Best Fish Finder GPS Combo in 2021 – Buyer’s Guide

If you are a fisherman or someone who casually likes to go on fishing trips, you will enjoy having a good GPS fishfinder. 

A GPS fish finder helps you spot the fish, so that you do not get frustrated while waiting for a long time. It also helps you mark the locations where you usually find a lot of fish, so you can return to them on your next trips. 

In this article, you will find the best Fish Finder GPS Combo, its features, and other helpful information.

Our Top Picks

	Weight	Dimensions	Screen Resolution
Simrad GO9 XSE MFD/ Sonar Best Overall	6 lbs.	13 x 10 x 9 in.	800 x 480
Garmin Striker 4 Runner Up	8 ounces	3.6 x 1.6 x 5.9 in.	480 x 320
Humminbird Helix 7 SI Large Screen	5.4 lbs.	10.5 x 3.7 x 5.8 in.	800 x 480
Garmin Echomap Chirp 74Cv Durable	1.7 lbs.	9.8 x 2 x 5.5 in.	800 x 480
Humminbird HELIX 5 Waterproof	2.5 lbs.	1.1 x 7.5 x 4.3 in.	800 x 480
Garmin Striker Plus 5cv Best Model For Beginners	1 lb.	7.4 x 2.1 x 4.5 in.	800 x 480
Humminbird Helix 10 G3N Built-in Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar	12.92 lbs.	20 x 13 x 10 in.	1024 x 600

The 7 Best Fish Finder GPS Combos for 2021

1. Simrad GO9 XSE MFD/ Sonar – Best Overall 

Let us discuss the best Chartplotter fish finder out there. Simrad GO9 XSE MFD/ Sonar can be very easily used with controls that are very close to those of smartphones and tablets, so it is very familiar. It also helps you stay on course with its full-featured Chartplotter with a built-in GPS receiver. 

It lets you cover your waterways by letting you choose from the various maps that are provided by C-MAP. Moreover, it comes with a customizable screen on which you can add shortcuts to the things you frequently use, saving time. You can even add the wallpaper you want to make yourself feel more at home. 

Say goodbye to getting unclear images and trying to decipher the vague info on your screen only to realize later on that it is not updated. Simrad GO9 XSE MFD/ Sonar gives you crystal clear images of what is under your boat, whether you are sailing in an ocean, river, or a lake on its 800 x 480 screen. It also ensures that this information and these images are crisp and real-time. 

NMEA 2000 connectivity offers a range of expansion and integration options and allows for NMEA compliant devices like the monitor engine performance, fuel levels, heading, etc.

For the device to work as a capable fishfinder, you can add a sonar transducer that is, unfortunately, sold separately. 

Pros

• Easy-to-use interface 
• Easy to navigate 
• Does not vibrate 
• Dual Micro SD card slot
• Bright widescreen display 

Cons

• Doesn’t support NOAA Charts

Bottom Line 

If you want to expand the capabilities of sports boats and cruisers, this should be your choice. It has some of the most significant features any excellent Fish Finder GPS Combo could have.

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2. Garmin Striker 4 – Runner Up 

If you want to get a fish finder that would meet almost all of your requirements without breaking the bank, the best budget fishfinder GPS combo, Garmin Striker 4, is here for you as it is equipped with excellent technology. 

This is a great fishing device because it lets you mark the location where you last had a handful of fish in order to be able to return to it again. It can produce sonar images history to guide you to retrace your steps again whenever you want by allowing you to mark waypoints. Besides, the in-built sonar technology of Garmin Striker 4 is capable of taking explicit images of the sea.

Moreover, it features smooth scaling imagery that enables you to get clear pictures when you are navigating from shallow waters to deep waters. 

To make fishing more fun, this device allows you to share your favorite fishing spots with your friends through its communication interface.  

Would the display screen be of any importance if you couldn’t read it? Of course not. This product comes with a 3.5 inch LED display screen of 480 x 320 resolution that displays clear images and therefore has high readability. 

It uses a CHIRP (77/200 kHz) transducer that can be upgraded to high-performance CHIRP; however, you will have to pay for it separately because it is not included in the package. The CHIRP sonar sends a continuous sweep of frequencies, and so provides a wider range of information. There is also an in-built GPS that lets you gauge your position and marked waypoints. 

Furthermore, our precious device comes with a complete set of mounting structures. You do not need to worry about mounting the device on your vessel because this process is a piece of cake. 

The device can also tell you the speed by which you are sailing, and whether this speed is good for the specific species, you are angling for or not. 

Pros

• Easy to read and use the 3.5-inch color display
• CHIRP (77/200) transducer that can be upgraded to high-performance
• Water and rain resistant
• In-built speed meter

Cons

• Separately-sold CHIRP transducer
• One-year warranty 
• Unable to communicate to other non-identical devices 

Bottom Line 

Garmin Striker 4 is the best fish finder GPS combo as it provides you with advanced technology in consideration of a small amount of money. 

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3. Humminbird Helix 7 SI – Large Screen

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With Humminbird Helix 7 SI, you will never get lost while you are on the waters no matter where you are. The maps supply this device with depth, contouring, shipwrecks, and other fascinating underwater features. You can use LakeMaster, AutoChart Pro, as well as Navionics Gold.

Moreover, this is an impressive GPS depth finder as it comes with a built-in GPS that matches the high-density maps that it uses. It can provide you with precise imaging down to depths of 100, 600, and 1500 feet. It gets these clear images built-in contour maps and the Humminbird HD transducer, which is optional. 

Adding to the great features, the 7″ HD color screen gives you a clear view of what is under the water as it comes with 480 x 800 resolution. It also has easy controls so that you can zoom in on whatever you want down to 1500 feet. 

The whole device is effortless to use because it is a menu-driven system. 

Pros

• Affordable 
• Easy to use 
• Large screen 
• Great zooming in and clear images 

Cons

• No trolling motor bracket

Bottom Line 

This is a device that is so easy to use, so it is excellent for beginners and those who do not like dealing with sophisticated technology. Moreover, its screen is truly impressive.

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4. Garmin Echomap Chirp 74Cv – Durable 

This is another affordable GPS combo. According to the customers’ reviews, Garmin Echomap Chirp 74Cv is a durable fishfinder, and therefore worth every penny. 

This device is one of the best sonar GPS combos as it features the chirp sonar technology that enables you to sweep the ocean floor searching for fish. Once the fish are detected, the fish finder will beep to notify you of their presence. 

It is also equipped with a very clear scanning system to the extent that it will enable you to see the tiniest of details, including reefs, corals, and rocks. 

If you have not made many fishing trips before, or if it was your first time fishing in a particular area, you do not need to worry about having to do the searching process on your own. Garmin Echomap Chirp 74Cv features a built-in GPS system and several waypoints that mark the top fishing locations that have already been tested and marked by other fishermen. 

Another great point about this baby is that it allows you to either use the SplitShot transducer that gives you a full scan of the place right below your boat or to use the CHIRP sonar technology that provides the fish arch right on the screen.

However, because this is a simple device, it does not come with a charger or a carrying case. 

Pros:

• SplitShot transducer and CHIRP sonar technology 
• Durable 

Cons:

• Battery works for a few hours only 
• Does not come with a charger or a carrying case
• Small screen 
• Simple model 

Bottom Line 

Although this is a simple model, it is still one of the best Fish Finders with GPS, as it provides you with many appealing features at a reasonable price. However, you will have to pay for a charger and a carrying case separately. 

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5. Humminbird HELIX 5 – Waterproof

This is the most excellent Fish Finder with GPS because even though it comes with a complete set of auxiliary parts, it is still good for its money. When you are sailing, having a device to give you a sense of direction is as essential as air is to live. Since this babe comes with an in-built navigation system with a GPS, you won’t find yourself lost in the middle of the ocean. 

With Humminbird HELIX 5 high technology, you can rest assured that you won’t waste your time because you will always be in a place that promises a handful of caught fish. It also has a rotating head that allows for steady navigation on the water. 

Moreover, this is one of the budget fishfinder GPS combos as it is suitable for those who want to purchase a quality device without spending too much money. Our baby here comes from a family of high-class electronic equipment. 

It is also great for those who hate waiting, yet love fishing (we know how complicated this equation is). Humminbird HELIX 5 will not only accelerate your fishing process, but also guarantee a successful and fruitful trip.

Also, it features a 5-inch screen with 1, 500-nit brightness, and 800 x 480 resolution, and a CHIRP dual beam plus sonar with 4000 watts PTP power output. 

Pros:

• Micro-SD slot
• The 5-inch screen of 1,500 nit brightness
• One year warranty
• Waterproof

Cons:

• Difficult for those who are not acquainted with the technology
• The connection of the GPS works slowly 

Bottom Line 

This device would be the best Fish Finder GPS Combo for those who are familiar with the technology. Its CHIRP dual beam, along with its other attractive features, makes it suitable for its value. 

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6. Garmin Striker Plus 5cv – Best Model For Beginners 

Like the other models, this babe comes with a durable transducer; however, this transducer can be mounted in various ways. You can install it on your trolling motor and inside the hull. 

It is one of the most fabulous sonar GPS combos as it features CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar. 

Like the Gramin models, this model comes with a patented quickdraw contour mapping technology. This technology, together with the GPS, helps the users map the areas where they found a lot of fish so that they can share these areas with their friends and increase the fun and competition. 

What if you have never gone fishing before? What if you are going to fish in a brand new area that you have never been to before? The incredible Garmin Striker Plus 5cv has got your back with its Wi-Fi feature. You can use this feature to download the maps that were drawn by other fishermen, so as not to waste your time searching for the top fishing spot. Also, with the help of Wi-Fi, you can transfer the waypoints and routes you have created using the in-built GPS onto your computer. 

Moreover, you can use Bluetooth to share information like the weather conditions, your location, and so on. 

Sadly, I have to tell you that its sunlight-readable screen display that has a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels is very small at only 5″, so you will have to zoom in a lot to clearly see the fish displayed on the screen. You will also have to purchase the mounting gear separately, but the manufacturer offers it as an add-on. However, it is still one of the best Fish Finders with GPS.

Pros:

• Great for beginners
• The transducer can be mounted in many different ways 
• Sunlight-readable screen 
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth  

Cons:

• Small screen 
• Separately purchased mounting gear 
• Available in one size only 
• Zooming function malfunctions after some time 

Bottom Line 

If you are a beginner or if you are someone searching for a fish finder to offer to a beginner, Garmin Striker Plus 5cv will not fail you if you are okay with the small screen size and the probability of the zooming malfunctioning. 

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7. Humminbird Helix 10 G3N – Built-in Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar

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If you are willing to pay a fortune for an excellent GPS fish finder, look no further than Humminbird Helix 10 G3N. Thanks to its MEGA Side Imaging+ (SI+) and MEGA Down Imaging+ (DI+), you will see the underwater universe as you have never seen before. They provide a clear view of 2-feet in-depth on both sides of the boat.

The built-in Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar provides two ways of searching for fish: wide mode and narrow mode. The wide mode offers maximum coverage, while the narrow mode provides maximum detail. Moreover, the sonar identifies well-defined fish arches and provides the users with clear views of the fish-holding structure and the bottom.  

This device features precise GPS location with built-in Humminbird Basemap to give you a clear view of what’s below your boat, the surrounding points, and navigation aids. You can also use its AutoChart Live if you want to create customized depth contour maps.

Moreover, there is an easy-to-use keypad control on the 10. 1-Inch full-color TFT display (1024 x 600). Also, if you don’t like using your phone near water, there is Bluetooth connectivity that allows your phone notifications to appear on the screen display. 

Humminbird Helix 10 G3N includes a transducer and mounting hardware, power cable, gimbal mounting bracket, and unit cover. 

There are also other models with 8, 9, and 12.1-inch display screens. 

Pros

• Easy-to-use keypad control
• 10. 1-Inch full-color TFT display
• Features an AutoChart Live
• Built-in Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar

Cons

• The unit cover may be missing 

Bottom Line 

This is the best fish finder GPS combo to purchase if you are looking for one that features the two ways of searching for fish, a full-color TFT display, an AutoChart Live, and a built-in dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar. 

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How To Pick a Fishfinder GPS Combo

1. Display 

The thing you should seek is readability. You would not like it if you look at your display screen and understand nothing, will you? 

Look for a screen that allows you to quickly and easily understand the information it presents and know what to do with this information. 

There are also various screen sizes and types that vary from 4-inch monochrome display to 10-inch full-color display. For accurate, crisp details, go for 5-inch and 7-inch color screens. Also, you must put the resolution into your consideration. It varies from 320×240 to 640×480, depending on its manufacturer’s specifications.

As a rule of thumb, the more resolution, the better. However, this does not mean that less resolution is terribly bad because it would be okay if it’s a grayscale display. To sum up, if you have enough money, it is better to go for a higher resolution.  

You should also see the way the boxes are arranged, whether the graphs are easy or complicated to read, and the size of the texts and numbers on the screen. 

2. Transducer

This is the heart of your device. If you do not know what the transducer is, you might as well not get a fishfinder at all. A transducer is this part of the device that sends the sonar waves into the water. Since the sonar beam works at a particular frequency, the transducer has two types: a narrow range and a wider range.

Each type of these is used for a particular target. If you need it to work for large depths of water, go for the narrow range. However, it can only cover a limited area. In case you need to cover a wide area, go for the wide transducer, but you must know that it can’t see much more in-depth.

If you need both, you can! Just go for a fish finder that comes with dual-frequency. It covers broad areas and deep depth of water. 

3. Scanning Modes 

There are two types of scanning, namely, side-imaging scanning and down-imaging scanning.

Side-Imaging Scanning

The transducer scans the water that is directly under the boat using a single beam of sonar wave. This method results in a clear output; however, some objects cannot be easily identified. 

Down-Imaging Scanning

Unlike the Side-Imaging Scanning, this type of scanning uses two beams of sonar waves. It results in many clear images on the screen.

4. Operating Frequency

The transducer sends sonar sound waves that are measured in frequency. As we already know, higher frequency means a clear image. The frequency generally ranges between 50khz to 220khz, and it is directly proportional to the transducer’s two modes. Like I said before, it is better to get a dual-frequency fish finder. 

5. Power 

Like any device, power is a crucial aspect. The power of the device determines the level of depth of scanning, and it ranges from 400 watts to 1200 watts. The more the watts, the more you can see in the depth of the water. Moreover, higher power fish detectors are suitable for working at high speeds. 

However, the more power, the more the battery gets consumed, and therefore runs for a shorter time. So, the best thing to do is to choose the power that is most suitable for your needs. 

6. GPS Technology

The fact that there are fishfinders with built-in GPS blows my mind! It enables you to specify waypoints and mark them at your favorite points, so that the next time you go fishing, you know the sweet spot. Moreover, some devices have map pre-loaded for navigation that can be used as a navigation system to lead you to the perfect fishing spot.

Getting a fishfinder GPS combo will not be as expensive as you think; on the contrary, it will save you the amount of money that you would spend on buying two separate products. 

7. Portability 

There are portable and fixed fish finders. The portable one is great for those who want to remove the detector from their kayaks after fishing. They are easy to carry, and they take up less space than the fixed ones. 

However, if you own a kayak and you do not want to spend time fixing the portable detector on your kayak every time you go fishing, then go for the fixed models. 

What Are The Benefits of Using a Fishfinder GPS Combo, and Why Would You Use It 

Have Great Computing Performance in a Small Package 

Usually, commercial fishermen have a lot of space on their boats so they can accommodate a lot of equipment. However, amateurs and semi-professional fishermen do not usually enjoy this much space. This is no longer a problem for beginners because they can finally have one equipment that provides them with various functionalities. 

Save Data and Information, So You Don’t Start From Square One Next Time 

If you have gone fishing before, you definitely know what it feels like when you are leaving a perfect fishing spot. You keep wondering if you will be lucky to find it again. With a Fishfinder GPS Combo, you do not need luck. It will enable you to navigate quickly and successfully to your favorite fishing spot.

The reduction in the physical size is accompanied by increasing the computer memory so that you can save all the info of your top fishing spots in order to return to them no matter where you go. 

Moreover, they do not only save the locations, but they also save depth, water conditions, and schooling/fish behavior, so that you can return to the site even if you haven’t gone to it for months or even a year. 

All-in-one Equipment 

When you have all the equipment you need in just one device, this will lessen the stress because you will no longer need to check the battery of each device. Make sure they are all with you before you go fishing. 

Get a Better Idea of What Is Underwater 

With better screens and better imaging, you can see what you’re fishing for and where the fish are. 

Frequently Asked Questions:

What’s The Difference Between Chartplotter and GPS?

The main difference between them lies in the show of a map. The GPS provides your location without showing it on a map, but the Chartplotter takes your location and places it on a map. 

To sum up, all chart plotters use GPS and not vice versa. 

What is a GPS Plotter on a Fish Finder?

It is a device that helps fishermen know their exact location in the water, as well as the location of harbors and ports. It also finds and locates fish, so that the fishermen do not waste their time in an area with no fish at all.  

Are Fish Finders Waterproof? 

Yes, they are. However, some models are only water-resistant. Such models cannot be submerged, or else they will be destroyed. 

Final Thoughts 

I believe you have already found what you are looking for. If not, I will help you by recommending some of the best models so that you can easily find the best fish finder GPS Combo. 

If you need it for a beginner, you can go for Garmin Striker Plus 5cv or Humminbird Helix 7 SI. Each of them has its impressive features.

If you need to share your fishing spots and fishing experience with your friends, get Garmin Striker 4 or Garmin Striker Plus 5cv.

I understand that the variety from which you are allowed to choose can be a bit confusing, but if you re-read the article again, the image will be clearer.