Introduction
Garmin is a leading manufacturer of fish finders, devices that use sonar technology to locate fish and other underwater objects.
Garmin fish finders are known for their accuracy, reliability, and user-friendly features, making them a top choice for fishing enthusiasts around the world.
For many anglers, having a fish finder can make the difference between a successful day of fishing and coming home empty-handed.
Fish finders help fishermen identify underwater structures and locate schools of fish, allowing them to make informed decisions about where to cast their lines.
We’ve compiled a list of the top 10 Garmin fish finders of 2023, based on a set of selection criteria that we believe are important for evaluating fish finders.
Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, this blog post will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about which Garmin fish finder to purchase.
Criteria for Selection
Before we dive into the top 10 Garmin fish finders of 2023, it’s important to understand the selection criteria we used to evaluate them.
We believe that the following factors are important for anglers to consider when choosing a fish finder:
Display Resolution
The display resolution is the number of pixels that make up the image on the screen.
A high display resolution is important for seeing fish and underwater structures clearly and accurately.
Sonar Frequency
Sonar frequency is the rate at which sound waves are emitted and received by the fish finder.
Different frequencies are better suited for different types of fishing environments and conditions.
Price
The price of a fish finder is an important consideration for most anglers.
While more expensive fish finders often come with more features and better performance, it’s important to find a model that fits within your budget.
Other Factors
Other factors we considered when selecting the top 10 Garmin fish finders of 2023 include ease of use, durability, battery life, and size.
Conclusion to the Criteria
By evaluating the above criteria, we believe that we have identified the top 10 Garmin fish finders of 2023.
In the next section, we will discuss each fish finder in detail and how it scored on these criteria.
I hope this helps you get started on your criteria for selection section!
Top 10 Best Garmin Fish Finders of 2023
1. Garmin Striker 7SV Plus
The Garmin Striker 7SV Plus is a 7-inch fish finder with a high-resolution color display and built-in GPS.
Its sonar technology includes CHIRP traditional sonar, CHIRP ClearVü and CHIRP SideVü scanning sonar, providing excellent clarity and detail of fish and structures.
It has a depth range of up to 800 feet in freshwater and 500 feet in saltwater.
Other features include waypoint mapping, built-in flasher, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Pros: Great color display, excellent sonar technology, and built-in GPS make it a reliable and efficient fish finder.
Cons: Some users have reported issues with the mounting system, and the price point may be high for some anglers.
Display Resolution: The Garmin Striker 7SV Plus scored high on display resolution due to its 7-inch high-resolution color display.
Sonar Frequency: The Garmin Striker 7SV Plus scored high on sonar frequency due to its CHIRP traditional sonar, CHIRP ClearVü and CHIRP SideVü scanning sonar technology.
Price: The Garmin Striker 7SV Plus scored average on price due to its high-end features.
Other Factors: The Garmin Striker 7SV Plus scored high on other factors due to its built-in GPS, waypoint mapping, built-in flasher, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The Garmin Striker 7SV Plus is an excellent fish finder for anglers who are looking for reliable and efficient sonar technology, high-resolution display, and built-in GPS.
While it may have some drawbacks, its pros outweigh the cons, making it a top choice for many fishing enthusiasts.
2. Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv
The Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv is a 9-inch fish finder with a high-resolution color display and built-in GPS.
Its sonar technology includes CHIRP traditional sonar, CHIRP ClearVü and CHIRP SideVü scanning sonar, providing excellent clarity and detail of fish and structures.
It has a depth range of up to 800 feet in freshwater and 500 feet in saltwater.
Other features include waypoint mapping, built-in flasher, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
Pros: Large display screen, excellent sonar technology, and built-in GPS make it a reliable and efficient fish finder.
Cons: It can be expensive, and some users have reported issues with the mounting system.
Display Resolution: The Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv scored high on display resolution due to its 9-inch high-resolution color display.
Sonar Frequency: The Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv scored high on sonar frequency due to its CHIRP traditional sonar, CHIRP ClearVü and CHIRP SideVü scanning sonar technology.
Price: The Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv scored low on price due to its high-end features and larger display screen.
Other Factors: The Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv scored high on other factors due to its built-in GPS, waypoint mapping, built-in flasher, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv is a top-tier fish finder that provides excellent features for fishing enthusiasts who want a large display screen and high-resolution sonar technology.
While it may be pricier than some other options, the features and reliability of the Striker Vivid 9sv make it a worthwhile investment for serious anglers.
3. Garmin Echomap Plus 75cv
The Garmin Echomap Plus 75cv is a 7-inch fish finder with a high-resolution color display and built-in GPS.
Its sonar technology includes CHIRP traditional sonar, CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar, and a built-in high-sensitivity GPS receiver for accurate mapping and navigation.
It has a depth range of up to 2,300 feet in freshwater and 1,100 feet in saltwater.
Other features include Quickdraw Contours mapping software, Wi-Fi connectivity, and compatibility with Garmin’s ActiveCaptain app.
Pros: The Echomap Plus 75cv has a wide depth range and advanced sonar technology, making it a great option for serious anglers. The Quickdraw Contours mapping software and compatibility with the ActiveCaptain app are also notable features.
Cons: The 7-inch display may be too small for some users, and the price point may be too high for those looking for a budget-friendly option.
Display Resolution: The Garmin Echomap Plus 75cv scored high on display resolution due to its high-resolution color display.
Sonar Frequency: The Garmin Echomap Plus 75cv scored high on sonar frequency due to its CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar technology.
Price: The Garmin Echomap Plus 75cv scored low on price due to its advanced sonar technology and other features.
Other Factors: The Garmin Echomap Plus 75cv scored high on other factors due to its Quickdraw Contours mapping software, Wi-Fi connectivity, and compatibility with the ActiveCaptain app.
The Garmin Echomap Plus 75cv is a top-tier fish finder with advanced sonar technology and other notable features like Quickdraw Contours mapping software and compatibility with the ActiveCaptain app.
While the price point may be higher than some other options, serious anglers who prioritize advanced sonar technology and other features will find the Echomap Plus 75cv to be a worthwhile investment.
4. Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv
The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is a compact and affordable fish finder with a 4-inch color display and built-in GPS.
Its sonar technology includes CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar for detailed underwater imaging.
It has a depth range of up to 750 feet in freshwater and 400 feet in saltwater.
Other features include waypoint mapping, A-scope real-time display, and customizable data overlays.
Pros: The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is a great option for budget-conscious anglers who still want advanced sonar technology and GPS capabilities. Its compact size makes it easy to transport and use on smaller boats or kayaks.
Cons: The 4-inch display may be too small for some users, and the depth range may not be sufficient for deep-sea fishing.
Display Resolution: The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv scored average on display resolution due to its smaller 4-inch display.
Sonar Frequency: The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv scored high on sonar frequency due to its CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar technology.
Price: The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv scored high on price due to its affordable price point and advanced sonar technology.
Other Factors: The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv scored average on other factors due to its smaller display and limited depth range.
The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is a budget-friendly option for anglers who want advanced sonar technology and GPS capabilities without breaking the bank.
While its smaller display and limited depth range may not be suitable for all users, those who prioritize affordability and portability will find the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv to be a solid choice.
5. Garmin Echomap Ultra 126sv
The Garmin Echomap Ultra 126sv is a high-end fish finder with a large 12-inch display and advanced sonar technology.
Its sonar technology includes CHIRP traditional sonar, CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar, and CHIRP SideVü scanning sonar for 3D imaging of underwater structures and fish.
It has a depth range of up to 800 feet in freshwater and 500 feet in saltwater, with the ability to create custom depth contours.
Other features include built-in GPS with preloaded mapping, networking capabilities, and multiple display modes.
Pros: The Garmin Echomap Ultra 126sv offers advanced sonar technology and a large, easy-to-read display for optimal visibility on the water. Its networking capabilities and custom depth contours make it a versatile tool for serious anglers.
Cons: The high-end features and large display come with a high price tag, making the Garmin Echomap Ultra 126sv a costly investment.
Display Resolution: The Garmin Echomap Ultra 126sv scored high on display resolution due to its large, high-resolution 12-inch display.
Sonar Frequency: The Garmin Echomap Ultra 126sv scored high on sonar frequency due to its advanced CHIRP traditional, ClearVü, and SideVü scanning sonar technology.
Price: The Garmin Echomap Ultra 126sv scored low on price due to its high-end features and premium price tag.
Other Factors: The Garmin Echomap Ultra 126sv scored high on other factors due to its custom depth contours and networking capabilities.
The Garmin Echomap Ultra 126sv is a top-of-the-line fish finder for serious anglers who prioritize advanced sonar technology and a large, high-resolution display.
While the high price tag may be a barrier for some users, the Garmin Echomap Ultra 126sv offers versatile features such as custom depth contours and networking capabilities that make it a valuable tool for those who are willing to invest.
6. Garmin Striker Cast GPS
The Garmin Striker Cast GPS is a compact and portable fish finder that connects to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth.
It uses GPS to create a fishing map, tracks your location, and displays the depth of the water and the location of fish on your device.
The Garmin Striker Cast GPS also includes a fish ID feature, which helps identify the species of fish you are catching.
Its rechargeable battery can last up to 10 hours on a single charge, and it comes with a free fishing app that allows you to save and share your fishing spots and catches.
Pros: The Garmin Striker Cast GPS is a portable and easy-to-use fish finder that connects to your smartphone for convenient on-the-go fishing. Its fish ID feature and fishing app make it a great option for beginners or casual anglers.
Cons: The Garmin Striker Cast GPS has limited range and may not be suitable for deep sea fishing or large bodies of water. It also relies on your smartphone’s battery life and signal strength, which may be a concern for some users.
Display Resolution: The Garmin Striker Cast GPS scored average on display resolution due to its reliance on your smartphone or tablet’s display.
Sonar Frequency: The Garmin Striker Cast GPS scored average on sonar frequency due to its use of GPS and fish ID technology instead of traditional sonar.
Price: The Garmin Striker Cast GPS scored high on price due to its compact size and Bluetooth connectivity.
Other Factors: The Garmin Striker Cast GPS scored high on other factors due to its portability and convenient fishing app.
The Garmin Striker Cast GPS is a portable and easy-to-use fish finder that is perfect for beginners or casual anglers who prioritize convenience and affordability.
While it may not have the range or advanced features of larger fish finders, its Bluetooth connectivity and fishing app make it a valuable tool for on-the-go fishing.
7. Garmin Echomap UHD 93sv
The Garmin Echomap UHD 93sv is a high-end fish finder that features a 9-inch touchscreen display with Ultra High-Definition (UHD) resolution and CHIRP sonar technology.
It also includes preloaded LakeVü g3 and BlueChart g3 maps for inland and coastal waters, as well as a built-in sonar recorder for creating and sharing custom maps.
The Garmin Echomap UHD 93sv also features ActiveCaptain compatibility, which allows you to connect to the Garmin app for updates and syncing with your other devices.
Its GT56 transducer supports ClearVü and SideVü sonar for 180-degree views of what’s below and beside your boat.
Pros: The Garmin Echomap UHD 93sv has a high-quality display and advanced sonar technology that provide clear images of fish and underwater structures. Its preloaded maps and sonar recorder make it a great option for serious anglers or boaters.
Cons: The Garmin Echomap UHD 93sv is expensive and may be overkill for casual or occasional anglers. Its larger size may also make it difficult to install on smaller boats.
Display Resolution: The Garmin Echomap UHD 93sv scored high on display resolution due to its UHD touchscreen display.
Sonar Frequency: The Garmin Echomap UHD 93sv scored high on sonar frequency due to its CHIRP and ClearVü and SideVü sonar technology.
Price: The Garmin Echomap UHD 93sv scored low on price due to its advanced features and large size.
Other Factors: The Garmin Echomap UHD 93sv scored high on other factors due to its preloaded maps, sonar recorder, and ActiveCaptain compatibility.
The Garmin Echomap UHD 93sv is a top-of-the-line fish finder that offers advanced sonar technology and preloaded maps for serious anglers and boaters.
While its high price may not be suitable for everyone, its features and capabilities make it a valuable tool for finding fish and navigating on the water.
8. The Garmin Striker Plus 4
The Garmin Striker Plus 4 is a compact and affordable fish finder that packs a lot of features into a small package. Here are its key features, pros, and cons:
Features:
4.3-inch color display with keypad control
Dual-beam sonar with CHIRP technology for clear, detailed images of fish and structure
Built-in GPS for marking waypoints and navigating to favorite fishing spots
Quickdraw Contours mapping software for creating custom maps of favorite fishing spots
Water-resistant design for use in all weather conditions
Includes transducer and mounting hardware
Pros:
Affordable price point
Compact size makes it easy to transport and mount on any boat
Dual-beam sonar provides clear, detailed images of fish and structure
Built-in GPS and Quickdraw Contours mapping software make it easy to navigate and create custom maps of favorite fishing spots
Cons:
Smaller screen size may be difficult to read in bright sunlight
Does not have some of the advanced features found in higher-end Garmin fish finders, such as SideVu and DownVu imaging
Keypad control may be less intuitive than touchscreens found on some other fish finders
9. The Garmin Echomap Plus 45cv
The Garmin Echomap Plus 45cv is a mid-range fish finder that offers a range of features for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. Here are its key features, pros, and cons:
Features:
4.3-inch color display with keypad control
CHIRP traditional sonar, ClearVu scanning sonar, and Quickdraw Contours mapping software for creating custom maps of favorite fishing spots
Built-in GPS for marking waypoints and navigating to favorite fishing spots
Panoptix LiveScope compatible for real-time scanning of fish and structure
Water-resistant design for use in all weather conditions
Includes transducer and mounting hardware
Pros:
Offers a range of sonar technologies for clear, detailed images of fish and structure
Quickdraw Contours mapping software makes it easy to create custom maps of favorite fishing spots
Built-in GPS and Panoptix LiveScope compatibility make it easy to navigate and get real-time scanning of fish and structure
Mid-range price point makes it accessible to many fishing enthusiasts
Cons:
Smaller screen size may be difficult to read in bright sunlight
Keypad control may be less intuitive than touchscreens found on some other fish finders
Some users may find the need for multiple sonar technologies overwhelming or unnecessary
10. The Garmin Striker Plus 5cv
The Garmin Striker Plus 5cv is a budget-friendly fish finder that still offers a range of features for novice and experienced anglers alike. Here are its key features, pros, and cons:
Features:
5-inch color display with keypad control
CHIRP traditional sonar, ClearVu scanning sonar, and Quickdraw Contours mapping software for creating custom maps of favorite fishing spots
Built-in GPS for marking waypoints and navigating to favorite fishing spots
Includes transducer and mounting hardware
Water-resistant design for use in all weather conditions
Pros:
Offers a range of sonar technologies for clear, detailed images of fish and structure
Quickdraw Contours mapping software makes it easy to create custom maps of favorite fishing spots
Built-in GPS makes it easy to navigate and mark favorite fishing spots
Budget-friendly price point makes it accessible to many fishing enthusiasts
Cons:
Smaller screen size may be difficult to read in bright sunlight
Keypad control may be less intuitive than touchscreens found on some other fish finders
May not offer as many advanced features as higher-end fish finders
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Conclusion
Ultimately, the best Garmin fish finder for you will depend on your budget, fishing style, and personal preferences. For experienced anglers who want advanced sonar technology and extensive mapping capabilities, the Garmin Echomap Ultra 126sv is a top choice. For novice anglers or those on a budget, the Garmin Striker Plus 5cv offers a range of features at an affordable price point.
Regardless of which Garmin fish finder you choose, having a high-quality fish finder can greatly increase your chances of success on the water. With detailed sonar images and accurate GPS mapping, you can more easily find fish and navigate to your favorite fishing spots. Invest in a Garmin fish finder and take your fishing game to the next level.
