Kayak anglers want to have our cake and eat it, too. We want the convenience of a small, plastic boat and the fishing capability of a full-size motor boat. That includes a full array of fish finders and transducers. Every angler wants a basic fish finder to display water depth, structure, water temperature and fish. At the top end, anglers want two or three large display screens with multiple transducers. Rigging a kayak with electronics is no problem. Modern fishing kayaks are designed with mounts for the display, routing for the cables and space in the underside for a transducer. To withstand the constant exposure in a kayak cockpit, the best fish finders for kayak fishing are tough and simple while offering every feature available to motor boaters. With the most recent generation of fishing kayaks and high-powered fish finders, kayak anglers can have their cake and eat it too.
Best Kayak Fish Finders: Our Top Picks
Best Fish Finder and GPS
Garmin Echomap
$849.99 | garmin.com
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GARMIN AMAZON FISH USA SCHEELS
- Bluechart G3 navigation
- Sideview and downview sonar
- Traditional CHIRP sonar
- Optional live-view sonar
Why I Like the Garmin Echomap
I’ve been using the Garmin Echomap for years. The premium fish finder and GPS offers the best technology in a durable housing that won’t break the bank. Offering down-view and sideview along with variable-signal CHiRP sonar, the Echomap line also allows the option to upgrade to Garmin’s Panoptix LiveVu making the Echomap a complete sonar package. I like the choice of fish finder color palettes to match the conditions, brighter colors on a bright day and darker colors are easier to see under overcast skies or at night. The real appeal of the Garmin Echomap is the Navionics charts. With a detailed base map, I added a subscription to more detailed maps of my area. Combined with the Garmin Active Captain app, I can take my charts with me to access my waypoints and navigation information on the water and off.
Reasons to Buy
- Best navigation charts
- Full-feature sonar
- Durable display
- Multiple sonar options
Bottom Line
For the best combination of navigation charts and sonars, Garmin’s Echo Map series’ advanced features are easy to use. I like to switch between touchscreen and the push button control when the screen is wet. There are more expensive fish finders with more advanced features, but I like the Echo Map’s easy-to-use features that grow with my kayak fishing.
Best Forward-Facing Sonar
Humminbird Mega Live Imaging Transducer
$1,499.99 | humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com
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HUMMINBIRD AMAZON BASS PRO SHOP SCHEELS
- Landscape, forward and down view
- Trolling motor or transducer pole mount
- MEGA Live high-definition imaging
- Doesn’t require a sonar box
Why I Like Humminbird Mega Imaging
I recently rigged a Bonafide PWR129 with a Humminbird Helix 9 and MEGA Live imaging transducer. While unpacking the unit and wires, I noticed a big advantage to the Humminbird system: no sonar box. Many high-powered fish finders require a separate box to process the transducer signal. I plugged the MEGA Live transducer directly into my fish finder multi-function display and connected the power cable to my battery with a Connect Ease Yak Ease system. The plug-and-play simplicity continues to the fish finder’s features. By turning the transducer, I can set the fish finder in landscape view to find fish and then down or forward view to zero in on the targets. Using the MEGA Live transducer with Humminbird’s GPS system, I can mark a location on the sonar and create a waypoint on my chart. Of all the forward-facing sonars I’ve tested, I find Humminbird’s definition and colors easiest to read and interpret.
Reasons to Buy
- You’re already running a Humminbird Solix, Apex or 8 to 12-inch Helix system
- Trolling motor mount
- Simple install
- Easy to operate
Bottom Line
Forward-facing sonar is a premium addition to any kayak, anglers should be prepared to run wires, make connections, install switches and fuses and accommodate a transducer that rotates 360 degrees. That’s a lot for a kayak. But anglers looking for every advantage are determined to add forward-facing sonar. I recently installed a unit on a motorized kayak with two motors and three batteries. Humminbird’s MEGA Live wins the prize for best forward-facing sonar because I can plug the transducer directly into my Humminbird Helix fish finder display.
Best Sideview Fish Finder
Lowrance Elite FS
$899 | lowrance.com
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LOWRANCE AMAZON BASS PRO SHOP SCHEELS
- Downview, sideview sonar
- Live sonar compatible
- Detailed navigation charts standard
Why I Like the Lowrance Elite FS
Lowrance brings cool features to their Elite FS premium fish finder. The standard package includes a three-in-one transducer with CHIRP, side, and downview sonar and a premium GPS. But wait, there’s more. My favorite feature is the flat, glare-resistant touchscreen that is easy to use and see. Lowrance offers a unique feature combining their detailed CHIRP sonar with downview and sideview sonar for the best target separation by highlighting fish marks separate from structure. The Elite FS sonar is only half the story; the unit comes standard with detailed charts with one-foot depth increments for thousands of lakes and waterways. When I outgrow the base model, I can update the charts and the transducer for more features, including live view sonar and relief shading mapping.
Reasons to Buy
- Flat, glare-resistant touchscreen
- Reasonable price
- Best target separation
- Premium charts standard
- Easy to upgrade
Bottom Line
Combining scanning sonar with CHIRP, the Lowrance Elite FS provides the clearest sideview and downview sonar. The transducer signal differentiates between solid structures like rocks and wood and weaker returns from fish and bait. The result is an easier-to-read display, especially when fish hang deep in structure. Anglers targeting crappie in submerged brush or bass in dock pilings appreciate the highlighted fish marks contrast with the return from wood and rock. Straight out of the package, the Elite FS includes three sonar views and detailed charts with the option to upgrade to live sonar and premium charts.
Best Portable Fish Finder
Garmin Panoptix PS22-IF
$1,249.99 | garmin.com
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GARMIN BASS PRO SHOP FISH USA SCHEELS
- Pole-free live view transducer
- Battery included
- Carry Case
- Quick change from narrow to wide view
Why I Like the Garmin Panoptix PS22-IF
Garmin designed the Panoptix PS22-IF for ice fishing, but the portable, self-contained sonar appeals to kayak anglers too. The package includes a carry case and rechargeable battery, but the star of the show is a pole-less transducer. Instead of mounting the transducer on a pole attached to the side of my kayak, I use a control knob on the transducer cable to rotate the transducer as the sonar beam searches for fish. The whole thing fits in a carry case and I choose the Garmin Echomap unit to display the sonar information.
Reasons to Buy
- Compatible with seven- and nine-inch Echomap MFD
- Case protects from damage and corrosion
- Doesn’t require permanent installation
- Easy to use live sonar
Bottom Line
The easiest way to rig and power forward-facing sonar is the all-in-one Panoptix P22. I know anglers who trade the transducer pole and power cables for the convenience of a portable handheld system. Plus, moving the system between kayaks or using it for ice fishing is a no-brainer.
Best Budget Fish Finder
HawkEye FishTrax 1C k
$169.99 | hawkeyeelectronics.com
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- Includes battery, mount, transducer and display
- Color display
- Track mount
- Depth, water temperature and battery voltage
- Live flasher or dual-frequency sonar
Why I Like the HawkEye FishTrax
I’ve been using a HawkEye FishTrax 1C k on my standup paddleboard for several years. The transducer and fish finder display fit on an articulated plastic arm attached to a gear track on my board. Since the HawkEye runs on AAA batteries, I don’t have to run wires to an external battery. The little display is waterproof and backlit with bottom lock and fish ID to help interpret sonar data. I have several choices for color palettes to match the fishing conditions. And while I use the FishTrax on my paddleboard, I can also mount the transducer to the kayak hull and power the display with a 12-volt battery.
Reasons to Buy
- Simple to operate
- Inexpensive
- Color display with large digits
- Water temperature
Bottom Line
The Hawkeye FishTrax 1C k is perfect for anglers who need a fish finder and temperature gauge but don’t want to permanently install electronics. I use the unit on my fishing SUP because it is low profile, self-powered and easy to remove. The bright display makes it easy to see bottom contour, structure, fish marks with large readouts of depth, temperature and battery voltage. Between fishing trips, I can quickly remove the fish finder and transducer.
How We Tested the Best Kayak Fish Finders
When I have a question about marine electronics, I don’t call customer service or ask the sales guy at the boat shop. As editor of Kayak Angler magazine, when I have a question about a fish finder, I call the head of engineering at the factory.
Modern fish finders have a long list of features and I ask the people who designed the hardware and software how it works and how to use it. With that level of support, I have access to some of the best marine electronics for fishing kayaks.
When I test the unit on the water, I know how to get the most out of the latest technology with the least effort. Mastering the features I use most, I look for easy operation and clear imagery. I pushed the buttons, scrolled through screens, entered data and interpreted the sonar display under direct sun and covered in salt spray.
The most important test comes from the kayak fishing community. Through years of trial and error, the best kayak fish finders have risen to the surface.
As a result, electronics manufacturers have stepped up their game with tougher components and simple operating systems. Even the least expensive fish finders on our list will survive years in the kayak. And the top-dollar units bring the most advanced sonar and navigation technology in reach of kayak anglers.
The best fish finder for kayak fishing may not be the most expensive or feature-rich, but each category is represented with a solid unit with the bells and whistles kayak anglers need.
Feature photo: Courtesy Garmin
