Best Kayak Fish Finder for Beginners
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- Опубліковано 31 січ 2025
- After owning several fish finders in my lifetime, I have finally figured out which one is best for me. This fish finder is easy to use, has great features and it's not expensive. Hope this video helps you out in your new hobby.
how I installed: • How I installed my Fis...
Dad slips getting in kayak, FUNNY!: • Dad's 1st Time to Kaya...
Get the fish finder: shop.opticspla...
Everything i used in this install:
kit.com/Itchin...
MY GEAR:
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Thank you for the review. I just purchased a Garmin Striker 4 on sale. I am just getting back into fishing after 20 years. Now that kayaks are the thing, I thought I would go that way.
Thanks for watching and commenting. Striker 4 is a great unit too. Welcome back to fishing!
ha, I watched your vid of Dad slipping, getting in kayak... He is me but I'm even older... It helps when I'm not the only clumsy guy out there. Thanks. lol I like the tone of your videos... Not full of screaming and fake excitement... Much appreciated. Thanks Liked and subbed.
😂 thanks for watching and the comment
Really great info! I've watched several of your videos and haven't been disappointed yet! Keep up the good work!
Steve Whitson thanks for the encouragement. Still lots to learn and approve on. Once my arm gets well enough I will be back on my kayak.
Thanks for the information. I am new to all this. I found this very helpful as I am researching for my first kayak and accessories to add on to it.
Thanks for the comment and support! Welcome to the Kayak Fishing Club! There is so many options out there. I'm on my 5th kayak and have loved all of them. It's awesome to trick out your yak. So many options and things to do. My only advice would be make as many attachments as you can removable/non-permanent that way when the newest best Kayak comes out you can sell yours and transfer your accessories over to the new one. Tight lines!
Thanks, I have the Dragonfly 4, have had it for 4 years and I've learned much more from you. Thanks
Thanks for the awesome comment! Hope you like the unit. I love mine. Great little unit especially for the price. Cheaper ones out there, but this one has a lot of cool features. Tight lines!
Great review ,, thank you I am new to kayak fishin and have Fallin in love with It ,, this video was very helpful keep up the good work !!!
Appreciate you watching. Welcome to the kayak community. It’s awesome especially when you hook into a fish that takes you for a sleigh ride. Tight lines
when i first got my kayak i never really thought i would need a fish finder because i usually fish for bass, but where i am it is extremely hot and you rarely find fish during summer anywhere close to the shore, so the majority of bass i've caught including a few really good sized ones were caught while trolling since i couldnt find the schools of bait. This worked at smaller lakes, but doesnt work so well at larger lakes. Thx for the tips on the fish finder
Good points! I was the same way. Made me a better angler learning what the fish do during the seasons. It’s a great tool to have. Tight lines friend!
I'm soon buying a old town 119 canoe. Tired of shore fishing on small lakes. Thanks for showing your fish finder amd what kind of things to look for
Awesome canoe! I hear ya, I started out on the bank as well. Thank you for watching! Tight lines!
Great vid! I’m looking for my first fish finder.... for my kayak! So yeah, I appreciate your vid! Thanks!
Casey Borer thanks! No problem
Great review but that thing costs more than my kayak.
I hear ya! My first yak was $300. Had a $200 unit on it. Lol. That video is in the description. This Raymarine is worth it though. Thanks for the comment and support!
I like my Humminbird Helix but I think all 3 of the main brands and Ray marine have great options and it’s really a matter of what features you are most interested in. Even then it’s usually only a matter of a small edge one brand might have over another in one or two areas.
Totally agree! Thanks for watching and sharing
That was very helpful. I realy like the dragonfly units.
Thanks! It's one of my favorites. Easy to use, lots of great features and won't break the bank.
Great review and narration man.
thanks!
Refreshing to hear someone say to get WHAT YOU NEED ( and will use ) not what you want.
Thanks for comment! I learned this rule the hard way. Saves you a lot of money down the road.
Great video I need a upgrade I run the garmin striker
striker is a good unit, I just couldn't read the traditional by itself. I believe striker has a down scan too, but I wanted the map feature as well. You have more knowledge than me. I'm a beginner for sure when it comes to fish finders.
New sub. New to kayak fishing (but between kayaks). Looking forward to watching your other videos too. Can’t wait to finally get to these Arkansas fish.
Terri Stroh welcome to the club! I just sold my big kayak and ordered a bonefide ex123, so I know what you mean. I usually give out my location and what bait I use to help anybody local. I just enjoy fishing. There is a bunch out there and so many areas. Thanks for the support.
For me I need depth & water temp. Also to mark bait and structure. Still haven't pulled the plug on one yet but getting closer to buying one this summer.
ENC Outdoors it wasn't a high priority for me either. Once I got what attachments I needed first, I finally saved up and got one. For the price point you can't beat this unit with the options. Wish I would have got it first prior of the other ones. I hear a lot of good things about the Hook series too. Thanks for the comment
Nice video and info! Very helpful for helping me make my choice.
I'm in the market for a fish finder. Thanks for the video. Suggestion: Use a fine tip pointer so that we can better understand where/what you're pointing at. Good video.
Thanks for watching! Also for the suggestion, I will definitely use a pointer on the next video when needing to show the small details.
Thank you for reviewing this unit. I think I am going to start saving for one. One thing that may be helpful in the future is to post the product model #. Also, I plan to use this on my kayak but would love to see how you installed it as well as what the transducer looks like. Thanks!
Mike Caponigro thanks for the tips. I will edit the post and add the model #. I will also try to get a walk through of my unit soon and how I installed it. It's a great unit and my favorite so far. I know Greg Blanchard uses the pro 7 and he loves it too.
amzn.to/2CNemQn
Thanks! I appreciate that. As far as add-ons, there are several options with the Dragonfly 4 pro. I am trying to figure out which one I would want.
kit.com/Itchin2Fish/fish-finder-gear
last response.....a lot to learn......i will post a video soon on my install
Finally got that video posted of how I installed my fish finders last and present. If you haven't watched it already. Sorry for taking so long
Awesome video. I am just now getting into fishing and this helps.
Thanks for watching and the positive comment. Tight lines!
Excellent video and very informative. Also thanks for including your build list.
no problem! the standing mat things are for my flex pod where i stored the battery. if you don't have the Radar or Atak, you won't need the mats.
Hi thanks for the video I bought the Dragonfly 5 for my kayak, do you have the Ram mount arm and track mount part numbers, i have found the ball for the head unit but hot sure re the two other components?
Regards
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Awesome man! Here are two links on the ram mounts. You can get a longer arm if you need it. Just make sure the parts fit each other. There are two size balls. 1” and 1.5”, so the arm must fit that specific size ball. Tight lines!
Right when he said whats good with his old mad voice subbed!
😂 thanks for the support!
Thanks for keeping the beginner in mind…. And put a bb in that bird at the end of the video 😜
Ha! I’m still a beginner. Thanks for watching and the support.
I fish Lake Erling in Southern Arkansas - had been fishing Trotlines,Yo-Yos,Bream and Bass fishing the Creek Channel on the Upper End no trolling motor just a paddle. I have started trying to Jig fish for Crappie in the open lake around shallow stumps. I do not really know how these Fish-finders really work. I would like to know if Crappie are where I am fishing and just not biting - or if I have been fishing a spot there is no fish anywhere around. On Disability Income trying to catch a mess of fish and do not need GPS or How fast I am paddling any suggestions.
If you are not wanting to purchase a fish finder, then I would suggest doing a couple things. If you are not having any luck with the visible structure, I would do some trolling either with minnows (in front of your kayak) or crankbaits (behind you while paddling). Start out in the channel working your way in depending on how big of an area it is. If huge, i would start closer to bank then work out to the middle. Double rig is a great way to locate fish and cover water. you can catch almost everything on this. Check this video out for more info ua-cam.com/video/_UJR0JEIcl8/v-deo.html
trolling, double rig will help you located the concentration, then you can jig the rest of them out.
You can purchase a great fish finder for $99-$150. If possible find one with a down scan image. easier to read when you are new. Fish finders are great for water temp and water depth which is important when trolling. Do you have to have one know, you can use your jig pole to determine depth. Start with areas with channel swings or points or eddies etc. Look for underwater structure on your finder in these areas. On down scan, fish will be floating dots around the brush piles. Most crappie will be close to structure and will venture off a little feeding, but they will not go to far from the brush. Find underwater cover, you will find fish. Bridge pilings are another great way to find crappie.
If all else fells, change your jig colors. If sun is up, I jig shady side of trees. Crappie are a pain sometimes and will only want something specific. You can't ever go wrong with live minnows. Play around with different depths on the trees too. Crappie look up when feeding, so you might need to bring bait higher or lower.
I'm not familiar with your lake, but look it up online for a free map on AR Game and Fish. Might have some good info.
Thank you! Sold a Raymarine fish finder... you did
Thanks for watching! Great unit!
Great Video.
Did you mount the transducer "through hull" or off the side of the boat?
Josh Morgan ua-cam.com/video/PTXf0iY7M40/v-deo.html
Thanks for the question, I attached a video on how I installed my fish finders. Hope that helps! To answer your question quickly, BOTH! My kayak now is through hull on the flex pod.
Hey Itchin...is the Raymarine still the one you would suggest, in 2020? Thanks for posting
Absolutely, if you can find one. Next would be a Hummingbird Helix 5 G2 with GPS.
is there a cheap one with side scan around the smaller side?
www.scheels.com/p/lowrance-hook2-9-tripleshot/42300001227.html?cq_cmp=20539813401&cq_med=pla&cq_net=x&cq_plt=gp&cq_src=google_ads&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwx-CyBhAqEiwAeOcTdfJIwPnJTIBgWzSYJFpbIL2St6-kyMWay93z_T3DNwDb4KviIdG81RoCZlgQAvD_BwE&src=hardlines
Good information and thanks for sharing.
Thanks for watching!
I actually liked the Garmin as a beginner because I thought it was really easy to use. But I haven't got my hands on a Raymarine yet.
That’s a great unit too! Thanks for watching
Thanks, Erik!
No problem, you can still find them for sale. You just have to search them out a little. Tight lines!
Do you have a video showing how you wired it up, installed, etc...?
New one: ua-cam.com/video/Vv7vncZNpzk/v-deo.html
Older: ua-cam.com/video/PTXf0iY7M40/v-deo.html
I started with a perception 11.5 striker. i now fish a PDL perception pescador. i wish i had stepped up to the pescador first. Simply, it would have saved me money. I use my Hummingbird from my boat, my paddle from my striker, and the rest of my gear i already own. The fish finder is really just for depth, and GPS position. A peddle drive has the same issue as a boat, it has to have the water underneath for it to work.18 inches, but pull up the drive and i can paddle in 5 inches of water.
Nice upgrade! I hear ya. I’ve owned 8 boats now and wish I would have just bought the better one from the start. 😂 yeah, I rarely use my finder, but good tool to have when needed especially for depth. Sounds like you have a nice setup. Tight lines!
Thanks for the video. I learned from it.
Thanks for the support and comment.
I think i may go with this one! i just need to be sure it can work on my perception pescador 12.
John Diez should work great on that kayak. It’s not a big unit so won’t take up a lot of room. I have a video on how I installed my past and present fish finders. Might give you some ideas. Tight lines!
ua-cam.com/video/PTXf0iY7M40/v-deo.html
what lowrance was that and did it have side scan?
Sent you a link. The one in the video was a Raymarine Dragonfly.
Huge help thanks a lot!
Thanks for watching
Thanks for the video, but does it come with a cup holder? Just kidding! When you started talking about buying the mounts extra and the card only being good for one year that's what put me off of this product. The one I buy better have everything I need in the box and not require me to "upgrade" because something expired! Thanks, but I'll keep looking.
Sorry, I may have not explained well in the video. This fish finder comes with everything you need to install without buying extra gear. It comes with a base already. I just wanted to install it on my gear track instead of my kayak body itself. On the expired card, You get a preloaded gps/navionics card that will last a lifetime! What expires is the 1 year navionics membership that allows you to make updates to your maps. That's what expires. You don't have to buy it afterwards unless you want to stay current on map updates. i personally didn't continue the membership after the year was up. During that year I downloaded as much as i could for free. Sorry for not making it clear in the video, but this unit like other units comes with everything you need to install it without purchasing extra stuff besides a battery of course. You have to buy a battery for all units out there. Remember 99.9% fish finders are made for a boat, not specifically for kayaks. So I didn't want to use the mount they provided already and put additional holes in my kayak. I would rather use a aftermarket mount that i can remove when i wanted. Every fish finder out there will have a mount with it, but it might not be the greatest for your kayak setup without buying a aftermarket mount. hope that helps!
@@Itchin2Fish Thank you for the explanation and responding so quickly. Well, in that case I might just look into this unit. I built a small, one man plywood skiff for fishing and it already has a full size Marine battery for the trolling motor, so the battery is no problem. I have many places to mount it, but I think right by my stick steering would be good. Take a quick peek at what I built. I'm still tweaking and working on it, but you'll get the idea. I have 3 videos related to it. The build, after it's finished and then the sea trial. Check it out. ua-cam.com/video/lnpp253OPE4/v-deo.html also ua-cam.com/video/R_0cbRMIkQg/v-deo.html and ua-cam.com/video/JR087IwL6LU/v-deo.html
Great detailed info. I have a #BigTunaKayak and have been looking at the Garmin Striker. I like all the info u shared will definitely consider it. On a side note what happen to your arm?
Sorry just saw this comment. I broke it kayaking on river in May. I'm still doing PT to get my strength back after surgery. I got pinned up against a big rock and when trying to get off of it I dislocated my left shoulder and broke my socket. There is a video on my channel that explains more but I lost some footage when my kayak capsized. I changed the name of video to Broke my Arm so you all can see it easier. Thanks for the comment!
Enjoy the video. However where did you buy it at online or at a store?
www.ganderoutdoors.com/raymarine-dragonfly-4-pro-with-dual-channel-chirp-sonar-and-chartplotter-320367.html?CAWELAID=120062720000061847&s_kwcid=adwords__&gclid=CjwKCAjw_MnmBRAoEiwAPRRWW5QbJmn9VVOjRIQ3231ssSx-2dltHf6_6SlogC33Zactyycl5QvnbhoCY9UQAvD_BwE
Bass Pro has them too, I've been seeing lately that the Pro 5's are even cheaper now.
thank you for the info !!
Frederick Rassmann thanks for watching, took me three fish finders to figure it out. Lol
Great video.... Quick question..... Do you run your settings on auto or do you manually set them?
Auto!
Sensitivity is the only thing you might need to change. You might pick up a lot of surface clutter. If that’s the case, dial back the sensitivity to make image clearer.
Thanks!
Where did you get the track mount for the dragonfly? Only saw base type
www.austinkayak.com/RAMB201UC-Long-Double-Socket-Arm-for-1quot-Balls/ACK19447P.html
www.austinkayak.com/RAM-1quot-Track-Ball-with-TBolt-Attachment/ACK25453P.html
You will also need the gear track ball to attach to this arm. it's sold on the site as well. The fish finder unit comes with a ram mount ball (generic piece) inside the box already that attaches on the base of your head unit. you just need to buy a base for it. This is what i used.
I'm 90% sure it's the 1" size. It's been a couple of years since i ordered it.
Awesome. Thanks man I’ve been trying to figure it out
Does it come with a transducer or do you not need one with it?
Transducer is included. You do not need to buy one separately. Check the video in the description for installation walkthrough. It will show you the transducer. Tight lines!
Thank you
I bought a Garmin Striker plus 9sv for $300. I suggest buy a used unit of that guy off the marketplace or facebook group. The Raymarine seems like they could have made a bigger screen for that size. You buy 7in screens with side view for the same price....
Great advice! Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
😀😀😀😀 great video
thanks!
Hey brother cant find the 4 pro anymore will the 5 pro work the same
So it will work the same
shop.opticsplanet.com/raymarine-dragonfly-4-pro-4in-sonar-downvision-chart.html?_iv_code=2OP-BMA-D4P4SDC-E70294-NAG&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIo7fk-ay-5gIV0__jBx2gKAQ_EAkYASABEgLaUPD_BwE
Yes, it’s the same. Has a bigger screen which is nice. The number represents screen size. 5”, 7” etc. hope that helps.
Good video. Is that a sling I see? Shoulder surgery?
Thanks for comment and support. Yes, I broke it kayaking in the Spring of 2018. Ruined my season. Ugh! Full dislocation, broke my glenoid and tore the labrum. You can watch it in my older videos. Still doing PT for it.
by the way very informative,, I did subscribe
Thanks for the support!
Great video
Appreciate it! Thanks for watching
Great stuff but well told
Appreciate the view and comment! Tight lines friend
nice im planning to get one
You can still find them. You just have to search on google. They stopped making them, but 100% great fish finder.
Do you know of anywhere that still sells this fish finder
shop.opticsplanet.com/raymarine-dragonfly-4-pro-4in-sonar-downvision-chart.html?_iv_code=2OP-BMA-D4P4SDC-E70294-NAG&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=CjwKCAiAyeTxBRBvEiwAuM8dnWK7a2k3ZRrbYyYPlN8lgWvUHFlBDgLFWBNw0cfZc4s1JCC-QvW2qhoCT7IQAvD_BwE
Thank you Ma,
Just subscribed to your channel! I was impressed with your review of your fish finders. I was wondering if you made a video on how you installed the raymarine
Never mind I just found the video you made for installation. Thanks
Thanks for the support and comment. Sorry I didn’t see it sooner. Yes, it’s a little on the cringe side but I have one. 😂 ua-cam.com/video/PTXf0iY7M40/v-deo.html
Very nice straight forward review! Excellent! New sub here. Hoping to learn more! People can learn a lot from your common sense advice!
Ha! Thanks for the comment and support. Live and learn. I have learned to many lessons the hard way. 😂
I’m going with the Lowrance Hook2 5 unit. Putting it on my Jackson Cuda HD
Good unit too
God bless spread his word!
will do!
Looks like the link you posted is not valid anymore, that site doesnt carry the product anymore. Maybe ill try ebay or something
tweetys.com/raymarine-e70291-dragonfly-4-and-5-sonar.aspx?hsa_ver=3&hsa_kw=&hsa_cam=8889211665&hsa_acc=1425045090&hsa_tgt=pla-293946777986&hsa_ad=411419814410&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_grp=92623288954&hsa_src=u&hsa_mt=&gclid=Cj0KCQiA04XxBRD5ARIsAGFygj-0etl4cxdE0YB5Pcq-J1mCU_V-WfrA-1K-OYtspL7nEFEDuLyCIbQaAuZsEALw_wcB
Try this site.
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Looks like it was discontinued 😩
I know. They stop making affordable units. You can still find them though at West Marine etc.
So this fish finder has been discontinued by the manufacturer....😒
Yeah unfortunately this video is a year old and a lot can change.
You can still find them. Search for Raymarine Dragonfly Pro 4 or 5. Companies still have them in stock. Best of luck.
Your dragonfly is discontinued
Yeah unfortunately. You can still find them. Just have search a bit. Here is a pro 5.
www.waveinn.com/nautical-fishing/raymarine-dragonfly-5-pro-chirp/1243690/p?id_producte=1330450&country=us&gclsrc=aw.ds&&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIu8PS3La76QIV0YZbCh3XYQl3EAQYASABEgKtV_D_BwE
I don`t need all the bells and whistles that the newer ones have .I can`t even figure out the different modes on them.in simulation at the store Once the year is up you have to pay to subscribe to what ever no thanks I`ll stay with trial and error You and who ever else can pay that yearly fee
Me neither! That’s why I love this unit. Simple with everything you need. During the year (free trial) download everything you want. You don’t have to pay the yearly fee, once the year is up. Either buy or don’t. Up to you. I didn’t. Got everything downloaded that I needed for free.
Wifi on a body of water??? Starbucks wifi nearby??
Ray Ramon Ramon ha! It has wifi built into the unit. You have to go to the App Store and get Wi Fish app though in order to use. Then once you are in the app you can literally see everything on your fish finder on your tablet or smart phone. It's pretty cool. It's not wifi where you can watch UA-cam or shop on amazon or anything. It's just specifically for their app to view your fish finder screen on your smart devices. There are a lot of videos on the web explaining it better, I just mentioned it briefly as an added bonus. It's kind of like you run music through Bluetooth on a wireless portable speaker from your phone. Just higher tech with the images of course.
@@Itchin2Fish much appreciate the info, I am a old retired greenie at kayak fishing just getting in to the sport...I am in the Houston Metro area and been you tubing calm waters where I can get my feet wet.. Again thanks much!!!
Welcome aboard! I love the sport and I am learning something new everyday. I learned about this unit from a bass pro salesman. I was clueless and amazed about it at the beginning wondering the same things.
It would be awesome to have a Starbucks near though or at least a Chick Fil A. Thanks for your services and hope you have an awesome retirement.
Yes. The hotspot on your phone.
There pricey for a beginner
But worth it! Thanks for watching
@@Itchin2Fish not for me I'm a fly man most of my fishing is in subsurface or on top of the water if I think there on the bottom I hit shallower water . There about 400 Euros for there cheapest one here I could get 5 year's supply of fish out of the supermarket for that 😂🤣 I'll leave you to the bottom feeders 😂👍
kaching kaching kaching