Interested in fishing crappies? Then you may be aware that spring is the best season in which you can find them, as they lay their eggs. But still finding them could be a bit more difficult than a normal fish. A few years back, crappie fishers had to search for crappies on different locations, but now you just need to buy a good fish finder and you can easily locate crappies in no time.
Fish finders not only enables you to catch crappies but saves your time, as these fish finders are equipped with high-sensitivity sonar features as well as GPS and custom mapping technology. With these smart and efficient fish finders, you can easily locate and track crappies. There are numerous fish finders in the market, but we have focused on the best 5 fish finders in this article that you can buy for crappie fishing, along with their key features that we advise you to consider while buying.
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Top 5 FISH FINDERS FOR CRAPPIE FISHING
| Model | Title | Display | Range | Transducer | Frequency | GPS | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top  | Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar Castable | Uses smartphone’s screen | 260-330 feet | Yes | 90-290 kHz | Yes | Click Here |
  | Garmin Striker 4 | 3.5 inches | 1600 feet in fresh water, 750 feet in salt-water | Yes | 77/200 kHz | Yes | Click Here |
  | Humminbird 410230-1 | 5 inches | 1500 feet | Yes | 130-250 kHz | Yes | Click Here |
  | Ray Marine Electronics E70320 | 7 inches | 600-900 ft | Yes | 50-200 kHz | Yes | Click Here |
  | HawkEye Fishtrax 1C | 2.75 inches | 240 feet | Yes | 200/83 kHz | No | Click Here |
DEEPER PRO+ SMART SONAR
Creating bathymetric maps while sitting on the shore with the help of GPS mode is the most interesting feature that makes Deeper PRO+ one of the best fish finders. With the help of Wi-Fi connectivity, you can integrate it easily into your smartphone or tablet and it connects to your phone within seconds. The dual sonar beam provides you with images of crappies, narrow sonar beam provide you with crystal clear images, and the wider beam will provide you with distinct images. Variety and practicality is the name of the game with this fish finder!
- Upto 330 feet Casting Range
- 90-290 kHz Frequency
- Powerful Transducer
- Data Stored on Cloud
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Moreover, a casting range of 330 feet is offered by this crappie fish finder. The device will direct you to the right spot in mere seconds, so no need to worry about being on the right spot. The sonar can reach a depth of 260 feet and scan multiple surfaces. Adding to its features, you can use the Fish Deeper App and save all your activity to a cloud-based system.
GARMIN STRIKER 4
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Anglers who want to carry a compact and handy device that provides with accurate images can go for the Garmin Striker 4. It provides you with clarity regarding what is happening beneath the surface, with the ClearVu Scanning sonar, and has a user friendly interface. It covers a depth of 1600 feet in fresh water and 750 feet in salt-water. With its 3.5-inch color display, you can view GPS coordinates and water depth information in real-time. Moreover, it weighs only 0.5 pounds. In addition to that, it can be mounted on two different mounts and can be carried around. Its way-point map feature and water body’s speed sensor further enhances it to be a good crappie fish finder. If Striker 4 sounds like a good option for you, make sure to check out our in-depth and detailed Garmin Striker 4 review.
HUMMINBIRD HELIX 5
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Looking for a fish finder with a big display to get a better view of underwater activity? Then Humminbird Helix 5 could be the right choice for you. The fish finder comes with a 5 inch display along with access to different screen view customization options. It helps you differentiate between the fishes and the objects inside the water due to its CHIRP sonar technology. Moreover, it is the best side imaging fish finder for crappie among the list due to its dual sonar technology. Hummingbird’s crappie fish finder is powered by a powerful 4000-watt sonar system and is able to locate crappies at depths as low as 1500 feet. In addition, the screen features a white backlight feature that makes it possible to use it in the morning or even in the dawn with minimal glare. Having a high quality and efficient transducer marks the HUMMINBIRD HELIX 5 different from other crappie fish finders. Furthermore, with its base map technology containing base maps of the majority of lakes and rivers, everything becomes easier for you to enjoy on your crappie fishing adventure.
RAY MARINE DRAGONFLY 7 PRO
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
A generous 7 inch display is provided by the Ray Marine Dragonfly 7 PRO that allows you to see what’s underneath by offering you a clear image. Moreover, a high-quality image is sent by its Dual Vision CHIRP sonar down vision technology so it can visualize the environment inside, and its wide screen works best under bright conditions without hindrance to vision. With the help of its CPT-VVS transom mount transducer and a great GPS system, this device can be called as the best GPS fish finder for crappie which can locate them within a depth of 600ft. Additionally, the device includes four-way volume and zoom controls that make navigation easy.
HAWKEYE FISHTRAX 1C
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Among the company’s Fishtrax series, the Hawkeye 1C offers the highest possible performance. This crappie fishing finder provides a number of high-end features packed into a portable, lightweight case. The display is a polarized virtu view TFTN color display and sonar data is displayed using a set of indicator icons. Furthermore, when used in direct sunlight or at night the backlighting of the screen ensures that the display is easy to read without glare or strain. The 1C is equipped with Dual Beam Fishtrax Intelligent Sonar, which gives you the ability to customize the sensitivity levels based on your fishing style. Lower settings allow you to view more fish, whereas it is possible to see fewer sonar returns with higher sensitivity. A temperature sensor is integrated into the transducer, which allows you to measure the surface temperature.
THINGS YOU NEED TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUYING A FISH FINDER
Regardless of the amount of money you are spending to buy the product, it should be a reliable product that does its job well. Fish finders have a variety of features and come in different styles, and you need to understand these features before purchasing. Following are some factors that play a role in which you should consider buying for your desired crappie fish finder.
THE SCREEN
One of the most important features in a fish finder is the display. It is how you see your output. In order to choose a screen, you need to consider the following factors:
Screen Size
Fish finders come in several sizes, ranging from 3.5 inches to 16 inches. In general, larger screens are preferable, but they can also be more expensive. Budget-conscious consumers may choose smaller screens. The buyer should also confirm that an increased size does not result in decreased resolution.
Screen Resolution
Fish of the same size as crappie, such as shad may be confused with crappies so, the differences between the two can be more obvious on screens with more pixels but screen with a higher resolution could be costly as well.
Black and White VS Colored Screens
There are advantages and disadvantages to both black and white and color displays. A black and white display is more economical, but color displays are easier to see in bright light and they provide different shades to the user. However, at night or in dark weather conditions it makes impossible to view black and white screen rather than colored ones.
TRANSDUCER
In order to find fish, it is critical that this component of the fish finder should be of high quality as it sends and receives the signals. During the evaluation of a transducer, it is important to consider both frequency and power.
FREQUENCY
Frequency is a key feature when buying any fish finder. An increased frequency will allow you to see what’s beneath the surface of the water more clearly, whereas a lower frequency is capable of reaching deep within the water. If you want to reach deeper, you have to sacrifice image quality. When you are searching for crappies, it is best that you use a transducer that has a higher frequency.
PORTABILITY
Fish finder that are large in size and more advanced are generally fixed. A portable fish finder, on the other hand, allows anglers to fish in various waters and can be transferred from one water body to another. People with large boats or anglers who work on the water professionally might find fixed devices more suitable. Anglers with little fishing experience do not require high-tech devices and may prefer portable devices more.
GPS
Choosing a fish finder with a GPS is the best choice if you may want to use it as a guide while on the water. As a matter of fact, the majority of fish finders nowadays include their own GPS.
POWER
A power rating is usually expressed in watts. A power source is important in determining speed, depth, and reliability. For deep water, higher wattages are more suitable than lower wattages, but lower wattages are just as appropriate for shallower waters. If you plan to go deeper, we recommend a fish finder with a higher wattage.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Q: What is the role of GPS in a fish finder?
Viewing a map of the location will be possible with the GPS. With it, you can save different positions and see more accurate bottom charts.
Q: In a fish finder, what are the most common frequencies?
A: The ultrasonic frequencies of fish finder transducers range from 50 to 200 kHz. Over 400 kHz is possible for some. Results are more detailed when the frequency is higher. In spite of this, a higher frequency can only cover a limited depth
Q: Are the fish finders water resistant?
It depends on the transducer whether it is waterproof. Water resistance isn’t a requirement for most applications, but various waterproof fish finders are available. On an open boat or while kayaking, they are useful. Otherwise, we strongly advise taking necessary precautions to avoid damages while on the water.
Q: How to install a fish finder?
A portable fish finder won’t need any physical installation. There is only a need to calibrate and adjust the software. If the transducer is mounted on a fixed transducer/fixed unit, then the mount type determines how to mount the transducer on the boat.
Q: Can a fish finder be used on a Kayak?
Yes, the use of a fish finder is common while kayaking, since it can locate rocks and logs as well as other hazards, which significantly increases the safety of your kayaking trip. Transducers can be mounted inside, outside, through the scupper holes, or over the side.
Q: What are down imaging and side imaging sonars?
Side imaging sonars are typically for trolling just to see fish schools you pass, side imaging sonars are very useful. In contrast, down imaging sonars provide you with a detailed view of what lies beneath you.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The article has listed 5 of the best crappie fish finders which you can buy based on your needs, budget, and preferences, and enjoy your crappie fishing. Even after reading all the features of above mentioned crappie fish finders, if you find yourself still juggling on what to buy, then we recommend you to buy the Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar. Besides its compact design and portability, it provides an easy connectivity with your smart phone with help of Wi-Fi. Moreover, GPS technology and temperature sensors makes the device more preferable. Anglers can also save scanned maps to the Cloud or to their mobile app to easily revisit their favorite fishing spots.