Offshore fishing is more daunting than inland or regular shore fishing because when you’re in the middle of a vast sea/ocean chances of capturing a fish dwindle.
Let alone capture your desired species of fish, without the help of a best offshore fish finder.
It is because the vastness of the water will leave even an experienced fisherman clueless as to where to cast the pole to ensure it hooks the target successfully.
Unless you’re ready to come back with an empty boat after spending all day on water or just wanted to have a getaway, a right piece of fish finder is your only best shot at returning with your biggest catch.
Offshore fish finders have multiple sonar features along with navigation system, mapping and depth scanning to ensure you’ve all the right players available to turn your fish hunt into a win.
The frequency beams of the transducer travel to a considerable depth in water and return with precise information about the whereabouts of fish hideouts as well as structure and bottom contours on a large display screen.
Table of Contents
Best Offshore Fish Finder 2021 Reviews
Since our focus is on offshore fishing therefore we’ve formed a list of 10 best offshore fish finders to make sure you don’t confuse them with lake or river fishing from shores.
Locating the right model will become a piece of cake once you’ve gone through ins and outs of all models along with our buyer’s guide.
Top Best Offshore Fish Finder Comparison Table
No. | Preview | Product Name | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 |  | Garmin Striker 7SV (010-01874-00) | ||
2 |  | Humminbird Helix5 Chirp DI G2 - 410220-1 | ||
3 |  | Lowrance Hook2 4X Fishfinder | ||
4 |  | Humminbird 410950-1 NAV Helix7 | ||
5 |  | Garmin echoMap Chirp 54cv | ||
6 |  | Garmin Striker Plus 9SV | ||
7 |  | Lowrance HDS-7 Live Fish Finder | ||
8 |  | Humminbird Helix5 SI 409640-1 | ||
9 |  | Lowrance Elite-9 Ti2-9-inch Fish Finder | ||
10 |  | Humminbird 410120-1 Helix10 G2N |
1. Garmin Striker 7SV – Best Brand Offshore Fish Finder with Transducer
Investing in Garmin Striker 7SV will be among the smartest decisions you’ve ever made. Isn’t it smart to obtain a fully loaded top-of-the-line fish finder without splashing a huge amount of cash?
When you’re miles away from shore, its 7” large bright screen will allow you to see the activity around your boat in a cinematic-like picture – not even glaring sun will obstruct your viewing.
As far as your eyes can see, the ocean will be yours to explore.
This isn’t my promise, rather it’s what superior sonar scanning of this fish tracker claims. The Chirp ClearVu and Chirp SideVu present you a detailed report about what your naked eye can’t see on either side of your vessel and underneath it.
With such a focused viewing, escaping your trap will become absolutely impossible even for the smartest of fish.
Even better, you’ll always know your way to specific fish active spots as well as back to shore because of built-in sensitive GPS mechanism and QuickDraw Contour mapping – history of your trails and routes along with marked fish hotspots will always be at your disposal, in case you plan another trip.
On top of that, you can get even more assistance by connecting through wifi and accessing ActiveCaptain app and QuickDraw Contours Community.
Pros
- Can survive harsh marine conditions.
- Crisp and bright viewing even in sunlight.
- Detailed information about the surrounding waterbody.
- Operating mechanism is easy.
- GPS mechanism and custom mapping provide better direction towards fish hotspots.
Cons
- MicroSD card is absent.
- Lacks user manual.
Final Verdict:
A vast majority of fishermen and sea wanderers have called Garmin Striker 7SV the best offshore fish finder because of its superior fish tracking ability and crystal clear visuals. Seasoned fishermen prefer it over other deluxe models because of its reasonable price.
2. Humminbird Helix5 – Best Affordable Chirp DI G2 Offshore Fish Finder
A bargained model by Humminbird, the aristocratic class of fish finders, is like a complimentary meal by a high-end restaurant. Meaning, no one will ignore such a golden chance. Humminbird Helix 5 410220-1 is that “complimentary meal.”
The screen is just 5” large, not as big as the previous Garmin model, yet it’s arguably among crowning features of the unit because it can be split in two halves to get data of dual frequency at once without compromising readability.
The shrinking size of screen doesn’t seem much of a loss when its sonar provides you a crisp picture of what’s happening in surrounding waters on the same screen through side and down imaging.
The DualBeam Plus offers a limited coverage of 600ft and 300ft for down imaging which means the unit is not cut for deep oceans, only for freshwater or shallower water bodies.
Whether high-tech or low-tech, any gadget with a complicated running procedure is a big no. Fortunately, this doesn’t come with that hair-splitting and bewildering setup and operating system.
You’ll be able to set it up for action in just a few minutes even as a beginner.
Pros
- Compact and portable gadget.
- Portable model.
- Inexpensive
- Coloured display offers crystal clear image.
- Split screen doesn’t compromise readability.
- Uncomplicated installation and operating procedure.
Cons
- Appropriate only for shallower water.
- Performance is compromised in tidal waters.
Final Verdict:
If you’re on a budget yet want a relatively high-end fish finder with some bells and whistles, then consider Humminbird Helix 5 410220-1. It is compact but still offers bright display along with accurate side and down imaging, making it one of the best portable side imaging fish finders for offshore.
3. Lowrance Hook2 4X – Top Pick Overall Offshore Fish Finder
We all want to reach the hidden cracks and crevices of selected water territory to ensure our boat carries at least one successful catch, if not many, upon returning towards the shore after day long of fish hunt.
Lowrance Hook2 4X makes sure you get a fruitful getaway without putting a hole in your pocket.
Beginners and mid-level anglers get attracted to this model like opposite poles of a magnet because of hassle-free set up and use. It features auto-tuning sonar and phone-like buttoned keys that help you set it for actual chase without wasting time on tweaking with settings.
Coming towards the chasing weapon, sonar coverage, it’s undoubtedly the most distinguishing characteristic of this model because you’ll rarely come across a model of this class carrying such a wide sonar coverage.
In simple words, despite the unit’s small size it allows you to monitor a vast area at once.
But -and here we come to a less ideal part- the low pricing also results in shrinkage of screen and size, available in just one size.
The brighter side, literally, is that the screen is SolarMax so you’ll receive a clear image, bright enough to be easily read even in sunlight.
To top it all, the package includes a bullet transducer that you can mount in different positions to get more intelligible results.
Pros
- Budget-friendly portable device.
- Broader sonar coverage.
- User-friendly running mechanism.
- SolarMax display offers crisp and easily comprehensible information even in sunlight.
- Bullet transducer can be set up in several ways for better performance.
Cons
- Smaller screen with only one size.
- Lacks a charger and a carrying bag.
Final Verdict:
Lowrance Hook2 4X deserves to be placed among the best affordable offshore fishfinders due to its broad sonar range and bright display. The screen is pretty small yet provides intelligible information about bottom contours and fish location.
4. Humminbird 410950-1 – Best Top Rated NAV Helix7 Offshore Fish Finder
Those of you who’ve seen Humminbird’s price graph will know that Helix 7 G3 NAV (410950-1) is providing you some really advanced features at a relatively less expensive price.
However, spending over half a grand is still a pretty big deal, especially for on-budget anglers.
Yet, this will seem like a small price when you’ll catch fish left and right literally. The unit is equipped with Mega Side Imaging and Mega Down Imaging to ensure nothing misses your radar up to 125ft on both sides of your vessel as well as beneath it.
With such multiple eyes looking deep underwater, I’m sure even the camouflaged target will be revealed before you instantly.
As you move further along water, you’ll be able to mark spots and create personalized maps to make sure you revisit them without getting lost.
As for the display, I’m sure the name Helix 7 must have given you an idea of what you’re getting but there’s still an element of surprise. The 7” screen is wide enough to provide you multiple details in a bright colour display without obscuring any information.
This is mainly because the large screen can be split into multiple windows to ensure you get all the information at once without it getting cluttered.
Humminbird knows how high the possibility of losing track is, especially when you troll in uncharted waters, that’s why it has integrated GPS along with map charts of over 21,000 lakes of US and Canada.
In short, chase and catch fish in any territory without getting upset about budget as well as losing track.
Pros
- Improved sonar tracking with Mega Side Imaging and Mega Down Imaging.
- Wider screen provides uncluttered viewing even when splitted into multiple windows.
- Accurately scans up to125ft area on both sides of the vessel as well as below it.
- Better tracking and navigation with AutoChart Live, GPS and basemap charts.
Cons
- Might be expensive for some people.
- Installation and operating procedure is a little complicated.
Final Verdict:
If you want a best premium offshore fish finder without spending an exorbitantly high price, then there’s hardly any model that will be a better alternative than Humminbird Helix7 GPS G3 NAV. Its improved Chirp sonar ensures that you always return from a fish hunt with a catch.
5. Garmin 54cv – Best echoMap Chirp Offshore Fish Finder
The echoMap series of Garmin is an echo of how you can gain a competitive edge over high-end rivals without breaking the bank.
Garmin echoMap Chirp 54cv illustrates this superior artistry through rugged build and functionality complemented with an affordable price tag.
Fruitful fish capturing needs you to be fully informed about the underwater happenings or it will be just a “tai tai phiss” for you.
The ClearVu chirp sonar of this model makes sure that not only you have an unobstructed view of underwater contours, vegetation and fish but the information also keeps updating as your boat moves deeper into the sea.
As a result you’ll have a fruitful fish hunt and not the other one.
You can get added assurance about trustworthiness assistance of this gadget through its in-built GPS system and preloaded maps and charts.
Together they ensure you jump into any water territory with complete homework about its ins and outs while keeping track of new routes that you took.
Things get less peachy when you find its lack of Wi-Fi connectivity and a carrying bag. However, the brand’s 30-days warranty and excellent customer support will not let you break the deal.
Pros
- Durable built can beat unpleasant marine conditions.
- Budget-friendly.
- ClearVu sonar offers precise and updated information.
- Pre-installed maps and in-built active GPS enable anglers to navigate with confidence.
Cons
- Shrinked screen size.
- Neither features wi-fi connectivity nor comes with a carrying case.
Final Verdict:
There are very few fish finders that are as durable and functional as Garmin echoMap 54cv yet entail a budget-friendly price. The highly sensitive sonar tracking of this small device allows it to acquire top ranks among the best budget-friendly offshore fish finders.
6. Garmin Striker Plus 9SV – Best Value Offshore Fish Finder with CV52HW-TM transducer
A one-word, simplified description of Garmin Striker Plus 9SV would be: “Picture-Perfect!” Like any upscale model, this one also demands a significant splash of cash.
But, what it offers in return exceeds your expectations as well as imaginations.
First, its 9-inch large screen is by far the largest in Garmin’s Striker series. The picture quality is as bright and sharp as if you were watching it live while the intuitive controlling keys present on the side can be understood and operated without much tweaking and testing.
Furthermore, its 2D Chirp sonar with ClearVu and SideVu scanning enables you to watch every single thing that passes by or under your boat.
Plus, the target separation is so distinctive that even a fleeting glance will tell you where your object of interest is located, so you could throw a cast at the exact spot.
In a sad state we should warn you that this isn’t a multi-functioning fishfinder-cum-chartplotter like some of the above models so it doesn’t have preloaded maps.
Not a real bummer though! Haven’t you heard about creating your own path? It does have a basic GPS plotter and built-in wi-fi to help you note the boat’s speed, draw your own maps and save routes for re-tracing.
The wi-fi will allow you to access ActiveCaptian app and QuickDraw Contours Community to supplement your personal cartography or just share it with other fishermen.
Pros
- Bright and large display offers unobstructed viewing even in glaring sunlight.
- Crisp imaging of things passing beside and under one’s canoe.
- Easy control keys.
- Built-in Wi-Fi and basic GPS plotter.
- Perfect for inland and offshore fishing.
- Contains a transducer supporting all sonar technologies.
Cons
- Lacks on-board mapping and microSD card.
- Expensive
- Doesn’t come with a protective cover.
Final Verdict:
If you’re looking for an exquisite upscale fishfinder to catch your favorite fish on your next deep sea fishing trip, then convince yourself to spend a significant amount of cash on Garmin Striker Plus 9SV. The device has a few pitfalls but still it can be regarded as one of the best inland and offshore fish finders.
7. Lowrance HDS-7 – Best Live C-MAP Insight Offshore Fish Finder without Transducer
Lowrance HDS-7 Live is a fully loaded top-notch fish finder designed for those affluent anglers and fishing enthusiasts who want to up their fishing game at all costs.
Once you get a taste of chasing the fish in ultra clear imaging through its live scanning, you’ll never settle for any other gadget. The experience is that surreal.
The 7-inch large screen isn’t so small if evaluated on its own, but it seems a bit smaller when compared to other deluxe models of the same class.
Since the actual purpose is to have a clear view of the world lying below your boat and HDS-7 offers it in such a photographic-like clarity that shrinkage an inch or two of screen becomes insignificant.
If I were in your place, I would challenge other fishermen to spice things up, knowing that the winning crown will always be mine.
You get this confidence through its special StructureScan, impressive Chirp sonar and dual core processor that claim to deliver vivid images of fish and underwater structure present on either side of your vessel in a snap.
Lastly, its highly active GPS along with pre-installed detailed maps will help you reach fish active spots without getting lost as well as keep track of your routes for revisiting.
And if needed, you can download additional maps for extra information by using its bluetooth connectivity.
Pros
- Vivid and crisp images.
- Tracks fish with absolute accuracy and speed.
- Enables users to keep track of targets through live imaging.
- Improved navigation through active GPS and in-depth preloaded maps.
Cons
- Exorbitant price.
- Screen size is comparatively smaller than other upscale models.
- Transducer needs to be purchased separately.
Final Verdict:
If you’re a die-hard fisherman who never wants to return empty handed from a fish hunt, then invest in this upscale model of Lowrance. Its superior target chasing ability along with an improved navigation mechanism will enable you to have a delightful experience on water every time.
8. Humminbird Helix5 – Best Design SI Offshore Fish Finder
Humminbird is the name that you want to have for assistance when you’re going for a getaway or fishing trip.
Its model Helix 5 SI 409640-1 is regarded as one of the best side imaging offshore fish finders for it’s housing some innovative features in a compact body yet entails a somewhat reasonable price tag.
Commercial fishermen or beginners, all love this fish finder for its high ratio of successful catch.
Its side imaging and down imaging sonar scanning offers accurate information about bottom contours, fish and other underwater objects present on either side of your boat as well as underneath it. No wonder you find a vulnerable catch.
All this useful information is presented on a bright screen with coloured graphics in such clarity and neatness that confusing one part of information with another is not even a possibility.
More importantly, the 5-inch screen is backlit so you will have no trouble monitoring the data both in sunlight and during nighttime low visibility.
Humminbird has really outdone its peers in generosity and user’s convenience by combining together GPS chart plotter, built-in detailed mapping and microSD card slot in this mini marvel.
They will help you navigate on any water body with confidence and save your personal waypoints and favorite fish spots for next visit.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact.
- Backlit display with coloured graphics.
- Accurate side imaging and down imaging enhances fishing experience.
- Personal waypoints and trails can be saved for revisiting.
- Beginner-friendly operating mechanism.
- Affordable.
Cons
- Doesn’t work properly if the boat is motionless.
- Transducer is not ideal.
Final Verdict:
This is the best beginner-friendly and portable offshore fish finder that comes at an affordable price. It has a few drawbacks but the unit is very cost-effective and contains some really innovative features to ensure you get a fruitful deep sea fishing.
9. Lowrance Elite-9 – Best Ti2-9-inch Active Imaging Offshore Fish Finder
In Lowrance Elite-9 Ti-9, it is structure rather than action that speaks louder than words. The unit is comparatively pricier than other mid-tier models, courtesy of its being an “Elite” model literally and figuratively.
That’s a fair deal since it carries a number of advanced features. The best part of having Elite-9 Ti2 on board is that there will be no “bad fishing day” on its watch. This haughty confidence is the attribute of Chirp sonar technology along with Downscan imaging.
They provide you precise view of bottom structure, vegetation and fish baits with better target separation.
Thence, your fish imprisoning ratio increases so significantly that one might think of you as a legendary Pied Piper – luring mice away, in this case luring fish away from their secret hideout and towards your cast.
Thanks to its sleek and shiny 9-inch Solarmax display, not only will you’ve a crisp and vivid view of the underwater world but also easy readability in bright sunlight.
The chase and capture will become more interesting with real-time mapping through its C-Map Genesis Live software as you’ll be able to follow the target to its hideaway spot.
Lastly, you can have a background knowledge of desired water territory through its inland mapping or create personalized mapping details for hassle-free fishing or share them with other fishermen.
Pros
- Display is large and provides a detailed view with better graphics.
- Built-in inland mapping and custom mapping option.
- Accurate and quick fish detection with Chirp sonar and Downscan imaging.
- Equipped with wireless connectivity.
Cons
- Comparatively costly.
- Learning curve is a bit complex and time-consuming.
Final Verdict:
Whether its inland fishing or offshore fishing, Lowrance Elite-9 Ti9 will give you the best possible experience on water. It has a relatively high price but the innovative features and large display make it one of the best deep sea fish finders.
10. Humminbird 410120-1 Helix10 -Best G2N CHIRP Mega Si Offshore Fish Finder
This isn’t just a best premium offshore fishfinder; it’s also among Humminbird’s best creations. Unlike other top-end Mega Si fish finders, this one entails a comparatively budget-friendly price.
First of all, the 10” large display with backlight adjustment alone will make you fall head over heels for it because the viewing quality of contours and fish is so crisp and clear as if you’re watching an HD quality movie about the marine world.
Contrary to what you might expect, the display isn’t touchscreen but the push-button keys laden on the side are extremely easy to operate thereby leaving you with no regrets and complaints.
Additionally, its increased sonar scanning containing DualBeam Plus sonar with Mega Side Imaging and Mega Down Imaging can be considered as the prime feature of this model as it detects fish accurately and instantly in surrounding area of your boat, up to 125ft depth and 250ft on either sides, that it seems absurd to think one would return without a catch from a fishing trip.
Besides, you can switch to AutoChart Live to record personal mapping containing depth, bottom contours and vegetation details along with fish secret spots or use fish flasher mode when ice fishing.
Not only this but it has a highly sensitive GPS that keeps updating positions multiple times a minute to provide your accurate coordinates.
You can also take guidance from its database containing data of over 10,000 lakes or use Bluetooth wireless connectivity for downloading additional maps.
Pros
- Mega Si and Mega Di offer accurate and detailed scanning.
- Large waterproof display with backlight adjustment.
- Improved navigation with GPS and custom mapping.
- Uncomplicated setup and operation.
- Competitive price.
Cons
- Doesn’t come with weather support.
- Lacks bluetooth remote.
Final Verdict:
If you’re a serious angler looking for a high-tech fish finder with better sonar performance at a competitive price, then Humminbird Helix 10 G2N is your best bet. It can be placed among the best side imaging offshore fish finders due to featuring multiple sonar functions.
Buyer’s Guide: Buying The Best Offshore Fish Finder in 2021
Whether you’re a first timer or looking for an upgrade, there’s a higher possibility of getting confused when going through a multitude of fish finders if you’ve no knowledge of what to look for in a fish finder.
This is why we’ve created this buyer’s guide, listing a few basic points, to help you reach the right fit without going astray.
Power of Fishfinder:
When you’re aiming for a successful fish hunt, make sure you’ve the fish finder with appropriate power. By power we mean the operating frequency of fish finders.
A device having a higher frequency range of 200kHz-800kHz will cover an area less than 200ft but give you high definition detailed scanning.
If you want a general scan of a larger area then go for a fish finder with lower frequency of 80kHz or 50kHz.
Max Depth:
For offshore or deep sea fishing, the depth range of a fish finder is of utmost importance because in the middle of an ocean you’ll need a device that will be able to travel deeper than a regular fish finder.
First check out where you will be fishing then find a fish finder with sonar that can go hundreds of feet deeper. The sonar featuring Side imaging and Down imaging must be your top priority.
However, know that the depth range of both imaging varies. So make sure you pick the unit with the right depth range for all sonar scannings.
Display:
The display is essential because this is where you’ll monitor all information and underwater activity. Having a coloured display is vital as it will help you identify structure and fish more clearly.
Besides, screen size and resolutions are also of equal importance.
The larger the screen and the higher the resolutions will be, the easier it will be for you to comprehend the displayed data.
Transducers:
The efficiency of a fish finder mainly depends on the transducer. This accessory is responsible for shooting sonar beams deep into the water and then receives it back to cast an image of necessary information on the screen.
Many of the above listed models come with transducers containing appropriate frequency range. Some anglers prefer to buy a transducer of their own choice for enhanced performance.
In any case, make sure you have the transducer that’s compatible with the unit you’re planning to use.
Also make sure that it is compatible with the construction of your watercraft and its mount will set up perfectly on the vessel, without compromising the efficiency of the available transducer.
Conclusion
Having a right fish finder when going for deep sea fishing will give you the upper hand that you need to successfully capture your finned rival. No matter how expert you’re at fishing, it seems challenging to find the best offshore fish finder without some help. You don’t have to go over tons of shopping manuals because we’ve created a simple buyer’s guide for you containing basic knowledge about what you need to investigate when searching for the best deep sea fish finder that will fit your needs perfectly. In end, we trust your judgement to find the right gadget after taking guidance from the above reviews and buying guide.
Leave a Reply