Without the right tools and equipment, a single catch might take hours of your time. So, to maximize your efficiency and time, get yourself a fish finder.
As the name suggests, a fish finder is a SONAR-enabled electronic device that locates fish in the water through ultrasonic sound waves. The screen displays various information such as distribution of fish, water status, and the condition of the seabed among others.
In this article, we’ll review three of the best fish finders for Jon Boats you can buy today. We’ve also included a buyer’s guide to help to choose the right device.
Top 3 Fish Finders for Jon Boats
With today’s modern technology, fish finders display a staggering amount of underwater information that even scientists find impressive.
Here are some of the best fish finders money can buy, chosen for their material quality, functionality, and overall value.
1. Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 – Best Overall
Featuring detailed maps of almost 4,000 US inland lakes, the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 makes fish easier to find and identify.
Thanks to its high-performance FishReveal feature, the Hook Reveal displays high-resolution images of fish and underwater structures below the surface.
It also has a handy autotuning sonar, which automatically adjusts the device’s settings as fishing conditions change. With this, you won’t have to manually adjust the settings whenever you change locations.
Depending on the transducer model selected, this fish finder covers anywhere between 164 feet (50 meters) to 985 feet (300 meters) below the surface.
Pros
- High-visibility screen
- Detailed speed, location, map, and GPS readings
- Almost instant results
Cons
- No networking function
- No touchscreen, which is usually a given for devices of this cost
2. Garmin Striker 4 – Best for Deep Ocean Fishing
The Garmin Striker 4 is arguably the most popular fish finder in the market. It’s praised by beginners and professionals alike, thanks to its simple controls and easy-to-read information.
Equipped with a keypad-styled interface and navigation, this fish finder displays all the necessary data you need while fishing. The waypoint map shows detailed representations of fish, objects, and underwater structures, as well as other information such as hot spots, GPS, boat speed, and the current weather condition.
The Striker is available in three display options: 3.5, 5, and 7 inches. All three come with easy-to-mount designs, so you don’t have to worry about tricky installations.
Pros
- Simple but intuitive interface
- Garmin CHIRP technology provides crystal-clear sonar images
- Reaches a maximum depth of 1,600 ft for freshwater, and 750 ft for saltwater
Cons
- Screen and keyboard unit aren’t waterproof
- Needs to be connected to a 12v battery to work
3. Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar WiFi Fish Finder – Best Portable Option
The Deeper PRO+ is unlike any fish finder we’ve ever seen. To use it, simply cast out the device in the water and give it a few seconds to scan. Information will then be transferred and displayed on your mobile device through the LakeBook app.
This fish finder uses Wi-Fi to connect to your smartphone, transferring data much faster than Bluetooth connectivity. It sends a staggering 15 scams per second and has a target separation of less than an inch. Best of all, it doesn’t need an external Wi-Fi connection to work; the PRO+ comes with its own Wi-Fi signal that can be detected by your smartphone.
With a casting range of 330 feet, the PRO+ scans as far as 260 feet (80 meters) below the water’s surface. Thanks to its dual broad/narrow, it displays information such as humps, marginal shelves, and depressions to accurately locate fish.
Pros
- Built-in GPS sensor
- Doesn’t need an external Wi-Fi connection to work
- Adjustable sensitivity
Cons
- Requires heavier fishing reel to hold the mono line
- Doesn’t scan as deep as other fish finders on this list
Factors to Consider When Buying a Fish Finder for Jon Boat
There are hundreds of fish finders on the market, but only a selected few are worth the price. Here are some of the biggest factors to consider when buying a fish finder for your Jon Boat.
Portability
Jon Boats have limited storage space, so search for a portable fish finder that doesn’t take up much room.
Some fish finders are so small they fit inside your pocket, while others, like the Deeper PRO+, allow you to connect an external device on your phone, freeing even more space in your boat.
Built-In GPS
GPS not only helps you track and locate schools of fish much quicker, but also allows you to navigate unknown waters without getting lost. As such, it’s always a good idea to purchase a fish finder with a built-in GPS instead of just preloaded maps.
Scan Depth
For best results, your fish finder should reach a depth of at least 250 feet to increase your chances of finding huge schools of fish.
If you’re planning to use your Jon Boat in the ocean (under very specific conditions, of course), search for a fish finder that scans a depth of at least 300 to 400 feet.
Usability
Before buying the fish finder, check its usability. After all, as with any piece of tech, you won’t find much use with an overly complicated fish finder that exceeds your technical prowess.
Usability mostly depends on your personal preference, so make sure to test the device’s ease of use before spending money on it.
For instance, professional fishermen find adjustable search parameters useful, but beginners are happy with automatic sonars and built-in GPS. Some people prefer fish finders with large screens for better readability, while others prefer touch screen capabilities more than anything else.
Also, make sure you’ll use most, if not all, of the features found in the fish finder. Additional features add to the device’s overall cost, so it’s not worth paying extra if you’re never going to use them on your fishing adventures.
Final Thoughts
This concludes our article on the best fish finders for Jon Boats! If we had to pick our top favorite, we’d choose the Lowrance Hook Reveal 5. It features high-resolution charts, GPS mapping, DownScan Imaging, and split-screen options. It’s also available in 5, 7, and 9-inch screen options to match individual preferences!