finding the best fish finder for crappie

Best Fish Finder For Crappie | Find Crappie Easy Way

Today we discuss Best Fish Finder For Crappie. There Was Once A Time When Fishermen Used To Locate Fish Based On Their Experiences And Knowledge. They Would Track Down Which Species Is Available In Which Season, Where They Keep Their Eggs, And Where, When They Prey. Quite A Lot Of Effort, Right?

Effort always manages to bring good results and you should also know when to find which fish where. Since you are looking to catch crappie, it should be spring in your region and the crappies must be keeping their eggs in lakes. While this knowledge should be enough to help you land some crappie, it does take some time.

Fish Finder For Crappie:

A Fish Finder for Crappie is a device that you use to find fish underwater. It emits sonar signals that bounce off objects and return to the device, allowing you to see where the fish are hiding.

Technology is here to save you time and increase your results. It cannot catch the fish for you but it sure can act as a guide. A fish finder will do for you what your ancestors could not even imagine- it will give you a clear or unclear image of what is there underwater.

A Fish Finder can be a great tool for crappie fishing because they typically hang out around covers, such as fallen trees or rocks.

Without further delay, let us check out the buying guide for the best fish finder for crappie. Yes, choosing a fish finder is a tough job, and choosing one particular for a crappie can be tougher. Let’s try and make the path easier, shall we?

choose the fish finder for crappie from the list below-

Garmin 010-01550-00 Striker 4 with Transducer,…

Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar Castable and Portable WiFi…

Raymarine Dragonfly Pro CHIRP Fish Finder with…

HawkEye FishTrax 1X Portable Dot Matrix Fish…

Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder Handheld..

10 Best Fish Finder For Crappie For 2023:

  1. Garmin Striker 4 With Transducer GPS Fishfinder
  2. Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar-GPS Portable Fish Finder
  3. ​Raymarine Dragonfly Pro Chirp Fish Finder
  4. HawkEye FishTrax 1X Portable Dot Matrix Fish Finder
  5. Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder
  6. ​LUCKY Handheld Portable Fish Finder
  7. Humminbird 410230-1 HELIX 5 CHIRP SI GPS G2 Fish Finder
  8. Garmin Striker 7SV With Transducer GPS Fish Finder
  9. Lowrance HOOK2 5 – 5-Inch Fish Finder
  10. Humminbird Helix 10 Chirp Fish Finder

1. ​Garmin Striker 4 With Transducer GPS Fishfinder

Are you looking for a compact fish finder that will give you very accurate images of the water you are on? Then, you can consider this Garmin Striker 4 GPS fish finder. In fact, it does a great job finding fish and also identifying other objects around it.

It features CHIRP technology in it, which makes it both accurate and long-reaching. This fish finder covers a depth of 1600 feet in freshwater and 750 feet in saltwater. These are great numbers if you ask me.

On top of that, the ClearVu Scanning sonar gives you a clear image of what is going on underneath. Furthermore, the interface of this fish finder is extremely easy to use. You will find everything quite straightforward.

The unit lets you know the depth, temperature, and presence of things very well. The screen starts from 3.5 inches in size. You will also find the maximum size of 7 inches. But, if you want a compact finder then the 3.5-inch one does great.

The unit is quite affordable. However, you may find certain parts of it a bit flimsy. Especially the ones that join other parts. Apart from that, you will need a power source for this fish finder on your kayak.

The problem with the screen is that it won’t be very bright on a sunny day. Furthermore, the fishfinder is not well protected against water. You will have to be careful when using it.

Pros

  • ​​The technology used in this fish finder is top-notch.
  • ​​The range of operation is great.
  • ​​It is very user-friendly.
  • ​​​The image quality is good enough for you to track down crappies.
  • ​​​The screen size is big enough too.
  • ​​​​Quite affordable.

Cons

  • Some parts are flimsy.
  • ​​​The screen is not very bright.
  • ​​​Cannot put up a good fight against water.

2. Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar-GPS Portable Fish Finder

If you are looking for a portable fish finder that you can connect to your phone or tablet then you may be looking at the right one. In fact, this compact fish finder with GPS can connect to your phone or tablet extremely easily. Furthermore, the connection is very strong and also fast.

When it comes to what it can do for you- the answer is a lot. It can tell you about the size and shape of the fish or other objects underneath. Furthermore, it will let you know the temperature of the water and the depth at which the target is as well.

Apparently, this fish finder uses two beams to create images for you. One is a narrow beam, the other wider. In order to get clear images, you can use the narrow beam. On the other hand, to cover more areas, you can use the wider beam but it won’t give you very clear images.

Apparently, you can see the map this fish finder creates for you from your home as the data is uploaded to the cloud. All you need is an app to access it. Furthermore, this fish finder is very easy to install as it does not require any tough power source on your kayak.

The fish finder is quite expensive and at times it does not perform as you would expect it to. It may lose connectivity at times and can be inaccurate around bridges or muddy waters. If there is no such structure where you fish- you may not face such troubles.

Pros

  • ​​​It is very portable.
  • ​​​You can access it from your home as well.
  • ​​​Provides two kinds of beams- both efficient in their own ways.
  • ​​​​Easy to use.
  • ​​​​Gives you important information on your phone.
  • ​​​​​​No power source is needed.

Cons

  • ​​​A bit expensive.
  • ​​​​Can be inaccurate around bridges or muddy waters.
  • ​​​​Connectivity problems may occur.

3. ​Raymarine Dragonfly Pro Chirp Fish Finder

No products found.

The main thing you want from a fish finder is to find the fish and recognize it. You may be able to do it easily when the fish finder gives you a clear image of what is underneath. Luckily, that is what the Raymarine Dragonfly Pro Chirp fishfinder tries to do.

The key hint of how it performs so well is in the name itself- the CHIRP technology is behind it again. In fact, the ultra-wide chirp downVision lets you reach quite a depth and also provides you with great sonar images. It can reach 600 feet easily along with high-speed bottom tracking.

Then, there is the dual-channel CHIRP sonar which lets you send beams that get you clear images on the screen, even on your phone. Ah yes, you can connect the fish finder with your phone or tablet as well.

It also has GPS in it, undoubtedly making things easier for you. You will need a while to mount it up on your kayak or boat.

While it is very easy to use, there are cases it did not perform so well. For example, it stopped turning on or started turning on automatically in some areas. Other than that, it is of a good price and can even create maps for you.

Another thing you may face trouble with is the connectivity, of course. As you know, this is a common problem for anything that can connect to WiFi. However, you get limited information on your phone. So, you better check if it is essential that you get everything on the phone or tablet.

Pros

  • ​​​It can reach quite a good depth.
  • ​​​The images produced by it are of great quality and quite clear.
  • ​​​Very easy to use.
  • ​​​​GPS and other features are quite helpful.
  • ​​​​The technology used in it makes it very efficient in its job.
  • ​​​​​Good value for the price.

Cons

  • ​​​It may not always work.
  • ​​​​Connectivity is sometimes lost.
  • ​​​​Not all information is displayed on the phone.

4. ​HawkEye FishTrax 1X Portable Dot Matrix Fish Finder

When you get a fish finder with an LCD screen, you want it to be readable anywhere at any time. Because you may be fishing at night or under the bright. This Hawkeye Fishtrax fishfinder makes sure that you can see what is going on underneath the screen whenever you wish to.

Apparently, the LCD screen is very visible and also has an LED backlight to help you see even under the sun. When it comes to finding fish, this fish finder uses sonar to track them down. The range is quite good but what makes it even better is the adjustability it provides you with.

In fact, you can adjust the sensitivity, and depth range, and also auto zooms the bottom. This gives a lot of control in your hands when you are looking for fish. While it does not have many connectivity features, the LCD screen is quite straightforward.

Furthermore, the fish finder provides you with a lot of versatility when you are using it. You can keep it on your boat when trolling or just float it. The price which it comes at is also fully justified for the features it provides.

Now, sometimes, the fish finder may not be very accurate. For example, if you set a sensitivity range, it may not detect fish at all when set too low. Or, it may detect fish despite there being none when it is set too high.

So, you will have to get around how it actually works accurately or at least find the gap.

Pros

  • ​​​​The LCD screen is very straightforward and easy to view and use.
  • ​​​​Quite versatile in its usage.
  • ​​​​Very simple technologies are used in it- but those used perform really well.
  • ​​​​​It gives you various adjustability options.
  • ​​​​​Very affordable.
  • ​​​​​​​Provides you with a number of data.

Cons

  • ​​​​The sensitivity setting may not work perfectly.

5. Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder

Do you want a very easy-to-use fishfinder? Well, the Venterior VT-FF001 fish finder is not just easy to see and use but it offers you a number of convenient features. You will be able to operate this fish finder in any way you want and this will help you focus more on fishing rather than the fishfinder while you are at it.

Firstly, it uses a battery as the power source so you do not have to worry about it. Secondly, it has a very small size so it is very portable. Furthermore, you can hang it around your neck to operate it hands-free. Also, it has alarms that tell you when flocks of fish pass by.

Therefore, you can keep it in the dry hatch and still know when there is fish nearby. Other than that, the unit uses 250 kHz sonar beams to track down the fish. It has a good range with its transducer.

In fact, you get a really long cord with this fish finder to spy in the water. However, it could be more accurate in its findings- it sometimes confuses fishes with other things and can also miss fish totally.

You get a number of adjustable features with it as well. For example, you can determine its sensitivity. On top of it, it is quite a durable unit despite its affordable price. But as you can guess, it does lack a number of advanced features.

Pros

  • ​​​​​A very easy-to-use unit.
  • ​​​​​Quite versatile as to how you use it.
  • ​​​​​Affordable price point yet is very durable.
  • ​​​​​​Useful features like alarms and displays help you more.
  • ​​​​​​Some adjustable features are there as well.

Cons

  • ​​​​​It is not very accurate.
  • ​​​​​​Lacks advanced features.

6. ​LUCKY Handheld Portable Fish Finder

Looking for a fish finder that you can use in most weather and water bodies? Then, you can try the Lucky Handheld portable fish finder out. In fact, the name is very self-explanatory- it is super portable.

This fish finder is a small unit that comes with a small LCD screen to show you the whereabouts of the fish. You can use it in ice water and any other water kind. The transducer has a cord 25 feet long which really increases your reach. Furthermore, you can either put the transducer in the water or let it float.

When it comes to range, this fish finder offers you a good deal for its price and size. In fact, you can detect in ranges from 3 feet to 328 feet. Furthermore, you can change the unit too. However, this fish finder is not the easiest one to operate, therefore, you will have to go through a steep learning curve to really understand how it works.

It offers you quite a number of settings to choose from as well. In fact, you can set it in one mode from the five sensitivity modes. It is also capable of sounding alarms when it finds fish.

The problem, however, is that it can sometimes be quite inaccurate. It may show you fish on the screen while there are only weeds around. Apart from that, you may have to handle it a bit carefully. Because it is quite reactive to water. With time the water may make it rust or make the screen go blurry.

Pros

  • ​​​​​​A small, portable fish finder that is easy to install on any boat or kayak.
  • ​​​​​​A long cord is included.
  • ​​​​​​The depth range is good enough with a 45-degree beam.
  • ​​​​​​​Offers a number of adjustable features.
  • ​​​​​​​Affordable yet solidly built.

Cons

  • ​​​​​​​Steep learning curve.
  • ​​​​​​​Does not deal with humidity well.
  • ​​​​​​​Very sensitive at times.

7. Humminbird 410230-1 HELIX 5 CHIRP SI GPS G2 Fish Finder

You are probably looking for a fish finder that not only covers a lot of areas for you but also provides you with a great quality image. Yes, this is what you need to find fish, right? You need to be able to differentiate between the fish and the objects that are there in the water. The Humminbird 410230-1 fishfinder lets you do exactly that.

Apparently, the technology responsible for it is none other than our old friend, CHIRP sonar. It has both the side sonar and the down sonar. Therefore, no fish can escape its eyes! Furthermore, the dual-beam makes sure that you get high-quality clear images of the fish or objects underneath.

This fish finder makes everything even easier for you with its base map technology which already has the base map of most lakes and rivers. So, you can go on to create a map for the area you fish in and keep it saved. Furthermore, it connects with devices using GPRS and you can access the data using the Lakemaster. It has the auto chart live feature as well.

The unit has a display that is very easy to see and clear too. You can control it very easily. The transducer is very effective and efficient in its tasks as well. Now, what you may have a bit of trouble with is the mounting stand.

Apparently, you need to screw the mounting stand to make it useful, and sometimes screws can be a bit flimsy. Apart from that, the fish finder offers you quite a number of features. You get really good value for the price you pay for it.

Pros

  • ​​​​​​​Very good transducer specifications.
  • ​​​​​​​The CHIRP sonar technology makes it reach deep and well.
  • ​​​​​​​The dual beams help you get a clear image.
  • ​​​​​​​​Quite easy to install and use.
  • ​​​​​​​​Good value for the money- durable too.
  • ​​​​​​​​​It offers many useful features including GPS.

Cons

  • ​​​​​​​​​The mounting stand may have loose screws for it.

8. Garmin Striker 7SV With Transducer GPS Fish Finder

Do you want a big screen to view the target fish if they are around? Then, this Garmin Striker 7S may be the one you are looking for. Apparently, this one has a 7-inch LCD screen that is quite clear even under the sunlight- absolutely no strain on your eyes!

On top of that, this unit offers you quite a number of features too. Firstly, it has a power of 500 watts (RMS) which is strong enough. Then, it has the CHIRP Sonar technology in it. Thus, your beams can reach deep down while also giving you a clear view of what’s in the water.

Apart from that, this unit has quickdraw contour mapping software which lets you create and store maps of the areas you have been to. Now, you should check the configuration and needs of this feature more if you want to use it. Because there are people who could not use it the way they wanted to. It does not really let you use the GPS much.

Apart from that, you can connect the unit to wifi and access the ActiveCaptain app. With it, you can get the data you need anytime. While this fish finder is easy to set up and use in general- the app is not the easiest to use. You may need to spend some time learning it.

Other than that, this fish finder is good at its job and has a reasonable price. The quality of the build is also good enough to last.

Pros

  • ​​​​​​​A clear, big, visible screen.
  • ​​​​​​​The technology in it goes quite deep and brings out very clear images- good reach.
  • ​​​​​​​Quite easy to use the device.
  • ​​​​​​​​It has connectivity to wifi.
  • ​​​​​​​​You can build and store maps on it.
  • ​​​​​​​​​Durable build and a reasonable price.

Cons

  • ​​​​​​​The map-building feature has its limitations.
  • ​​​​​​​​​The apps are not very straightforward.

9. ​Lowrance HOOK2 5 – 5-Inch Fish Finder

If you want a fish finder that you can easily fit in a small boat or kayak but also get a great view of what’s underneath then the Lowrance Hook2 fish finder may be the one for you. In fact, it has a screen size of 5 inches which is close to the average. However, what makes this size acceptable is the compact build of the fish finder and its ability to fit in small console spaces.

When using this fish finder you will face almost no trouble because the user interface is much like that of a mobile. This is why you won’t be boiling your brain to figure out how to use it or in which setting to put it.

As for the coverage, this fish finder offers quite a great deal. The Chirp Sonar technology in it gives you both down and side scans. In fact, lets you see the side view up to 300 feet on both sides. See? Great coverage!

Apart from that, this fish finder comes loaded with US inland maps. So, you can explore unexplored waters easily. With GPS in it, you can also create your own way. In a way, it is quite the smart device aiding you in your expeditions.

What you may face a bit of trouble with is the mounting bracket. Apparently, the bracket is not made with the best quality and it can be a bit flimsy as well. The images on the screen may also get unclear with time.

When it comes to price- the fish finder does a good job for what you pay.

Pros

  • ​​​​​​​​An extremely easy-to-use interface.
  • ​​​​​​​​The screen is not huge but it is good enough for a small boat or kayak.
  • ​​​​​​​​It takes little space.
  • ​​​​​​​​​The transducer coverage is quite good.
  • ​​​​​​​​​GPS and mapping technology can become quite helpful.
  • ​​​​​​​​​​Good value for the money.

Cons

  • ​​​​​​​​​​The mounting bracket is not built with the most quality or the best design.
  • ​​​​​​​​​​The images on the screen can get blurry with time.

10. ​Humminbird Helix 10 Chirp Fish Finder

Want to get a very good view of what’s in the water? Maybe also determine from the sonar image what fish is roaming around underneath? Then, you can try the Humminbird Helix 10 Chirp fish finder. In fact, it has a great quality color screen which gives you a clear arch view of fish.

As for the sonar capacity, you will be quite amazed by it. In fact, it does way better than many other fish finders. You get to see images from a down scan of up to 125 feet deep. Furthermore, there is another feature that makes everything even easier for you.

You get to choose from two types of beams- narrow or wide. With the wide, you can determine the area of the lake or water body in which you should patiently wait for fish to show up. Again, with the narrow, your range will be smaller, with just that place but you will be able to see clearer images.

In this case, you will know whether the thing in the image is a rock, weed, or the fish you are trying to find. Other than that, this unit has both Bluetooth and Ethernet connectivity. However, the problem you may face with this fish finder is with the transducer. No, the transducer is of good quality and functionality as well.

However, you will have to buy it separately. While the fish finder itself is affordable, buying the transducer separately is inconvenient and can be more expensive.

Pros

  • The quality of the images on the color screen is top-notch.
  • ​​​​​​​​Chirp Sonar technology has quite a good coverage area.
  • ​​​​​​​​It gives quite some control in your hands with the narrow and wide beams to choose from.
  • ​​​​​​​​​Ethernet and Bluetooth connectivity.
  • ​​​​​​​​​Great quality build and design.

Cons

  • ​​​​​​​​It does not include its transducer with it- it could be more convenient and price-efficient for the customers.

Buyers Guide For The Best Fish Finder For Crappie

How does a fish finder work and what do you have to check before choosing one? Let’s find out.

The Screen Of The Fish Finder

The main thing you will be in contact with all the time when using a fish finder is the screen it comes with. In fact, the first thing you have to consider is the size of the screen. The screen should be big enough to let you see clearly.

However, the bigger the screen, the higher will be the price of the fish finder. This is why you should only choose such a size that lets you see everything clearly and does not waste space. Yes, a bigger screen will also take up more space.

The screen of a fish finder usually ranges between 4 to 12 inches. You can settle for size in the middle- like 7 inches.

The Pixels Of The Screen

You want to really see what is in the water under your boat or kayak, right? So, you have to check how clearly the fish finder can help you see the things beneath the water.

The higher the pixels on the screen, the better will be the image quality. Therefore, it is best if you choose a higher-pixel screen. However, the higher the pixels will be the more expensive the fish finder will be.

In this case, as you are looking for crappie, there is a chance you will find its eggs first. Therefore, you have to choose a higher pixel even if it costs more for the best outcome.

Color Or BnW Screen

Just like a TV screen, you will find both color and black& white screens for fish finders. It is up to you to decide which one you want. You may not be able to distinguish between objects of the same size and shape. In fact, you may mistake rocks for eggs and more.

This is why you can consider the color screen. But, as expected, the price of a color screen will be much higher than that of Black and White.

The Transducer Power

The transducer is part of the fish finder that sends signals around to find objects and fish. As a general rule, the higher the power of the transducer, the better it will be at its work. Therefore, it is best if you always choose a transducer that has great power.

It is usually mentioned in the unit of watts means squared. You can choose a minimum of 500 watts of power for a small transducer- but always choose greater than this.

The Frequency Of The Transducer

A lot depends on the frequency of the transducer. Apparently, a higher frequency will give you a very clear image of what’s underneath the water. On the other hand, a lower frequency will reach very deep in the water.

You have to sacrifice the quality of the image for the depth of reach and vice versa. Since you are looking for crappies, it is best if you choose a higher-frequency transducer. This is because crappies are harder to track and a high-frequency transducer will make it easy for you to catch them.

CHIRP technology helps you reach deep and also gives you a clear image of what is underneath.

The Range Of The Sonar Or Sound Waves

Different transducers send out the waves in different waves. Some send it out in just one ray, others in multiple. Some send it directly downwards and others sideways as well.

The problem with downward and sideways reach is that you have to move the boat to get a view. Therefore, the fish may know about your presence by the time you reach it.

This is where a 360-degree reach of the transducer becomes a star. You do not even have to move the boat to see what is way ahead of you or under you. Therefore, a 360-degree reach might be the best option for you.

Portability Of The Fish Finder

If you fish occasionally or if you use different boats or kayaks for fishing, you need a fish finder that can just go with you anywhere. However, if you have a kayak you use for fishing, you can also choose to permanently mount the fish finder on it.

In this case, it completely depends on you whether you want a portable fish finder or not. You have to choose just what is convenient for you.

The Ease Of Use

You do not want to spend too much time trying to figure out what the fish finder is trying to do. During this time, your target fishes may swim away and hide. This is why you need a fish finder that is easy to use.

A touch screen may not be the best option as the fish finder will have to handle various weather conditions. However, you can find a fish finder with very simple-to-understand and easy-to-access buttons.

Therefore, look for a fish finder that is easy and fast to use- not one that works slowly or takes time to figure out.

GPS Technology

If you want the fish finder to act as your guide, it is best if you choose one with a GPS in it. In fact, most fish finders nowadays come with their own GPS anyway. All you have to do is just make sure that yours has one too.

Durability

Despite being an electronic device, your fish finder must be able to handle different kinds of weather. Firstly, because it will be always in watery environments. Secondly, it may rain anytime while you are fishing.

Furthermore, the sun may affect your fishfinder too. This is why you must ensure that your fish finder can handle the various kinds of weather. It should be able to adjust to the weather and provide you with images accordingly as well.

Other than that, you should always check the quality of the build. The fish finder should be made of robust material and have some safety features that protect it if it falls in the water or just on hard ground.

Benefits Of Buying The Best Fish Finder For Crappies

You already have so much fishing gear so why should you invest in a fish finder as well? Haven’t you spent enough? In this case, you spend more to get more. Let’s check out the benefits of a fish finder for crappie.

Provides Guidance:

A fish finder will help you even if you are completely new at fishing. It can help professional anglers as well. But, it sure will make your beginning days merrier. Because you won’t be rowing around helplessly without a destination. A fish finder gives you a destination or at least shows you the way.

Time-Efficient:

You have to wait for hours to get fish. Imagine what would happen if you waited for hours at the wrong place- Frustration! Even if the fish finder does not get you to the right place, it will surely make you realize sooner that you are in the wrong place. So, it saves time in that way.

Keeps Track:

Some fish finders come with memories in them. As a result, you will know when you look for fish in the same area. Plus, you will also know about areas you have not already covered. This also contributes greatly to saving time when you are fishing. Also, it prevents you from going over the same place again and again.

faqs for Best Fish Finder For Crappie:

1. what frequency is right for deeper waters and which one is for shallow waters?

Answer:
The deeper the water, the less frequency you want from the fish finder. In fact, for depths over 1500 feet, you will get the best results from frequencies less than 140 kHz.
On the other hand, for shallower water, you will of fine with frequencies greater than 140 kHz. The higher the frequency, the clearer will be the image but the coverage will be less.

2. how do you calculate the size of the bottom of the distance shown on the screen?

Answer:
Most fish finders will keep you updated directly or indirectly about the relationship between the size displayed and the actual size. For example, the depth of the water body and the size of the beam also affects the distance to the fish you are targeting.
Most fish finders use an A-scope mode to tell you the diameter of the ray at the bottom. In this way, you can figure out what the distance to the target fish might be.

3. can you identify the fish on the screen?

Answer:
The fish finder will not identify for you but you, with time and experience, may be able to. Apparently, the shape and behavior of the fish on the screen may help you differentiate as time goes by.

4. what is the best depth finder for crappie fishing?

Answer:
It depends on the size and type of fishing boat you have, the type of water you’re fishing in, and your own personal preferences. Some good options include the Humminbird® PiranhaMAX™ 230 or the Garmin Striker 4 with CHIRP.

Best Fish Finder For Crappie
Best Fish Finder For Crappie

Final Words:

As you can see that there is quite a lot to consider when looking for a fish finder. Furthermore, there is a lot of technical configuration to check as well- which gets quite tough for beginners. But, the buying guide has tried to simplify it for you so you should be capable of making educated decisions now.

Keep your needs in mind and then check if the fish finder can fulfill them for you. Also, consider the price. You do not have to break your bank for a delightful fish finder.

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