Fishfinders, GPS & Chartplotters

Navigate Smarter and Fish Harder with Fishfinders, GPS & Chartplotters

Whether you're chasing bass on an inland lake or trolling for tuna offshore, having the right marine electronics on your helm can be the difference between a great day on the water and coming home empty-handed. Fishfinders, GPS units, and chartplotters have evolved from simple depth gauges into sophisticated, multi-function displays that combine sonar imaging, satellite navigation, real-time mapping, and even wireless networking — all in one rugged, waterproof unit.

What Do Fishfinders and Chartplotters Actually Do?

A fishfinder uses sonar transducer technology to send sound waves through the water column and interpret the returning echoes. This translates into a visual display of fish, baitfish schools, submerged structure, vegetation, and bottom composition. Modern units use CHIRP sonar — Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse — which transmits across a range of frequencies simultaneously, producing far more detailed, high-resolution returns than traditional single-frequency sonar. Many units also incorporate Side Imaging and Down Imaging, which paint a nearly photographic picture of the underwater terrain on either side of and directly beneath the boat.

A chartplotter integrates GPS satellite positioning with digital nautical charts, allowing you to track your vessel's position, plot waypoints, mark fishing spots, and navigate safely through shallow or hazard-filled waters. Combo units — which pair a fishfinder and chartplotter in a single multi-function display — are the standard choice for most modern anglers and boaters, eliminating clutter at the helm while delivering the full suite of navigation and fish-finding capabilities.

Key Features to Consider When Shopping

• Screen Size & Resolution: Larger screens make it easier to read split-screen views. Look for full-color, high-resolution displays with strong sunlight readability.
• Sonar Technology: CHIRP delivers superior target separation. Side Imaging and Down Imaging provide a wider, more detailed underwater picture.
• Chart Compatibility: Ensure your unit supports the cartography you prefer — C-MAP, Navionics, LakeMaster, or proprietary mapping options.
• GPS Accuracy: Internal GPS antennas are convenient; external antennas can provide faster acquisition and better accuracy in some conditions.
• Networking: NMEA 2000 compatibility, Ethernet ports, and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth allow you to connect autopilots, radar, trolling motors, and other onboard electronics into a seamless system.
• Freshwater vs. Saltwater Use: Consider your primary environment — some units are optimized for inland lake fishing while others are built for offshore coastal navigation.

Top Brands in Fishfinders, GPS & Chartplotters

Humminbird is the dominant choice for serious freshwater anglers. Their HELIX and APEX series units are renowned for industry-leading MEGA Side Imaging+ and MEGA Down Imaging+ sonar, AutoChart Live real-time mapping, and the One-Boat Network ecosystem that integrates seamlessly with Minn Kota trolling motors and Cannon downriggers.

Lowrance has a decades-long legacy in marine electronics and covers a wide range from entry-level to professional-grade. Their HDS PRO and Elite FS series deliver powerful features like ActiveTarget 2 Live Sonar, StructureScan 3D, and C-MAP chart integration, making them a favorite among both freshwater and saltwater anglers.

Furuno is the trusted name in commercial and serious recreational marine navigation. Their GPS/chartplotter/fishfinder combos feature TruEcho CHIRP technology, C-MAP 4D and Navionics chart compatibility, and a reputation for bulletproof reliability that has earned them recognition from the NMEA for decades.

Si-Tex offers dependable chartplotter and fishfinder solutions that appeal to boaters looking for straightforward, reliable performance without unnecessary complexity — a solid choice for coastal cruising and recreational fishing alike.

Simrad brings professional-grade marine electronics to the recreational market, known for their clean, intuitive interfaces, GoFree wireless connectivity, and units that integrate readily with Simrad's broader autopilot and radar ecosystems.