Best Portable Fish Finders: Complete Reviews With Comparisons
The best portable fish finder is essential to any angler's tacklebox.
With innovative technology, such as displaying approximate fish locations, you can make the most of your trip.
Below, you'll find five spectacular models that are highly recommended for kayaking, fishing off your dock, or even ice fishing.
Comparison Chart
Portable Fish Finder Reviews
1. Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder
The Venterior VT-FF001 is a fantastic option if you need a portable fish finder suitable for all conditions.
It helps you keep an eye on approximate fish locations and underwater vegetation for the most seamless fishing experience possible.
Also, it combines easy-to-use features, like accurate depth readings when traveling at slow speeds.
Product Highlights
The Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder shows you exactly what is in the water.
It detects water depth and displays fish, sand, rocks, and weeds on the handheld display.
Being able to see where all of these obstacles are, and helping you differentiate between them, is a huge advantage, especially when you’re maneuvering a smaller boat.
You can use the Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder on a small boat or kayak running under 5MPH for maximum detection.
It is powered by four AAA batteries and lasts about four to five hours with consistent use.
The Good
The Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder is easy to use. It also comes with a neck strap so you don’t have to hold it the entire time you’re trolling.
It is also small enough to be stored in a tackle box for your convenience.
Having a small option also lets you have more room for other gear that you need for your fishing trip while still allowing you all the functionality you need from a portable fish finder.
It's also great that a two-year warranty covers this model.
The Bad
The transducer's strap is not very sturdy, which could pose a problem if it breaks when you toss it into the water.
You wouldn’t want to lose it in a lake or pond and then have to spend the rest of your day trying to recover it or go out to buy a new one.
It's also disappointing that the Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder is not as accurate as some higher-grade models.
You’ll get the jest of what is going on below the surface, but perhaps not a completely detailed reading of the floor and the obstacles that may lie in your way.
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CONS
2. LUCKY FFC1108-1 Portable Fish Finder
Anglers searching for a higher-end fish finder are bound to love the LUCKY FFC1108-1 Portable Fish Finder.
When in use, you’ll have continual fish and bottom contour readouts to use to your advantage.
Finding approximate fish locations, sand, rocks, and underwater vegetation has never been simpler.
Product Highlights
The LUCKY FFC1108-1 Portable Fish Finder comes with a neck strap and mounting tabs, making it easy to set it up in the most convenient spot on your boat.
It can detect water depth and approximate fish location and size. It can also identify obstacles such as weeds, rocks, and sand.
What's better is that the unit displays all of this information on an easy-to-read screen.
This is great, especially when you’re out fishing on very sunny days.
That's because you need to read the screen quickly so that you know if it’s time to cast a line or head to the next spot.
You can use this device while trolling up to 5MPH. The transducer has a 25-foot cable and a removable transducer float, with a range of three to 328 feet depth.
The Good
What we love most about the LUCKY FFC1108-1 Portable Fish Finder is that you can use it in a variety of fishing activities, including ice, kayak, freshwater, and saltwater.
It's also great that you can both wear it and mount it without worries.
Another great thing about it is that it comes with a 12-month warranty.
The Bad
The battery life of the LUCKY FFC1108-1 Portable Fish Finder does not last all day.
That means you need to remember to bring extra batteries to make sure you’re not left in the middle of the water with no portable fish finder.
Depending on how long you plan to be out fishing, this could be a problem, especially when it comes to space and weight in your boat.
The user manual is also lacking in detail, so you may have to spend a little extra time figuring out how the device works.
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3. Eyoyo Q1506 Portable Fish Finder
The Eyoyo Q1506 has several top-tier features, such as an LCD monitor and infrared LED technology.
This device is ideal for those who love ice fishing, lake fishing, and boat fishing.
If you’ve been searching for a fish finder with a clear and vibrant camera, this is a great option.
Product Highlights
This portable fish finder stands out for its underwater fishing video camera and seven-inch color screen, complete with a sun visor for bright, sunny days.
The camera includes 12 infrared LED lights to see fish even in the dark.
The Eyoyo Q1506 is less of a fish finder than some other models, but it definitely offers a closer look at all of the fish.
That way, you can make sure you’re catching exactly what you’re looking for.
On top of the accuracy, it’s a lot of fun to check out what’s swimming below the surface from the comfort of your boat.
The Good
The Eyoyo Q1506 Portable Fish Finder lets you get up close and personal with the fish.
You’ll be able to see what’s under the water in high definition and color.
It is completely waterproof and comes with a 12-month warranty and multiple accessories.
The Bad
This is a bit different than your typical fish finder. It is a camera and doesn’t include the typical display you expect from a fish finder.
You won’t be able to tell the depth or see obstacles that the camera isn’t facing.
The Eyoyo Portable Fish Finder may not be very versatile when it comes to navigation.
It just provides overall data collection of the area around you while you’re fishing.
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4. RINCANK RKTL88EC Portable Fish Finder
The RICANK RKTL88EC Portable Fish Finder has plenty to offer as a sonar sensor transducer.
Anglers will have clear visibility of important fish metrics with the innovative LCD.
Also, it has five sensitivity modes for all water conditions.
Product Highlights
The RINCANK Portable Fish Finder is a great option with many features of a traditional fish finder.
Along with the water depth and fish location detection, you can use it in many different fishing adventures.
This fish finder has a 25-foot cord attached to the transponder, so you can toss it out into the water without a worry.
It works in depths up to 328 feet and has a detector range of 45-degree cone underwater.
This also comes with mounting hardware and a convenient neck strap, so you don't have to hold onto the display during the whole trip.
You can have your hands free to cast a line or pull in a big one when the time comes.
The Good
We love that you can take this model for ice fishing, kayak fishing, and lakes, rivers, and oceans. It really can go anywhere, which is key for a portable fish finder.
Having something that can work in a diverse array of settings means that you have a piece of equipment that can handle any terrain.
It's also great that it comes with a lot of accessories, saving you money and time from buying necessary items.
It's also great that it has five sensitivity levels, battery-saving mode, fish alarm feature, backlight mode, and different units of measure.
The Bad
Like some of the other models, the transducer's neck strap and cord aren’t super high quality.
You may end up needing to replace them with something a little more reliable.
This also has a moderately short battery life, so you’ll need to bring some extra batteries along.
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5. Venterior VT-FF001E Portable Fish Finder
The essential features of the Venterior VT-FF001E Portable Fish Finder make it ideal for entry-level anglers.
Its easy-to-use design allows you to analyze underwater activity with five sensitivities.
Also, it has several user-friendly features, such as a fish alarm and versatile measurements.
Product Highlights
This portable fish finder from Venterior is a bit different than the one we looked at first.
It shows you obstacles in the water like rocks, sand, and weeds of different sizes and the fish size and water depth.
You can use it from any type of boat, including a moving kayak. Just ensure that you're using it at 5MPH or slower for maximum accuracy.
If you move at speeds any faster than 5MPH, you’re less likely to get an accurate reading of the floor, which could cost you some great fishing spots if you’re not careful.
The unit comes with a battery-saving mode, blacklight mode, fish alarm, and units of measure.
The Good
The great thing about the Venterior VT-FF001E Portable Fish Finder is that it has five user sensitivity settings.
This allows you to control your experience with the fish finder to make sure you get all of the functionality you’re looking for at any particular moment.
You'll also love that apart from the display and transducer, you'll receive a removable transducer float with a rubber stopper, a neck strap, a stainless wing nut and bolt, a side-scan adapter, a user's manual, and a two-year warranty.
The Bad
The accuracy is a bit off with this unit. It sometimes indicates large rocks as fish, which could be troublesome when navigating.
It’s great for finding depth, but that’s not really what it’s marketed for. It doesn’t seem to be built to last, with multiple pieces that could easily break under slight pressure.
The unit is powered by four AAA batteries and will last about four to five hours.
This is great for a day trip, but if you’re planning on taking longer trips, you’ll need to pack multiple more batteries.
Again, having to pack tons of extra batteries could impact your storage space and the weight of your boat.
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Buyer’s Guide
You must have an idea of what to look for to find the unit that works best for you.
Below are the top features that you should consider when deciding which model to choose from our portable fish finder reviews.
Water Type
It’s often that anglers find themselves in various water conditions, especially as avid sportsperson.
With a fish finder that works in different water types, you won’t have to purchase alternate units for each trip.
The device you choose should easily work for lake fishing, coastal fishing, and ice fishing.
With this versatility, the fish finder will be remarkable for clear waters, inland waters, and cold temperatures.
Settings
The majority of fish finders come with an assortment of settings for you to navigate through.
These components are essential for ensuring you get the most accurate readings possible in most water conditions.
A few of the unique settings include:
- Adjustable Sensitivity
By adjusting your fish reader's sensitivity, you'll have a better chance of catching hard-to-read fish in rough conditions.
Alternatively, you can turn the sensitivity down if the reader is too bogged by environmental factors, such as vegetation.
- Battery Saving Modes
Running out of battery in the middle of your fishing trip can be a headache.
With battery saving modes, the device will automatically adjust the fish finder's sensitivity to preserve valuable power.
- Detectable Area
Depending on the fish finder you choose, it might have the option to adjust the detectable area.
Using this feature, you can adjust how far away from the boat the device is meant to find fish.
For example, you can adjust the device's reading angle to see fish as far as 45 degrees away.
Portability
When you're out fishing, it's essential to consider if you can bring the product with you with ease.
Of course, the most important aspect of portability is the size of the fish finder.
You want something that is the right size for your boat.
You don't want something that will occupy too much space in a small boat and bag.
Battery Type
You'll want to be sure to take a look at what type of power source your fish finder needs.
The great thing is that you have plenty of options for power capabilities that work best for what you need.
Some finders require a 12-volt battery, which could be a challenge if you’re looking for a lightweight option.
12-volt batteries can be a bit heavy, and they also require a bit of space, which you may not have available if you’re in a smaller boat or kayak.
This is something to consider when you’re choosing your portable fish finder.
Other options require AAA or AA batteries to operate. This is important to keep in mind since you need to bring extra batteries with you if you’re going out on an extended kayak fishing trip.
If you’re going on a trip for multiple days, this may not be a valid option for you.
Another power option is a rechargeable battery that is already installed in the fish finder.
It can be a good option if you have a way to charge the battery periodically in between fishing trips.
For many of the rechargeable options, you can find an adapter for your vehicle so you can recharge once you’re out of the water.
A rechargeable battery's versatility is a great option, but may not always be available, depending on the brand and model.
Accessories
Some portable fish finders come with useful accessories, and one of which is a neck strap.
A neck strap will allow you to carry your fish finder hands-free, either in or out of the boat.
It will also help save you space in your bag, especially when you love traveling to multiple sites to fish and rent out a fishing boat.
Portable Fish Finder FAQs
1. Do portable fish finders work?
Not only do fish finders work, but they are a fantastic option for every fisher, no matter how long you’ve been fishing or how often you go.
Everyone can benefit from a little help finding the fish in your area. Not only can you find fish, but you can figure out the depth of the body of water you’re fishing on and even spot obstacles that may be in your path.
Portable fish finders are fantastic because you can take them anywhere.
They have become a big hit with the ever-growing kayak fishing community because of their compact size and durability.
A portable fish finder gets the job done and doesn’t empty your wallet, giving you peace of mind that you’re getting an excellent value for the product performance you’re looking for.
2. Are LUCKY fish finders any good?
LUCKY fish finders are great! The LUCKY portable fish finder even made our list of top five fish finders.
You can use this portable fish finder in a variety of fishing locations, including ice fishing, kayak fishing, and freshwater and saltwater locations.
You can use this device while trolling up to 5MPH, and it will still produce quality images.
The transducer has a 25-foot cable and a removable transducer float, with a range of three to 328 feet depth.
This model comes with a 12-month warranty. It also comes with mounting tabs.
As such, you don’t have to buy separate mounting hardware to put your portable fish finder in just the right spot on your boat.
3. Are fish finders worth the money?
Fish finder are well worth the money, and the great thing is that you can find a portable fish finder to fit any budget.
Each fish finder does the basics of locating fish beneath your boat and measuring the depth of the water.
Knowing each of those things is invaluable in itself, and those are just the basic functions of any fish finder.
The quality improves and the price increases as more features are added to your fish finder.
There are GPS and imaging possibilities that make your fish finding experience easier and more more exciting.
Down imaging and side imaging offers you a closer and more crystal clear look at what is swimming in the water under your boat, giving you an edge when it comes to catching what you’re looking for.
GPS capability allows you to mark waypoints or create a course to come back to the next time you’re fishing in the same area.
Some models can even create your maps, which makes discovering new fishing holes exciting and something to look forward to every time.
You can also mark routes, so you know how to navigate easily through the lake or river the next time you come through.
Why would you want to sit in the same place time after time, not even knowing if there are fish under your boat ready to be caught?
For even a basic fish finder, you’ll increase your likelihood of catching fish every time you turn it on.
4. What size battery do I need for a fish finder?
Battery size for your portable fish finder depends on the brand and model you choose, which is completely up to your preference.
Not all fish finders require batteries, but even in the ones that do, battery sizes can vary greatly from one fish finder to the next.
5. Is CHIRP better than sonar?
CHIRP is certainly more active and rapid than sonar, but it all depends on your price point.
CHIRP capability is more expensive, and it really depends on the kind of fishing you’re doing.
If you recreationally fish now and then, throwing down a bunch of money for CHIRP is probably not in your best interest.
If you are an avid fisher, though, CHIRP is likely an excellent option for you.
Traditional sonar transmits signals consistently, but CHIRP sonar transmits signals 10 times longer in duration and building in intensity every time.
It’s a definite upgrade in recent fishing technology. With high accuracy and more reliable sonar, most CHIRP users will tell you that it’s worth every penny.
What Is the Top Portable Fish Finder?
The Eyoyo Q1506 is our choice for the top portable fish finder with its innovative modern features.
Having high-quality visual images of fish in the surrounding area with the 800x480 LCD is essential for more efficient catches.
Also, it boasts IR LED technology, which is perfect for fishing in dark and murky conditions with low visibility.
