Castable Fish Finders Compared

Why Use a Castable Fish Finder?

Considerations for Buying a Castable Fish Finder

Connectivity & Range

A wireless fish finder will connect with your Android or Apple device through Bluetooth or a private WiFi hotspot. If you buy a Bluetooth model, then the price may be cheaper, but you could run into some difficulties with losing connection if it's over 100 ft away. WiFiOn the other hand, WiFi models are a lot more reliable in connectivity but will use battery power at a faster rate.

Depth & Frequency

Sonar Method

Nowadays, Sonar devices can transmit powerful pulses of energy into the water at a specific frequency, which in return, picks up an echo. The echo is then shown to you in a 2D map on your screen. If you use a device that can work on a dual-frequency or even triple-frequency transducer, you’ll get a good combination of depth and detail in your bathymetry map.

Type of Fishing

User Friendliness

Price & Warranty

1. Deeper PRO+ DP1H10S10

2. ReelSonar iBobber

Our runner up model, based on performance and price, is the ReelSonar iBobber fish finder.  This fish finder is one of the lightest and cheapest on the market today. Its dimensions are 2" x 2" x 1" and weighs a mere 1.6 ounces. This device also comes with a USB charger, and a carrying pouch, which is easily transportable to the water.

Some of the competing fish finders on our list use WIFI to connect nowadays, and it can drain your battery at a faster rate. The iBobber fish finder uses a weaker Bluetooth connection, so, in return, it uses lesser power. Even though it runs on Bluetooth, anglers haven’t complained about connectivity problems. You can cast long distances into saltwater or freshwater or for ice-fishing or night fishing, and you won’t lose your connection.

The transducer on the iBobber fish finder operates exceptionally, especially for the price. It has a 118 kHz transducer and can scan the water depths of up to 135 feet. Pair all of these features along with the iBobbers smartphone app, and you'll have a ton of information that can help your fishing.

These include the water temperature, moon phase/rise/set, and your GPS location.  It’s even got a weather report, with current, high, and low temperatures, and information on humidity, wind speed, and direction. This model is a great fit for anglers who enjoy long lazy days by any waterway, as long as it’s not too choppy.

3. Deeper PRO DP1H20S10

4. LUCKY FF718LiC

When you’re looking for a versatile device, it goes beyond which waterways you’ll be fishing in. It’s how easily it can be used, its purpose, and if it’s suitable for technic-specific fishing. This device has these attributes and more, making the Lucky Wired & Wireless fish finder our most versatile and well-rounded pick.

Unlike most of the other castable fish finders on our list, the Lucky FF718LiC doesn’t connect to a smartphone or tablet, because it doesn’t need a secondary screen. With this model, you get a handheld, portable device that anglers use to read the transmitters’ signals.

You can cast a portable sonar transmitter that floats on the surface. It emits a high-pitched 125Khz sonar frequency, which is more than enough to get an accurate reading without scaring the fish away. You’ll also have a depth range of almost 150 ft, so it’s perfect for rivers, lakes, and ponds. You could even take it out on the open ocean.

Apart from this device being extremely versatile, it’s also very portable thanks to its sizeable waterproof carrying case that can hold everything you need. The case also has a lanyard, so you can have it around your neck when casting or pulling in a line, allowing you to be hands-free. If you know you’ll be fishing in similar fishing environments, you can save all of your data onto the handheld device for your next fishing adventures.

5. Vexilar SonarPhone

If you’re an angler who's enthusiastic about troll fishing or new to it completely, then why not consider the Vexilar SonarPhone with Transducer Pod. This device saves money by not having a handheld screen, so you’ll need a smartphone or tablet to pair it with. The software available for Android or Apple operating systems is advanced and can create charts as you are on the move, just like some of the more expensive fish finders on this list but at a third of the price.

The SonarPhone transmitter creates its own WiFi hotspot, and you can share its signal with as many people as you wish, or password protect it just for yourself. The transducer cone can be altered by 40 degrees for a narrow and precise search, or a wider and broader search.  You can also quickly zoom in on areas that have plenty of movement for a closer inspection.

If you’re more experienced with fish finders, you'll like its split-screen display option to see maps alongside the fishfinder. And if you want more maps and sonar charts, you can purchase the Navionics Boating app at a reasonable price. Casting is easy, location won't be a problem, and the price is affordable, so if you're new to casting fishfinders and you’re nervous throwing a $300 device off the back of a moving boat, then a good-quality cheaper alternative like the Vexilar SonarPhone may be a better fit for you.

6. LUCKY FL068

The second device we’re reviewing by Lucky is a wired, portable device that’s a great fit for offshore fishing, kayak fishing, ice fishing, lake fishing, sea fishing, etc.

The FL068 model can easily detect and display the water's depth, approximate fish location, short & tall weeds, as well as sandy or rocky surfaces, so it’s a great option for kayak fishing in general. This portable fish finder gives you another opportunity to hang it around your neck, allowing it to run completely hands-free.

The Lucky FL068 is a multi-functional device that gives five assistant settings to suit your needs- adjustable sensitivity, battery save mode, backlight mode, fish and fish school alarm, and a battery indicator. And, it works wonders with it’s wired transducer that comes with a 25ft cable wire. The detecting depth range of the fishing sonar is from 3ft(1m) to 328ft (100m) with a 45°detecting degree.

In terms of charging and display, you can pack some AAA batteries on your next trip as you can’t charge this device with a USB. It takes 4 AAA batteries with a life capacity of 4-5 hours with new batteries.

The display is clear on its 2 inch LCD Display with a blue LED backlight, but if you have problems focusing on small screens for an extended period, this device may become a bit tiresome after a while. Overall, for the price and the features, it’s hard not to even consider this killer fish finder, especially if kayak fishing is your preferred fishing method of choice.

7. Deeper Start DP2H10S10

Last but certainly not least on our list is the third device by Deeper and for a good reason. Deeper has proven with each device that it is capable of more and more things. The Deeper Smart Fishfinder has proven its worth in many fishing environments, but shore fishing has to be one of its strong suits.

Like most of Deeper’s models, the Start device uses smart technology with WIFI connectivity that can be publicly shared with other devices or private for your individual use. It generates its own WiFi signal, anytime, anywhere.

Unlike the PRO and PRO+ models, this device doesn’t have CHIRP+, so scanning ranges differ quite a bit from its competitors. Rather than scanning 260 ft with CHIRP+, you can still cast and scan up to 165 ft. with a 40° sonar beam for accuracy and coverage. Every scan will automatically save with the time and location saved so you can always easily find parts of the shore that you’ve had luck at before.

If you're new to fish arches, then this device will come in handy. There are three fish icons displayed on your smartphone or tablet, which indicates not only movement but also size. Pair this feature with a fish alarm, and you won’t go on a fishing trip without a bite.

Comparing Castable vs Portable Fish Finders

Portable and castable fish finders have a lot in common but aren’t entirely the same. They can both be very versatile, great for traveling, and are typically lightweight for all-day use.

Usually, portable fish finders come with a small transducer that can be mounted onto a hull and submerged fully underwater. Portable fish finders tend to be wired with a display screen, so you don't have to connect it to an Android or Apple device.

On the other hand, castable fish finders have small and sturdy transducers inside the device that you can tie to the end of your fishing line. Wherever you cast will be where your fish finder will scan. So, cast wisely.

How to Use a Castable Fish Finder

Nowadays, castable fish finders are very user-friendly and should only take a few minutes to set up and use. Different brands have similar techniques. The most common steps to set up a castable fish finder should be as such:

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How do castable fish finders work?

Wireless or castable fish finders are connected to your line from a rod. You’ll then receive all of the information directly to your smartphone in the area that your line is in. These devices can be connected through WiFi or Bluetooth and can scan waterways as far as 300 ft.

Who can benefit most from castable fish finders?

Is side imaging better than down imaging?

Do I need GPS on my castable fishfinder?

How can I take care of my castable fish finder device?

If you’re using your device regularly, then it's important to take care of it properly. After each use, be sure to rinse your device with warm water and check for any damages. Once it’s clean, dry your device and store it correctly.

Where can I buy these castable fish finders?

When you’ve picked your favorite fish finder, the next step is to buy it. You can always buy the model you like directly from Amazon. They have a ton of customer questions and reviews so you can read other anglers’ opinions before you order. Or another option is to check out your local fish tackle store to see which models they have to offer.

Conclusion