Fishing is often a game of fate and chance, and as entertaining as that is, the wait can get to the best of us.

This is where a Fish Finder can come to your rescue, especially if driving to the pond has already tested your limbs and patience. Portable ones employ sonar technology to detect fish in a water body. Once you’ve located them, the boat can be guided to the specific spot.

Easy to carry around and light in weight, they are a smart option for any ardent fan of fishing. Some even fit right inside pockets!

However, with the advent of technology, fishing equipment has improved both in technique and durability. The market is now filled with excellent devices, each with its unique pros and cons.

Therefore, selecting the right one can be an arduous task. To make it easier, we’ve compiled a list of the 13 best products out there.

So, let’s dive right in, what say?

Best Portable Fish Finders

1. Garmin Striker 4

Our first recommendation is from one of the most established names in the fishing industry. Garmin has been a stickler for quality and functionality since its very inception and the Striker 4 is an excellent example of its brand values. Equipped with all the necessary features, it delivers a performance that leaves little scope for complaint.

Why Did We Like It?

As one of the leading products in the market, the Striker 4 from Garmin is well-suited to the needs of amateur as well as professional fishers. The device is equipped with excellent features that allow for easy access to the right spots in the pond and is also constructed with premium quality materials.

The unit comprises an in-built GPS along with a Chirp Sonar and flasher. These three components work in tandem to ensure a smooth and hassle-free fishing experience and also allow the user to save the data for a specific location in the water. In addition to that, it indicates the GPS speed too, so users can have an idea of their pace of navigation.

Lastly, this fish finder allows for accurate navigation, thanks to the way-point map which also provides easy access to brush piles, stumps, or docks. Therefore, users are able to find their catch in areas that are otherwise difficult to reach. Ergonomically designed and offering good value for money, Garmin’s device promises to deliver.

What Could Have Been Better?

The only concern with this otherwise excellent product is the screen size which may come across as being too small for users. However, considering all that this fish finder has to offer, that’s a minor issue.

2. Humminbird 409620-1 Helix 5 DI Fishfinder

Next on the list, is the Helix 5 DI fishfinder, the brainchild of another trustworthy brand in the market. Humminbird has always prided itself on operational efficiency and the quality of its equipment, and the Helix is no exception. Reliable and high-functioning, it is the ideal companion to anyone new to fishing.

Why Did We Like It?

The fact that this is ideal for beginners speaks volumes about its operational efficiency and ease of use. Equipped with a GPS that is unfailingly accurate in functioning, this nifty device also constitutes an external microSD card. So, you may save the data and way-points in a way that is easy to retrieve as and when required.

In addition to that, it helps you save money. The packaging, along with the primary fishfinder, also comes with a Transducer that further streamlines the fishing technique. Hence, the costs of buying a separate attachment are eliminated. Long story short, Humminbird not only takes care of the basics but also goes the extra mile.

Last but not the least, the fishfinder is designed ergonomically to ensure user comfort at all times. Fitted with all necessary components, the Helix 5 DI is a great option for amateur fishing enthusiasts and one of the best in its price range.

What Could Have Been Better?

The only aspect that we felt could be improved is the 2D function which seems to falter beyond a depth of 200 feet. However, this can be easily fixed by adjusting the settings to the required degree and all the details are outlined in the instruction manual.

3. FishHunter PRO

Up next, we have what’s easily one of the best fish finders in the market right now, and also the world’s fastest portable one. How’s that for a credential? The FishHunter PRO employs cutting edge technology to offer a performance that is hard to match in terms of both accuracy and speed. Read on to know all about it!

Why Did We Like It?

Touted as one of the most efficient fishfinders out there, the FishHunter PRO is certainly a contender for the top spot on any list. Essentially, it’s an upgraded version of its predecessor, one that has worked on the shortcomings of the earlier model to give users a brand new device with excellent features.

The most salient attribute of the fishfinder is its connectivity. It works effortlessly with your phone’s WiFi and offers incredible portability. Keep in mind, that the connection is over WiFi only and not Bluetooth. This implies that not only is it more mobile but also far faster to function. What’s more, the range is over 150 feet!

Furthermore, the unit comes with a battery life of up to 10 hours and users can troll the same at the speed of 2.5 mph from the vessel or shore. Alongside this, it also reaches a depth of 150 feet while ice-fishing and 100 feet in the case of jig tracking. With excellent graphics and multiple-view screens, the PRO truly makes a mark.

What Could Have Been Better?

Although there are no functional flaws in this device, the only issue that could be looked into was the WiFi connection. It tends to waver in places with extreme weather or other unfavorable conditions but bear in mind, this is a rare occurrence and hardly a cause for concern.

4. Garmin Striker 7SV

The second product from Garmin on the list, the Striker 7SV is a surefire hit with veterans and newbie fishers alike. Designed to withstand tough conditions and fitted with attractive features for a smooth experience in the water, it makes for a worthy addition to your fishing equipment and promises to deliver.

Why Did We Like It?

First and foremost, with the Striker 7SV, design takes the cake. Robust and built to endure, the body of the device is ideal for long hours of fishing in difficult weather conditions. It is especially suitable for rugged marine environments and has little difficulty in operating in less than ideal climes.

In terms of functioning, the device is hard to beat. Equipped with an excellent GPS receiver, it allows the user to mark their favorite spots and also indicates the speed of navigation. Also, the waypoint map makes for easy viewing of obstacles and elements such as brush piles, stumps, and rocks, and works in tandem with the GPS for a seamless performance.

Lastly, Garmin is a staunch Chirp Sonar loyalist and this fishfinder employs the same technology to ensure that the stream of frequencies remains continuous, thus providing volumes of useful information to the user. Additionally, it creates crisper fish arches for better target separation. Ideal for both ice-fishing and vertical jigging, Garmin’s product fails to disappoint.

What Could Have Been Better?

Garmin’s fishfinder is close to perfect but it’s not quite there yet. The only feature lacking in this otherwise excellent device is that the user will not be able to load maps onto it. However, it is considerably priced lower than models with maps and nevertheless offers great value for money.

5. Vexilar SP200 T-Box Fish Finder

Our next suggestion is a fishfinder that certainly scores points for innovation and has a multifarious function. Easy on the budget and an extremely handy device to have around, Vexilar’s product makes for a worthy purchase. Take a detailed look at its features to learn more!

Why Did We Like It?

There is no dearth of reasons for us to be impressed by Vexilar’s fishfinder. It is one of the most technologically advanced models out there and works well as a Chartplotter as well. The versatility in functioning is further improved by its ability to connect to the user’s smartphone to enhance the experience.

In addition to that, the unit makes way for multi-device support through which it can also be connected to an iPad and iPhone simultaneously. What makes the operation even more sophisticated is the in-built Transducer. All in all, when it comes to functioning, there is nearly nothing one can complain of.

Long story short, Vexilar offers a stunning performance with respect to functionality and technological prowess. It is versatile and durable and makes for a handy unit to have around for multiple uses. Also, perfect for the tech-savvy fishing enthusiast, it offers good value for money. Quite the cherry on top, isn’t it?

What Could Have Been Better?

While there are no functional errors to be found on this device, it’s best to ensure that one is savvy with technology as otherwise, it’s easy to miss out on most of the features. Also, it’s not the best fishfinder for measuring depth. However, there are numerous devices geared specifically for the purpose, so that’s hardly a red-flag.