If you are looking for a fish finder/GPS combo for a smaller boat like a kayak or a 14-foot/16-foot aluminum boat that can still have sonar, and most importantly, not break your bank with a very high-budget device, you are at the right place.
The main reason why you would want a combo is that mapping water is more important than finding fish. Let me rephrase that. If you understand what’s going on underneath, it will easily lead you to the fish.
If you are the type of person that fish a lot of small lakes and backwater ponds, it’s important that you get a device that can give you the ability to contour map them.
Now, finding the best fish finder GPS combo isn’t very easy as there are hundreds of products out there at different price points from a lot of manufacturers.
Mapping water is more important than finding fish, and that’s why you should go with a device with down imaging. For example, a device like the Humminbird Helix 5 is a perfect example. You will really love this device, especially for its chart plotting capabilities.
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If this model is out of your budget, you can go with the Garmin Striker 4 Plus. They have two models as far as I know. One is the base model, and the other one comes with the down scan option. And you can see where you have been.
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With the Striker, the only problem you will face is that it doesn’t have shoreline or underwater points. If you want to upgrade or have some cash to spare, and want to stick to Garmin, go with the Garmin Echomap Chirp 94SV.
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It comes with built-in maps that make it very easy to find structures. In addition to that, it also has a Quick Draw feature.
Recommended Best Fish Finder GPS Combo
It’s really hard to find a fishfinder GPS combo if you don’t know what you are looking for. To make it easier, there is a dedicated buying guide at the end of the article.
I’ve made it as short and simple as possible so that you can get a rough idea of what you should be looking at when buying a fish finder combo. With that being said, here is a list of the top 8 best fish finder GPS combos that will give you the best value for your money.
1. Humminbird 410210-1 HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2 Fish finder – Best GPS Fish Finder Combo 2020
If you want to go down the value route, the HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G2 for Humminbird will give you a pretty good deal. You can think of it as a dual-purpose fishfinder GPS combo because you can use it for ice fishing as well. It has a 5-inch widescreen WVGA display with easy to read interface.
Pros
- Digital CHIRP technology for precision and coverage
- Humminbird 2D sonar technology
- Down imaging and Side imaging capabilities
- It comes with built-in Basemap
- DualBeam Plus and Dual display modes
Cons
- nstead of using its standard transducer, go with the XI 9 1521 ice fishing transducer for better results.
The Humminbird 2D sonar technology is more than just two-dimensional offerings. Whether you are fishing coaster waters or freshwater lakes, you can see fish more clearly with this 2D sonar. It also works exceptionally well in the ice. You can also control how much detail you want via the SwitchFire mode.
On selected models, you will get the Humminbird Imaging Sonar and CHIRP Digital Sonar that give you a clear view beneath your boat and reveal the lake bottom. Thanks to the CHIRP digital sonar, you will see details that no other forms of sonar can reveal. That’s not all; you will also get GPS mapping to show you the way.
The AutoChart Live features allow you to create real-time maps on the go of your favorite fishing spots. With purchase, you will get all the mounting hardware, transducer, gimble mounting bracket, and power cable. If that’s not enough, you will also get a built-in Humminbird Basemap.
The HELIX 5 G2 is also LakeMaster compatible with an upgrade. In addition to its two display modes, you can also control the beams. The DualBeam Plus allows you to search a wide area with a wide beam for more coverage, or you can use the narrow beam for a precise detail of a location.
No products found.2. Lowrance HOOK2 5 – 5-inch Fish Finder – Best Portable Fish Finder GPS Combo
The Lowrance HOOK2 is by far the easiest-to-use fishfinder GPS combo unit on this list. It’s a beginner-friendly device that comes with TripleShot Transducer, phone-like menus, and auto-tuning sonar system. It also comes installed with US Inland Lake maps for easy navigation and convenience.
Pros
- Future upgradability options for mapping and software
- A space-saving design ideal for kayaks
- High-detail map preloaded
- Ability to mark a waypoint and follow trails
- It is very easy to use and features automated sonar settings
Cons
- Nothing to nitpick about
The HOOK2 is value-priced and comes with all the features to meet every angler’s needs. With this unit, you can get more time to spend fishing because of the easy settings. Unlike traditional fish finders, this one comes with a wide-angle CHIRP sonar, which will give double the coverage.
You don’t spend too much time dealing with the settings. This means you can free up more time on what matters the most, and that is fishing. It’s also very easy to set up the transducer. You can mount it inside the hull, on the transom, through the scupper hole, and even on the trolling motor.
This is an ideal device to install on kayaks that have limited space. The sonar that comes with the Lowrance HOOK2 is actually a TripleShot transducer. This means you can get SideScan sonar, CHIRP sonar, and DownScan sonar. If that doesn’t satisfy your taste bud, you also get a high-detail preloaded mapping.
This map features 4,000 lakes with 1’ contours. With this mapping, you can narrow down your search, locate popular fishing spots, and many more. With this fish finder, you are sure to have a productive fishing adventure. Last but not least, you can mark waypoints, navigate, and follow trails.
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3. Garmin Striker Plus 5cv with Transducer
Mark waypoints, create routes, view boat speed, draw custom maps with 1’ contours and store up to 2 million acres with the Garmin Striker Plus. It has four different screen sizes to choose from, and they are 4.3-inch, 5-inch, 7-inch, and 9-inch displays. It has a very easy to use interface and minimal learning curve.
Pros
- Garmin CHIRP technology for clear down imaging
- The ClearVü sonar scanner to view structure below your boat
- Sunlight-readable, bright display
- Easy to use interface
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and app support
Cons
- There is no clear instruction on how to use the mapping
The traditional CHIRP sonar of the Garmin Striker is known to be very reliable and features ClearVu, which is a fancy way of saying down imaging. They also refer to side imaging as SideVu. It has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, and you can use the ActiveCaptain app to store and upload all your data.
With this app, you will get smart notifications, sync routes, and waypoints, and get important software updates to maintain reliable performance. You don’t need any special knowledge to operate this device. As you troll around the shorelines and depths, this device will create high-quality fishing maps for you.
It stores the places you have been, and thanks to the high-sensitivity, built-in GPS system, you can easily maintain your position and navigate on the water. The best feature is perhaps the ability to mark waypoints. You can mark your favorite fishing spot and save it for later use.
We all have that special place in the water where the fish bites the most. With this device, simply mark waypoints and revisit that spot when you come fishing again. It’s a device that is built to last with the solid build quality. You can easily see the screen even on a bright sunny day thanks to the sunlight-readable display.
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4. Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp SI/GPS G2 Combo
The Helix 7 SI GPS G2 from Humminbird has the most outstanding map clarity I’ve seen on any of the combo devices at this price point. The 7-inches large screen has excellent clarity. The ultra-bright LCD display is best-in-class in terms of brightness as it can reach 1500 nits.
Pros
- Dual beam plus sonar and switch fire features
- 4000 watts of PTP power output
- Highly precise GPS navigation
- Feature-rich base map
- Slim, bezel-less screen
Cons
- It has a deep learning curve
It comes with a powerful Precision GPS/WAAS receiver that is highly accurate and gives you faster position fixes. It’s very accurate within 2.5 meters. It also comes with built-in maps. You can also download the new base from their official website. It is enhanced with more real-time data to provide the ultimate fishing experience.
If you don’t understand any of the functions, simply go to their website, and you will find everything there is to know about this device—the base map based on data from NOAA, LakeMaster, and other various trusted sources. Not only are these maps accurate, but they will also provide you with a lot of cool features.
For example, you will get navigation aids, spot-soundings to the entire U.S. coastline, depth contours, and points-of-interest of more than ten thousand lakes across the U.S. With this map; you can confidently navigate and fish wherever you want. You can also create your own map.
That’s not all. You will also get DualBeam PLUS sonar that produces 4000 watts of PTP power output. In addition, you can also control how the sonar returns to you with the SwithFire feature. Just like the Helix 5, this too has dual display mode that you can adjust to your preferred style of fishing.
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5. Garmin Echomap Chirp 94SV – Best 9 Inch Fish Finder GPS Combo
In terms of technology and navigational capability, Garmin echo 551dv fish finder model has an edge over several similar products out there.
If you are expecting CHIRP technology from this model, you may not get it. However, sonar technology covers everything you want from this product. Moreover, it has other fantastic features that set it apart.
Here are some of the unique features that make it great.
Pros
- The model is easy to use.
- It is waterproof.
- Better image display.
- It features better depth capability.
Cons
- It does not feature NMEA 2000 connectivity.
Multi-functional Display
Garmin Echomap Chirp 94SV without Transducer offers multi-functional displays. It can even work without transducer.
Screen
If you are looking for a perfect fish finder, you can consider the screen. The screen size is nine inches. It does not require any adjustment because it auto-adjusts.
The depth capability of the product is indeed wonderful. It has everything you want for superior quality imaging of fish.
Why You Must Use The Product
You can see from the features that it has everything every user requires for a great fishing expedition.
It offers the best in terms of display. This is because of the nine inches display. This offers the best color contrast.
The display unit is waterproof. This means that you will not find spills and water exposure and so on.
The mounting system is simple even though you do not need to disconnect the system.
It is apparent that Garmin 010-01580-00 Echomap Chirp 94SV without transducer will offer you everything you want. It features a classic layout. It uses the finest sonar technology and navigation system are unique. When you get the product, you will have value for your money. This is one of the best fish finder GPS combos on the market today.
No products found.6. Lowrance HDS-7 Live – Smartphone Integration GPS Combo
Lowrance HDS-7 LIVE performs beyond the expectations of many users. It performs better because of its seven inches screen, which makes it easier for users to have better control of the various functions the fish finder can offer.
The great interface is unique, because it makes for more keypad operation especially on its multi-touch screen. You can operate according to the condition you find yourself and preferences.
If you want to know those qualities that make this product great, you can look at the features.
Pros
- Seven inches screen makes for a better view of fish displayed.
- The model is easy and simple to use as it features keypad and touch screen options.
- It is water resistant making it more reliable.
Cons
- Some users complained that the product is very expensive and because of that, many people cannot afford it.
Better Interface
One of the key features of this fish finder is the interface. To start it with, it has seven inches screens. The features are user-friendly and make its operation much easier.
Great Fishing Technology
Another outstanding feature is the CHIRP sonar technology. This works in such a way that it is compatible with Structure Scan HD sonar imaging. Because of this, you are going to have a better underwater view.
Internal GPs Antenna
The brand features an internal GPS antenna, as well as a built-in Insight USA charts for inland and coastal laws in America.
Smart Steer
Perhaps, this is the most important feature of this fish finder GPS combo. This is a great feature because it makes it easy for its users to switch from outboard steering to electric steer motor system.
Why You Must Buy Lowrance HDS-7 LIVE
The brand can be used for both inland and coastal USA water. This is because it features inbuilt insight USA Charts.
Furthermore, operating the model is much easier. It makes available two options for you, which include a touch screen or keypad option. You can use any of these depending on the condition you find yourself. Both methods can work in any water condition.
Most importantly, anglers like the product because of the better menu access. You can access the menu without difficulty anywhere in the water
Perhaps the greatest reason users prefer this product is because it uses StructureScan and CHIRP sonar. Because of this, you will get an instant view of the fish wherever it is you. It’s the best fish finder GPS combo for the money
You have seen that Lowrance HDS-7 LIVE is one of the best fish finder GPS Combo. It is easy and simple to use. You can use it in any type of water. The model is highly reliable as it is water resistant. When you buy this product, you have value for your money.
No products found.7. Humminbird HELIX 10 DI – Best Portable Fish Finder GPS Combo
If you want perfect underwater fishing, you need to use the best fishing gear. One such tool includes the Humminbird 409970-1 HELIX 10 DI GPS Fishfinder. This model is perhaps the most popular because of its incredible features. If you want to find those attributes the model is popular, you can start from the features.
Here are some of the features that stand this model out on the market.
Pros
- The model is easy to use.
- You can upgrade the software anytime you like.
- It features a better LED display of 10.1 inches.
Cons
- It is not weathered sensitive
Widescreen
When you want this kind of product, you start your search from the widescreen. The model can boast 10.1 inches. In addition to that, it offers the most attractive colors. When you use it, you are sure of high quality images as it displays at 1024Hx6ooV. Even if you use it under the sunlight, you will still get bright images underground.
Lightweight
Another great feature is that the model is lightweight. This makes its use easier for you as you can just hold it in your hands and adjust it for better performance. Moreover, the simple design makes it light. You are going to enjoy using the model.
Ease of Use
The model is easy and very simple to use. The buttons are such that you access them easily. It features a large round button, which you can observe easily. With this button, it is easy and simple to turn the device on and off.
Instruction Manuals
Most importantly, the brand features an instruction manual. Just read the manual and start using the fish finder. The fish finder manual is such that you will not find it hard to use it.
Card Reader
Moreover, it has a card reader, which can support the memory when it is full. The cards are two. This means that you can always have a better view of the imaging of the different kinds of fish you want to document.
Why You Will Use The Product
Every user has something positive to say about the product. The first is that it will have a better display of images when you use it. You have to expect this, because of the large windscreen of 10.1 inches.
As you can see from the features above that the model is easy to use. It contains the user manual, which anybody who uses it including novice users will find fun. It is a user-friendly product.
Another thing you will like is that it is lightweight. This makes it easy to use. You can use it right in your palms.
If you want a user-friendly fish finder, you can always opt for Humminbird 409970-1 HELIX 10 DI GPS Fish Finder. You are going to observe wonderful images, which include bright and colorful images. It is the best for those looking for a superior quality fish finder GPS combo. Hummingbird 898c HD si is indeed the best.
No products found.8. Lowrance Elite-7 Ti Review – Fish Finder with TotalScan Transducer
If you are looking for the most functional fish finder on the market today, you can start with Lawrance Elite-7 TI totals can fish finder. It has great and fantastic features, which make it better than similar fish finders out there. If you want to learn more about the model, read the features below:
Pros
- It is the best fish finder under 200 fish finder despite the great features.
- It’s one transducer functions faster and better.
- The model is the best in terms of functionality.
- It works fast and beautiful.
Cons
- Lacks manual.
Easy Download
Perhaps the greatest attribute of this model is the easy download. It downloads easily because it features an inbuilt connectivity system. Because of this, you can easily download the update directly from the system.
Bright Images
Another important feature is the superior scan result. Whether you want to perform a side scan or a down scan, the result of what you get will be bright and very clear. You are not required to drill holes before the fish finder can begin to work for you.
Technology
When you look for this kind of product one of the most important things to consider is the use of technology. Lowrance Elite-7 Ti Touch Combo w/TotalScan Transom Mount Transducer and Navionics+ Chart use the most advanced technology. Despite that, it is easier to use even than those with inferior technology. This makes it the most user friendly fish finder on the market.
Easy To Use Touch Screen
One of the challenges many people often complain of in this type of product is the touch screen. Most touch screens on the market are not easy to use, because they can always hang. This is not the issue with this great product. It will never hang, and it is the simplest and easiest touchscreen on the market today.
Why You Must Use This Product
If you check the wonderful features described above, you will see that it is the best and the most user-friendly fish finder. Because of that, many people will use it.
It is an elite model, and it possesses features, which are better than what you get from several other elite models on the market.
In terms of display, it offers a better display. This is possible because of the widescreen, which is seven inches wide. Furthermore, the LED backlit feature makes the product the best.
Furthermore, network connectivity is the best. Because of unique network connectivity, users like it because waypoint sharing and others are possible.
In the end, Lowrance Elite-7 Ti Touch Combo w/TotalScan Transom Mount Transducer and Navionics+ Chart remain one of the best fish finder tools you can buy with money. It has awesome features and the design is fantastic. The product is the best and it is one of the best for anglers.
No products found.How To Choose The Best Fishfinder GPS Combo?
Fishfinder is an essential part of any angler’s arsenal, and there is a wide variety to choose from. To make this choice process as simple as possible, we are to look at five attributes of the fishfinder GPS combo to find out which one is right for you.
Stand-Alone Vs. Combo
The first question you should ask yourself is whether you want your fish finder integrated with a GPS chart plotter or without one.
Having GPS navigation is really handy, especially on a smaller boat when combining these two functions on a single screen.
Screen Size
The second to ask yourself is how big of a screen do you want. It’s more like how big you can afford because obviously when you want to get a larger screen, you have to increase your budget as well. Screen sizes vary from as small as a 3.5-inch display to a 7-inch or an even larger one.
DPI
The next thing you want to look for is the number of pixels in your display, both vertically and horizontally. For example, a display like the Lowrance or Garmin devices has 480 pixels vertically. This gives you a very accurate detail of fish, structure, and the bottom.
Power
This is another attribute that is very important. The power of these devices is measured in watts RMS. The smaller fish finders may have as few as 100 watts RMS while larger models may have a thousand watts or more.
Generally, more power means greater ability to go down deep in salt and fresh water and frequently to give you sharper and a more accurate picture.
Frequency
A lot of models will offer you a difference in frequency or something like that. They will have something like 50 kHz or 200 kHz. Higher frequencies usually work better in shallower water, and lower frequencies work better in deeper water. By choosing a dual-frequency model, you will get the best of both worlds.
Hopefully, by now, choosing the right fishfinder/GPS combo shouldn’t be that difficult if you remember the attributes listed in this buying guide.
Stand Alone Fish Finder GPS Combo Vs. Castable Fish Finders
There are some models that are castables like the Deeper PRO+ and the iBobber. They are really useful but with a lot of drawbacks. I didn’t list any castable fish finders because that’s a topic for another article.
For now, let me tell you the difference between these two types and let you decide if they are worth buying or not.
Castable fish finders use the screen of your smartphone to give you a visual representation of what’s going on underneath. The pros of these devices are:
- They are very castable
- Highly accurate
- Durable and user-friendly
- Has a good range
- You can put flies or bait on it
- I will let you know when a fish is biting the bait
- Easy to understand interface
However, there are a couple of downsides
- Constant fear of losing the device
- Very easy to misplace
- Expensive
If you already own a fish finder, there is no reason why you should bother investing in a device like this. To use one, it’s recommended that you learn to predict current speed.
Conclusion
Most people ask the question “what is the best fish finder GPS combo”. Now you have the answer, here is the list of the best products on the market today. Anybody looking for this kind of product will not find it hard to make a choice. These are the best, you will have value for your money if you buy any of these superior quality fishfinder GPS combos.
It is obvious from the information above these are the best fish finder combo on the market, you have a lot to gain and nothing to lose.
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