Best Fish Finders for Float Tubes? Need Your Feedback!

Fishing
1

Hey everyone,

I’m diving into the world of float tube fishing and I’m looking for some advice on fish finders to enhance the experience. I’ve heard that using a fish finder can really up your game when it comes to locating fish, especially when you’re out there on a float tube.

Here’s what I’m curious about:

  • What models do you recommend?
    I’ve seen a few options mentioned, but I’m not sure which ones are really worth trying out. Do you have any favorites?
  • Mounting solutions?
    How do you guys typically mount your fish finder on your float tube? Any specific setups that you find work best?
  • Experience sharing:
    If you’ve used a fish finder while float tube fishing, what has your experience been like? Did it significantly improve your catch rate?

Additional Tips:

  • I’m also interested in any unique features to look for in a fish finder when planning to use it with a float tube. Are there particular specs that matter?
  • If you’ve done some reviews or have links to useful threads, please share them here.

I appreciate any insight you can provide. Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Happy fishing!

2

I’m really interested in this topic too! I found that the Lowrance Hook2 is perfect for float tubes. It’s lightweight and has excellent portability.

3

That sounds great, but how do you mount it? I’ve heard mounting can be tricky on float tubes.

2 Likes
4

I actually use a Humminbird PiranhaMAX. It’s compact and fits well into my float tube, and it also has a sturdy mounting system. Just be sure to check the weight capacity.

5

Another great option! Is it easy to read in sunlight? That’s always a concern for me.

6

The PiranhaMAX’s screen is decent in sunlight, but if it’s super bright, I sometimes struggle. Definitely worth it for the price, though!

7

I’ve heard the Garmin Striker 4 is another solid choice for float tubers. Lightweight and very user-friendly with various mounting options!

8

I’ve been considering that! Does it come with a built-in GPS? I find that super helpful.

1 Like
9

Yes! The Striker 4 does have built-in GPS, which is fantastic for tracking your location while fishing. Highly recommend it!

10

Are there any models that are truly waterproof? I wouldn’t want it getting damaged when I inevitably splash around!

8 Likes
11

Most fish finders are water-resistant, but check the IP rating. The Vexilar FL-18 is known for its durability and can handle water well!

12

That’s promising! But I’ve heard it’s a bit heavy? How much does it weigh?

6 Likes
13

It’s around 4 pounds, which can be a lot for some float tubes. Consider height and space available before choosing.

14

On the flip side, the compact nature of the Small Portable Fish Finder is a game changer! Just toss it in and go; so easy to carry!

7 Likes
15

I’ve been using the Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 for my float tube trips, and it’s been a game changer! The transducer is easy to mount, and the clarity of the screen is excellent even in bright sunlight.

16

That’s great to hear! I had issues with my previous fish finder not working well in sunlight. Does the PiranhaMAX handle rough waters too?

17

I use the Garmin Striker 4 on my float tube. It’s compact and very user-friendly! Plus, the GPS feature is super helpful for marking my favorite spots.

18

That sounds awesome! Does it work well in shallow waters where float tubes typically are?

19

In my experience, the Lowrance Hook2 4x is fantastic for float tubes. The auto-tuning feature saves so much time, and the sonar is quite accurate for finding depth changes.

20

I recently switched to the Raymarine Element 7, and I have to say, the clarity is stunning! It feels like I’m on a completely different fishing experience now.