depends on your preferences and fishing style. The Humminbird PiranhaMax 4 PT and Deeper Pro+ Smart Sonar have excellent display quality and GPS capabilities, but they are relatively more expensive than the other models. The Garmin Striker 4 is affordable and has GPS capabilities, but it has a smaller screen size. The HawkEye Fishtrax 1C and Lucky Wireless Portable Sonar Fish Finder are both affordable and straightforward to use, but they have limited depth range and scanning angles compared to the other models.
Side-by-side comparison table of the products
Here’s a side-by-side comparison table of the products:
| Product | Display | Scanning Depth/Range | GPS Capabilities | Portability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humminbird PiranhaMax 4 PT | Color, 320×240-pixel resolution | 600 ft, 28 degrees | YES | Moderate |
| Deeper Pro+ Smart Sonar | Color, adjustable brightness | 260 ft, 15 degrees | YES | High |
| Garmin Striker 4 | Color, 3.5-inch | 1,600 ft, 200 ft | YES | Moderate |
| HawkEye Fishtrax 1C | Color, adjustable LED backlighting | 240 ft, 10 degrees | NO | High |
| Lucky Wireless Portable Sonar Fish Finder | Color | 328 ft, adjustable angle | NO | High |
Which product is best for certain types of fishing
The Deeper Pro+ Smart Sonar and Humminbird PiranhaMax 4 PT are ideal for deep-sea fishing and offshore fishing. The Garmin Striker 4 is excellent for beginners and small-boat anglers. The HawkEye Fishtrax 1C and Lucky Wireless Portable Sonar Fish Finder are perfect for ice fishing and kayak fishing.
Conclusion
In conclusion, having a handheld fish finder is a game-changer for any angler. The top five products mentioned above have the best features and performances in 2021. In my opinion, the Deeper Pro+ Smart Sonar is the best handheld fish finder due to its GPS capabilities, scanning depth, and portability. Remember that understanding how to use your handheld fish finder correctly will help you catch more fish. Happy fishing!
List of 10 best handheld fish finder
- BABY SHUSHER: Classified as a Class 1 FDA Medical Device
- SLEEP SOOTHER: Using a real human voice, lull your baby to sleep with a calming shush — freeing up your precious time
- SLEEP AID: 15 to 30-minute timers assure long shushing sessions can get even the most resistant sleepers to sleep
- BABY SLEEP: Adjustable volume control helps your baby get to sleep without keeping everyone else awake!
- BABY SHUSHER FEATURES: Portable, easy-to-use design, removable wrist strap gives you the option to carry your baby while putting them to sleep, and comes with 2 AA batteries so you can put your sleep aid to work as soon as you open the package
- MULTIFUNCTION DISPLAY: With GO9, add GPS navigation, sonar support, radar capability, and much more to your boat: perfect for sportboats, center-consoles, and smaller cruisers.
- C-MAP DISCOVER: Included C-MAP DISCOVER card with full-featured Vector Charts, Custom Depth Shading, Tides & Currents, C-MAP high-resolution Bathymetric contours, and ultra-wide coverage in the US and Canada.
- ACTIVE IMAGING 3-IN-1 TRANSDUCER: See structure and cover with a new level of refined detail with Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar featuring CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan imaging with FishReveal.
- RADAR READY: GO9 offers safer cruising and more productive fishing with plug-and-play connectivity to Simrad radar solutions for powerboats of all sizes.
- BUILT-IN CONNECTIVITY: Mirror your display to a smartphone or tablet and get access to charts, radar and other functionality from anywhere on board. NMEA 2000 connectivity offers more integration options.
- Rugged handheld navigator with preloaded worldwide basemap and 2.2 inch monochrome display
- WAAS enabled GPS receiver with HotFix and GLONASS support for fast positioning and a reliable signal
- Waterproof to IPX7 standards for protection against splashes, rain, etc.
- Support for paperless geocaching and Garmin spine mounting accessories. Power with two AA batteries for up to 20 hours of use (best with Polaroid AA batteries)
- See high and low elevation points or store waypoints along a track (start, finish and high/low altitude) to estimate time and distance between points
- PROFESSIONAL GRADE: This professional grade military compass will always lead you in the right direction. Ideal for camping, military usage, emergencies, and anywhere the beaten track takes you
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN: The lensatic function increases the reading’s accuracy with a lens on the rear sight that magnifies the card dial – so you’ll always get an accurate reading
- MILITARY CONSTRUCTION: Tough and tenacious, the military construction with waterproof and shakeproof properties is built to survive the harshest of hikes
- PORTABLE: Keep the compass near you with a belt loop attachment, or place it safely in your pocket with a carrying case, so you can keep your hands gripped on the mountain you’re scaling
- FLUORESCENT: The compass’ interface glows in the dark, so even when night falls, you can still soldier on
- W:8cm/0.31, L: 48-50cm/18.8in
- Max capacity:about 20kg
- Adjustable buckles ensure a perfect fit.Quick and easy to install
- Made of high-density nylon ribbon + metal rotating buckles
- Makes it easier to carry heavy loads without straining your back
- EASY ACCESS TO YOUR KEYS: No more digging in your pockets or purse to search for your keys! The detachable magnetic keychain dock makes finding your keys quick and easy - saving you time and frustration!
- FREE YOUR POCKETS: Instead of stuffing your keys into tight pants pockets which make it difficult to sit down, attach the MagConnect to your belt loop and lounge comfortably.
- QUICK AND EASY INSTALLATION: Attach one loop to your bag, purse, or backpack and attach the other loop to your keys like a standard keyring - then connect the two magnets to meet in the middle, this is overall an effective quick release keychain!
- SUPER STRONG KEYCHAIN MAGNET: Able to withstand up to 3 lbs of weight, MagConnect’s magnet ensures that your keys stay securely attached only until you give them a gentle tug to release!
- THE ULTIMATE GIFT: How many birthdays, Christmas, or holiday presents can you knock out right now? KeySmart MagConnect is the perfect stocking stuffer or gift for Father's Day that all key owners will love!
- EASY ACCESS TO YOUR KEYS: No more digging in your pockets or purse to search for your keys! The detachable key ring quick release function makes finding your keys quick and easy - saving you time and frustration
- FREE YOUR POCKETS: Instead of stuffing your keys into tight pants pockets which make it difficult to sit down, attach the MagConnect to your belt loop and lounge comfortably
- QUICK AND EASY INSTALLATION: Attach one loop to your bag, purse, or backpack and attach the other loop to your keys like a standard keyring - then connect the two magnets to meet in the middle, this is overall an effective magnetic keychain with quick release key ring mechanism
- SUPER STRONG KEYCHAIN MAGNET: Able to withstand up to 3 lbs of weight, MagConnect’s magnet ensures that your keys stay securely attached only until you give them a gentle tug to release!
- ADD KEYSMART ACCESSORIES: Create a reliable utility key holder and key organizer with a wide range of our KeySmart mini tools to choose from, such as the; Box Cutter, Pocket Clip, MultiTool, NanoPliers, and many more
- 2.6-inch TFT LCD display. Display size-1.43 x 2.15 inches. 2.6 inch diagonal
- Worldwide shaded relief basemap; microSD card slot for optional mapping
- 3-Axis compass & barometric altimeter
- Floats, buoyant
- Built-in 3-axis electronic compass; Barometric altimeter
- UPF 50+ sun protection
- Vented mouth eliminates fogging
- Quick dry breathable fabric for all day comfort
- Superior construction and fit
- Feather Weight Material
- With an eye-catching fish graphic on the front and a signature Bassdash handwriting logo on the left sleeve which deliver a unique look; Different from sublimation printing, our patterns are by environmental plastisol printing, which makes the pattern clearly visible and with quality texture
- UPF 50+ rated fabric protects your skin by blocking out harmful UVA and UVB rays; With quick drying and breathable properties, the shirt can well help you stay cool when active in heat
- Loose cut fits most body shapes; 4-way stretch construction allows you to get more freedom of movement
- Thumb loops inside the cuff to keep sleeves in place; Non-itchy tag design for chafe-free; Whole shirt with flat lock seams maximumly reduce friction when casting or reeling in
- Suitable for fishing, boating, hiking, sightseeing and any other outdoor activities; It's also a nice choice to be a lucky gift for anglers
People also ask
What is a handheld fish finder?
A handheld fish finder is a portable device that uses sonar technology to detect fish and underwater structures. It is a compact and user-friendly tool that typically includes a display screen and a transducer.
What are the benefits of using a handheld fish finder?
Using a handheld fish finder provides a number of benefits, including:
- Efficient fish detection
- Portability and convenience
- Ability to fish in diverse locations
- Enhanced fishing experience and success
How do handheld fish finders work?
Handheld fish finders work by sending sound waves from the transducer into the water. When the waves hit an object, they bounce back to the transducer and are interpreted by the device’s processor, which then translates the information into an image displayed on the screen.
What features should I look for in a handheld fish finder?
When shopping for a handheld fish finder, it is important to consider factors such as:
- Display resolution and clarity
- Depth range capability
- Battery life
- Transducer frequency and power
- Additional features such as GPS and mapping capabilities
What are some popular brands of handheld fish finders?
Some popular brands of handheld fish finders include Garmin, Humminbird, Deeper, and Lowrance.
Can handheld fish finders be used in saltwater?
Yes, many handheld fish finders are designed for use in both freshwater and saltwater environments. However, it is important to check the specifications of the device to ensure it is suitable for use in saltwater.
What is the price range for handheld fish finders?
The price range for handheld fish finders can vary greatly depending on the brand, features, and overall quality of the device. Generally, prices range from around $100 to $500.
Are handheld fish finders easy to use?
Yes, handheld fish finders are typically designed to be user-friendly and easy to operate. Many devices come with intuitive interfaces and straightforward navigation menus, making them accessible to both novice and experienced anglers alike.