10 Best Fish Finder For Trolling Motor 2025 in the United States

The Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder is a solid choice for anglers using trolling motors, offering a mix of advanced sonar features and user-friendly design. One of its standout features is the Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar technology, which includes CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan capabilities with FishReveal, providing a high level of detail and accuracy in identifying fish and underwater structures. This is beneficial for serious anglers seeking precise information on underwater environments. Additionally, the device is ActiveTarget ready, allowing for live sonar imaging, which is excellent for real-time observation of fish behavior, although this requires purchasing additional accessories.

The 9-inch multi-touch LCD display is both sizable and high-resolution, making it easy to view and interact with the device, even in harsh sunlight. It’s also designed for easy installation and use, which is ideal for users who may not be familiar with complex electronics. The inclusion of preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts offers detailed mapping of over 8,900 U.S. lakes, enhancing navigation and fishing spot identification. However, some users might find the price point a bit high, especially considering that full functionality may require additional purchases like the ActiveTarget sonar.

Though the device supports extensive networking capabilities, integrating it with other systems might be complex for beginners. The Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder is well-suited for dedicated anglers looking for an advanced, feature-rich fish finder for their trolling motor, though it may be overkill for casual users or those on a budget.

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is a solid choice for those looking for a reliable fish finder tailored for trolling motors. With its 7-inch color display, it offers clear visibility, and the new vivid scanning sonar color palettes make it easier to spot fish and underwater structures. The included GT20 transducer enhances its capabilities with both traditional and scanning sonar, which is great for detailed views of what’s below your boat.

One of the standout features is the high-sensitivity GPS, allowing users to easily mark waypoints, create routes, and even monitor boat speed. The built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping feature helps you create custom maps of your favorite fishing spots, which can be very handy for regular outings.

There are some drawbacks. While the Wi-Fi connectivity is a nice touch, allowing you to connect with the ActiveCaptain app for waypoints and notifications, it can be a bit of a hassle to set up for those who aren’t tech-savvy. Additionally, while the battery-powered design adds convenience, users will need to manage battery life during longer trips. The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv fish finder is particularly beneficial for casual and avid anglers looking for an easy-to-use device that combines effective sonar technology with GPS mapping. It’s user-friendly enough for beginners but provides enough features to satisfy more experienced fishermen as well.

The Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 is a compact and user-friendly fish finder, making it a solid choice for those who enjoy fishing with a trolling motor. Its 3.5-inch display offers a resolution of 480 x 320 pixels, providing clear images of what's underwater thanks to its Chirp sonar technology. This feature sends out a range of frequencies, giving you detailed representations of fish, structures, and the aquatic environment, which is particularly beneficial for targeting specific areas while trolling. The device also includes a waypoint map, allowing easy navigation to spots like brush piles and docks, which is crucial for effective fishing. It’s rated for depths of up to 1,600 feet in freshwater, making it versatile for various fishing conditions.

On the downside, the screen size might be considered small by some users, especially those who prefer larger displays for easier viewing when out on the water. The resolution, while decent for its size, may not be as sharp as higher-end models, which could affect visibility in bright sunlight. Additionally, while the unit is rated IPX7 for water resistance, some users may want to ensure proper installation and care due to its sensitive electronic components. The device runs on lithium metal batteries, so battery management is essential to avoid running out of power during long fishing trips.

The Garmin Striker 4 is well-suited for casual to intermediate anglers looking for an efficient and easy-to-use fish finder for trolling. Its combination of quality sonar and mapping features provides good value, though those wanting more advanced functionality or larger screens may want to explore other options.