10 Best Fish Finders 2025 in the United States

The Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder stands out due to its comprehensive feature set and high-quality components. Its most notable advantage is the Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, which includes CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan capabilities, allowing users to see underwater structures with remarkable clarity. The 9-inch LCD screen is large, high-resolution, and multi-touch, making it user-friendly and easy to install.

With preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts, anglers can navigate and pinpoint fish hotspots on 8,900 U.S. lakes, enhancing fishing success. Additionally, the device supports ActiveTarget Live Sonar for real-time fish observation, which is beneficial for serious anglers aiming to improve their catch rates. The full networking capability, including wireless, NMEA 2000, and Ethernet connectivity, allows the integration of additional devices, making it a versatile choice for comprehensive fishing systems.

On the downside, the unit’s size and weight might affect portability, making it less convenient for those needing a more mobile solution. Moreover, the power requirement of 12 Volt DC might necessitate additional power management for extended use. The Lowrance Elite FS 9 is well-suited for dedicated anglers who prioritize advanced imaging and comprehensive connectivity options in their fish-finding equipment.

The Simrad GO9 XSE is a solid choice for anglers looking for a versatile fish finder with a large 9-inch bright touchscreen display, making it easy to see detailed sonar images in various light conditions. It uses advanced sonar technology including CHIRP, ForwardScan, SideScan, and DownScan, which helps provide a clear view of fish and underwater structures from multiple angles. The included 83/200 kHz transducer suits a wide range of fishing environments, offering a good balance between depth and detail.

It also features built-in GPS with C-MAP Discover charts covering US and Bahamas coastal areas, which is useful for navigation and marking fishing spots. Connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet enable easy updating of maps and syncing with other devices. Additionally, the unit supports NMEA 2000 for integration with boat systems such as radar and autopilot, appealing to more advanced boaters.

Portability is moderate; the device is designed for dashboard mounting and weighs about 3 pounds, making it easy to install though not ideal for frequent relocation. The Simrad GO9 XSE offers a dependable, feature-rich fish finder with strong imaging and navigation capabilities, making it a strong match particularly for fishing in coastal or inland waters covered by its maps.

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv is a solid choice for both casual and dedicated anglers looking for a user-friendly fish finder. It features a bright 9-inch touchscreen that is easy to read in sunlight, providing clarity and detail that can be beneficial for locating fish and navigating. Its included GT56 transducer enables traditional sonar as well as advanced ClearVü and SideVü imaging, which enhances underwater visibility and helps spot fish more effectively. Additionally, the built-in Garmin Navionics+ coastal charts are a real treat, giving users access to valuable navigation data and maps right out of the box.

One of the standout features is the built-in Wi-Fi, allowing for easy sharing of sonar data, waypoints, and routes between devices. This connectivity also lets you control a compatible Force trolling motor, making it easier to follow routes and manage speed. For those who enjoy fishing from a boat, the portability of the device allows for convenient setup, whether you prefer a dashboard mount or a flush mount installation.

There are a few considerations to keep in mind. The screen resolution of 1024 x 600 may not match the highest-end models on the market, potentially limiting detail in certain situations. The weight of 8.08 pounds could be a bit cumbersome for some users, especially if portability is a key factor. Additionally, while the price point is competitive, some might find it on the higher end compared to basic fish finders with fewer features.