Ever cast a line out and wished you could see what was lurking beneath the waves? Imagine knowing exactly where the fish are hiding! Finding the perfect fish finder can feel like a treasure hunt itself, especially when you have a budget. It’s tough to sort through all the features and brand names without spending a fortune.
Many anglers want great technology without breaking the bank. You need reliable sonar and clear maps, but the high-end models often cost way more than you want to spend. Settling for a cheap unit that gives you fuzzy pictures is frustrating. That’s why we dove deep into the best options available for under $700.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly which fish finders give you the best bang for your buck. You will learn which features matter most in this price range, helping you spot more fish and enjoy your time on the water more. Get ready to upgrade your fishing game without emptying your wallet!
Top Fish Finder Under $700 Recommendations
- ✦ Fish Finder and Depth Finder : It is a portable fish finder that could display approximate fish location and water depth. The sonar transducer can be attached to the hull of kayak or boat in order to understand the changing of water depth when you are moving by. The water depth detection range is between 3ft(1m) and 328ft (100m) when the transducer is completely immersed in the water.
- ✦ Helpful Data Display : Besides fish depth and water depth, the handheld fish finder will also display short & tall weeds, sand & rocks on the bottom. Meanwhile, the measurement unit of the depth can be freely switched by feet or meter. The display is also visible in sunshine or darkness by turning on the back light.
- ✦ Handheld & Portable : The size of kayak fishfinder is designed for just one hand held. You will find a neck strap in the package which allows you to wear it around neck when you are busy on the kayak or boat. Meanwhile, 5 levels sensitivity adjustment makes fishing possible both in clear water or turbid.
- ✦ Fish & Fish Schools Alarm : Once the toss fish finder transducer into the water and turn on the display unit, you will get alarms when fish or fishing schools passing by. The portable fish finder can be working continuously for at least 4-5 hours with brand new battery. It can be working even longer by turning on battery save mode.
- ✦ Ideal for Fishing & Fishing Gift : It is easy to use LUCKY depth finder in boat fishing, ice fishing, shore fishing no matter in freshwater or in saltwater. If you are looking for a gift for your husband, father, friends or any anglers, then look no further, the LUCKY fish finder is now better than ever.
- 【𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐔𝐬𝐞 】 Reelsonar portable fish finder is Easy to use, With a depth range of 135 feet and rechargeable battery life of 10+ hours, IOS and Android apps Bluetooth fishfinder with sonar
- 【𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐬 】 Sonar signals that are integrated find and reflect visual images of both static and moving objects beneath the water's surface. Depth-tagged fish icons color coded by size
- 【𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐀𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐦 】To be alerted when fish congregate under docks and piers, turn on the fish alarm when using iBobber's fishfinder feature. With the strike alert, iBobber can even let you know when fish are biting.
- 【𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 】 With a fish finder, you may go out anytime you choose to test the waters. Regardless of the weather, whether it be freshwater or saltwater, shore fishing, or fishing on the ice. You could turn on your fish finder and begin hunting.
- 【𝐆𝐢𝐟𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 】Great Gift for Fishing Whether you're looking for a present for your husband, father, friends, or any angler, reelsonar fish detector is now better than ever
- Castable: No more long & heavy cable for transducer. Clear Color Screen: it comes with clear color TFT LCD display (2 screen background colors selectable - black and white), which enables you to read the screen in bright sunlight or at night. It applies to lake, river, sea and other fishing environment. Suitable for fishing from a kayak or boat, casting from the shore or using for ice fishing.
- It detects and displays water depth, temperature, fish size (small/medium/big), fish depth, and bottom contour. It has Work and Simulation Mode. Measure units of depth and temperature can be converted. Sonar Beam Angle: 105 degree. Depth Range: 2.6-164FT/0.8-50M. Maximum Distance between the sensor and the screen: 262FT/80M.
- No need to drill hole in your boat hull to install the sensor any more. Two small holes on the sensor allow you to tether with your fishing line and cast it onto water as far as you want.
- Note: 1. Please change the background from black to white in bright sunlight to get more visible readout. 2. When the sensor is off, its battery Indicator on the display is incorerct. Red indicator light on the sensor will turn off when it is fully charged. If you would like to check the sensor's battery status from the display, please put the sensor in water. It will turn on when it floats on water. The sensor's battery Indicator on the display will then display correctly.
- Warranty and Brand Support: The Venterior Portable Fish Finder is covered by a 2-year Warranty. Any issue of the fish finder after purchase, please don't hesitate to contact our brand support, we will response within 24 hours every day online.
- Shows you what is in the water: water depth, approximate fish location (suits for all sorts of fish), fish size(small/medium/big), short & tall weeds, sand & rocks on bottom. Suitable for fishing from a kayak, off the dock, and ice fishing. You can use the fish finder on moving kayak with slowly speed below 5mph (make sure the bottom of the transducer is horizontal).
- Very portable that you can take it anywhere: It comes with neck strap that allow you to wear it around neck when you are busy on the kayak. And you can easily store the fish finder in your tackle box. The fishfinder is powered by 4 AAA batteries. It lasts 4-5 hours with new batteries in continuous use. It can be used in fresh water as well as salt/sea water.
- Accurate Depth Reading: The fish finder use sonar to detect water depth and fish location. Sonar Frequency is 200 kHZ. Detectable area is 45 degrees beam angle under the sonar transducer. Detectable depth range is from 3ft/1m to 328ft/100m below the sonar transducer.
- Easy to Use: Toss the transducer into water and turn on the display unit, it will show you the water depth and approximate fish depth if fish schools passing by. It has 5 user selectable sensitivity; battery save mode; backlight mode ; fish alarm; unit of measure. Setting can be saved when turned off.
- Warranty and Brand Support: The Venterior Portable Fish Finder is covered by a 2-year Warranty. Any issue of the fish finder after purchase, please don't hesitate to contact our brand support (warranty card comes with product in package), we will response within 24 hours every day online.
- 4.3" Real-Time Monitoring: As a professional Underwater Fishing Camera, it’s equipped with a 4.3-inch IPS monitor and premium HD Lens that delivers clear underwater imagery in real time. The 170° wide-angle design expands the viewing field, precisely tracking fish school activity, hidden underwater structures, and bait bites—whether in lakes for boat fishing, oceans for sea fishing, or icy waters for ice fishing. It’s perfectly tailored to avid anglers’ needs and a top-tier fishing gear pick.
- 8 IR Lights+8 LED Lights: This fish finder features 8 high-performance infrared night vision lights and 8 high-brightness LED lights, enabling this underwater fishing camera to deliver unparalleled visibility in harsh conditions. Infrared lights penetrate darkness during night fishing without alarming wary fish, while LEDs illuminate murky waters. Never again will you miss hidden schools due to insufficient light. Instantly switch light sources with a touch of the display's light control button (see manual for details)—no cables required.
- IP68 Waterproof for Harsh Environments: Boasting a top-tier IP68 Waterproof rating, this Underwater Fishing Camera withstands 20 meters of immersion and 100kg load—tackling sea fishing, kayak fishing, and icy ice fishing with stable performance. Paired with a 65ft (20m) extra-long cable, it reaches deeper, farther fishing spots effortlessly, adapting to all complex angling scenarios as reliable fishing gadget.
- 5000mAh Long-Lasting Battery for All-Day Angling: Powered by a high-capacity battery, this Portable Fish Finder offers up to 5 hours of continuous use—covering full-day boat fishing, kayak trips, or ice fishing without frequent charging. Its enduring performance makes it a must-have fishing gear, while its practicality elevates it as a standout fishing gift for men and a key item for fishing advent calendar 2025.
- Plug-and-Play, Easy for Every Angler: This Underwater Fishing Camera requires no complex setup—just plug and use! It’s an essential fishing gear for beginners and pros alike. Package includes: 1 monitor, 1 underwater camera with 65ft (20m) cable, 1 mount, 1 charging cable, and 1 user manual (supports real-time viewing; recording function not included). A Great tool that enhances every fishing adventure!
- Dual Beam Sonar: Choose from a narrow and a wide beam for great detail or a generous coverage area, helping you identify fish, structure and contours.
- Tilt and Swivel Mount: Quickly adjust your viewing area angle.
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
- Includes: PiranhaMAX 4 fish finder, Tilt and Swivel Mount , XNT 9 28 T transom-mount transducer
- Shows you what is in the water: water depth, approximate fish location (suits for all sorts of fish), fish size(small/median/big), short & tall weeds, sand & rocks on bottom. Suitable for fishing from a kayak, off the dock, and ice fishing. It can be used in fresh water as well as salt/sea water.
- Easy to Use: Toss the sensor into water and turn on the display unit, it will show you the water depth and approximate fish depth if fish schools passing by. It has 5 user selectable sensitivity; battery save mode; backlight mode ; fish alarm; unit of measure. Setting can be saved when turned off.
- Very portable that you can take it anywhere: It comes with neck strap that allow you to wear it around neck when you are busy on the kayak. And you can easily store the fish finder in your tackle box. The fishfinder is powered by 4 AAA batteries. It lasts 4-5 hours with new batteries in continuous use.
- Accurate Depth Reading: Detectable area is 45 degrees beam angle under the sensor. Detectable depth range is from 3ft/1m to 328ft/100m below the sensor.
- Warranty and Brand Support: The Venterior Portable Fish Finder is covered by a 2-year Warranty. Any issue of the fish finder after purchase, please don't hesitate to contact our brand support, we will response within 24 hours every day online.
- HIGH-VIS IPS SCREEN: IPS Screen allows for anglers to view crisp images in the daylight, with polarized sunglasses, and at extreme angles.
- RELIABLE & EASY TO USE: New reliable twist-lock connector system for easy installation in any boat or kayak
- ENHANCED SONAR: Platform update allows portrait orientation and true-scroll sonar
- PLUG & PLAY: Simple autotuning sonar gives you the optimal settings from the start so you don’t have to spend time trying to find them yourself
- ONE YEAR WARRANTY: Our priority is to give you superior quality products and a stress-free time on the water. Enjoy the feeling of fishing with peace of mind with our one-year warranty guarantee
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Finding Your Perfect Fish Finder Under $700
Buying a fish finder is exciting! You want a device that helps you catch more fish without emptying your wallet. The sub-$700 range offers amazing technology. This guide will help you choose the best one for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
What makes a fish finder great? These features matter most in this price bracket:
Screen Size and Resolution
- Screen Size: Look for screens between 5 and 7 inches. Bigger screens show more detail.
- Resolution: Higher pixel counts mean clearer pictures of the bottom and fish. Don’t settle for blurry images.
Sonar Technology
Sonar sends sound waves underwater. The echo tells you what is below.
- Traditional (2D) Sonar: This is standard. It shows depth and fish arches clearly.
- Down Imaging (DI): This gives you a photograph-like view straight down. It helps you see structure like logs or rocks easily. Most units under $700 have this.
- Side Imaging (SI): This scans the water to your left and right. It is very helpful for covering wide areas quickly. You might find SI on the higher end of this budget.
GPS Capability
A built-in GPS is a game-changer. It lets you mark hot spots where you catch fish. You can then navigate right back to that exact spot later.
Transducer Quality
The transducer is the part that goes in the water. A good transducer sends and receives strong signals. Check what frequency range it supports (e.g., 455/800 kHz for imaging).
Important Materials and Durability
Your fish finder needs to handle sun, spray, and bumps.
- Housing: Most units use tough, impact-resistant plastic. This keeps the electronics safe.
- Waterproofing Ratings: Check for an IP rating (like IP67). This tells you how well it resists water. Good protection is essential for boat use.
- Mounting Hardware: Ensure the included mount is sturdy. A flimsy mount will vibrate, making your screen hard to read.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
These details separate a good unit from a great one.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Color Screen: Color screens show temperature and depth changes much better than old black-and-white models.
- Target Separation: Better sonar processing separates individual fish from each other and from structure. This is a huge advantage.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive menus mean you spend less time fiddling and more time fishing.
Factors That Reduce Quality (Watch Outs):
- Limited Depth Rating: Some budget models might struggle to read clearly past 300 feet. If you fish very deep water, this is a limitation.
- Slow Processor: A slow unit will lag when you move the boat quickly or try to switch between screens. This frustrates users.
- Proprietary Cables: If accessories use special plugs, you might be stuck buying expensive brand-name extras later.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you fish.
Kayak/Canoe Anglers:
You need a smaller unit (5 inches is often enough). Battery life becomes very important since you carry everything. Look for low power consumption.
Small Boat/Aluminum Jon Boat Users:
You benefit most from Down Imaging (DI). You can see submerged stumps and weed lines clearly near the boat. GPS is highly recommended for marking promising areas.
Trolling/Moving Applications:
If you cover a lot of water, Side Imaging (SI) becomes valuable. It quickly scans large areas to the sides of your path, increasing your chances of finding fish faster.
Fish Finder Under $700: Top 10 FAQs
Q: Can I use these fish finders in saltwater?
A: Yes, most modern units handle saltwater fine. However, you must rinse the transducer with fresh water after every use to prevent salt corrosion.
Q: Do I need a separate battery?
A: Yes, these units require a 12V battery, usually a small sealed lead-acid or lithium battery. They do not run on standard AA batteries.
Q: What is the difference between CHIRP and standard sonar?
A: CHIRP sonar sends a continuous sweep of frequencies. This creates much clearer, more detailed images with better target separation than older, single-frequency sonar.
Q: Is GPS necessary if I only fish small ponds?
A: GPS is not strictly necessary for tiny ponds. But if you fish rivers or larger reservoirs, marking good spots saves you time finding them again.
Q: How deep can a $700 fish finder see?
A: With standard 2D sonar, they often reach 1,000 feet or more. Imaging features (DI/SI) work best in shallower water, usually up to 300-400 feet.
Q: Are these units difficult to install?
A: Installation is usually straightforward. You typically mount the screen on the dash and the transducer on the transom (back of the boat) using screws or clamps.
Q: Will a 5-inch screen feel too small?
A: For kayak use, 5 inches is perfect. For a larger bass boat, you might prefer a 7-inch model for better readability while moving fast.
Q: Do I need internet or cell service for the GPS to work?
A: No. The GPS chip inside the fish finder gets signals directly from satellites. You do not need cell service for navigation.
Q: What does “Transom Mount” mean?
A: A transom mount transducer attaches to the flat back surface of your boat, sitting just below the waterline.
Q: Are networking features common in this price range?
A: Some models allow networking (sharing GPS data or sonar) with another compatible unit, but full high-speed networking might be reserved for models costing over $1,000.