Top 5 Editorial Picks

Five current fishfinders chosen for distinct buyer needs—from compact value to a premium expandable system. These are editorial selections, not Amazon or reader ratings.

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  1. 1
    Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Fishfinder with Transducer - 4-inch LCD Display - Easy-to-Use Scanning Sonar - Color Palettes, 11.2 Ounces (010-02550-00) | Transducer, 4-inch LCD Display, Easy-to-Use Scanning Sonar, Color Palettes, 11.2 Ounces 4 Inch STRIKER Vivid 4cv Transducer

    Best Compact Value

    Garmin STRIKER Vivid 4cv

    A straightforward sonar and GPS unit for kayaks, jon boats, and small boats.

    • CHIRP and ClearVü scanning sonar in a compact package
    • A sensible pick when you do not need a chartplotter or SideVü
    • Best fit for budget-conscious small-boat anglers
  2. 2
    Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv, Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02553-00) | Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder, Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes 010-02553-00 7 Inch STRIKER Vivid 7sv Transducer

    Best All-Around 7-Inch Fishfinder

    Garmin STRIKER Vivid 7sv

    A capable sonar-first choice for anglers who want a useful 7-inch display without moving into a full chartplotter system.

    • CHIRP, ClearVü, and SideVü sonar for fish and structure
    • Simple setup with a practical 7-inch screen
    • Strong value for most general boat anglers
  3. 3
    Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv with GT54 Transducer, 7” Touchscreen Chartplotter, Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Inland 7' Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Inland with GT54 Transducer

    Best GPS & Chartplotter Upgrade

    Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 73sv

    The mapping step-up for buyers who need confident navigation as well as high-quality scanning sonar.

    • Garmin Navionics+ U.S. Inland mapping and touchscreen control
    • Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü sonar
    • A better fit than STRIKER when charts matter
  4. 4
    Humminbird XPLORE Series GPS Fish Finder MEGA Side Imaging+ & HD Touchscreen Display Transducer Included) 9-Inch Display

    Best Side-Imaging Upgrade

    Humminbird XPLORE 9

    A current 9-inch imaging platform for anglers ready to build around serious side imaging and boat integration.

    • MEGA Side Imaging+ and MEGA Down Imaging+
    • 9-inch display with touchscreen and keypad control
    • Recommended configuration: 9-inch, transducer included
  5. 5
    Lowrance HDS PRO Fishfinder/Chartplotter with Smartphone Integration and Preloaded C-MAP U.S. & Canada Charts 10 Inch ActiveImaging HD 3-in-1

    Best Premium Expandable System

    Lowrance HDS PRO 10

    A larger-boat platform for buyers who want premium sonar, mapping, networking, and a serious expansion path.

    • Active Imaging HD and C-MAP charting
    • Wide networking support for integrated electronics
    • Ready to expand with ActiveTarget 2 and the Lowrance ecosystem

Garmin GPSMAP 740S Review

Rating
3.7/5
 
Garmin GPSMAP 740S has an average rating of 3.67 out of 5 based on 3 user reviews.

garmin_gpsmap_740s

Vendor Price
WestMarine $1999.99
FactoryOutletStore $2099.99
ISave $2099.99

The standalone Garmin GPSMAP 740S outperforms most fish trackers. It has preloaded coastal data for all US coastal locations including Alaska and Hawaii. It has a simple and intuitive touch screen that most users can figure out within minutes. The brightness of the screen can be adjusted at any time and includes a feature to dim during darkness periods to help reduce energy consumption. In addition to the capabilities of the touch screen, the 7 inch display is able to provide all of the vital fishing and location data needed within the frame.

The BlueChart g2 Vision SD card upgrades are recommended when fishing at a favorite location. The 3D view of the location both above and below the waterline can be an essential part of navigation and location setting for an outing. The hi-res satellite imagery can be used to double check the accuracy of the GPSMAP 740S. Many people will enjoy using the auto guide to plot their course.

You can get a great deal on Garmin GPSMAP 740S here.

 
 

User Reviews

Posted by B G

  • 5/5
5

If you need an accurate GPS and fishfinder this is one should be your choice. You have to buy G2 maps to get the most out of the GPS. The touchscreen is great, you can adjust sensitivity and use gloves. It also automatically adjusts screen brightness based on the light conditions. It’s very easy to read, great graphics, lots of different options. I find the Previous Path feature very useful. This unit is not cheap when you add the price of transducer and charts.

Posted by M White

  • 2/5
2

I purchased this unit together with the Blue Chart card for my area. When I’m using the map overlay the display is so dark, it’s virtually useless. Also, I didn’t get a chance to use the sonar functions yet because I didn’t realize this unit comes without the transducer when I placed the order. They shouldn’t advertise this as fishfinder/GPS combo, they should call it fishfinding-capable GPS.

Posted by Dan Munroe

  • 4/5
4

I bought this one for my sailboat. The only gripe I have is that if you back up at all, even with something like dropping anchor, it loses the heading. To get it back you have to get moving in a straight line again for a few seconds. Other than this one thing I am happy with it.

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