10 Best Fish Finders And GPS Combos 2025 in the United States

The Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder is a solid choice for anglers looking to improve their fishing experience. One of its standout features is the 9-inch high-resolution, multi-touch screen, which makes it easy to see and navigate. The display is large and clear, showing detailed information with its CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan sonar capabilities. Added to this is the FishReveal feature, which helps in identifying fish more accurately.

The included Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer is a significant advantage, providing refined detailing of underwater structures and fish locations. The preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts are exceptionally useful, giving high-resolution contours for thousands of lakes in the US, which is great for planning and navigating to the best fishing spots. On the downside, the device requires a separate S3100 module for Active Imaging HD, which could be seen as an additional expense. Another point to consider is that it operates on a 12 Volt DC power source, meaning you need to have a compatible power setup on your boat.

Connectivity options are robust, including wireless, NMEA 2000, and Ethernet, allowing for full networking and integration with other equipment like Halo Dome Radar or Outboard Pilots. The Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder should be very effective for both novice and experienced anglers looking for advanced sonar and GPS capabilities in one package.

The Humminbird XPLORE 12 GPS Fish Finder stands out with its advanced sonar technology, featuring MEGA Side Imaging+ and MEGA Down Imaging+, which provide detailed fish detection in wide and narrow modes. With a 12-inch HD touchscreen display offering a resolution of 1280 x 720, the device ensures clear visuals and ease of operation through both touchscreen and keypad controls, catering to different user preferences. The built-in GPS functionality, coupled with the extensive Humminbird Basemap and additional map cards for U.S. and Canada regions, provides robust navigation capabilities, making it suitable for diverse fishing environments.

The AutoChart Live feature allows for real-time mapping, enhancing the fishing experience by documenting depth contours, bottom hardness, and vegetation, with compatibility for extended recording through AutoChart Zero Line SD cards. Connectivity options are plentiful, including high-speed Ethernet and Bluetooth, ensuring seamless integration with other marine products and networks like NMEA 2000. This makes it ideal for anglers seeking a comprehensive, interconnected fishing system.

However, the unit's considerable weight and size may require a sturdy mounting setup, which could be a drawback for smaller boats or limited space. The two-year warranty offers some peace of mind for users. The Humminbird XPLORE 12 GPS Fish Finder is a powerful tool for serious anglers looking for detailed sonar imaging, advanced GPS navigation, and real-time mapping, but it may be best suited for those with larger boats and existing marine electronics setups.