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

Humminbird 561 DI Review

Rating
3/5
 
Humminbird 561 DI has an average rating of 3 out of 5 based on 5 user reviews.

humminbird_561_di

Vendor Price
WestMarine $199.99

Anglers are always looking for an edge when enjoying the sport they love and for that reason, products such as the Humminbird 561 DI remain popular. This fish finder provides an LCD screen that allows fishers to spot fish underwater in high definition. This model can be mounted on any boat dashboard with a mechanism that allows for tilt and rotation to maximize viewing.

The Humminbird 561 DI uses sonar technology to give a crisp, clear picture underwater. All objects, including fish, rocks, seaweed and other underwater life and structures appear thanks to the sophisticated finding technology of this device. The sonar system is both sensitive and broad, allowing a person to clearly see objects 70 feet underwater, while still being able to pick apart minute detail of fish that are a couple of inches from each other.

In terms of specifications, the Humminbird 561 DI has features that put power into the hands of the fisherman. For instance, this fish finder has the potential to reach depths of a whopping 800 feet beneath the surface. It contains a 320 V x 320 H display matrix, allowing objects to appear clearly and with definition. The display features 12 levels of grayscale capability. The fishfinder produces 300 watts of output power, with an overall operating frequency of 200/83 kHz. Sonar coverage is solid, as it measures at 20 to 60 degrees.

This device is intended for fresh water fishing, and features a number of bells and whistles that allow fishers to customize their experience. For instance, it contains Humminbird’s patented SwitchFire sonar, a split screen option to use when zooming, a window that features sonar activity in real time while including enhancements and the ability to place identification tags on fish to easily track their movements. The 561 DI unit itself is lightweight, weighing in at a little more than 3 pounds. Its dimensions are 4 inches long, 7.25 inches wide and 7 inches high.

Buyers on the web have been overall positive when reviewing the 561 DI, writing highly of the features and capabilities of the device. They mainly mention the device’s excellent value, as it’s one of the more conservatively priced items of its kind on shelves at the moment. For the price, users have the ability to get incredible amounts of depth to locate large varieties of fish. They praise the sophistication of the sonar system, which allows picking fish out of hard-to-find locations and adjusts accordingly to attempt to grab the catch of the day.

A downside that some cite is that the Humminbird 561 DI isn’t immediately user friendly and has a bit of a learning curve to set up and get used to. The screen and output make it possible to pick up, but for those not used to fish finders and similar fishing equipment, it may take some time to get accustomed to how to use it, according to reviewers. Overall, though, they say the device is a great buy for the money and gets the job done.

You can get a great deal on Humminbird 561 DI here.

 
 
 Humminbird 561 DILowrance Mark-5x DSIHumminbird 571 DI
humminbird_561_dilowrance_mark-5xdsi1humminbird_571di
Screen Size5 in / 127 mm5 in / 127 mm5 in / 127 mm
Screen Resolution320 x 320 pixels 480 x 480 pixels640 x 320 pixels
Display Type12-level grayscale 16-level grayscale LCD16-level grayscale
Imaging2D and Down ImagingDown Imaging 2D and Down Imaging
Transmit PowerR00W RMS
4000W Peak-To-Peak
500W RMS
4000W Peak-To-Peak
500W RMS
4000W Peak-To-Peak
Sonar Frequency 200/455 kHz 2D Sonar
455/800 kHz Down Imaging
455/800 kHz200/455 kHz 2D Sonar
455/800 kHz Down Imaging
Maximum Depth350 ft (DI), 600 ft (2D) 250 ft350 ft (DI), 600 ft (2D)
MSRP$199.99$269.99$249.99
ReviewReviewReview

User Reviews

Posted by Russ T

  • 5/5
5

I picked this one because I couldn’t justify spending a ton of money on a fishfinder. This looks to be the best fishfinder in this price range, can’t beat down imaging and a 5 inch screen for under $200. The depth readings seem to be accurate and display has good detail. I’m pleased with the purchase so far.

Posted by reviewer

  • 1/5
1

Very poor quality mounting hardware! I had to buy nuts and bolts separately, the nuts included with the unit would seize after hand-threading them. After I finally installed the unit and take it out on the water I realized that the depth readings are incorrect even at very low speeds. Also, the user guide that comes with the unit is a softcopy stored on a CD. You have to print the manual yourself.

Posted by demers1

  • 5/5
5

This fishfinder is all you need for recreational fishing. There are many options and features, some of them I didn’t even get a chance to use yet. It clearly marks fish and structure. This unit is good value for the money.

Posted by T M

  • 3/5
3

Humminbird claims that this sonar reaches depth of 600ft. I could only get it to work upto 150ft, anything beyond that and it times out. Works fine in shallow water though.

Posted by Bruce

  • 1/5
1

Nothing but trouble, won’t read depth. I have the 585si and it works great but the 561 is junk.

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