The Best Fish Finders of 2025: Forward Facing Sonar to Budget Options

Outdoor Life editors and writers tested the best fish finders for bass boats, kayaks, jon boats , and ice fishing.

While there are multiple brands in this space, through consolidation and marketing efforts three dominate usage by freshwater anglers.

While the larger screens with massive computing power understandably cost thousands of dollars , there are also more budget-minded options to fit your needs.

Humminbird is renowned for its clear 2D Sonar, ultra-precise Side Imaging and LakeMaster mapping.

The Helix units are available in screens sizes from 5 inches up to 15 inches , the Solix comes in 10-12- and 15-inch models.

The Apex and Solix electronics are at the top of the lineup, but Texas offshore wizard Keith Combs likes the Helix because it’s very user friendly.

The Humminbird Ice Helix 7 CHIRP GPS G4 All Season pack is compatible with MEGA Side Imaging and MEGA Live with the purchase of separate transducer systems.

All fish-finding information is featured on a full-color, 7-inch HD LCD display with tons of adjustable brightness.