Fish Finder for Jon Boat: Top Picks for 2024

Fishing is an exciting outdoor activity that requires patience and skill. It’s a great way to relax and enjoy nature while trying to catch some fish. One of the essential tools for successful fishing is a fish finder.

A fish finder is a device that uses sonar technology to locate fish in the water. It’s a valuable tool for fishing enthusiasts because it helps them find fish quickly and easily.

If you own a jon boat, you know that it’s a versatile boat that can be used for fishing, hunting, or just cruising around. A fish finder for jon boat is a must-have accessory if you want to improve your fishing experience. It can help you locate fish in the water, determine the depth of the water, and identify underwater structures that may attract fish.

When shopping for a fish finder for a Jon boat as a must-have accessory, there are several things to consider. You need to look for a fish finder that is compatible with your Jon boat and has the features you need to make your fishing experience more enjoyable. Factors to consider include the size of the screen, the type of sonar technology used, the power output, and the frequency of the transducer.

We spent countless hours researching and testing various fish finders for Jon boats to identify the ones that offer the best value for your money. In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the best fish finder for jon boat and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Best Fish Finders for Jon Boats

As avid anglers ourselves, we know how important it is to have a reliable fish finder when out on the water. When it comes to finding the best fish finder for your Jon boat, there are a few key factors to consider, such as screen size, sonar capabilities, and portability.

After testing and researching various models, we’ve compiled a list of the top fish finders that will help you catch more fish and have a successful day on the water. Check out our roundup below.

Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder Fish Finder No Gps

We highly recommend the Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder for Jon Boats. It’s easy to use and offers wider sonar coverage, making it a perfect tool for fishing enthusiasts.

Pros

• The auto-tuning sonar and phone-like menus make it easy to set up and use, giving you more time to spend fishing and less time dealing with settings.
• The HOOK2 4x offers a wide-angle sonar cone, giving you double the coverage of traditional fish finders, so you can easily locate fish in a larger area.
• The included Bullet Skimmer transducer gives you traditional 2-D sonar (fish arch) views, so you can get an accurate reading of the fish in the area.

Cons

• The unit might be hard to hold for larger fish, but it’s perfect for smaller fish like panfish up to 2 or 3 pounds.
• The Fish ID function can be unreliable, as it shows multiple images even if your boat is sitting on its trailer.
• The instructions and self-help guide can be difficult to follow, so it may take a few trips to dial in the settings.

The Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder is a great investment for any fishing enthusiast. The wider sonar coverage and easy-to-use features make it a breeze to locate fish, while the included Bullet Skimmer transducer provides accurate readings. The unit might not be suitable for larger fish, but it’s perfect for smaller fish like panfish up to 2 or 3 pounds. The Fish ID function can be unreliable, but the unit is still highly recommended for its overall performance and ease of use.

If you’re looking for a reliable and user-friendly fish finder for your Jon Boat, the Lowrance HOOK2 Fish Finder is definitely worth considering. Click here to check it out on Amazon and start reeling in those fish!

Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv

We highly recommend the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv for anyone looking for a reliable fishfinder for their Jon boat. With its high-contrast color palettes and CHIRP sonar technology, this device makes it easy to see what’s happening beneath the surface of the water.

Pros

• The new vivid scanning sonar color palettes make it easy to distinguish fish and structure
• Supports both Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar (requires compatible transducer)
• High-sensitivity GPS allows you to mark waypoints, create routes, and view your boat’s speed

Cons

• Some users have reported difficulty with the transducer installation process
• The device may take some time to get used to for users who are new to fish finders
• The screen may be difficult to read in bright sunlight

We found that the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv was incredibly easy to use, with intuitive controls and a clear, easy-to-read display. The device’s Quickdraw Contours mapping software allowed us to create and save maps with 1′ contours, and the built-in GPS made it easy to mark hot spots and plan routes. While the transducer installation process was a bit tricky, we found that the device performed well once it was up and running.

If you’re in the market for a reliable fishfinder for your Jon boat, we highly recommend giving the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv a try.

Humminbird 410200-1 HELIX 5 DI G2 Fish Finder

If you’re looking for a reliable fish finder for your Jon boat, the Humminbird 410200-1 HELIX 5 DI G2 Fish Finder is a great option. We’ve used it ourselves and found it to be a solid performer.

Pros

• The 5-inch color WVGA display is clear and easy to read, even in bright sunlight.
• The Down Imaging feature provides a detailed view of what’s happening below your boat, making it easier to spot fish.
• The Dual Beam PLUS sonar combines two beams for great detail and a generous coverage area, so you can be sure you’re not missing anything.

Cons

• The lack of GPS may be a dealbreaker for some anglers who rely on it for navigation.
• The X-Press menu system can take some getting used to, but once you do, it’s fairly intuitive.
• At 2.6 pounds, it’s not the lightest fish finder on the market, which may be a consideration for those with smaller boats.

The Humminbird 410200-1 HELIX 5 DI G2 Fish Finder is a solid choice for anyone looking to up their fishing game. The display is clear, the imaging is detailed, and the sonar is reliable. The lack of GPS may be a downside for some, but if you’re primarily interested in finding fish, this is a great option.

One thing we really liked about this fish finder is the Down Imaging feature. It provides a clear view of what’s happening below your boat, making it easier to spot fish and other underwater structures. The Dual Beam PLUS sonar is also a nice touch, providing great detail and coverage.

On the downside, the lack of GPS may be a dealbreaker for some anglers. If you rely on GPS for navigation, this may not be the fish finder for you. Additionally, the X-Press menu system can take some getting used to, but once you do, it’s fairly intuitive. Finally, at 2.6 pounds, it’s not the lightest fish finder on the market, which may be a consideration for those with smaller boats.

Lowrance HDS-Live Fish Finder

We highly recommend the Lowrance HDS-Live Fish Finder for anyone looking for a top-of-the-line fish finder for their Jon boat. With its advanced fishfinder technology, dual-core processor, and dynamic color range, you’ll be able to easily locate fish and structures both below and to the sides of your boat.

Pros

• Simultaneously view CHIRP Sonar with StructureScan 3D or StructureScan HD for the best possible view of fish and structure
• Dual-core processor provides faster redraws and quicker response times
• New dynamic color range enhances the near-photographic image of SideScan, DownScan Imaging, TotalScan, and StructureScan HD/3D quality

Cons

• Requires C-MAP MAX-N+ charts, Navionics+ or Navionics Platinum charts for easy routing
• A touch screen can be a little buggy at times
• Built-in maps may be unsatisfactory for some users

After using the Lowrance HDS-Live Fish Finder, we were blown away by its advanced features and seamless technology. The dual-channel CHIRP sonar allowed us to view two CHIRP channels at the same time, making it nearly impossible to miss any targets. Additionally, the easy routing feature was incredibly helpful, automatically plotting the shortest and safest course based on our boat’s draft, beam, and height. However, it’s worth noting that the routing feature requires C-MAP MAX-N+ charts, Navionics+, or Navionics Platinum charts, which may be an additional expense for some users.

While the touch screen can be a little buggy at times, the dynamic color range more than makes up for it. The near-photographic image of SideScan, DownScan Imaging, TotalScan, and StructureScan HD/3D quality is truly impressive and allowed us to easily locate fish and structures below and to the sides of our boat.

Overall, we highly recommend the Lowrance HDS-Live Fish Finder for anyone looking for a top-of-the-line fish finder for their Jon boat. It’s advanced technology and dynamic color range make it a standout product in its category.

Lowrance Hook Reveal 9 Fish Finder

We highly recommend the Lowrance Hook Reveal 9 Fish Finder for anyone looking to purchase a fish finder for their jon boat. It’s easy to use, provides high-detail inland maps, and has an autotuning sonar feature that ensures you get the best sonar image every time by automatically adjusting settings as fishing conditions change.

Pros

• FISHREVEAL technology makes fish easier to find and identify
• High-detail inland maps of almost 4,000 US inland lakes
• Autotuning sonar for the best sonar image every time

Cons

• Transducer is long and can be easily damaged
• TripleShot feature is not as clear as advertised
• C-map comes on a bigger chip that doesn’t fit the fish finder

The Lowrance Hook Reveal 9 Fish Finder is a great tool for anglers who want all their sonar from a single transducer. It features wide-angle high CHIRP sonar and high-resolution images of fish-holding structures from SideScan and DownScan Imaging. The 9-inch display is crisp and clear, even in direct sunlight, with excellent clarity and daylight visibility of HOOK Reveal’s SolarMAX display. The TripleShot transducer is perfect for those who want all their sonar from a single transducer, but it can be easily damaged due to its length. The autotuning sonar feature is a great time-saver, but the TripleShot feature is not as clear as advertised. Additionally, the C-map comes on a bigger chip that doesn’t fit the fish finder, so you have to convert it to a smaller chip. Overall, the Lowrance Hook Reveal 9 Fish Finder is a great product that is easy to use and provides high-detail inland maps, making it a great choice for anglers of all skill levels.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying a fish finder for a Jon boat, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some factors to consider:

Transducer Type

The transducer is part of the fish finder that sends and receives sonar signals to detect fish. There are two main types of transducers: transom-mount and trolling motor-mount. Transom-mount transducers are mounted on the back of the boat, while trolling motor-mount transducers are attached to the trolling motor. Consider which type of transducer will work best for your Jon boat.

Display Size and Resolution

The display size and resolution are important factors to consider when choosing a fish finder. A larger display size will make it easier to see the details on the screen, while a higher resolution will provide clearer images. However, keep in mind that a larger display may not fit on a smaller jon boat, and a higher resolution may not be necessary for your needs.

Frequency

The frequency of a fish finder determines how deep it can detect fish. Higher frequencies can detect fish in shallower waters, while lower frequencies can detect fish in deeper waters. Consider the depth of the waters you will be fishing in when choosing a fish finder with the appropriate frequency.

GPS

Some fish finders come with built-in GPS, which can be useful for navigating and marking fishing spots. Consider whether you need a fish finder with GPS capabilities.

Price

Finally, consider your budget when choosing a fish finder. While more expensive models may have more features, there are also plenty of affordable options that can still provide accurate and reliable fish detection.