These days, jet ski fishing is quickly gaining popularity. With their compact size and easy navigability, jet skis are becoming a top choice among anglers.
But sometimes, fishing on a jet ski can be tricky. That is unless you have a reliable fish finder with you. So now the question is this: what is the best fish finder for jet ski fishing?
In this article, we have gathered six of the best compact fish finders. We ran tests to see which ones work best on a jet ski – and help you decide in the process.
Out of these six devices, we were most impressed by the Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G3N. Aside from its multi-frequency compatibility, it also comes with Down, Side, and CHIRP imaging. It also has built-in GPS for added navigability.
Check out our reviews for more in-depth details.
How to choose a quality fish finder for a jet ski?
Reliability
A quality fish finder boasts a reliable performance. By reliable, we mean that it offers an accurate display of what’s happening under the water’s surface. That will make it a lot easier for you to identify where the fish are swimming. And that will guarantee a catch.
Construction
You should also look into how the fish finder is built. It should not be made of cheap material that will easily dent or fall apart after minor inconveniences. Also, it should have protection against corrosion and rust.
Ease of Use
If a fish finder is not user-friendly, you won’t be able to enjoy its full benefits. Thus, you can tell that a quality fish finder is specifically designed to make it easy for anyone to use. Otherwise, that will be like wasting money on something that won’t make fishing easier.
Convenience
And finally, a quality fish finder is built with our convenience in mind. It should come with features that will help you land a catch regardless of the conditions of the water. It should also be easy to install, so we can start fishing as soon as possible.
Comparison Chart
| Jet Ski Fish Finder | Display Size | Frequency | Side Imaging | CHIRP Imaging | GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humminbird Helix 7 | 7 inches | 50, 83, 200 and 455 kHz | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Striker Vivid 9SV | 9 inches | 50, 77, 200, 260, 455, 800 kHz | 800 x 480 pixels (Resolution) | Yes | Yes |
| Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Fish Finder | 5 inches | DownScan Imaging: Yes | 800 x 480 pixels (Resolution) | Yes | Yes |
| Humminbird 410230-1 HELIX 5 | 5 inches | 50, 83, 200, and 455 kHz | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Simrad Cruise 5 | 5 inches | 83 and 200 kHz | 800 x 480 pixels (Resolution) | Yes | Yes |
| Garmin Striker Plus 5cv with Transducer | 5 inches | 50, 77, 200, 260, 455 and 800 kHz | 800 x 480 pixels (Resolution) | Yes | Yes |
Top 6 Best Fish Finder for Jet Ski: Reviewed
1. Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G3N – Top Picks
The Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G3N is one of the newest fish finders from Humminbird. With its crisp imaging and GPS connectivity, it’s easy to see why it’s on the top of this list.
Features and Benefits
- It offers two display modes. This allows you to choose which data to display, including temperature, water depth, and turbulence.
- It has a built-in base map. You have access to imagery of underwater terrain of over 10,000 bodies of water in the United States.
- It comes with Mega Side Imaging. This can help you view the area on both sides of your jet ski for up to 125 feet.
- It comes with Mega Down Imaging. It gives you a clear image of what’s underneath your jet ski for up to 125 feet.
Specifications
- Display Size: 7 inches
- Frequency: 50, 83, 200, and 455 kHz
- Side Imaging: Yes
- CHIRP Imaging: Yes
- GPS: Yes
The Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G3N comes with the most advanced features we’ve seen. Thanks to its Mega Imaging features, you can get a glimpse of what’s happening all around you. And that will surely make your next fishing trip more memorable.
What we loved most about this fish finder is how stable clear the images were. It has a crisp resolution that was easy to read, even when the sun was shining brightly. We didn’t have to squint – it was that sharp and vivid.
It forms part of the Humminbird Helix 7 series, known for its 7-inch display and superior Humminbird technology. Compared to other versions, it comes with features like the Mega Side Imaging, CHIRP, GPS, and Mega Down Imaging. And that ensures a full view of what’s around you.
With that said, the Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G3N is a sophisticated unit that you can surely rely on. The fact that it’s easy to use is a bonus.
Pros
- It is easy to operate.
- It uses premium and durable materials.
- It is easy to read.
- It offers good value for the money.
- It has a large display.
Cons
- Installation can be tricky. But as long as you strictly follow the instructions, this won’t be a problem.
Summary
The Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G3N is the best choice for serious jet ski anglers. It’s compact, easy to use, and offers an almost 360-degree view of the water around you. What more can you ask for in a fish finder?
2. Garmin Striker Vivid 9SV – Buyer’s Choice
Another top contender for the best GPS fish finder for jet ski is the Garmin Striker Vivid 9SV. If you prefer having a large display with vivid imagery, you can’t go wrong with this unit.
Features and Benefits
- It has a highly sensitive GPS. That allows you to track and mark your position with ease.
- It supports multiple frequencies. This feature guarantees the best imagery on different depths and bodies of water.
- It has an impressively vivid display. You can see every contour and distinguish items underwater with better clarity.
- It connects to Wi-Fi. This allows you to connect to your smartphone in case of app updates and data sharing.
Specifications
- Display Size: 9 inches
- Frequency: 50, 77, 200, 260, 455, 800 kHz
- Resolution: 800 x 480 pixels
- CHIRP Imaging: Yes
- GPS: Yes
True to its name, the Garmin Striker Vivid 9SV offers one of the most vivid imagery we have seen. This is all thanks to its high display resolution coupled with a WVGA-color screen. This feature made it easy for us to distinguish fish from other underwater objects.
We were also impressed by its sonar features. We could pick between different frequencies to ensure the best performance at any depth. It also comes with CHIRP, ClearVu, and SideVu, which gave us fast and accurate real-time scans.
The Garmin Striker Vivid 9SV is one of the recent releases under the brand’s Striker Vivid series. The biggest upgrade with the 9SV is the improved screen resolution and power. That translates to sharper images and longer-lasting power.
Perhaps the only downside we can think of is that it takes a while to get used to. With enough patience and practice, you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
Pros
- It provides striking images.
- It displays accurate readings.
- It has a large display.
- It offers excellent value for the money.
Cons
- It is quite difficult to operate at first. It may need some getting used to before you get the hang of it.
Summary
The Garmin Striker Vivid is ideal for anglers who want an accurate picture of what’s going on underwater. With its impressive resolution, sensitive sonar, and undeniable image quality, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the best.
3. Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 – Best for Budget
When it comes to reasonably priced fish finders, Lowrance is a name that always comes to mind. That’s why we had a lot to expect from the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Fish Finder. And fortunately, this unit delivers.
Features and Benefits
- It has a compact design. This makes it extremely portable, so you can take it with you to any fishing adventure.
- It comes with an HDI transducer. This feature allows you to see in deep waters with ease.
- It features the brand’s FishReveal technology. This feature helps distinguish fish from other underwater structures for an easier catch.
- It has built-in C-Map contours. You get access to contours of inland and coastal charts of US and Canadian areas.
Specifications
- Display Size: 5 inches
- Resolution: 800 x 480 pixels
- DownScan Imaging: Yes
- CHIRP Imaging: Yes
- GPS: Yes
The Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Fish Finder is one of the most compact units we could find. Aside from its petite size, it only weighs less than a pound. That makes it highly portable – perfect for anglers who are always on the go.
Despite its compact size, we loved how clear the images were. Fish were clearly distinguished from other structures, making it easier to make a catch. It also operates on multiple frequencies, and that helps with ensuring accurate locations.
This model is part of the Lowrance Hook Reveal Series. The main difference between all other models in this series pertains to the screen size. Other than that, their features are quite similar.
Because of all its features, using it for the first time can seem overwhelming. But once you get the hang of it, operating it will be a breeze.
Pros
- It has a compact size.
- It is easy to install.
- It shows clear imaging.
- It displays maps for easier fish finding.
Cons
- It is a little tricky to operate, but you’ll get used to it eventually.
Summary
All things considered, we believe the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 is the best portable fish finder for jet ski. Being lightweight and extremely compact, you can easily mount and unmount it on your chosen fishing boat – jet skis included.
4. Humminbird 410230-1 HELIX 5 – The Most User-friendly Fish Finder
The Humminbird 410230-1 Helix 5 is another top contender for the best fish finder for jet skis. If you think the Helix 7 above is too big for you, then this is the downsized alternative.
Features and Benefits
- It has a wide display. This allows you to look into a wider area to increase your chances of catching fish.
- It comes with CHIRP, Down Imaging, and Side Imaging. You can see almost everything underneath the water with this feature.
- It offers a combination of wide and narrow beams. That will help you track down both the fish and the underwater contours.
- It comes with the SwitchFire feature. You can pick which data you want to see on the screen to make everything easy to read.
Specifications
- Display Size: 5 inches
- Frequency: 50, 83, 200, and 455 kHz
- Side Imaging: Yes
- CHIRP Imaging: Yes
- GPS: Yes
Humminbird proves itself to be a top player in the world of fish finders. The compact Humminbird 410230-1 Helix 5 boasts a 5-inch screen that won’t interfere while you’re driving your jet ski. It’s also easy to mount and dismount, making it a portable option in the market.
We love how easy it was to operate as well. The Helix 5 has a straight-to-the-point interface that even beginners can use with ease. Making changes to your settings was likewise a breeze, so you can get to fishing instantly.
This unit is part of Humminbird’s Helix series, known for its impressive sonar technology and display. That’s why it’s no surprise that the Helix 5 shares the same features. The only difference is its smaller display – which is ideal for small water vehicles like jet skis.
Pros
- It has a built-in base map.
- It comes in a compact size.
- It is easy to install.
- It is easy to operate.
Cons
- It is not recommended for fishing in deeper waters. However, you will be surprised with its accuracy in shallow waters.
Summary
If you trust the Humminbird name but prefer a smaller unit, you can’t go wrong with the Helix 5. It also retails at a reasonable price, making it quite a good deal.
5. Simrad Cruise 5 – Best all-around Fish Finder
Another 5-inch fish finder you can trust is the Simrad Cruise 5. If you’re looking for a simple beginner-friendly fish finder, we believe that this is perfect for you.
Features and Benefits
- It comes with a pre-loaded US coastal map. You can navigate freely through different bodies of water in the country.
- It supports a split-screen. You can view data along with a real-time view of what’s happening underwater.
- It has a user-friendly interface. Operating this unit is a breeze, so you can get started on fishing as soon as possible.
Specifications
- Display Size: 5 inches
- Frequency: 83 and 200 kHz
- Display Resolution: 800 x 480 pixels
- CHIRP Imaging: Yes
- GPS: Yes
The Simrad Cruise 5 has one of the most intuitive control panels we have ever tried. Everything is pretty straightforward, so operating it was no problem at all. We guarantee that even beginners won’t have a hard time using it.
We especially love the split-screen feature. We love how we can see all the important data without taking our eyes off what’s happening underwater.
This unit is part of the Simrad Cruise series, known for its simple yet reliable performance. The difference between each unit largely depends on the size of the screen. Thus, we find the smaller screen on the Simrad Cruise 5 to be most ideal for jet skis.
Pros
- It has a straightforward user interface.
- It shows accurate readings.
- It has a compact design.
- It has a split-screen feature.
- It offers great value for the money.
Cons
- The display is not very detailed, but you can still distinguish fish from structure.
- It may feel a bit bulky, compared to other 5-inch fish finders. But, it’s still compact enough for use on jet skis.
Summary
While it’s not exactly budget-friendly, the Simrad Cruise 5 is the most user-friendly. If you’re willing to invest in a fish finder for beginners, then this is a perfect choice.
6. Garmin Striker Plus 5cv with Transducer – Best Value Fish Finder
And finally, we have the Garmin Striker Plus 5CV with Transducer. With its ClearVu and CHIRP technology, you can see everything around you in a compact 5-inch display.
Features and Benefits
- It supports multiple frequencies. This allows you to see accurate images regardless of the waters’ depth.
- It has a built-in transducer. There’s no need to use one separately, making it more portable and practical.
- It has a built-in GPS. You can easily track down your location, making navigation in foreign waters a breeze.
- It has a sunlight-readable display. Even when it’s sunny outside, you won’t have a problem with reading what’s on the screen.
Specifications
- Display Size: 5 inches
- Frequency: 50, 77, 200, 260, 455 and 800 kHz
- Display Resolution: 800 x 480 pixels
- CHIRP Imaging: Yes
- GPS: Yes
The Garmin Striker Plus 5CV boasts impressive resolution in a small 5-inch display. That’s why it could easily deliver sharp and crisp images. And thanks to its bright display, we could easily tell what’s on-screen even under direct sunlight.
We also love how it operates on multiple frequencies. We tried it on shallow and deep waters and were quite impressed with the results. You could tell that it was engineered to ensure versatility.
This unit is part of the Striker Plus series, which boasts superior imagery at affordable prices. Other models under this series have different screen sizes, but the specs remain similar.
For this review, we believe the Garmin Striker Plus 5CV is the best in the series. It has a display that’s not too small or too large – just right for a jet ski.
Pros
- It offers great value for the money.
- It has compact dimensions.
- It is very easy to install.
- It has a clear and bright display.
Cons
- It does not have built-in maps. If you’re familiar with the area you’re fishing in, this won’t be a problem at all.
- It is quite tricky to operate. You may need a bit of practice before you get used to it.
Summary
The Garmin Striker Plus 5CV with Transducer is one of the most affordable items on this list. That makes it the most budget-friendly while also boasting impressive features. And that’s quite a great deal.
Things to consider before buying the best fish finder for jet ski
Display
The display screen allows you to see what’s underneath the water, which is why it’s a top consideration. As much as possible, it should be big enough to be easy to read. But, it should also have compact dimensions to easily fit inside a jet ski.
Frequency
Fishfinders operate at a frequency ranging between 20 and 200 kHz. Lower frequencies are ideal for deeper waters, while higher frequencies are more accurate at shallow depths. Keep these in mind before you make a purchase.
Cone Angle
Working hand-in-hand with frequency is the cone angle. This can tell you the area that a fish finder can cover. As a rule, the higher the cone angle, the wider the area of coverage. Inversely, a smaller angle can only cover a narrower area.
Scanning
Fishfinders scan the area underwater to help display what’s happening underneath. The scanners should be fast enough to give you an accurate display of what’s going on. Otherwise, you won’t be able to catch any fish at all.
Durability
We should also look into the fish finder’s durability. As much as possible, it should be made with high-quality materials to keep it from falling apart. Also, it should be made with material that won’t easily rust or corrode.
Power
As much as possible, the fish finder should come with a power supply that will last all day. A 1 kW power wattage is ideal for most leisurely fishing trips. But for competitive anglers, you need something with a higher wattage.
Color
Fishfinders can either have a color or monochromatic displays. Color displays help you distinguish fish from other objects under the sea. That will surely help you catch fish instead of other underwater objects.
GPS Integrated
A built-in GPS is an ideal feature among fish finders. It will help you tell your accurate location on the map, and that makes navigation a lot easier. This is ideal for adventurous anglers who love exploring new places.
Portable vs. Fixed
A portable fish finder can be easily mounted and removed during every trip. Inversely, a fixed fish finder is permanently mounted onto your vehicle. If you use different boats or jet skis for every trip, it’s best to go for a portable unit.
Transducer
The transducer is responsible for sending and receiving signals underwater. It also helps convert the signals into imagery to make them easier to read. As much as possible, pick the transducer that is compatible with your jet ski and fish finder.
Resolution
The resolution on the fish finder will tell you how clear the images will be. The higher the resolution, the sharper the images will be. However, fish finders with higher resolutions often come with a higher price.
Budget
It’s important to always stick to your budget. Admittedly, fish finders can be quite pricey. But, there is also a lot of budget-friendly yet feature-packed options in the market. You’ll surely be surprised by the options you can find in the market.
Recommend Accessory
Scotty 0163 Ball-Mount Fish Finder and Universal Mounting Plate
When it comes to fish finder accessories, you need a stable mounting plate to keep it in place. This is considering that jet skis tend to wobble a lot.
With that said, we strongly recommend the Scotty 0163 Ball-Mount Mounting Plate. This accessory comes with a sturdy base that remains attached to the jet ski. It also features a ball mount that boasts impressive clamping power. That guarantees a firm hold on your fishfinder.
Also, the ball mount allows for a wide range of motions. That allows you to turn the fish finder in different directions with ease.
FAQs
Can a fish finder work out of water?
No. A fish finder’s components are meant to work underwater. Specifically, the transducer can only send and pick up signals from the water. Thus, the fish finder won’t work once taken out of water.
How important is a fish finder?
Fish Finders are very important for anglers and fishermen. Aside from locating fish, it can also tell the contours and obstacles found underwater. That will make it easier to navigate through the water, especially in tricky areas.
Are all Lowrance transducers interchangeable?
Not all Lowrance transducers are interchangeable. But, several Lowrance units are compatible with each other. These are the units that can be considered interchangeable.
Final Thoughts
After everything discussed, you now have an idea of what makes a good fish finder for jet skis. It should be accurate, easy to operate, but also compact enough for the jet ski. It should also be durable and built with up-to-date technology.
But, the best fish finder for jet ski is the one that will work best for your fishing needs. That’s why we strongly suggest assessing your skills, strengths, budget, and design choice first. That will help identify the added features you need in a fish finder.
Before we end this article, we want to give you a summary of our top six choices.
At the top of the list is the Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G3N. With its superior imaging technology, we get an almost 360-degree view of what’s underwater. Its built-in GPS also makes jet ski navigation a breeze.
If you prefer vivid imagery above all, then the Garmin Striker Vivid 9SV is perfect for you. On the other hand, the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 Fish Finder offers great value considering its unmatched resolution.
The Humminbird 410230-1 Helix 5 works best if you want a portable device with tracking accuracy and resolution. For beginners, the simple interface on the Simrad Cruise 5 will be perfect for you. But if you’re looking for the best value, go for the Garmin Striker Plus 5CV with Transducer.
Cheers!
