Over 7 months, we pushed these fish finders to their limit to identify the strength and weaknesses of each design. We got to know them extraordinarily well and pass on our findings to help you choose the best fish finder under $200 for your next fishing trip.
Here are the best fish finders under $200 (Apr 2024 Update):
- Best Overall: Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5-inch GPS Fishfinder
- Best For Offshore Fishing: Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder
- Best For Night Fishing: Eyoyo Fishing Camera Video Fish Finder
- Best For Beginners: Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5-inch GPS Fishfinder + Protective Cover
- Best For Sea Fishing: Moocor Underwater Fishing Camera, Portable Fish Finder
- Best For Ice Fishing: LUCKY Portable Fish Finders
| Best Fishfinder Under $200: Top 6 Picks | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5-inch GPS Fishfinder | Read Our Review |
Best For Offshore Fishing | Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder | Read Our Review |
Best For Night Fishing | Eyoyo Fishing Camera Video Fish Finder | Read Our Review |
Best For Beginners | Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5-inch GPS Fishfinder + Protective Cover | Read Our Review |
Best For Sea Fishing | Moocor Underwater Fishing Camera, Portable Fish Finder | Read Our Review |
Best For Ice Fishing | LUCKY Portable Fish Finders | Read Our Review |
Best Overall: Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5-inch GPS Fishfinder
- Supply crystal clear fish arches with remarkable target separation - CHIRP SONAR
- Allow to navigating, marking, and viewing locations - WAYPOINT MAP and high-sensitivity GPS
- Easy to use and set up – feature keypad operation with dedicated buttons
- Not work efficiently in mossy conditions or shallow water with a soft bottom
- The screen/keyboard unit isn’t water-resistant at all
The Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer is a use-friendly 3.5-inch colored fishfinder that checks our boxes.
It highlights a Garmin CHIRP (77/200 kHz) transducer which works by sending a constant sweep of frequencies, ranging from low to high, to supply a wider range of information. Compared to the former 77/200 kHz transducers, it creates sharper fish arches and more remarkable target separation.
The unit allows you to track your boat’s speed and position relating to the waypoints you’ve marked.
The best part is you can even combine the high-sensitivity GPS and waypoint map to find your way back to the boat ramp.
| Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5-inch GPS Fishfinder Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 8 ounces |
Dimension | 3.6 x 1.6 x 5.9 inches |
Monitor Size | 1.9 x 2.9 inches (4.9 x 7.3 centimeter); 3.5 inches diagonal (8.7 centimeter) |
Working Time | 8-12 hours |
Highlight Features | Advanced CHIRP SONAR WAYPOINT MAP ™Offers a keyed interface with dedicated buttons |
Made with advanced CHIRP transducer and high-sensitivity GPS, the Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer takes home our Editor Choice’s Award for the Best Overall fishfinder.
Best For Offshore Fishing: Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder
- User-friendly and easily customizable – feature unit of measure, backlight mode, battery save mode, and 5 user-setting sensitivity
- Wide detectable area and show everything underneath the boat with details - Sonar Frequency is 200 kHz & Detectable depth range is from 3ft/1m to 328ft/100m
- Only measure in meter
The Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder is purpose-designed for offshore fishing and it hits the nail on the head.
Use this tool on a slow-moving speed kayak (under 5MPH) and you’ll easily detect what’s underneath your boat, from sand and rocks on seabed, short and tall weeds to fish location and water depth.
Using a sonar frequency of 200 kHz to navigate fish location, it provides a detectable depth range from 3ft/1m to 328ft/100m with a 45-degree beam angle.
Don’t worry if you’re still new to this device because it is very easy to use. There comes a fish alarm, battery save mode, 5 user-setting sensitivity, etc. and once you’ve set all up, they will be auto-saved when turned off.
| Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 15.2 ounces |
Dimension | 9.6 x 2.2 x 5.9 inches |
Monitor Size | 2-3 inches |
Working Time | 4-5 hours |
Highlight Features | Sonar Frequency is 200 kHz Detectable depth range is from 3ft/1m to 328ft/100m It has 5 user-selectable sensitivity Battery save mode Backlight mode Fish alarm Unit of measure |
For those who are seeking a good fishfinder for offshore fishing without deflating your wallet, here it is.
Best For Night Fishing: Eyoyo Fishing Camera Video Fish Finder
- Provide a brighter and clearer image in darkness – feature 12pcs infrared IR high-power lights for camera light source
- Easy to read data – ultra-large LCD monitor
- Fish-friendly design to easily lure the fish close to
- Numerous add-ons – include 8GB SD card, removable sun-visor, and DVR Recording Function
- Hard to wind up - Too many wires
- Wish the batteries worked better
For night fishers, this fishfinder from Eyoyo is the best companion.
Aside from a 1000TVL camera and an ultra-wide, visual 7” color LCD monitor with 800x480 pixels, it comes with 12 pieces of infrared IR high-power LED lights that work as camera light source.
In the darkness, they give you a much clearer and brighter vision to see fish and the degree can be turned off as wanted. Just take note that the picture will change into black and white once the infrared lights are turned on.
Including a free 8GB SD card, a DVR recording function, and a removable sun-visor, this set is highly valuable for the price.
| Eyoyo Fishing Camera Video Fish Finder Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 4.15 pounds |
Dimension | 9.8 x 8.5 x 5.5 inches |
Monitor Size | 7” |
Working Time | 8 Hours |
Highlight Features | 7 inch LCD Monitor HD 1000TVL Camera 12pcs IR LED DVR+8GB with 30m Cable |
Specifically made with an ultra-large screen, good camera, and 12 pieces of LED lights, we find the Eyoyo Fishing Camera Video Fish Finder to be an ideal option for dark environments.
Best For Beginners: Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5-inch GPS Fishfinder + Protective Cover
- Compact, lightweight, and pocket-friendly – feature 3.5” GPS screen size, weigh under 2 pounds, and measured by 9''x7''x4 1/2''
- Ultra-protective under harsh marine environments – include a protective cover
- Easy to install and use
- The fishfinder itself isn’t really water-resistant
- Lose depth reading at over 20mph of speed
If you’re a beginner and just enjoy fishing as a hobby, we highly recommend the Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5" GPS Fishfinder + Protective Cover.
Yes, this model comes with some similarities as the previous Garmin fishfinder we’ve reviewed above, with an emphasis on 480 x 320 pixels of display screen resolution, ClearVü technology, and three screen size options.
The biggest difference between the two models is this is added with a protective cover.
It is designed to fit the Striker 4, 4CV and works as a shield to keep the tool against harsh marine environments when you don’t use it. Besides, it is very easy to install and use.
| Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5-inch GPS Fishfinder + Protective Cover Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | <2 pounds |
Dimension | 9''x7''x4 1/2'' |
Monitor Size | 3.5 , 5 and 7 inches |
Working Time | 8-12 hours |
Highlight Features | Include a protective cover 3.5" GPS Fishfinder |
Designed with simplicity to meet basic needs in fishing, the Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5
Best For Sea Fishing: Moocor Underwater Fishing Camera, Portable Fish Finder
- Deliver ultra-bright, crisp, and realistic underwater image - 1000TVL HD camera with low-level lighting setting of 0.01Lux in darkness & Cmos sensor
- Extra protection – the monitor features IP67 waterproof rating and sun visor
- Multi-functional and easy to track – have power-saving mode, low battery power reminder, and high fidelity video output functions
- The fin comes with no instructions
In the community of sea fishers, this 4.3-inch screen fishfinder is really well-known because of its exceptional yet functional design.
Unlike most counterparts here, it comes with two parts: an HD LCD monitor and an underwater camera, to give you detailed topographic under the water. Even when the fish bites your hook or is just swimming, you can see that clearly.
We particularly like the camera lens.
It is built with a 1000TVL HD camera that has a low-level lighting setting of 0.01Lux in darkness and a Cmos sensor.
The biggest selling point is far-infrared LED lights to provide a souped-up delicate, bright, and realistic image. We also appreciate the added IP67 waterproof rating and a sun visor to enhance the LCD monitor’s durability.
| Moocor Underwater Fishing Camera, Portable Fish Finder Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 7.4 ounces |
Dimension | 4.9 x 3.4 x 1.6 inches |
Monitor Size | 4.3 inches |
Working Time | 6-8 hours |
Highlight Features | MOOCOR Portable Fish Finder Camera Monitor for Ice Lake Sea Boat Kayak Fishing |
When finding the best fishfinder for sea fishing, weatherproof ability and performance in darkness are two factors we concerned the most. But with this Moocor Underwater Fishing Camera, Portable Fish Finder, it even gives us far more than that.
Best For Ice Fishing: LUCKY Portable Fish Finders
- Multi-functional and versatile – include various add-ons and functions
- Can be used in daylight or at night – feature color LCD display and Backlight
- Easily notice the fish movements – come with an alert
- Drain out of power quickly
- Not include a case
This portable fish finder is an omnipotent model that can be used in varied fishing occasions therein it gets the highest suggestion for ice fishing.
It nails up with a wide range of applications, such as battery indicator, fish and fish school alarm, backlight mode, battery save mode, and adjustable sensitivity.
You can use this tool in daylight or at night as wanted. It features backlights for dark environments and a color LCD display that is visible under the sun.
Although the screen is a bit narrow, it displays all data neatly and visually to read with ease. You can also turn on the alert for when it detects fish movement.
| LUCKY Portable Fish Finders Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 1.26 pounds |
Dimension | 6.3 x 4.9 x 3.6 inches |
Monitor Size | 2’ |
Working Time | 4-5hours |
Highlight Features | LUCKY Portable Fish Finders Wired Transducer Kayak Fish Finder |
The LUCKY Portable Fish Finder is a versatile device for various fishing occasions, including ice fishing. With numerous applications and durable design, it is totally on-point in this category.
How To Choose The Best Fish Finders Under $200?
Type
There are 3 types of the fish finder:
- Combination fish finders
- Specifically created for finding fish, a combination fishfinder offers a wide range of practical functions, such as temperature, speed, fish size, and depth. Some advanced models even have quality navigation GPS or split-screen options.
- Networked systems
- As its name defined, networked systems operate by connecting to multiple mobile devices via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, or other data tools like satellite radio, videos, victor GPS charts.
- Standalones
- They can come with or without a display screen. This is the simplest design, ideal for people who intend to go to unknown territories. It clearly shows what’s underneath the water surface and at the bottom of the boat.
- At the price range of under $200, the standalone is the most potential contender because it is simple in design but still moderate in functions to meet your basic needs. That said, if lucky, you still can find other types of fish finders at a good price.
Display Screen Resolution
- Never skip this factor when it comes to choosing the best fish finder under $200.
- Everything you need will be displayed on this screen, which means its resolution can make or break your chances of catching big trophies. Within your budget range, we highly recommend investing in the biggest screen as possible because the size does affect the image’s clarity.
- A screen featuring 240 x 160 pixels is a good start.
- Remember, the higher the resolution, the detailed the images.
Power
- No matter how high resolution of the display screen, your fishfinder would still become useless if it featured insufficient battery life.
- Don’t forget that fishing can be an all-day affair, make sure the battery of your fish finder than last at least 4 hours. There are two types of batteries – the replaceable AAs and the rechargeable.
- The first option is very convenient but costly in a long run while the second will save you more on the costs. In turn, if it dies, you’ll have to wait for it to recharge.
- Besides, we recommend bringing along some backup batteries if planning on being out for over 8 hours.
Which Brands Make The Best Fish Finders Under $200?
Garmin
- Formerly known as ProNav, Garmin Ltd is an American multinational brand specializing in GPS technology. With 30 years’ expertise, they are now the leading brand in many fields, such as wearable technology, GPS navigation, fitness, automotive, marine, and aviation.
Eyoyo
- Founded in 2016 as a group enterprise, despite a young brand, Eyoyo provides customers with professional top-tier services and fast delivery. More significantly, they try to balance products’ quality and low price range.
FAQs
Are fish finders necessary?
Yes, they are.
Fish Finders help you navigate bait when it’s hard to find on the surface.
How long do fish finders under 200 last?
4-10 hours.
Can you see fish on down imaging?
Watch this video:
Is side imaging better than down imaging?
Side imaging is better than down imaging in some certain aspects:
- When finding fish behind shallow bays and creeks
- Provide better point-of-view and image of the marine environment
- Do a quick scan on the water
Conclusion
Whenever searching for the best fish finders under $200 in the market, we’re pretty sure you will see countless options. The only way to know whether each of them is good or gimmick is trying and lucky for you, we’ve done much legwork.
Your homework now is to think about what your must-have features are, determine your budget, and navigate this massive marketplace, all are also guided in this post.
Bryan Listor