Best Fish Finders Under $500

If you’re looking to buy a new fish finder, but aren’t sure where to begin, there are some great options under $500 that will provide excellent performance for your fishing needs. If you’re on a tight budget, a basic model may suffice, but if you want the best value for your money, there are some great options out there. The first thing to consider is the size of the display screen. If the size of the display screen is too small, a larger one will not give you the best picture quality. garmin fish finders for sale

The best fish finders under $500 include those with side imaging, down imaging, and dual beam sonar. They will give you information on fish on separate frequency displays on a split screen. Other features of these devices include a five-inch display screen with perfect pixel matrix, making them easier to work with. Some models have multiple buttons for easy navigation, while others are more limited. Make sure to consider the size and type of display screen before you buy a fish finder.

The Humminbird Helix 5 G2 offers in-built GPS functionality and comes with an automatic map of the US coastline, inland lakes, and rivers. It can also run AutoChart Live, a program that maps depth of any water source. The unit includes 8 hours of mapping memory. You can purchase additional memory on an optional AutoChart Zero Line card. There are many other models out there that are worth the price.

Another option for a fish finder under $500 is a Raymarine Mark-4, which has a proven track record. It features a 4.3-inch color screen that is able to be used in bright sunlight. It also has a trackback system that enables you to zoom up to 400 percent and view detail on a small screen. A 4.3-inch full-color screen is another great option for a fish finder under $500.

The HELIX 7 CHIRP SI GPS G2 is another top pick among fish finders under $500. It’s a side imaging fish finder with a 7″ display, and it’s the only one in the price range with this capability. This unit is also GPS enabled and comes with a built-in temperature probe. A GPS plotter is also included with this model. It’s a great option for anglers who want to maximize their chances of landing the biggest fish.

A smaller screen size is a plus when shopping for a fish finder under 500. A 5-inch screen is reasonable, but it needs to be clear enough to distinguish fish and structure. Different technologies are available to help with the imaging process, including Down Imaging, Side Imaging, CHIRP, and Dual Beam. With a budget of 500 dollars, you can’t expect 360-degree imaging, but a 4 to 5-inch screen with GPS functionality is plenty enough.

If you’re looking for a good all-around fish finder under $500, the Lowrance HOOK2 7x with TripleShot is the best choice. This unit comes with a big screen, all the necessary GPS functionality, and a lot more. It also has a Bullet Skimmer transducer and is waterproof up to IPX7 standards. Whether you’re fishing on the open ocean or are tackling a local body of water, you’ll find a fish finder under 500 dollars that is perfect for you.