Edited by: Kenneth Reaves
Reviewed by: Michael DarmontLast Update:
The Rundown
Best Overall: ReelSonar Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder
“If you’re into bank fishing, the ReelSonar Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder will absolutely suit you well. Its impressive accessibility and versatility makes it an angler’s best friend, especially when doing inland fishing.”
Best High End: Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar Wi-Fi Fish Finder
“For anglers looking for maximum range detection, the Deeper PRO + Smart Sonar Wi-Fi Fish Finder is an excellent choice. It is GPS enabled and built to function at an impressive depth of 260 feet.”
Best Battery Life: Deeper Start Smart Fish Finder
“You don’t have to worry about staying long hours on the water. With the Deeper Start Smart Fish Finder’s excellent battery life, you’ll have a reliable fish finder which is also designed to operate at an impressive depth range.”
Today’s anglers are always on the go, continually searching for the next adventure and most promising fishing holes.
This mobile approach to angling leaves little room for bulky gear, which only slows an angler down in their pursuits.
For this reason, a significant number of anglers have recently begun seeking out new, compact versions of their favorite pieces of equipment.
Compact, castable fish finders have grown immensely in popularity over the past decade, and have become quite the hot commodity.
Today’s premium castable fish finders are extremely durable, possess lengthy operating times, and are capable of detection at remarkable depths.
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Table of Contents
The Best Castable Fish Finders (2021 Buyer’s Guide)
1. ReelSonar Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder
Best Overall: An excellent option for every freshwater angler
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KEY FEATURES
- Bluetooth compatible for seamless pairing to both iPhone and Android devices
- Excellent battery life for all-day dependability
- 135’ maximum depth for ideal freshwater coverage
The ReelSonar Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder should find favor among all who do not own a boat and prefer the simplicity of bank fishing. This sonar unit can be placed into the water wherever an angler sees fit, offering substantial opportunities for those who have a hard time using traditional fixed transducer units. The ReelSonar Smart Fish Finder can be paired to a mobile device of any type unlike other competing sonar kits,
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Many anglers should find favor in the fact that data relayed by the ReelSonar Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder can be accessed via any mobile phone. This fish finder utilizes Bluetooth connectivity to place a wealth of data right in the palm of your hand. This unit is compatible with both IOS and Android products, pairing to such devices in a seamless fashion, thereby providing streamlined operation.
The ReelSonar Wireless Bluetooth Smart Fish Finder features a maximum operating depth of 135 feet, making it quite versatile when utilized in freshwater applications. Many freshwater reservoirs do not reach depths in excess of the maximum depth specified for this product, likely making it ideal for use in inland fisheries. However, this is probably a product that is off the table for those who fish primarily in saltwater.
2. Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar – Wi-Fi Fish Finder
Best High End: A castable fish finder that does much more than simply find fish
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KEY FEATURES
- Excellent depth range of 260-feet for first in class versatility
- GPS enabled to enable a wide range of mapping capabilities
- WIFI compatible for an excellent range of detection
The Deeper PRO+ Smart Sonar - Wi-Fi Fish Finder should be perfect for any angler who is in search of a castable sonar unit that is rich in features, and fully capable of use in demanding circumstances. This castable fish finder features an operating depth of 260-feet, which should be sufficient for most any freshwater application. The Deeper Pro+ Fish Finder also features a full range of GPS enabled mapping capabilities.
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Thanks to its integrated GPS system, the Deeper Pro+ Smart Sonar Fish Finder is able to map and store information regarding water depth and bottom contour. These bathymetric maps can be accessed at a later date, when planning for an upcoming fishing trip, or providing useful information to a couple of trusted fishing buddies.
The Deeper Pro+ Smart Sonar Fish Finder uses WIFI connectivity to provide a stable connection, no matter the situation at hand. A WIFI hotspot can be employed to provide ample range for all of your sonar needs. This fish finder is also compatible with both Apple IOS and Android products, meaning that the majority of consumers will have complete service at their fingertips.
3. Deeper Start Smart Fish Finder
Best Battery Life: Ideal for those who rely upon the latest intel when attempting to maximize their success
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KEY FEATURES
- Bluetooth capable of effortless pairing to any mobile device
- 165’ depth of operation for adequate fresh water usage
- Lengthy battery life for long days on the water
If you are in search of a simple to operate, yet highly effective castable fish finder, the Deeper Start Smart Fish Finder should make the ideal candidate. The Deeper Start Smart Fish Finder can be paired to any mobile device, thereby allowing information to be relayed to an angler in a trouble-free manner. This keeps you in the know, while also eliminating the need for an additional handheld monitor.
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This features Bluetooth capabilities which you can easily pair with any mobile device. Just download the app, enable the Bluetooth services on your phone and start fishing.
Many anglers should also find immense favor in the Deeper Start Smart Fish Finder’s operating depth range. This unit can be cast to a maximum distance of 165 feet, before losing connectivity. Likewise, the Deeper Start Smart Fish Finder is capable of detection at depths of up to 165 feet. This should be more than adequate for nearly any freshwater application.
4. LUCKY Portable Fish Finder
Best Handheld Display: The perfect option for those that wish to fish in peace, by leaving their mobile devices behind
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KEY FEATURES
- Handheld monitor for smartphone-free usage
- Built-in fish alarm for quicker angler response times
- 147-foot depth range for versatile use
If you do not currently own a smartphone or prefer leaving your phone in the safety of your vehicle, but still wish to employ the use of a castable fish finder, then the LUCKY Portable Fish Finder should be ideal. This fish finder comes with a handheld monitor, which accurately depicts water depth and fish location in a vivid color display. An audible alarm also alerts you to the presence of fish, when detected in the immediate vicinity.
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The Lucky Portable Fish Finder is approved for use in both fresh and saltwater and features an operating depth range of 147 feet. This should be sufficient for the vast majority of inland applications, as few freshwater fish routinely reside at depths below this mark. The Lucky Portable Fish Finder also possesses a 5-8 hour service life on a single charge, allowing you to put in a full day on the water.
Many anglers are also likely to appreciate the Lucky Fish Finder’s use of an audible fish alarm, which alerts you to the presence of fish, should you be preoccupied tying a hook or unhooking a fish. This prevents you from missing any opportunity that might present itself and assists you in making the most efficient use of your time on the water.
5. Venterior Portable Rechargeable Fish Finder
Best Value: Accurate data transmission, without a premium price tag
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KEY FEATURES
- Feature-rich handheld receiver for accurate information delivery
- Backlit screen for ease of visibility
- 131-foot depth range for use in almost any freshwater application
If you are looking to utilize the castable fish finder this spring when heading out on the water, but have a rather restrictive budget to keep in mind, then the Venterior Portable Rechargeable Fish Finder should be worthy of your consideration. This sonar unit possesses a number of high-end features, such as a backlit screen, water temperature readings, and contour graphs, yet is offered at an extremely economical price.
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The Venterior Portable Rechargeable Fish Finder utilizes a compact handheld receiver, which eliminates the need for a smartphone, to facilitate use. This receiver features a backlit display which makes it quite easy to decipher all which is depicted, in even the most direct sunlight. The unit’s digital display provides information regarding water temperature, water depth, fish depth, and relative size.
Many anglers are also likely to find favor in the Venterior Portable Rechargeable Fish Finder’s 131-foot maximum operating depth range. While this range is not as sizable as that of several alternative products on the market, it should be sufficient for use in most any freshwater applications. This is especially valuable considering the Venterior Portable Rechargeable Fish Finder’s extremely reserved price point.
Pros and Cons of Using a Castable Fish Finder
Like any purchase, there are pros and cons associated with the use of a castable fish finder. The following are the most notable points of type.
Pros:
- Usability From Shore: Many anglers do not own their own boat, yet are avid in their endeavors, nonetheless. However, traditional fish finders often exclude these anglers, as they are not suitable for use from shore. However, castable fish finders alleviate this issue, allowing anglers from every walk of life to better understand what lies below the water’s surface.
- More Efficient Use Of Time: The use of a castable fish finder provides anglers with the necessary information to make the most out of their time on the water. Anglers are no longer left to guess as to whether or not fish are actively holding in a specific location. Instead, a castable fish finder reveals this information within a matter of minutes.
Cons:
- Additional Expense: One of the most wonderful characteristics of the sport of fishing, is that little financial expenditure is required to experience a wonderful afternoon on the water. The purchase of a castable fish finder has the potential to increase an angler’s success, though it does come at a cost.
- Extra Gear To Keep Up With: If you are going for a minimalistic approach to fishing, then the use of a castable fish finder might be viewed as a drawback. While such a unit can make you a more efficient angler, you are presented with yet another piece of gear to keep up with and maintain during every outing.
Things to Consider When Buying a Castable Fish Finder
Apps
A user-friendly app can drastically increase the value of any castable fish finder.
As with any app-driven product, a castable fish finder is only as valuable as the interface which drives it. A simple, easy to use app allows an angler to optimize the effectiveness of their castable fish finder. On the other hand, a complicated app has the potential to create many headaches, and render such a product too troubling for use.
Connectivity and Range
To be used effectively, a castable fish finder must be capable of establishing a reliable connection with the mobile device that it is paired to.
Castable fish finders utilize one of two forms of connectivity, Bluetooth or WIFI. WIFI tends to provide a more stable connection, at ranges up to 300-feet. Bluetooth, on the other hand, presents a more limited connectivity range of 100-200 feet. However, Bluetooth castable fish finders are typically cheaper to purchase.
Depth
The deeper a castable fish finder’s operating depth, the more versatile such a unit tends to be.
The operating depth of castable fish finders varies greatly from one product to the next and can range from 100-feet to 300+ feet. The detection range of a particular castable fish finder is determined by the frequency of its sonar. A sonar unit’s frequency describes the number and frequency of soundwaves that are transmitted within a given period of time.
Fish finders that emit a lower frequency are capable of reaching to far deeper depths but are not capable of relaying images in as high of clarity. On the other hand, fish finders that transmit higher frequencies are capable of displaying images in remarkable clarity but are unable to reach as deep as depths.
Size and Weight
The size and weight of a castable fish finder directly influence the portability of such a unit.
While all castable fish finders tend to be compact in nature, some are more sizable than others. The lightest of these products weigh only a few ounces and can be carried in an angler’s pocket, offering next level convenience.
Sonar Method
Today’s castable fish finders come in multiple sonar configurations.
Castable fish finders come in both 2D and 3D sonar forms, each of which has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages.
2D Sonar
Today’s 2D sonar units tend to be quite reliable, yet are incapable of producing images of defined clarity, such as those that are characteristic of 3D sonar units. Additionally, 2D fish finders tend to be far less expensive than 3D alternatives.
3D Sonar
As of late, 3D fish finders have grown immensely in popularity, largely because of the high-resolution images that they portray. However, units of this nature do not tend to be as reliable as their 2D counterparts and command a much higher purchase price.
Versatility
A versatile fish finder is of significant value to every angler, no matter its specific type.
Some castable fish finders come with additional mounts and hardware, that make them acceptable for use in a wide range of settings. This additional versatility provides an angler with more bang for their buck and places additional value on their investment.
Questions & Answers
What are castable fish finders?
A castable fish finder is a small, compact sonar unit used by anglers to determine what lies beneath the water’s surface. These miniature fish finders can be cast out onto the water, with the use of a castable line. This can either be done from a boat, or the bank, making these units far more versatile than the bulk of fixed fish finders.
The bulk of castable fish finders utilize one of two handheld interfaces for data transmission. Some units use Bluetooth or WIFI connectivity to relay data to an angler’s tablet or mobile phone. Others, however, feature a handheld monitor of their own.
How do I use a Castable Fish Finder?
Castable fish finders are extremely easy to use and can be placed into quite rapidly. One must first ensure that their castable fish finder is adequately charged before use. Depending upon the model that is to be used, one might be required to install a set of batteries or charge a rechargeable battery. When using a unit that connects to a mobile device, one must also download a device-specific app.
With your unit prepped for use, you will be ready to hit the water. Using a castable fish finder is no more difficult than casting it out on the water, with the use of a supplied rope or line, and consulting your mobile device to obtain any data which is being transmitted.
Conclusion
With every day, the demand for castable fish finders continues to grow, driven primarily by anglers who wish to fish when, and wherever possible Sonar units of this type can be used just as easily in from a boat, as they can be in a bank fishing scenario, making them the most versatile choice for anglers who vary their pursuits from one outing to the next.
While numerous castable fish finders exist, some are more useful than others. This often leaves an angler at a loss as to which particular unit they should purchase. However, any of the above-mentioned units are sure to provide an angler with years of favorable, trouble-free service, thereby allowing one to maximize their efficiency while on the water.