Fishing is an escape from reality, and catching bass or trout can literally make or break weekend fishing trips. When recreational fishing began many moons ago, it was very common to head out for the entire day and not end up getting a single bite! This is where fish finders were introduced and became an absolute rage. Basically, fish finders are devices that are used to locate fish in the water using Sound Navigation and Ranging System, more commonly known as SONAR. What’s more, you can get the best fish finder for under 200 dollars, for even those under $200 have excellent reviews. So, you don’t need to break the bank and can rest assured of a good catch at the end of the day.
So, how do fish finders work? You need to have a transmitter aboard the craft, which sends signals in the form of waves. The waves, in turn, are reflected back to the transmitter via the SONAR via echoes. This is where you can identify the fish waves, which are different compared to the waves of other stuff in the water, such as debris, corals, and more. In order to be entirely certain, the fish finders will display the fish symbol when it’s certain that it’s located fish, and not something else. So, without much ado, here are the best fish finders under 200 dollars.
How To Choose The Best Fish Finders?
Choosing fish finders is much like choosing the Best Underwater Cameras For Ice Fishing – you need to take into account a lot of aspects such as screen size, resolution, and more. So, what to look for while choosing these fish finders? Read on.
Meanwhile, you might also be interested in looking at other aspects of fishing, such as the Best Fishing Rods With Reel and Best Ice Fishing Gloves.
Types of scanning on fish finders
Basically, there are two kinds of fish finders depending on the kind of fishing you do. To begin with, there are the “Down Scan” fish finders, which are usually placed beneath the boat and are excellent for deep-sea fishing. Secondly, there are “Side Scan” fish finders which, as the name suggests, are placed on the side of the boat. In fact, Side Scans fish finders can scab up to 240 feet on both sides of the boat and provide photos of the areas covered. Side Scan fish finder is best used for large, shallower bodies of water, while Down Scan ones are better for smaller, deeper bodies of water.
However, today there are options of fish finders with dual-scan abilities too. If you fish in different kinds of water, however, we’d recommend that you get two different scanners with different scanning abilities.
Some fish finders even come equipped with CHIRP technology, which translates to compressed high-intensity radar pulse. It’s a powerful addition to a fish finder, other than SONAR, as it allows you to spot fish easier by producing clearer images.
Transducers
Transducers are what send out and receive the sonar signals. Thus, you’ll need fish finders that come with a compatible transducer for the specific type of fishing that you want to indulge in. To begin with, different transducers come with different mounts and their materials matter a lot. Plus, the transducer mount can easily be installed on any boat in-hull. But if you have a bigger boat, we’d recommend the thru-hull mount. For instance, if you’re indulging in recreational fishing, then plastic mounts will do as they’re compatible with almost every kind of boat. However, aluminum and steel hulls require mounts with a stainless steel housing.
Another thing to note is what kind of fishing you’re doing, and get transducers accordingly. If you’re indulging in deep-sea fishing, then go for those with narrow angles. However, If you’re fishing in shallow waters, transducers that emanate waves at wider angles are better.
Display and power supply
Being able to see the screen clearly is the top consideration for any fish finder, whether it’s under 200 dollars or not. It’s important that the fish finder has a screen large enough with a decent display and a clear picture of the data gathered. You should have to squit to see a poor screen with grainy picture quality, so make sure that your fish finder has a good enough display. Secondly, you also need to consider the power supply on your device. For instance, moderate power will get you by for fishing in shallow waters. However, if you’re fishing in saltwater or deep waters, then get fish finders with as much power as possible.
GPS
Most of the good quality fish finders come with a GPS option, which is used to collect and store data from previous fishing trips for future reference. This is particularly handy when it comes to kayak or boat fishing. What’s more, you’ll also find options of devices using mapping cards that can be inserted into SD slots. So, it collects your data for you instead of you having to record and save it every time.
Do cheap fish finders work?
Basically, you spend on fish finders in order to have more money in your pocket. That said, inexpensive fish finders do work and it doesn’t mean that cheap fish finders don’t work better than expensive ones. In fact, all the big-ticket manufacturers such as Lowrance, Humminbird, and Garmin are proud of and swear by their products, and will never build lousy devices. With more than half the products on this list from these brands, you can rest assured that cheap fish finders, while basic, do work.
Humminbird Helix 5 Sonar G2
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We start our list with the best fish finder under 200, the Humminbird Helix 5 Sonar G2. With a 5-inch screen with a resolution of 800×480 pixels, the screen on this fish finder has 3 times the number of pixels as other units on this list. So, you can rest assured of an excellent display. Moreover, the sonar looks fantastic on the new, widescreen display on this Humminbird device. So, the excellent screen quality more than makes up for the lack of GPS on this. Plus, it costs just $187, making it excellent value-for-money and one of the best budget fish finders on this list.
In addition to the above, the device also features the XNT9 20 T transom-mounted transducer with an 83/200kHz Dual Beam sonar output. It even transmits the temperature to the unit. If that wasn’t enough, the Helix 5 Sonar boasts a target separation of just 2.5 inches. Thus, it actually makes the fish stand out from the bottom as well as other marine debris such as plants, weeds, and debris. The icing on the cake is the presence of a solid gimbal mount bracket, which is found only in the more expensive fish finders.
Specifications
- Screen: 5 inches, 800×480 pixels
- Sonar: 83/200 kHz
- CHIRP: Yes
- GPS: No
Pros:
- The Gimbal mount is durable and strong.
- Powerful CHIRP sonar.
- High-quality color image with a bright screen.
- Affordable.
Cons:
- No GPS.
- No side view.
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Lowrance Hook2 4x Bullet
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One of the best fish finders under 200 dollars this year is the Lowrance Hook2 4x Bullet, which is surprisingly powerful for its size and price of just $99! The Hook2 boasts a 4.3-inch screen, complete with a resolution of 480×270 pixels, LED backlighting, and even 16-bit color. What’s more, the brightness of the scene is adjustable too. Built for speed, the smartphone-like fish finder allows you more time on the water and less time messing with complicated settings. That said, the main USP of this device is the CHIRP sonar with DownScan Imaging. Furthermore, it can be viewed both in split-screen or in the exclusive DownScan Overlay mode. It’s no surprise that this fish finder under $200 gets rave reviews everywhere.
DownScan Overlay is handy as it’s the best of DownScan and 2D sonar. The device also comes with a simple yet accurate GPS plotter that can be used to find good fishing spots from earlier. Finally, the Lowrance Hook2 even uses a side-scan beam, allowing you to locate fish within a large area of water.
Specifications
- Screen: 4.3 inches, 480×270 pixels
- Sonar: 83/200 kHz
- CHIRP: Yes
- GPS: Yes
Pros:
- Comes with a backlight for nighttime fishing.
- Side-scan beam.
- CHIRP sonar with 2D imaging.
- GPS Plotter.
Cons:
- Only one screen size available.
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Garmin Striker Plus 4cv
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An intriguing, best fish finder under 200 is the Striker Plus 4cv from Garmin. The 3.5-inch display might be small, but the bright and vivid HVGA colors and excellent pixel count of 480×320 make up for it. The powerful little device’s sonar has everything you’d ever need from a fish finder – CHIRP sonar, DownScan, as well as 2D imaging. What’s more, the 4cv even supports a wide array of frequencies within these sonar options. Plus, you even have the option of using Dual-Beam with traditional sonar. All this, combined with the GT20-TM transducer provides you with both excellent shallow and deep water performance.
What’s so great about the Garmin device is that it also features high-tech GPS capabilities, which is a feature missing in other units costing around $160-170, which is what this one costs. With the ability to drop waypoints on good fishing spots, this device is a cincher for this price.
Specifications
- Screen: 3.5 inches, 480×320 pixels
- Sonar: 77/200 kHz
- CHIRP: Yes
- GPS: Yes
Pros:
- Has GPS.
- CHIRP sonar feature.
- Easy to use and install.
- Waterproof!
Cons:
- Needs to be connected to a power supply.
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Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder
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The Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder is the best portable fish finder for beginners under 200 dollars. The simple, easy to use fish finder is perfect for beginners who aren’t used to fishing and using fish finders yet. The sturdy yet compact device features a simple LCD screen that’ll last you a lifetime. Even then, it features an anti-UV coating and offers reasonable protection from bright sunshine and conditions. What’s more, the Venterior device can work in depths ranging from 3 to 330 feet, and despite not having CHIRP, finds fish reliably.
Furthermore, the finder is connected via just a 25-feet cable and still provides accurate readings so as to where you need to cast your line. As long as you keep the sensors above 0 degrees celsius, the kit can work in the coldest of climates even for ice fishing. In addition, stay away from muddy water and strong waves as it impacts the performance of the finder. For all its pluses, it’s no surprise that this fish finder under $200 has excellent reviews from beginners.
Specifications
- Screen: 2.2 inches, 160×160 pixels
- Sonar: 200 kHz
- CHIRP: No
- GPS: No
Pros:
- UV coating.
- Works in colder climates.
- Uses AAA batteries and even has a battery power saver mode.
- Basic and easy to use.
Cons:
- No GPS or CHIRP.
- No power display.
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Humminbird 410160-1 PIRANHAMAX 4.3 DI
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When it comes to the best fish finder under 200, Humminbird doesn’t disappoint. The above-average Humminbird 410160-1 PIRANHAMAX has a transducer that supports both frequencies, with the unit going as deep as 600 feet. The LED-backlit 4.3-inch display screen allows you to read it normally whether you’re night fishing or fishing in bright sunlight. Moreover, it even comes with a tilt-swivel mount and an in-dash mounting kit to mount it safely onboard the craft. Despite not having any navigation or GPS functions, the device provides a high-quality down-imaging and 2D sonar. What’s more, down imaging levels go as deep as 320 feet. Combine that with a dual-beam sonar, and you’ve got yourself a great device.
In spite of not having CHIRP, the finder boasts a 2.5-inch target separation, allowing distinguishing between groups of smaller fish close by as opposed to larger fish. Plus, you can use only one sonar beam at a time, which is a huge plus point that won’t instantly come to the mind as such. Finally, the @124 price point is too good to be true.
Specifications
- Screen: 4.3 inches, 480×272 pixels
- Sonar: 200/455 kHz
- CHIRP: No
- GPS: No
Pros:
- IPX7 waterproof.
- Easy to use with color display.
- Dual-beam sonar.
- Alert system for certain sizes of fishes.
Cons:
- No GPS.
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Deeper Smarter Sonar Pro
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Costing just $195, the Deeper Smarter Sonar Pro is the best value-for-money fish finder under 200 dollars. Different from other fish finders on this list, the Deeper Smarter one is actually a castable sonar ball that is attached to your fishing line. So, this basically means that the device is actually cast along with your bait. Since it operates with dual-scan sonar technology, it’s useful for all kinds of fishing, whether you’re boat or ice fishing. making it useful for all types of fishing, whether ice or boat fishing.
What’s even better is that the fish finder uses WiFi which, when integrated with GPS, collects detailed data in real-time. Thus, you can see this data on an app on your tablet or smartphone and enjoy a truly flawless fishing experience. What’s even better is that you can even attach the device to your boat or fishing rod. Finally, this nifty device has a rechargeable battery which provides five hours of usage on a single charge.
Specifications
- Screen: –
- Sonar: 90/290 kHz
- CHIRP: No
- GPS: Yes
Pros:
- Integrates with GPS and Wi-Fi on smartphone/tablet app.
- Dual-scan sonar.
- Versatile.
Cons:
- The app crashes sometimes.
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Boblov IR Fish Finder (CU)
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If you’re going fishing in clear waters, then there’s no best fish finder under 200 than the Boblov IR Fish Finder. It’s actually a fishing camera and costs less than $100, which means it has no sonar. However, in clear waters, it’s pretty cool and works beautifully. You can even watch the fish biting under the water, thanks to the great picture quality. What’s more, the size of the 7-inch monitor is pretty great for viewing a clear picture.
Besides the above, the fish camera has a lot of cool features, starting with its cold-resistant coating that helps you fish in colder waters too. The sun visor is perfect for bright, sunny mornings, while the night vision works perfectly for fishing after dark. Everything comes wrapped in a nice hard case that makes this an easy carry too.
Specifications
- Screen: 7 inches, HD 1000TV
- Sonar: No
- CHIRP: No
- GPS: No
Pros:
- Works well in shallow, clear waters.
- Excellent for ice fishing.
- Reasonably priced.
- Great picture.
Cons:
- No GPS.
- No sonar.
Vexilar SP200 T-Box Fish Finder
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If there’s a fish finder under $200 that has amazing reviews all around, it’s the Vexilar SP200 T-Box Fish Finder. Besides being an excellent fish finder under 200 dollars, it’s also lightweight and absolutely rich in features. The model comes with a discrete receiver and transmitter and can be easily mounted just about anywhere. In order to read the data, you’ll need to integrate it with an app on your smartphone. So, you can not only see a clear and good image but also read all the data you ever require to fish in all kinds of waters too.
Since the device is wired into the battery of the boat, the battery life of the unit will never be an issue. What’s more, the warranties on the unit are also pretty great. However, the unit doesn’t have an auto-off feature. So you need to be mindful about switching off the device when it’s not in use, or it’ll drain your battery. The best part? It supports a whopping 17 languages and reads up to a depth of 240 feet!
Specifications
- Screen: –
- Sonar: 83/200 kHz
- CHIRP: No
- GPS: Yes, when integrated with the smartphone app.
Pros:
- Can be used as a Wi-Fi hotspot.
- Good, clear image.
- Excellent warranty.
- Excellent features for a price of $150.
Cons:
- No auto-off feature.
- The transducer’s angle is fixed.
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Eyoyo Professional Fish Finder
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The Eyoyo Professional Fish Finder is another best fish finder under 200 that doesn’t quite fit the typical fish finder mold. For one, it’s a castable device, which means it can go down with your bait. It’s one of the only two units on this list to have this feature. Secondly, it also comes with a cool-looking monitor that boasts a 7-inch-huge screen. Moreover, the bright, visible screen even comes with a removable sun-visor perfect for sunny days. Since it doesn’t have in-built sonar, the device is best used for fishing in clear water.
What’s great about this fish finder is that it comes in three variants for three different depths – 49 feet, 98 feet, and 164 feet. Furthermore, the fishes can even be seen in darker environments in the form of black and white photos thanks to the infrared LED lights. When the battery is fully charged, the device can last for as many as eight hours on a single charge. The best part? The portable mini-case it comes in is waterproof.
Specifications
- Screen: 7 inches, 800×480 pixels
- Sonar: –
- CHIRP: No.
- GPS: No
Pros:
- Comes in a durable, waterproof case.
- Affordable.
- Good image quality.
- Castable.
Cons:
- The image is dependent on water conditions.
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Moocor Underwater Fishing Camera (404)
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Say hello to no-squinting fishing with the Moocor Underwater Fishing Camera, the best fish finder under 200 dollars priced at just $150. Built with Taiwanese and Japanese technology, this professional underwater fishing camera uses a special pull-resistant cable. Moreover, the 50-feet long cable is anti-pressing, cold-resistant, waterproof, and cannot be corroded either. Going further, you’ll even find infrared LED lights that switch on or off depending on how the visibility is underwater.
However, that’s not all. There are a lot of positives about this fishing camera, starting with the fact that the camera can be placed both vertically and horizontally. It all depends on which position you want to monitor. Secondly, you’ll even find night lights so you can fish even in the dark. In addition, the camera boasts an angle of 120 degrees, thus offering an open view of the fishing area underwater. Finally, the camera can work up to eight hours on a single, full charge, making it suitable for dock, kayak, and ice fishing. It’s no surprise that it’s one of the fish finders under $200 with the best reviews.
Specifications
- Screen: 4.3 inches, 800×480 pixels
- Sonar: –
- CHIRP: No
- GPS: No
Pros:
- Superior underwater lens.
- Strong, long cable wire.
- Multi-function LCD monitor.
Cons:
- Some users complained about image quality.
Garmin Striker 4 Fish Finder
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Another best fish finder under 200 that’s utterly value-for-money is the Garmin Striker 4 Fish Finder. Available in 7-inch, 5-inch, and 3.5-inch sizes, the device comes with a superb HVGA color display. So, you don’t have to encounter those annoying glares on bright, sunny days. The diminutive device packs a punch for such a small fish finder and has many features that most fish finders in its range don’t have. For instance, it features the CHIRP sonar technology, which is a rather nifty addition to allowing you to see clearer and spot fish easier. Moreover, the device even has a waypoint map helping navigate and mark up to 5000 waypoints using its GPS. So, if you want to maximize your time spent fishing, then this is a very handy tool.
Going further, the Striker 4 makes use of two conical beams that can be used for fishing in both medium depths as well as deep waters. The transducer provided with the device can take you to depths of 750 feet in saltwater. In fact, stronger transducers allow the device to be used to a depth of as deep as 1600 feet.
Specifications
- Screen: 3.5/5/7 inches, 480×320 pixels
- Sonar: 77/200 kHz
- CHIRP: Yes
- GPS: Yes
Pros:
- Saves up to 5000 waypoints from previous fishing trips.
- Easy to use and install.
- CHIRP 2D sonar.
- Waterproof.
- Great image quality.
Cons:
- The screen is slightly small.
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Humminbird PiranhaMax 197C Fish Finder
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Humminbird has yet another best fish finder under 200 dollars – the Humminbird PiranhaMax 197C Fish Finder. It’s rare for a fish finder under $200 to get excellent reviews unanimously, and the Humminbird sure doesn’t disappoint. Even with this lower-end model, you end up snagging a ton of features that you’ll only find in more expensive devices. To begin with, the device boasts a 3.5-inch color display that produces an image that’s not only crystal-clear but also accurate. Not only is the screen easy to read, but also the unit is easy to use and portable, complete with a carry case.
While there’s no GPS, the device does have a lot of other extra features. These include a dual-sonar system, zoom features, depth alarms, as well as fish alarms. The in-built transducer can go up to a depth of 600 feet, making it perfect for recreational fishing in shallow to medium-depth waters.
Specifications
- Screen: 3.5 inches, 240×320 pixels
- Sonar: 77/200 kHz
- CHIRP: No
- GPS: No
Pros:
- Accurate.
- Easy to use and portable.
- Three frequencies to choose from.
- Great image quality.
Cons:
- No GPS.
- No PC-linking abilities.
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Lixada Underwater Ice Fishing Video Camera
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Topping the list of the best fish finder under 200 is the Lixada 20M 1000TVL Fish Finder, which is one powerful diminutive underwater fishing camera with video recording capabilities. To begin with, the unit has a 4.3-inch LCD display with HD images and even a sun visor for clear viewing on bright and sunny days. A 140-degree-wide angle lens and impeccable waterproof rating help capture superbly clear and accurate images underwater. That said, you need to insert a TF card for storing any videos or images for future playback. It even comes with a special bracket for fixing the monitor on your fishing rod to help you in viewing the images easily.
What’s more, the Lixada camera incorporates eight LED lights perfect for night fishing. It even comes with a 65.6-feet long cable that holds its own even in deep waters, no matter the surroundings. Finally, it can run on a single, full charge for up to four hours, which is great for a fishing camera of its size.
Specifications
- Screen: 4.3 inches, 1000TVL
- Sonar: –
- CHIRP: No
- GPS: No
Pros:
- Recording capabilities for fishing expeditions.
- Waterproof.
- A 140-degree wide-angle lens helps scan a larger area underwater.
- High-resolution screen display.
Cons:
- No sonar or GPS.
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