Fish Finders Under $300 Compared

How Fish Finders Work & the Benefits of Using Them

At their core, a fish finder is a consumer-oriented fathometer, which itself is a device used for safe aquatic navigation based upon sonar-detected depth. In a slightly modified form, a fish finder is then able to detect the presence of fish underwater and display their approximate depth on a screen. This can really benefit fishermen who are looking to cast out in areas where their target fish are currently present.

Fish finders have other benefits, too. For example, a fish finder can help a fisher quickly identify the water depth beneath their vessel. This, in turn, can help them safely navigate as well as decide what kind of tackle they should use before casting out. Even a fish finder under $300 has its benefits, given that those units usually operate at a comfortable median between price and core performance.

What to Expect When Buying a Fish Finder Under $300

Fishing Type & Environment

Modern fish finders are designed with specialized use in mind. As such, it is essential to choose a model that is designed for the type of fishing environments you frequent. To that end, lake and stream fishers can usually utilize a basic model, while an ocean fisherman may need a more powerful unit.

Mounting Type/Material

Fish finders today come in several mounting styles, including fixed, handheld, wireless, and more. Each has its own benefits when it comes to portability and practicality, particularly when you are out on the water with a rod in hand. A unit's mounting style may also impact its durability, which is essential when it comes to taking a piece of technology out on the water.

Type of Sonar

On today's market, you'll find affordably priced fish finders that utilize one of two different types of sound-based detection – SONAR and CHIRP. Many fishers are already familiar with SONAR, given that many boats already use it for depth detection. In any case, SONAR is the gold standard for fish finding because it can reliably detect at both shallow and deep depths (so long as you have a multi-frequency transducer, that is).

CHIRP, on the other hand, is a newer technology. Short for “Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse,” CHIRP’s main difference is that it has a longer “pulse” than SONAR. This allows them to gather more depth-based information in a single pulse, with data gathered in this manner becoming more reliable in turn. You can also read a detailed comparison of the two here.

Maximum Depth & Water Resistance

Because fish finders are designed for use in and around water, it only makes sense that they are typically designed with some degree of water resistance. This is communicated through an IP rating, which numerically establishes how well a unit’s enclosure protects it from moisture and direct water intrusion. A chart of the various IP ratings can be found here.

Frequency

Fish finders output a variety of sound-based frequencies to ensure a user has a full picture of the waters below them. Generally, higher frequencies are used to view deeper bodies of water, while lower frequencies can view shallow waters with greater detail. Ideally, your chosen unit should include options for both so that you can see fish at multiple depths at once.

Performance Features

There are also some performance-related features that you can sometimes find in a sub-$300 fish finder. One such feature is extra SD storage, which is great for saving data and settings without taking up too much of the unit’s onboard memory. Viewing angle adjustments are another useful feature that can ensure you aren’t having your finder’s view obstructed by large aquatic objects.

Warranty

As always, a warranty may end up impacting your fish finder’s final price. A unit may look affordable at first, but its lack of a warranty would make it a liability if it didn’t perform as expected. As such, any fish finder that costs less than $300 and still includes a warranty is a bargain worthy of your consideration.

1. Humminbird 410210-1 HELIX 5

First up, I want to talk about my top pick for the best Humminbird fish finder – the Humminbird 410210-1 HELIX 5.

This is one of the newest models from this trusted brand, so you can count on its features to be head-and-shoulders above its competition. This can immediately be seen in this model's charting and cartography abilities—a direct result of its inclusion of built-in Anima GPS functions. In addition, you'll find that this, the best fish finder GPS under $300, also comes with Basemap and Autochart Live right out of the box.

The Humminbird 410210-1 HELIX 5 is also one of the premier models on the market today that includes both SONAR and CHIRP capabilities. With these functions combined, this unit allows you to easily see every fish and structure both below and beside your boat at up to 2,500 ft. in depth. Should you need to filter out what you see, though, this model’s SwitchFire control panel allows you to easily choose which data you want up on the unit’s 5-inch screen at any time.

It’s worth noting, too, that the Humminbird 410210-1 HELIX 5 includes a microSD card slot. Though this is a small feature, it can make a big difference for users who want to save maps and waypoints without having to erase old data on the unit.

2. Garmin Striker Plus 5cv

Next up is the Garmin Striker Plus 5cv, which definitely stands out as the best Garmin fish finder with built-in GPS under $300. Given that Garmin is well-known for its GPS units, it should be no surprise that this unit utilizes similar global positioning capabilities. Using this built-in GPS, you’ll be able to do everything from mark ideal fishing locations to determine your current movement speed. It even keeps itself up to date with info on wake speeds in your area.

Beyond its GPS functions, the Garmin Striker Plus 5cv is also a top performer when it comes to detection. That's primarily because it comes standard with both SONAR and CHIRP modules. When used in conjunction, these detection types can detect nearly every object in your vicinity. They can even recognize some of the smallest fish with near-photographic accuracy thanks to this unit's proprietary ClearVü scanning system.

This model also includes an intuitive user interface that even new users can learn in minutes. That includes this model’s Quickdraw Contours mapping software, which allows you to store numerous maps right on the device. Even this model’s 5” screen is user-friendly, given that it is resistant to glare and easy to read in the bright midday sun.

3. Deeper Special Pro+

The Deeper Special Pro+ is a little different than most fish finders you’ve probably used before.

As the best castable fish finder under $300, you can bet that this unit uses a special module that is cast out into the water and feeds detection information back to you via a smartphone app. This makes the Deeper Special Pro+ one of the most portable units on the market, too, given that it does not require permanent mounting at all. Instead, you can use this model to search depths up to 260 feet right out of the box.

Naturally, you might be hesitant to throw a piece of technology such as this out into the water on purpose. But in fact, the Deeper Special Pro+ comes with a 100% waterproof dry bag that is designed to keep the detection module safe. That dry bag is also impressively durable as a result of its welded and glued joints. This model also comes with a comparably sturdy phone case so that you never need to put your phone at risk while using this fish finder.

As an added value proposition, this model also comes with free access to Lakebook, this brand's bathymetric management platform. With it, you'll have all of your maps and data automatically backed up in case your detector unit or phone meets an untimely fate out on the water.

4. HOOK2 5

You might not be all that familiar with the HOOK2 5. But if I told you that it is the best Lowrance fish finder under $300, you might be better able to understand that this unit was engineered by a trusted brand.

As a result, you can count on this model’s DownScan sonar and CHIRP sonar to provide you with a comprehensive view of the waters around and beneath your watercraft. However, precisely how deep this model's SONAR and CHIRP can detect is unclear because it does not list a depth range in its specifications.

This particular model comes with a few options that you can select from based upon your needs as a fisherman. One of those options relates to this unit’s screen size, which comes in 4”, 5”, 7”, 9” and 12” variations. Regardless of which model you choose, that screen will be built around this brand’s unique SolarMAX technology. This allows them to be extremely easy to read in broad daylight as well as after the sun goes down.

The HOOK2 5 is also fairly easy to use right out of the box due to its preloaded mapping features and data. To that end, this model comes standard with C-MAP US Inland Lake Maps for over 12,000 lakes in the US. As such, there's a good chance that it already has a lake near you mapped out!

5. Humminbird 409600-1 Helix 5 DI

Finally, we come to the Humminbird 409600-1 Helix 5 DI. Though it may not look like it on the surface, this is actually one of the best fish finders for a kayak, regardless of price. That’s because this unit takes a no-frills approach to fish finding that kayakers will surely appreciate. One particular aspect those kayakers will likely enjoy is this model’s reliable SONAR module and its ability to detect fish at depths up to a full 600 feet below the surface.

Whether you are kayaking or not, you’ll also likely find this model’s XNT 9 DI T transducer to be precisely what you are looking for. This particular component provides users with access to several different SONAR frequencies, thus allowing them to visualize several different aquatic depths at the same time. That visualization only works downward, though, which means you won’t really know as much about what fish are out to the sides of your watercraft.

While the Humminbird 409600-1 Helix 5 DI’s 5-inch display isn’t perfect, it is plenty clear and easy to read in most daylight conditions. To make up for this average feature, the Humminbird 409600-1 Helix 5 DI also includes a very user-friendly keypad control system that even a novice can learn in minutes.

Comparing CHIRP to Traditional Sonar

How to Install & Operate a Fish Finder

People Also Ask (FAQs)

How important is a GPS feature in a fish finder?

GPS is a worthwhile feature to have in a fish finder. It isn’t an absolute must, but it does help simplify your tech array on your boat. It can also make it easier to mark out ideal fishing spots based upon the data gathered by the primary fish finder components.

Which is better - a down-imaging or a side-imaging fish finder?

In theory, neither type is inherently better than the other. That’s because a side scan fish finder is as likely to spot fish in your general vicinity as a down scan fish finder. Ideally, your chosen should be able to scan in both directions to some degree so that you can maximize your underwater view of nearby targets.

Are fish finders waterproof?

In almost all cases, yes. Fish finders are usually waterproof against regular splashes and some ambient moisture. That being said, they should still be kept in a dry location whenever possible. Also, some units are rated to withstand direct submersion in water. However, this kind of protection will usually only last a few meters before water intrusion is likely.

What other fishing gear should I have aside from a fish finder?

How accurate are fish finders? Do they work in rivers & lakes?

Most modern fish finders are fairly accurate, so long as they are used in the proper environment. To that end, most base-level units can detect in rivers and lakes with ease. However, those units may lose some accuracy when used out in the ocean. For that reason, specialized oceanic fish finders are made. Those units can view far deeper into the ocean, allowing for more accurate readings in that environment.

Conclusion