MOST PORTABLE
OUR TOP PICK!
BEST HANDHELD GPS
When fishing in the middle of the sea, you need to have the right equipment to stay safe and make the most out of your fishing experience. One device that anglers can’t do without is a good handheld GPS system to guide them on a fishing adventure. There are various options to choose from for a GPS, but which ones are the best?
To help you decide, we reviewed some GPS devices available in the market to suggest the best handheld GPS for fishing — so you can make a good purchase. Read our handheld GPS for fishing reviews to find a system that best suits your needs.
Preview | Model | Screen Size | Battery Life | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Garmin inReach Explorer+ | 1.4 x 1.9-inch | Up to 100 hours in tracking mode | ||
Garmin inReach Mini | 0.9 x 0.9-inch | 50 hours of battery life | ||
Garmin eTrex 30x | 2.2-Inch | Up to 25 hours | ||
Garmin GPSMAP 64st | 2.6-Inch | 16 hours | ||
 | Garmin GPSMAP 62S | 2.6-Inch | Up to 20 hours | |
Garmin GPS 73 | 2.6-Inch | Over 18 hours | ||
Garmin eTrex 10 | 2.2-Inch | Up to 20 hours of use | ||
Garmin eTrex 20x | 2.2-Inch | Up to 25 hours |
Why Use a Handheld GPS While Fishing
Fishing can be a risky affair if one doesn’t have the right equipment. To be safe and enjoy your fishing experience, a handheld GPS for fishing device is always useful. With the best handheld GPS for offshore fishing, you can locate a catch easily.
It also makes sure that you never get lost at sea — and always return to the shore safely. The devices are easy to carry and have useful mapping functions, which make sure that you always sail in the right direction.
Choosing Quality Handheld GPS For Fishing
Satellites & Accuracy
Accuracy is a crucial aspect when selecting a handheld GPS for fishing. For proper navigation, choose a device with a minimum of 12 satellites. Some of the best handheld GPS for fishing devices feature 24 satellites as well.
Interface
Vibrant colors, screen size, and adjustable brightness are some of the things you should consider when choosing a handheld GPS for kayak fishing or ice-fishing trips. Make sure your GPS device has an adequate display. For an accurate reading, a big screen is always helpful.
Data Storage & Sharing
For a good fishing experience, your handheld GPS for fishing device should be able to store maps, checkpoints, and waypoints to guide you throughout the journey. Whether you chose a handheld GPS for ice fishing or for your boat in summers, make sure it comes equipped with maps.
You can also download the maps online — so choose a device that can connect with a computer and has memory-card compatibility. A good GPS should have a wireless data transfer system so you can share routes, waypoints, and tracks with fellow anglers.
Waterproof Design
The best handheld GPS for offshore fishing or any other kind of fishing should be waterproof. Not all handheld GPS for fishing devices are water-resistant, which is why you should be wary when buying a GPS.
A waterproof GPS device can last for years if taken care of, negating the worry about buying a GPS device anytime soon. Click here for some practical advice on fishing if you are a beginner and want to enjoy your fishing sessions.
Mapping System
The best handheld GPS for fishing and hunting has exceptional mapping capabilities such as base mapping, non-mapping, or advanced mapping systems to record data. Here’s a breakdown of the features and how they help anglers.
Battery Type & Life
Gone are the days of buying new batteries each time before a fishing trip. All handheld GPS devices for fishing now come with rechargeable batteries. The battery often gets drained on long boating trips. Ideally, a GPS battery should provide at least 10 hours of uninterrupted service. Some devices offer up to 15 – 30 hours of use per charge.
Safety Features
Your GPS should have enough features to guarantee a safe sailing experience. It should allow you to help other boaters if the need arises.
Price & Warranty
Choose a handheld GPS for fishing unit that offers good value for money. Make sure you do not compromise on safety features or battery life for a low price. The warranty period varies among devices available in the market — but the more coverage a manufacturer provides, the better! If you want to upgrade your fishing gear, check out our Best Fishing Rods Reviewed & Compared piece to choose one and impress your friends on the next fishing trip.
8 Best Handheld GPS For Fishing Reviewed
1. Garmin inReach Explorer+
Our Top Pick!
Screen Size | 1.4 x 1.9-inch display |
Satellite Coverage | Uses the Iridium satellite network which has 66 satellites (subscription needed) |
Battery Life | Up to 100 hours in tracking mode Up to 30 days in the power-saver mode |
Water Resistance | IPX7 Rating |
Screen Resolution | 200 x 265 pixels |
Warranty | One-year limited |
Want to buy a handheld GPS for fishing that makes your fishing experience more enjoyable? You have googled the best handheld GPS for fishing, and come across many Garmin handheld GPS for fishing devices. Garmin is famous for offering some of the best GPS units. And in our handheld GPS for fishing reviews —we rank the Garmin inReach Explorer+ as first in our reviews!
This device has many features of the ever-so-popular Garmin inReach SE+, with two GB of extra memory space, a barometric accelerometer and altimeter, preinstalled Topo maps, and a digital compass.
The outstanding functionality makes the device our top pick. It has coverage from the Iridium satellite network – so you can send text messages on phones and to other inReach devices. The satellite network provides pole-to-pole coverage without any distortion.
Also, the GPS can find coordinates with a five-meter accuracy for primary navigation. Simply follow the route, create waypoints along the way, and the Garmin inReach Explorer+ will direct you back to the shore. Apart from the features mentioned above the Garmin handheld GPS for fishing also has:
Pros
Cons
2. Garmin inReach Mini
Most Portable Handheld GPS For Fishing
Screen Size | 0.9 x 0.9-inch display |
Satellite Coverage | It uses the Iridium satellite network which comprises 66 satellites (subscription needed) |
Battery Life | 50 hours of battery life |
Water Resistance | IPX7 Rating |
Screen Resolution | 128 x 128 pixels |
Warranty | One-year limited |
Coming in second in our handheld GPS for fishing reviews is another Garmin GPS device — the Garmin inReach Mini, which is the most portable handheld GPS for fishing. Apart from a few features, the unit is quite similar to the Garmin inReach Explorer+. With coverage from the Iridium satellite network, you can send text messages, emails, or contact other inReach devices —even without any cellular reception.
The unit has 66 satellites, and it calibrates coordinates with a five-meter accuracy. Once you start on a journey, simply follow the instructions and create waypoints along the way. The Garmin inReach Mini allows you to share location data to let friends and family know about your exact coordinates at sea.
If there is an emergency, your handheld GPS will have an SOS trigger — to send out a search and rescue message. Some other capabilities of the Garmin handheld GPS for fishing are:
Pros
Cons
3. Garmin eTrex 30x
Best Handheld GPS For Ice Fishing
Screen Size | 2.2-Inch |
Satellite Coverage | Over 24 satellites |
Battery Life | Up to 25 hours |
Water Resistance | IPX7 Rating |
Screen Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels |
Warranty | One-year consumer limited |
When ice fishing, apart from a flasher or a fish finder, we urge you also carry around a handheld GPS device for ice fishing. As an angler, you know how important it is to remember each hole. And the device lets you mark holes to help catch fish or return to them later. This is why on number three in our handheld GPS for fishing reviews, we have placed the Garmin eTrex 30x, which is one of the best handheld GPS for ice fishing available in the market.
The Garmin handheld GPS for fishing is a successor to the popular Garmin eTrex 30. The unit has a 2.2-inch screen with 65k colors and can hold more maps than its predecessor. Thanks to the 3-axis tilt-compensated electronic compass, the eTrex 30x pinpoints the right course even when you are not moving. For barometric pressure and altitude calculation, the handheld GPS for fishing has an altimeter.
Some other features are:
Pros
Cons
4. Garmin GPSMAP 64st
Best Handheld GPS For Offshore Fishing
Screen Size | 2.6-Inch |
Satellite Coverage | Over 24 satellites |
Battery Life | 16 hours |
Water Resistance | IPX7 Rating |
Screen Resolution | 160 x 240 pixels |
Warranty | One-year consumer limited |
When fishing in deep waters, you need to take all pre-emptive measures before decking out for a safe experience. The best handheld GPS for offshore fishing can make your trips safe and more fun. We introduce you to the Garmin GPSMAP 64st — one of the best Garmin handheld GPS units in the market.
A successor to the GPSMAP 64, the unit has better build quality against its predecessor. And a large 2.6-inch display with vibrant colors. Even when you zoom, the image quality is never distorted. The device features a quad-helix antenna, just like the GPSMAP 64. What's new is – the availability of 100,000 topographical maps – with BirdsEye Satellite Imagery subscription for a year.
What makes this the best handheld GPS for offshore fishing is its Bluetooth connectivity feature — which makes the transfer of waypoints and maps easy. For geo-positioning and altitude readings, the Garmin GPSMAP 64st has a three-axis compass with a barometric compass.
Pros
Cons
5. Garmin GPSMAP 62S
Best Handheld GPS For Fishing And Hunting
Screen Size | 2.6-Inch |
Satellite Coverage | Four satellites of the total 24 at all times |
Battery Life | Up to 20 hours |
Water Resistance | IPX7 Rating |
Screen Resolution | 160 x 240 pixels |
Warranty | One-year consumer limited |
On number five in our handheld GPS for fishing reviews, we have included the Garmin GPSMAP 62S, which is the best handheld GPS for fishing and hunting. So whether you are in search of the perfect catch on land or sea — this device will surely improve your experience!
This Garmin handheld GPS for fishing and hunting has a better reach thanks to the built-in worldwide map. It also lets you download geotagged images, and use the GPS to reach a location. The signal strength is exceptional with the device’s quad-helix antenna.
So no matter where you are stuck – in the heart of a forest or the ocean – you can always find your way back. The Garmin GPSMAP 62S is a sturdy handheld GPS, which is made from durable materials. All thanks to the rubber exterior, the device grips firmly in your hand.
Pros
Cons
6. Garmin GPS 73
Best Handheld GPS For Kayak Fishing
Screen Size | 2.6-Inch |
Satellite Coverage | At least 24 satellites |
Battery Life | Over 18 hours |
Water Resistance | IPX7 Rating |
Screen Resolution | 120x160 pixels |
Warranty | One-year |
If kayak fishing is your cup of tea, your best pick for a handheld GPS for kayak fishing is the remarkable Garmin GPS 73 — one of the best handheld GPS for kayak fishing. The unit is perfect for vessels without a chart plotter. The Garmin handheld GPS for fishing can store up to 100 tracks and 1,000 waypoints. So, if you ever feel like revisiting a spot, the GPS will lead you right back.
The unit has a SailAssist feature, which guides you during fishing trips. Even if you are in a rough spot, the GPS is always able to track your location. The handheld GPS for kayak fishing is MMEA 0183 compatible — via a USB port, you can connect the device to your computer and transfer data.
The Garmin GPS 73 comes packed with celestial data, which can enhance your fishing or hunting experience. The data includes a fishing and hunting calendar, sunset/sunrise times, marine data, and other relevant information. If you are planning a kayak fishing trip, watch the video on effectively using a fish finder and GPS in a kayak. The featured display is readable in all conditions as the buttons are backlit.
Pros
Cons
7. Garmin eTrex 10
Best Cheap Handheld GPS For Fishing
Screen Size | 2.2-Inch |
Satellite Coverage | Over 24 satellites |
Battery Life | Up to 20 hours of use |
Water Resistance | IPx7 Rating |
Screen Resolution | 176x220 pixels |
Warranty | One-year |
Coming in at number seven in our handheld GPS for fishing reviews is the Garmin eTrex 10, which in our opinion, is the best cheap handheld GPS for fishing if you are on a budget. The best part is the device is quite reasonably priced and doesn’t compromise on features. It is a durable device with an adjustable monochrome display and comes equipped with all capabilities seen in some of the best handheld GPS for fishing devices.
It has a 2.2-inch display and features a global base map, plus it is backed by GLONASS and HotFix support, which ensures that all calculations and readings are on point. It has an IPx7 water resistance rating, so even if you are new to fishing, you do not have to worry about any water-related damages.
The Garmin eTrex 10 uses 2AA batteries to power up and has enough juice to last up to 20 hours. Also, what makes it popular is the geocaching feature, which is a rarity in this price point. The 3D satellite feature makes it easy to plan a journey and allows you to add new maps and routes.
Pros
Cons
8. Garmin eTrex 20x
Value For Money Model
Screen Size | 2.2-Inch |
Satellite Coverage | Over 24 satellites |
Battery Life | Up to 25 hours |
Water Resistance | IPx7 Rating |
Screen Resolution | 240 x 320 pixels |
Warranty | One-year consumer limited |
Last but not least, coming in strong on number eight in our handheld GPS for fishing reviews is the Garmin eTrex 20x — the best value for money GPS you can buy. The lightweight device is simple to use — all thanks to a sturdy built and decent screen size.
It is water-resistant with an IPx7 rating and delivers the same performance in frigid temperatures, even below the freezing point. So a few splashes will not harm, and it can be your go-to handheld GPS device for ice fishing.
Any layman can operate the Garmin eTrex 20x. What makes the product unique is that the Garmin handheld GPS for fishing has 25+ hours of battery backup and uses the GLONASS satellite system and GPS — it can 200 routes and 2,000 waypoints with coordinates up to nine feet.
The best part is that the Garmin eTrex 20x comes with a base map and 3.7 GB of storage space; you can upload a good number of Topo maps on the device with such a memory. Learn more about Garmin GPS systems in our Best Garmin GPS Devices Rated & Reviewed piece to decide what is best for you.
Pros
Cons
How To Use A Handheld GPS For Fishing
People Also Ask (FAQs)
How do gps units work?
More than 30 satellites are revolving around the earth; a GPS unit uses location information from these satellites to guide users. A handheld GPS for ice fishing or kayak fishing has GPS receivers to search for signals from these satellites. When in operation, the receiver calculates the distance to pinpoint the exact location. To learn more about how a GPS works, please watch this video.
How accurate are handheld gps units?
Some of the best handheld GPS for fishing units have a wide area augmentation system, which can find coordinates within a three-meter horizontal accuracy. Some other devices can display coordinates for about 10 meters as well.
Can I use a smartphone gps for fishing? What is the most accurate gps app for fishing?
Yes, you can use your smartphone's GPS for fishing. A good app is GoFree HOOKED, available on Android and iOS for free. Click here to download the app for iOS.
Are there any special maintenance steps for taking care of my handheld gps?
You should pay close attention to the upkeep of your handheld GPS device for ice fishing. A few things you can do are:
What are the top handheld gps brands?
Lowrance, Garmin, and Magellan are known and loved by anglers and fishers for manufacturing some of the best handheld GPS for fishing.
What is the difference between a chart plotter and a gps device?
The chart plotter presents coordinates in an easy to understand manner, whereas GPS data just shows the latitude and longitude. An excellent example of a chart plotter is Google Maps.
Conclusion
For a safe and fun fishing experience, you should carry a handheld GPS device at all times. It will help you reach the best spots easily. And once you have had your fair share of pickings, the device will guide you back to shore. To help you make a better decision on the best handheld GPS for ice fishing, kayak fishing, or shallow water fishing — we reviewed eight devices in total to guide you on the best handheld GPS system.
After many tests and a thorough review of each GPS device, we think the Garmin inReach Explorer+ is the best handheld GPS for fishing. If you are an experienced angler or just want a sturdy GPS device to last years, the Garmin inReach Explorer+ should be your choice!