Fishermen and fisherwomen have been using fish finders for decades to help locate their catch. These devices use sonar technology to detect and display the location and size of fish in the water. While fish finders were once considered a luxury item, they have become an essential tool for many anglers.
When it comes to purchasing a fish finder, one of the most critical things to consider is the price. While there are many high-end models on the market, not everyone wants to or can afford to spend a lot of money on a fish finder. Luckily, there are plenty of affordable options available that still provide accurate and reliable fish detection.
The most affordable fish finders on the market in 2024 typically come in the form of portable, handheld devices. These devices are perfect for anglers who fish from small boats or kayaks or who like to fish from shore. They are also great for those who don’t want to invest in a more expensive, permanently installed fish finder. When shopping for an affordable fish finder, it’s important to consider factors such as the size of the screen, the battery life, and the range of the device.
In this article, we spent hours researching and testing the most affordable fish finders on the market in 2024 to identify the ones that provide the best value for your money. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, we’ve got you covered with our top picks for the most affordable fish finders.
Most Affordable Fish Finders
If you’re looking for a reliable fish finder that won’t break the bank, you’re in luck. We’ve compiled a list of the most affordable fish finders on the market, so you can spend less time searching and more time catching. These fish finders may be budget-friendly, but they still offer a range of features to help you locate fish and improve your fishing game. Check out our top picks below.
Hawkeye FishPod 5X Bluetooth Fish Finder
If you’re looking for an affordable and portable fish finder that can help you evolve your fishing, the Hawkeye FishPod 5X Bluetooth Fish Finder is a great option.
Pros
- The 4-preset operating modes of the FishPod 5X Bluetooth Fish Finder make it easy to adjust the screen settings and target fish by size, depth, or schooling.
- The FishEcho feature tunes the sonar in the water column to pinpoint the size and depth of fish while tuning out clutter, debris, and false echoes.
- The TraxNut Mounting System allows attachment to any 1/4 x 20 mounting bracket and expandability to any fishing platform.
Cons
- The BottomScan feature may struggle with deciphering between vegetation and soft/hard seabed.
- The Vertical Flasher feature may not work as well in open water as it does for ice fishing.
- The battery life may not last as long as you would like.
The Hawkeye FishPod 5X Bluetooth Fish Finder is easy to use and provides accurate readings to help you find fish quickly. The FishEcho feature is particularly useful for tuning out unwanted noise and honing in on the fish you want to catch. The TraxNut Mounting System is also a nice touch, as it allows you to attach the fish finder to any compatible bracket or platform.
However, the BottomScan feature may struggle with deciphering between vegetation and soft/hard seabed, which could lead to false readings. Additionally, the Vertical Flasher feature may not work as well in open water as it does for ice fishing, so keep that in mind if you plan to use it in a variety of settings. Lastly, the battery life may not last as long as you would like, so be sure to keep a backup battery handy if you plan to use the fish finder for extended periods of time.
Overall, the Hawkeye FishPod 5X Bluetooth Fish Finder is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable and portable fish finder that can help them catch more fish.
Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder Fish Finder No Gps
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable fish finder, the Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The auto-tuning sonar and phone-like menus make it easy to use, even for beginners.
- The wide-angle sonar cone provides double the coverage of traditional fish finders, so you can find fish more easily.
- The included Bullet Skimmer transducer gives you traditional 2-D sonar (fish arch) views, making it easier to identify fish.
Cons
- The unit is smaller than some users would prefer.
- The included instructions could be clearer and more detailed.
- The ice fishing transducer may not power up the unit.
The Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder is a reliable and affordable option for anyone looking to find fish more easily. The auto-tuning sonar and phone-like menus make it easy to use, even for beginners. The wide-angle sonar cone provides double the coverage of traditional fish finders, so you can find fish more easily. And with the included Bullet Skimmer transducer, you can get traditional 2-D sonar views to help you identify fish.
However, some users may find the unit to be smaller than they would prefer. Additionally, the included instructions could be clearer and more detailed. And some users have reported issues with the ice fishing transducer not powering up the unit.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable fish finder, the Lowrance HOOK2 is definitely worth considering.
Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finders with Transducer, Plus Optional Preloaded Maps 5 Splitshot, C-map US Inland Maps Fish Finders
If you’re looking for an affordable fish finder, the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finder is a great option to consider.
Pros
- FISHREVEAL technology makes fish easier to find and identify
- High-detail inland maps with almost 4,000 US inland lakes
- SplitShot transducer provides clear views of fish-holding structures
Cons
- Some users have reported issues with the Contour+ map card being discontinued and no longer updateable
- Not networkable
- Complicated configuration
The Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finder is perfect for anglers who want to spend less time adjusting their sonar settings and more time fishing. With FISHREVEAL technology, this fish finder makes it easier to find and identify fish. The high-detail inland maps with almost 4,000 US inland lakes and the SplitShot transducer provide clear views of fish-holding structures.
However, some users have reported issues with the Contour+ map card being discontinued and no longer updateable. Additionally, the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finder is not networkable and has a complicated configuration.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable fish finder that provides clear views of fish and fish-holding structures, the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finder is a great option to consider.
