If you are trying to find a great fish finder to improve your chances of catching lots of fish you have come to the right place. We have a great selection of cheaply affordable fish finders under 200 dollars to choose from so we hope you find the best fish finder you are looking for.
The idea of having a handy fish finder may sound very appealing for some people, especially if they are into fishing so much. The fish finder is the instrument that is used and operated to locate and track fish underwater. This device will detect the sound energy reflected pulses – similar to the way sonar works.
The modern device will display information and measurements of the reflected sound so the user can interpret the information. From the information, a user can tell whether he/she is seeing underwater debris or schools of fish. The device can also be used to detect the depth of the body of water.
On this page, we’ll help you find an affordable fish finder under $200 and will help you choose the right unit for your fishing trip.
Table of Contents
Top-Rated Best Fish Finder Under $200
Tips Before Buying a Fish Finder
Are you confused about which fishfinder to purchase among the 100’s available from all the different makes and manufacturers?
Here are are a few things to consider that will give a good idea of which models would work best for you.
1. Where will you be fishing
Will you be fishing from the shore? from a boat? in deep or in shallow water?
If you are fishing from the shoreline, you might think that you can not use a fish finder, but this is not true. There are fishfinders that use a Radio Frequency (RF) radio signal. You attach a little transducer that looks like a bobber to a fishing line and cast the transducer out on to the water using a rod and reel. Then, using the display that is affixed to your wrist in the form a watch, or attached to your fishing pole, you can see what is directly under the bobber that you cast out on to the water. These types of fishfinders are made by Humminbird. Here is the rf line of fishfinders:
If you are fishing from a boat, you can use any and every fishfinder made. Answering the following questions will give you additional information to decide which will work best for you.
If you are fishing in shallow water, you will not need very much power.
If you are fishing in deep water, make sure to check the power output of the device and check the box to see how deep the signal will penetrate.
2. Screen Size
There are many screen sizes. The HELIX 5 SONAR G2 series by Humminbird use a 5-inch screen. This is really difficult to interpret, but it is usable. There are screen sizes up to and including 10 inches. Of course, they will be quite expensive and if you want your screen to display in color, that will cost also.
3. Color or Mono Screen
A color screen will cost much more than a mono black and white/gray shade display on the fishfinder. These are available for most makes and models.
4. Single or dual frequency/single or dual beam Transducer
A single frequency /single beam transducer uses a constant power output and the ping extends out from the transducer at a specific degree.
A dual frequency/dual beam transducer allows you to switch between 2 frequencies and 2 different beam sizes. Imagine trolling along at the low setting with the wide beam. You see something interesting and you flip the fish finder into the high-frequency narrow beam setting to get a much clearer image of what you were seeing with the low frequency/beam setting.
5. Side Imager
Side imaging is new technology that actually scans the water from side to side using a razor thin beam all the way to the waterline providing an unprecedented view of what is under your boat. Side imagers cost allot of money compared to the traditional fish finder sonar.
6. Down Imager
A down imager uses the side imaging technology, but only provides a view of what is directly under the boat rather than all the way up the side to the water line like the side imager. It uses the same razor-thin bam that provides an incredible view almost video like of what is under your boat.
5 Best Fish Finders Under $200 2019
1. Garmin Striker 4 with Built-in GPS Fish Finder
According to many reviews and feedbacks, this is one of the best fish finders under $200 devices that aren’t only working great but also delivering a satisfying outcome. The sonar technology, for a starter, will provide you with detailed information of the structure, objects, and fish with almost perfect photographic quality images. You can also choose between 2 different display sizes – the 3.5 inches or the 7 inches device. Is it easy to use? Definitely. Is it easy to install? Yes, it is.
Another cool thing about this device is the built-in flasher so you won’t have any problem viewing the data. Not to mention that it comes with CHIRP sonar technology that will provide you with tons of important information. Another great thing about this technology is that you can expect better target viewing and separation with crisper fish arches. The high sensitivity GPS is handy and the mark-and-return feature is also helpful. Using the keypad is completely convenient and nice – most users claim that they enjoy using the device although they may not have any background knowledge or experience operating the device.
What we liked
- The device is very accurate and the readings have been satisfying so far.
- For an inexpensive product, the performance is super impressive and satisfying. It works better than the other more expensive products.
- It is easy to install and operate.
What we didn’t like
- It requires power so make sure that you have a power outlet nearby. The device requires around 12V to function.
- The display screen isn’t waterproof so you want to protect it with something if you are planning to use it on the open water.
- The device doesn’t come with the backlit feature which can be difficult to read under the glare of the midday sun.
2. Humminbird 410190-1 Helix 5 Sonar G2, 4000 Watts
The company is often associated with innovation, performance, and function – that’s why they are trying their best to come with a device that truly works (and also helpful). This fish finder is included in their Helix series which is quite new. There are a lot of handy features to expect, such as the broadband CHIRP, automatic chart live mapmaking power, impressive imaging sonar, and also an attractive design. The device may be compact but don’t underestimate the design, operating system, and user interface.
Most users claim that this device is easy to use and operate, thanks to its friendly user interface technology. However, it may be confusing for those who aren’t used to fishing or those who have never operated any fish finder device before. In the overall sense, though, you will love this device because of its simplicity and easy use. That’s why it gets mostly positive reviews, earning its way as one of the best fish finders under $200 without you having to hurt your wallet.
What we liked
- The reading is very accurate and it is very helpful
- The operation is super easy and simple
- When compared to the price tag, you get what you expect but don’t expect a very sophisticated operation or running
- The device is quite sensitive with accurate info
What we didn’t like
- The device is super basic and plain. It doesn’t come with speed or GPS. Its function is completely to find the fish – nothing more or less
- You need some time to get the hang of it. But once you do, everything will be easier and more manageable.
3. Garmin Portable Kit Striker 4
Sometimes you just need a good fish finder that you can take with you! This one allows you to do that easily. Using a smart battery, this unit is perfect for hooking up to a rental boat or for easily removed from your own boat so it doesn’t get stolen. Don’t have a boat? No problemo, the best portable fish finder is perfect for shore and pier fishing.
From the design alone, you have to admit that this device is catchy and modern. It is sleek and also compact – you can tell that it screams quality all over. Is it easily navigated? Yes, it is. Can you check your speed from the display screen? Yes, you can. Will you have difficult times operating the device? No, you won’t. It takes time to understand but it would be a breeze once you get the hang of it.
The keyed interface system simplifies everything, and you can expect more with the dedicated buttons. It is super handy to install and use, and you can enjoy the two options of sizes. The sonar technology makes all of the difference with the easy fish. You can expect super simple operation without a fuss. At all. No wonder if this device is included as one of the handiest fish finders under $200.
What we liked
- The price is great, especially when you can enjoy the performance
- The operation is simple and effortless
What we didn’t like
- It tends to dismount from the spot whenever you open the pack
- The suction cup mount is poor because it tends to slip off easily
4. Deeper Smart Sonar PRO+ with GPS Portable Wireless Wi-Fi Fish Finder
When we are talking about one of the most sophisticated and modern fish finders, this device will be the winner. Designed especially for shore and ice fishing, this fish finder is pretty flexible and useful. Not to mention that it is also super handy with tons of great features. First of all, this device is compatible with today’s mobile phones, working just perfectly with both Android and iOS systems – you can also use the tablets if you want to. The fish finder is portable and castable – and it also comes with wireless Bluetooth. Super modern and sophisticated, right?
Whether you want to fish in saltwater or freshwater setting, you can always tag it along because it can be used on both settings. Feel free to use it for bank fishing, kayak fishing, boat fishing, or even fishing – as one of the best and inexpensive fish finder under 200, it won’t disappoint you. You can adjust the sensitivity with very clear reading and also satisfying performance. The sonar beam works on dual frequency so you should expect a greater and wide outcome. You can also find out more detailed info about temperature, structure, water depth, and also underwater vegetation.
What we liked
- The compact size is handy for operation and use
- The rechargeable battery makes everything easier to manage and operate
- The overall use is simple and easy, and you should be able to figure it out in an instant
What we didn’t like
- Don’t be too surprised if the sonar ball gets disconnected from the device because it tends to happen
- Be prepared of connection problem
5. iBobber ReelSonar Bluetooth Wireless Fish Finder
This is the kind of modern fish finder that you can incorporate with your smartphone – don’t worry, this device works like a charm with both Android and iOS system. The iBobber alone is pretty cool and neat, designed with greater flexibility and portability for anglers to help them get their target fish. Instead of dealing with a solid or heavy device, this adorable iBobber device can be integrated and synced with your mobile phone – so you can always fish on the go!
The main reason why this device is considered as one of the best fish finder under $200 is that of the functionality and performance. You can find out information about the depth of contours, mark the fish, or map the underwater structure. You can even learn about the details of the information such as the water temperature, species, hot spots, species, locations, and weather – and you can share it with the world through your social media account. Pretty cool huh? Moreover, whether you are fishing with the canoe, kayak, raft, or boat, this device will certainly be helpful and handy. You can also use it in the freshwater and saltwater setting.
What we liked
- The concept is great and the overall design is very nice too
- The overall construction and feel is sturdy and solid
- The graphic is surprisingly nice and quite satisfying
- The device comes with a lot of handy features, such as the fish alert
What we didn’t like
- The implementation for the software isn’t as promising as it sounds because the sync can be quite inconsistent
- The battery is quite poor despite the claim that it can run for 10 hours non-stop. You want to prepare 5V battery handy when you are fishing
Final Word
Considering all the facts, make sure that you have done your research correctly and properly. Each device comes with its own positive, as well as negative, aspects. If you really want to be sure that you get what you have spent, do your research on fish finder under $200.
I agree with Garmin STRIKER 4 Portable. Very good in my experience, you only need to set the transducer in the right angle for work better because it doesn’t teardrop shaped like another ice transducer. I picked one up near Christmas.
I have one on my yak. Pretty ok with it.