Best kayak depth finder under $200

[AggieBassin10]

Hey BR, looking for a depth finder for my kayak (12 ft Manta Ray) and was curious what opinions you guys had for something relatively user friendly but effective. I've read good reports about the Garmin Chirp but wanted to know what you guys think. Thanks!

[TimberTodd]

I cannot say which unit is the best for a kayak. I purchased a Lowrance Hook4X for my kayak. I have only used it once so I'm still in the early learning stages. I can say the screen is easy for me to see and read and it is not overly complicated. I'm an in no ways a tech. person so the simpler the better. I am on vacation this week and looking forward to playing with it more.

[LadiMopar]

On 3/25/2018 at 9:57 PM, AggieBassin10 said:

Hey BR, looking for a depth finder for my kayak (12 ft Manta Ray) and was curious what opinions you guys had for something relatively user friendly but effective. I've read good reports about the Garmin Chirp but wanted to know what you guys think. Thanks!

 

I don't want a lot of electronics clutter in my yak so I went with a Deeper Sonar unit which attaches with a flex arm over the side of the yak. Visuals are transmitted via Bluetooth to a tablet or phone. Graphics are good, and in  boat mode I can map out the smaller waters that don't have topos/bathymetry. With a split screen I can view both the map and the structure/depth/fish/water temp etc. I can also keep a check in real time on weather conditions. Not a bad deal for about $150- $200 depending on the model you get.

 

Good Luck in your search for what works for you!

LM

[AggieBassin10]

Thanks guys!!! 

[Dorado]

I also own a Lowrance Hook 4x for my kayak and absolutely love it! Strongly recommend it

[Fishingmickey]

https://www.cabelas.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=2651030&type=product&WT.z_btnclk=YMAL-2651030&WT.z_pg_ref=prd2646072

 

https://www.cabelas.com/product/boating/marine-electronics/sonars-sonar-gps-combos/pc/104794380/c/104707080/sc/104588280/garmin-striker-plus/2646072.uts?slotId=7

 

I think either one of these units would fill the bill.

Good luck,

Fishingmickey

[DogBone_384]

I have Hook-5’s on both my kayaks.  I paid more than $199 last year, but I’ve seen them for $199.  I like them a lot.  The screen’s big, they came with 83/200-455/800 downscan transducers, and integrated GPS.  I power them with my Milwaukee M12 extended life batteries and get 4-5 hours out of them per battery.

 

I fish mostly small waters and don’t have much experience with detailled mapping.  I use a scupper mount on my Lure 11.5 and custom mounted the transducer with a plumbing flange on my Ascend 128T.

 

Good luck picking your unit.

[All about da bass]

2 hours ago, DogBone_384 said:

I have Hook-5’s on both my kayaks.  I paid more than $199 last year, but I’ve seen them for $199.  I like them a lot.  The screen’s big, they came with 83/200-455/800 downscan transducers, and integrated GPS.  I power them with my Milwaukee M12 extended life batteries and get 4-5 hours out of them per battery.

 

I fish mostly small waters and don’t have much experience with detailled mapping.  I use a scupper mount on my Lure 11.5 and custom mounted the transducer with a plumbing flange on my Ascend 128T.

 

Good luck picking your unit.

Hook 5's are the way to go on a kayak.

[AggieBassin10]

Thanks for all the input, I was looking at the Hook 4x and saw two different ones: one that said W/Mid/Hi XDCR (much cheaper) and one that said W/Mid/Hi/DownScan XDCR. My question is a.) can someone translate that I'm new to the world of electronics and b.) is the DownScan really worth the extra money? Thanks guys 

[Fishingmickey]

How far south in south Texas are ya and your true feelings about burnt orange?

[AggieBassin10]

1 hour ago, Fishingmickey said:

How far south in south Texas are ya and your true feelings about burnt orange?

Southwest of Houston! Gig'em Ags all the way man!! "I will cut the horns off all the wicked" Psalms 75:10.  But in all seriousness I don't judge a man by the school he reps. I judge him on his character and his ability to stick a big fat largemouth! 

[Fishingmickey]

     My Sis, brother-in-law and boss are all die hard Aggie's. I'm in south central Texas, New Braunfels area. Been fishing the KATS series out of Austin. www.fishkats.com if your interested in kayak tournament bass fishing.

FM

[AggieBassin10]

1 hour ago, Fishingmickey said:

     My Sis, brother-in-law and boss are all die hard Aggie's. I'm in south central Texas, New Braunfels area. Been fishing the KATS series out of Austin. www.fishkats.com if your interested in kayak tournament bass fishing.

FM

I've seen the trail before, was gonna try to fish it this year but then life happened... Hopeing to get on it next year though!

[NoSlackin']

Just got my striker 4 plus today. So far I am happy, will have it on the water tonight.