If you’ve spent any time fishing from a boat or kayak, you’ve probably used fish finders. Once considered a luxury, modern fish finders are now one of the most valuable tools on the water. They don’t just show fish, they help you understand what’s happening below the surface so you can make better decisions about where, when, and how to fish. Every angler knows that more information regarding fish and water behavior leads to more succesful trips on the water.
In this article, and Hooked! The Kayak Anglers Resource podcast, we’ll break down what fish finders do and explain three of the most important sonar technologies used today: Down Scan, Side Scan, and Forward-Facing Sonar. Let's skip the basics about what fish finders are and jump right into the terminology that is most confusing. If you're searching for a fish finder for your kayak, let's get a better understanding on what types there are and which is the best fit for you.
Down scan sonar provides a highly detailed, photo-like view of what is directly beneath your boat. Unlike traditional 2D sonar, which shows fish as arches, down scan uses higher-frequency sound waves to create sharper images of structure and fish. You’ll see clearer outlines of rocks, timber, weeds, and fish holding close to cover. Think of down scan as looking straight down through a narrow window with excellent clarity.
Vertical Fishing
Structure-focused Fishing
Deep-water Fishing
Slow, Methodical Fishing
Is down imagaing right for me?
Down imaging is best for anglers who fish vertically or target specific structure beneath the boat, especially in deeper water. It’s a precision tool—perfect for confirming what you’re fishing before you drop a lure.
Side scan sonar displays detailed images of the underwater environment to both sides of your boat. Instead of only scanning below you, side scan sends sonar beams out wide—often 100 feet or more on each side—allowing you to quickly search large areas of water. It’s especially useful for finding structure without driving directly over it and potentially spooking fish.
Search Fishing & Covering Water
Structure & Cover Hunting
Offshore Fishing
Shallow Water Structure Fishing
Is side imaging right for me?
Side imaging is best for finding fish and structure efficiently across wide areas, especially offshore or in shallow flats with scattered cover. It helps you locate targets without disturbing fish, then switch to down imaging or 2D sonar to fish them precisely.
Forward-facing sonar shows real-time images of fish and structure in front of your boat. This technology allows anglers to see fish swimming, reacting to lures, and changing depth instantly. Unlike traditional sonar, which shows history as your boat passes over an area, forward-facing sonar displays live movement, often up to 100 feet ahead.
Targeting Individual Fish
Casting & "Video Game" Like Presentation
Open Water Fishing
Precise Presentations (Ice Fishing)
Is forward-facing sonar right for me?
Forward-facing sonar is best for real-time, fish-by-fish targeting, especially in open water or around isolated structure. It’s the ultimate tool for precision anglers who want to see fish behavior and fine-tune presentations instantly. It is not especially usueful in shallow or water filled with weeds/debris.
Shop all things Fish Finders to pair with your fishing kayak or boat. If you are considering a finder and need to pair it with a battery, shop our lithium battery collection. Be sure to check your finder's amperage draw and pair it with an appropriate sized battery.
Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv with GT20-TM Transducer THE CHOICE IS YOURS See fish and structure in maximum detail when you pick your display c...
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Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv with GT20-TM Transducer THE CHOICE IS YOURS See fish and structure in maximum detail when you pick your display c...
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ECHOMAP™ Ultra 2 10" Chartplotter-106sv Includes Garmin Navionics+™ U.S. Inland & Coastal Mapping ALL THE TOOLS YOU NEED FOR SUCCESSFUL FISHIN...
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Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv, U.S. inland without transducer Model: 010-02688-00 Easy-to-use 9" chartplotter with a bright, sunlight-readable touchscr...
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Garmin ECHOMAP™ Ultra 2 126sv 12"" Chartplotter LIVESCOPE Bundle without Transducer; Includes Garmin Navionics+™ U.S. Inland & Coastal Mapping ...
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Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 74cv, Garmin Navionics+ U.S. coastal content with GT20-TM transducer Model: 010-02595-51 Easy-to-use keyed 7" chartplotter wit...
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Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv, U.S. coastal without transducer Model: 010-02689-00 Easy-to-use 9" chartplotter with a bright, sunlight-readable touchsc...
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Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv, U.S. inland without transducer Model: 010-02684-00 Easy-to-use 7" chartplotter with a bright, sunlight-readable touchscr...
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Garmin ECHOMAP™ Ultra 2 126sv 12"" Chartplotters without Transducer; Includes Garmin Navionics+™ U.S. Inland & Coastal Mapping Model: 010-02882...
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Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 95sv, Canada inland and coastal without transducer Model: 010-02690-01 Easy-to-use 9" chartplotter with a bright, sunlight-rea...
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Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 75cv, Garmin Navionics+ Canada inland content with GT20-TM transducer Model: 010-02596-50 Easy-to-use keyed 7" chartplotter wi...
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Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 74sv, U.S. coastal without transducer Model: 010-02685-00 Easy-to-use 7" chartplotter with a bright, sunlight-readable touchsc...
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View full detailsLowrance Protective Suncover for Elite FS 10Model: 000-16443-001Protect your Elite FS from the elements with this suncover for 10 inch screens
Lowrance Elite™ FS 12 No Transducer (US/CAN) Model: 000-16431-001 Lowrance Elite™ FS 12 with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer (US/CAN) Model: 000-1...
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Lowrance Elite™ FS 10 with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer (US/CAN) Model: 000-16430-001 ActiveTarget™ 2 Live Sonar ready Active Imaging 3-in-1 r...
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Lowrance ActiveTarget™2 kit Includes Module,Transducer with 7.62 m (25 ft) cable, and Mounts Model: 000-15959-001 High-resolution, live action ima...
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Lowrance Elite FS 7 Display with C-Map Contour+ Model: 000-15703-001 Lowrance Elite FS 7 Display with C-Map Contour+ and HDI 83/200/455/800kHz Tran...
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Lowrance 000-14584-001 Cover For HDS12 Live Model: 000-14584-001 This protective suncover is compatible with HDS LIVE 12-inch models.
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View full detailsLowrance Eagle Eye 9 Live Eagle Eye Transducer With C-Map Discover US Model: 000-16232-001 Lowrance Eagle Eye 9 Live Eagle Eye Transducer With C-Ma...
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Lowrance Eagle 9 TripleShot™ HD Model: 000-16126-001 Enhanced SplitShot™ HD Transducer with Autotuning sonar C-MAP® inland charts for the US, feat...
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Lowrance Eagle 4x Fish FinderModel: 000-16110-001 IPS screen, viewable from all angles, even in polarized glasses New reliable twist-lock connect...
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Lowrance Eagle 7 TripleShot™ HD Model: 000-16120-001 Enhanced SplitShot™ HD Transducer with Autotuning sonar C-MAP® inland charts for the US, feat...
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Lowrance Eagle 7 SplitShot™ HD Model: 000-16114-001 Lowrance Eagle 7 SplitShot HD + C-MAP Bundle Model: 000-16227-001 Enhanced SplitShot™ HD Trans...
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Lowrance Eagle 5 SplitShot™ HD Model: 000-16111-001 Lowrance Eagle 5 SplitShot HD + C-MAP Bundle Model: 000-16226-001 Enhanced SplitShot™ HD Trans...
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Humminbird Helix 7 G4 CHIRP SI GPSModel: 411920-1 Keypad control: Master HELIX at the touch of a button. Access the pre-loaded views from the user-...
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Humminbird Xplore 9 CMSI+ with NO Transducer Model: 412000-1CHO Humminbird Xplore 9 CMSI+ with XM 14 HW CMSI T Transducer Model: 412000-1 Full-HD ...
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Humminbird Helix 5 G3 CHIRP GPS Model: 411660-1 Keypad control: Master HELIX at the touch of a button. Access the pre-loaded views from the user-f...
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Humminbird Helix 7 G4 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS Model: 411610-1 The HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G4 fish finder features MEGA Down Imaging, Dual Spectrum CHI...
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Humminbird HELIX 7 G4N CHIRP MEGA SI GPS Model: 411940-1 Keypad control: Master HELIX at the touch of a button. Access the pre-loaded views from t...
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Humminbird Helix 5 G3 CHIRP DI GPS Model: 411670-1 Keypad control: Master HELIX at the touch of a button. Access the pre-loaded views from the use...
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Humminbird XNT 9 HW MSI 150 T - HELIX 7/8 MEGA SI, DI, Dual Spectrum CHIRP w/Temp Transom Transducer Model: 7102971 This accessory is compatible w...
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Humminbird Mega Live 2 Forward Facing SonarModel: 710310-1 See fish and structure in real-time. With no gaps in sonar coverage, powered by the unma...
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Keypad control: Master HELIX at the touch of a button. Access the pre-loaded views from the user-friendly menu system, operated by softkey contr...
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Humminbird Helix 7 G4 CHIRP SI GPSModel: 411920-1 Keypad control: Master HELIX at the touch of a button. Access the pre-loaded views from the user-...
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Humminbird Helix 7 G4 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS Model: 411610-1 The HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G4 fish finder features MEGA Down Imaging, Dual Spectrum CHI...
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Humminbird Helix 5 G3 CHIRP GPS Model: 411660-1 Keypad control: Master HELIX at the touch of a button. Access the pre-loaded views from the user-f...
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Humminbird HELIX 7 G4N CHIRP MEGA SI GPS Model: 411940-1 Keypad control: Master HELIX at the touch of a button. Access the pre-loaded views from t...
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Humminbird Helix 7 MSI GPS G4 Model: 411930-1 Keypad control: Master HELIX at the touch of a button. Access the pre-loaded views from the user-fri...
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Humminbird Helix 5 G3 CHIRP DI GPS Model: 411670-1 Keypad control: Master HELIX at the touch of a button. Access the pre-loaded views from the use...
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Humminbird XNT 9 HW MSI 150 T - HELIX 7/8 MEGA SI, DI, Dual Spectrum CHIRP w/Temp Transom Transducer Model: 7102971 This accessory is compatible w...
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Keypad control: Master HELIX at the touch of a button. Access the pre-loaded views from the user-friendly menu system, operated by softkey contr...
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Humminbird UC-H7 Unit Cover Model: 780029-1 ?Black neoprene unit cover for HELIX 7 Series Note: Only for Gimbal Mount installations. If HELIX 7 Ser...
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Humminbird UC-H5 Unit Cover Model: 780028-1 ?Black neoprene unit cover - HELIX 5 Series Note: Only for Gimbal Mount installations. If HELIX 5 Serie...
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