If you're an angler who likes to spend time on the go, then you know how important it is to have the right gear. One of the most important pieces of equipment is a portable fish finder.

Most portable fish finders are not created equal, though. Some are designed for use in a stationary location, while others are portable and can be used anywhere.

In this blog post, we will discuss the 5 best portable fish finders on the market today! We'll talk about what makes each one special and why you might want to consider getting a new fish finder and using it yourself.

At the end of this blog post, we hope that you will have a good idea of which portable fish finder is right for you. If you're still not sure, don't worry – we'll provide links to where you can buy portable fish finders online.

What is a Portable Fish Finder?

A lovely lady angler took our photographer down to the river in Eleven Mile Canyon, Lake George, CO to do a little fly fishing. This woman is a true badass! Within the first 10 mins of wading out in the water, @pixiek8 (as she is known on Instagram) caught this beauty of a trout. 

PS That’s one of our durable/waterproof custom stickers on her fly box.
Photo by Sticker Mule / Unsplash - What is a Portable Fish Finder?

A portable fish finder is a compact and versatile device used by anglers to locate fish in bodies of water. It employs sonar technology to send sound waves into the water and then interprets the returning echoes to generate detailed information about the underwater environment.

The device consists of a handheld unit with a display screen that provides real-time feedback on the presence and location of fish, as well as the depth and structure of the water.

Portable fish finders are designed to be easily transportable and can be used on various types of fishing vessels, including kayaks, canoes, and small boats. They typically feature a transducer, which is submerged in the water to emit and receive the sonar signals.

With their portability and user-friendly interface, portable fish finders have become valuable tools for anglers seeking to enhance their fishing experience and improve their chances of success.

How We Make Kewl Choices

There are many factors to consider when choosing the best portable fish finder. Portability is important for many anglers, as it allows them to easily move the unit from one fishing spot to another, including ice fishing, kayak fishing, canoe fishing and shore fishing.

Battery life is also an important consideration, as some units can drain the power quickly if left on for extended periods. Fishermen also need to decide whether they want a unit with GPS capabilities, as this can help chart new fishing spots or find your way back to shore.

Finally, fishermen should also consider the depth range of the unit, as some best fish finders are only designed for use in shallow waters. By taking all of these factors into account, anglers can be sure to choose the best portable fish finder for their needs on your fishing trip.


Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder

Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder - Portable Fish Finder

and Depth Finder for Kayaks, Boats and Ice Fishing with GPS Enabled | Castable Deeper Fish Finder with Free User Friendly App

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Why We Think It's Kewl

The Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar Fish Finder is one of the best portable fish finder on the market. It's easy to use and provides highly accurate data, with fishing technology making it a great fish finder for both novice and experienced anglers alike.

The device uses sonar technology to detect fish in the water, and it can also be used to map the bottom of a body of water. This is extremely helpful for finding fish-holding structure, as well as for avoiding potential hazards.

The Deeper PRO+ 2 also has a built-in GPS system, which allows anglers to create their own custom fishing maps. Overall, the Deeper PRO+ 2 is an incredibly useful tool that can help anglers catch more fish.

Kewl Facts You Should Know

This top-of-the-line portable fish finder uses cutting-edge technology to give you pinpoint accuracy in your fishing. With a target separation of just 0.4 inches (for the narrow beam) and 1 inch (for the wide and mid beams), you'll be able to easily locate and track even the smallest of target fish.

But that's not all that makes the Deeper PRO+ 2 so great. It also features smart technology that allows you to use its Wi-Fi connection with complete confidence. So whether you're covering large expanses of water or drilling down to specific spots, you can always rely on the Deeper PRO+ 2 to give you the information you need in a portable depth finder.


ReelSonar Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder

ReelSonar Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder

Depth Finder with Depth Range of 135 feet 10+ hrs Battery Life with iOS & Android App Wireless and Watch App

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Why We Think It's Kewl

There are a lot of reasons why the ReelSonar Wireless Bluetooth Smart Portable Fish Finder is the best portable fish finder. First of all, it's really easy to use. Just cast it out into the water and let it sink to the bottom. It will start automatically sending data to your phone or tablet, so you can see what's going on under the water.

The other great thing about this fish finder is that it's accurate. It uses sonar technology to scan the area around it and give you a detailed view of what's down there. And finally, it's really affordable. You can get one for less than $100, which is a great price for a quality portable fish finder.

Kewl Facts You Should Know

The ReelSonar Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder is a small, portable fish finder that is easy to use. With a depth range of 135 feet and a rechargeable battery life of 10+ hours, this fish finder is perfect for fishermen of all levels.

The integrated sonar signals find and reflect visual images of both static and moving objects beneath the water's surface, making it easy to find fish. The depth-tagged fish icons are color-coded by size, so you can easily see how big the fish are.

The iBobber also has a fish alarm feature that allows you to be alerted when fish are congregating under docks and piers.

With the strike alert, you will know exactly when the fish are biting. This fish finder is perfect for anyone who wants to test the waters, regardless of the weather or time of day.


LUCKY Portable Sonar Fish Finder

LUCKY Portable Sonar Fish Finder

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Why We Think It's Kewl

We think the LUCKY Portable Sonar Fish Finder is kewl for a few reasons. First, it's one of the best portable fish finder on the market. It's small and lightweight, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.

Second, it's very easy to use. The sonar technology allows you to see fish even in murky waters. Third, it's affordable. You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a quality fish finder. That's why we think the LUCKY Portable Sonar Fish Finder is a great choice for anyone looking for a new portable fish finder.

Kewl Facts You Should Know

The LUCKY Portable Sonar Fish Finder is a nifty little device that is perfect for anglers of all levels of experience, from beginner to pro. A good fish finder.

The LUCKY Portable Sonar Fish Finder is waterproof and weatherproof, so you don't have to worry about it getting damaged in the rain or splashed by waves.

It's also designed to float on the surface of the water, so if you drop it in, you can just retrieve it and keep fishing. And if you're worried about water damage, simply put it in the open air after fishing to let any moisture inside evaporate.

The sonar transducer on the LUCKY Portable Sonar Fish Finder is both wireless and castable, so you can use it without having to lug around a heavy cable. Plus, the built-in sonar ball is lightweight and compact, making it easy to take with you wherever you go.

And if you want to tether it to your fishing line in a castable fish finders, there's even a small hole on the transducer for easy attachment.

The LUCKY Portable Sonar Fish Finder displays water depth and data clearly and accurately on its large, easy-to-read screen. So whether you're fishing in shallow waters or deep lakes, you'll always know how deep the water is and what kind of fish are swimming below.

Plus, the device comes with a one-year warranty, so you can be confident in its quality and performance.


Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 with Transducer

Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 with Transducer

3.5" GPS Fishfinder with Chirp

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Why We Think It's Kewl

The best portable fish finder is the Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4. It has a 3.5-inch color display, making it easy to see in all light conditions. The built-in GPS lets you mark waypoints, so you can easily return to your favorite fishing spots.

The transducer provides high-quality sonar images, and the CHIRP technology ensures that you get clear, precise fish readings and a mountable fish finders. The Striker 4 also has a built-in flasher mode, which is great for ice fishing and larger fish finders. But for a castable, portable transducer, Garmin's offering is plenty capable, and it will absolutely show you where the fish are, including reasonable (though unspecified) target separation.

Overall, the Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 is an excellent portable fish finder that should satisfy both novice and experienced anglers alike.

Kewl Facts You Should Know

This fantastic device uses Clear Vu scanning sonar to give you near-photographic images of the water around your boat, including detailed representations of objects, structure, and – of course – fish.

The power of simplicity is on offer here, with a keyed interface and dedicated buttons making the Striker 4 easy to use and install. Plus, it comes in three different display sizes (3.5 inches, 5 inches, and 7 inches) to suit your needs. And because it has a water rating of IPX7, you can rest assured that it can stand up to even the harshest conditions.

But that's not all – the Garmin Striker 4 also features a waypoint map that makes it easy to view, mark, and navigate to locations like brush piles, stumps, and docks. And with a maximum depth of 1,600 feet in freshwater and 750 feet in saltwater, you'll be able to find fish in even the deepest waters. A best fish finder device.


Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder

Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder

EASY TO USE: The Lowrance HOOK2 4x Fish Finder features auto-tuning sonar and phone-like menus giving you more time to spend fishing and less time dealing with settings.

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Why We Think It's Kewl

A lot of people think that fishing is just about sitting around waiting for a fish to bite. But if you've ever been out on the water, you know that there's a lot more to it than that. You need to know where the fish are biting, and that's where a fish finder comes in handy.

The Lowrance HOOK Fish Finder is one of the best portable fish finders on the market, and it's perfect for anglers of all levels of experience. It features a high-resolution color display, GPS tracking, and advanced sonar technology.

Best of all, it's easy to use - just mount it on your boat and start fishing! Whether you're new to fishing or an experienced angler, the Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder is a great tool to have in your arsenal.

Kewl Facts You Should Know

The Lowrance HOOK2 4x. This amazing little device features auto-tuning sonar and phone-like menus, giving you more time to spend fishing and less time messing with settings. Plus, the wide-angle sonar cone gives you double the coverage of traditional fish finders.

But that's not all! The Lowrance HOOK2 4x is also incredibly easy to set up. A single transducer can be mounted on the transom, inside the hull, on the trolling motor, or through a scupper hole. Plus, the included Bullet Skimmer transducer gives you traditional 2-D sonar (fish arch) views.

Get yourself a Lowrance HOOK2 4x and spend your time where it matters most - out on the open water, catching fish! Lowrance also makes a castable fish finder.

FAQ's

Is a portable fish finder worth it?

Yes, if you're a fishing enthusiast, portable fish finders can be a great investment. Not only do they make it easier to find the fish, but they can also help you determine the size and species of the fish.

When looking for portable fish finders, there are a few factors to consider. First, you'll need to decide on the features that are important to you. Some models come with GPS capabilities, while others have sonar capabilities. You'll also need to decide on the size and weight of the unit, as well as how much money you want to spend on a portable unit.

Once you've narrowed down your choices, read reviews from both experts and users to get an idea of which models. Learn more...

Do handheld fish finders work?

Yes, handheld portable fish finders work. They are a great way to help you locate fish when you are out on the water. Some of the best portable fish finders include features like GPS mapping and sonar imaging.

This allows you to see where the fish are located in the water and helps you to quickly and easily locate them. Learn more...

How long will a battery run a fish finder?

A battery will usually run a fish finder for about 3 hours. However, it's best to purchase a portable fish finder that has a rechargeable battery so that you can continue to use it without having to worry about replacing the batteries. Learn more...

Do cheap fish finders work?

Yes, they do. Inexpensive fish finders are available that will enable you to locate fish in most small boats freshwater environments.

However, if you are looking for the best portable fish finder, then you will want to purchase a unit that offers features such as sonar scanning, water temperature readings, and a display that is easy to read. Additionally, you will want to make sure the fish finder is waterproof and submersible so that you can use it in all types of fishing conditions. Learn more...

What is the difference between a fish finder and sonar?

There is a lot of confusion about the difference between fish finders and sonars. In simplest terms, a fish finder uses sonar to detect objects under the water and generate a picture of them on a screen.

A chirp sonar is simply a tool that sends out sound waves and measures the time it takes for them to bounce back. (Dual Beam Sonar) This information can be used to calculate the distance between two points. So, a fish finder is really just a specific type of sonar device that is designed to detect objects underwater.

Some fish finders are also portable, which makes them a great option for fishing trips. They are small enough to fit in your pocket, so you can take them with you wherever you go. Learn more...

Conclusion

It can be a little intimidating when you’re looking for the best portable fish finder because of all the fish finders with different features and options that are available. But don’t worry, we’re here to help.

We’ve put together this guide to help you choose your favorite portable fish finders model for your needs. We wish you the best of luck in finding a better fish finder! Thanks for reading!