10 Best Fish Finders With GPS for Marking Your Spots (October 2026)
The best fish finders with GPS for marking fishing spots include the Garmin Striker 4 for simple waypoint marking, the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv for compact mapping, and the Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G3 for lake coverage.
On this page (14 sections)
- Which fish finder with GPS is best for marking spots?
- How we chose these GPS fish finders
- Garmin Striker 4: simple waypoint marking
- Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv: compact GPS and mapping
- Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G3: lake maps and recording
- Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv: more room for map and sonar
- Garmin Striker Plus 4: small display with contour mapping
- Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 53cv: inland chartplotter features
- Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP DI GPS G3: GPS with Down Imaging
- Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 54cv: coastal maps and sonar
- Garmin Striker Plus 7cv: larger display and Quickdraw
- Lowrance Eagle 5 SplitShot HD: inland charts and imaging
- What should you look for in a fish finder with GPS?
- Which GPS fish finder should you choose?
The best fish finder with GPS for most small-boat anglers is the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv, because it combines a compact color display with waypoints, routes, boat-speed information and built-in contour mapping. For broad lake coverage, choose a Humminbird Helix 5; for a bigger display, consider a 7-inch Striker model.
GPS earns its place on a boat when it helps you repeat a useful trip. Mark a brush pile, dock, drop-off or other location, then return to it without relying on memory or a landmark that looks different in changing light.
Your needs may be simple: save a few waypoints and keep sonar in view. You may instead want built-in lake charts, maps you create as you travel, a larger screen, or chartplotter functions for inland or coastal water.
This roundup compares ten options by the GPS, mapping and sonar features stated for each model. For a broader look at how units differ, read types of fish finders and how to choose one.
Our boat-mounted fish finder guide covers installation and console choices.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for a large Garmin screenCheck it - 5
Best for contour drawing on a small screenCheck it - 6
Best for inland chartplottingCheck it - 7
Check itHumminbird Helix 5 CHIRP DI GPS G3
Best for down-imaging and lake maps - 8
Best for coastal chartsCheck it - 9
Best for saved contour mapsCheck it - 10
Best for inland charts and DownScanCheck it
Which fish finder with GPS is best for marking spots?
The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is the strongest all-around pick here for marking fishing spots because it combines waypoint and route tools with Quickdraw Contours mapping. Pick a different model if your main goal is a bigger screen, wider chart coverage or a simpler waypoint map.
The Garmin Striker 4 has a more basic approach: a keyed interface and waypoint map for marking and navigating to places such as brush piles, stumps and docks. It may suit you if you value straightforward controls and don't need the contour mapping features named on some other picks.
If a map should show more than saved points, compare the Garmin Quickdraw Contours units with the Humminbird Helix 5 models. The Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G3 includes Basemap coverage of 10,000+ lakes and continental U.S. coastlines, plus AutoChart Live recording for depth contours and other bottom details.
The two ECHOMAP UHD2 models take a chartplotter approach. One includes U.S. inland maps and the other U.S. coastal maps, so the right choice depends on where you fish.
| Product | Best for | Display | GPS tools | Sonar | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Striker 4 | simple waypoint marking | 3.5 in | Waypoint map for marking and navigating to locations | CHIRP and ClearVü scanning sonar | 9.1 |
| Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv | compact mapping | 4 in | Mark waypoints, create routes and view boat speed | 9.0 | |
| Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G3 | lake coverage | 5 in | 8.8 | ||
| Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv | a large Garmin screen | 7 in | Mark waypoints, create routes and view boat speed | 8.7 | |
| Garmin Striker Plus 4 | contour drawing on a small screen | 4.3 in | Mark and navigate to waypoints, create routes and view boat speed | 8.6 | |
| Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 53cv | inland chartplotting | 5 in | CHIRP traditional and ClearVü scanning sonar | 8.4 | |
| Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP DI GPS G3 | down-imaging and lake maps | 5 in | Dual Spectrum CHIRP and CHIRP Down Imaging | 8.2 | |
| Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 54cv | coastal charts | 5 in | CHIRP traditional and ClearVü scanning sonar | 8.1 | |
| Garmin Striker Plus 7cv | saved contour maps | 7 in | Mark waypoints, create routes and view boat speed | 8.0 | |
| Lowrance Eagle 5 SplitShot HD | inland charts and DownScan | 5 in | CHIRP, DownScan Imaging and FishReveal | 7.9 |
How we chose these GPS fish finders
We compared the stated GPS tools, map features, screen sizes and sonar features against what anglers need when marking and revisiting spots.
Our score weighs specs and features against the needs of someone shopping for GPS-enabled fishing.
GPS features vary enough that the word “GPS” alone doesn't tell you what a unit can do. We favored products with clear information about waypoint marking, routes, speed display, chart coverage or map creation, then considered screen size and sonar as supporting features.
We also kept use cases distinct. A 3.5-inch unit may work well when a compact display is the priority, while a 7-inch model gives more viewing room but needs space at the console.
A chartplotter with inland or coastal maps suits a different buyer from a unit centered on saving waypoints.
The included details don't confirm every model's full GPS capability. Where waypoint or route functions are not stated, we don't assume them.
For help understanding the sonar side, see how to read a fish finder screen.
Garmin Striker 4: simple waypoint marking
Garmin Striker 4: Best for simple waypoint marking
- Built-in GPS waypoint map
- CHIRP sonar
- 3.5-inch display
- Built-in flasher
A compact, button-operated unit for marking locations such as brush piles, stumps and docks. Its waypoint map keeps the focus on saved spots and return trips.
Pros
- Waypoint map supports marking and navigation
- Dedicated buttons
- Built-in flasher for vertical jigging or ice fishing
Cons
- Smallest display in this roundup
- No built-in contour mapping feature stated
The Garmin Striker 4 is the straightforward choice if you mainly want to save a location and find it again. Its waypoint map lets you mark and navigate to locations such as brush piles, stumps and docks.
A keyed interface with dedicated buttons keeps the controls direct. The 3.5-inch display is the smallest in this group, so it leaves less room to read multiple kinds of information at once than the 5- and 7-inch choices.
CHIRP sonar sends a sweep of frequencies, and Garmin says it can create crisper fish arches with better target separation. ClearVü scanning sonar is also included, and the built-in flasher can suit vertical jigging or ice fishing.
This model's stated GPS feature is a waypoint map. It doesn't have a built-in contour mapping feature listed among its features, so choose a Quickdraw Contours or AutoChart Live option if drawing your own maps matters.
The Striker 4 fits anglers who want buttons, sonar and saved spots in a compact unit. If you've never owned a fish finder, compare its controls with the choices in our guide for first-time fish finder owners.
Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv: compact GPS and mapping
Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv: Best for compact mapping
- High-sensitivity GPS
- Quickdraw Contours mapping
- 4-inch color display
- CHIRP and ClearVü sonar
This compact color unit combines GPS waypoint and route tools with built-in contour mapping. It suits a small console where a bigger screen would crowd the controls.
Pros
- Waypoint, route and speed functions
- Built-in contour mapping
- Includes GT20 transducer
Cons
- 4-inch display limits viewing area
- No Wi-Fi feature stated
The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is a compact color option with waypoint, route and mapping tools. High-sensitivity GPS supports marking waypoints, creating routes and viewing boat speed, while built-in Quickdraw Contours lets you create and save maps.
Its 4-inch display sits between the 3.5-inch Striker 4 and the 5-inch units. That size can be a practical fit for a small console, but a split view will have less room than on a larger display.
The included GT20 transducer supports Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar. Vivid scanning sonar color palettes are designed to help distinguish fish and structure.
Choose this model if you want mapping features in a compact format and don't need a 7-inch screen. If you want to compare it with another Garmin compact unit, read our Striker Vivid 4cv vs Striker Plus 4 comparison.
Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G3: lake maps and recording
Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G3: Best for lake coverage
- 5-inch color display
- Humminbird Basemap
- AutoChart Live mapping
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar
A larger screen and preloaded lake coverage make this a strong fit when you want more map context than a basic waypoint display. AutoChart Live can record depth contours, bottom hardness and vegetation.
Pros
- Basemap coverage of 10,000+ lakes and continental U.S. coastlines
- AutoChart Live records depth and bottom information
- Wide and Narrow CHIRP search modes
Cons
- Premium chart compatibility may involve extra chart purchases
- Built-in recording time is eight hours
The Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G3 is a strong fit for anglers who want lake coverage and real-time map recording. Its Humminbird Basemap includes coverage of more than 10,000 lakes and continental U.S. coastlines.
AutoChart Live creates maps of depth contours, bottom hardness and vegetation while boating, with eight hours of built-in recording time. If you want expanded mapping capacity, the model is compatible with AutoChart Zero Line SD cards.
Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar offers Wide Mode for maximum coverage and Narrow Mode for detailed scanning. The 5-inch color display and softkey controls round out a unit that combines chartplotting, mapping and sonar in one interface.
This is the better match than a basic waypoint unit when you want existing lake coverage plus the ability to record bottom information. Premium LakeMaster, CoastMaster and Navionics charts are compatible, so check which chart coverage you need before choosing an added chart.
For another 5-inch choice with Down Imaging, compare the Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP DI GPS G3. The DI model adds CHIRP Down Imaging to a similar mix of Basemap coverage and AutoChart Live.
Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv: more room for map and sonar
Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv: Best for a large Garmin screen
- 7-inch color display
- High-sensitivity GPS
- Quickdraw Contours mapping
- Wi-Fi waypoint transfer
The 7-inch screen gives map and sonar views more room, and built-in Quickdraw Contours lets you create and save maps. Wi-Fi adds waypoint transfer through the compatible ActiveCaptain app.
Pros
- Largest screen in this roundup
- Quickdraw Contours mapping
- Wi-Fi waypoint transfer
Cons
- Larger display needs more console space
- No preloaded chart coverage specified
The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is the best fit here if you want a 7-inch screen with GPS and map drawing. It supports marking waypoints, creating routes, viewing boat speed and creating or saving Quickdraw Contours maps.
A larger screen can make it easier to view more information at once, but first check the available mounting area. Its tilt and swivel bailmount bracket can adjust the display angle, and the included GT20-TM transducer supports CHIRP traditional and ClearVü scanning sonar.
Wi-Fi connects the unit to the ActiveCaptain app on a compatible smartphone. That connection supports waypoint transfer, smart notifications and access to the Garmin Quickdraw Community.
This Striker suits buyers who want a bigger screen without moving to the ECHOMAP chartplotter line. The ECHOMAP UHD2 53cv may be a closer fit if U.S. inland maps are a priority.
Garmin Striker Plus 4: small display with contour mapping
Garmin Striker Plus 4: Best for contour drawing on a small screen
- 4.3-inch sunlight-readable display
- Built-in GPS
- Quickdraw Contours mapping
- CHIRP sonar
This small-screen option adds built-in GPS and Quickdraw Contours for making and saving maps. Its bright 4.3-inch display is sunlight-readable.
Pros
- Contour mapping with stated storage capacity
- GPS waypoint and route tools
- Sunlight-readable display
Cons
- Smaller display than the 5- and 7-inch options
- No scanning sonar feature stated
The Garmin Striker Plus 4 suits a small console where contour drawing matters. Its built-in GPS supports waypoints, routes and boat-speed display, while Quickdraw Contours lets you create and store maps with 1 ft contours for up to 2 million acres.
The 4.3-inch display is described as sunlight-readable. Its compact size saves console space, though it gives you less room than a 5-inch chartplotter or a 7-inch display.
The included dual-beam transducer supports Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar. The unit also includes transom and trolling motor mounts, a power/data cable and a tilt/swivel mount.
The distinction from the Striker 4 is useful: the Striker Plus 4 adds named Quickdraw Contours mapping, while the Striker 4 emphasizes a waypoint map and keyed controls. Compare the Garmin Striker 4 and Striker Plus 4 if you're deciding between compact Garmin options.
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 53cv: inland chartplotter features
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 53cv: Best for inland chartplotting
- 5-inch color display
- U.S. inland maps
- CHIRP and ClearVü sonar
- Wi-Fi chartplotter sharing
This chartplotter and fish finder combo comes with U.S. inland maps and a 5-inch color display. It also supports wireless sharing of information with compatible ECHOMAP UHD2 chartplotters.
Pros
- U.S. inland maps included
- Traditional and ClearVü sonar
- Wi-Fi sharing with compatible chartplotters
Cons
- No screen larger than 5 inches in this configuration
- Wireless sharing requires a compatible chartplotter
The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 53cv is the chartplotter choice for a compact screen with U.S. inland maps. It pairs a 5-inch color display with Garmin CHIRP traditional and ClearVü scanning sonar.
The included U.S. inland maps help distinguish this model from the coastal-map version. Its Wi-Fi can share information such as sonar, waypoints and routes with compatible ECHOMAP UHD2 chartplotters.
A chartplotter model may make more sense than a waypoint-focused unit when you want maps already loaded for your fishing area. Check whether the included coverage meets your needs before comparing extra mapping options.
Choose it if you want inland charts and a chartplotter/fish finder combo in a 5-inch format. If a larger map view matters, compare it with the 7-inch Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv.
Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP DI GPS G3: GPS with Down Imaging
Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP DI GPS G3: Best for down-imaging and lake maps
- 5-inch color display
- Humminbird Basemap
- AutoChart Live mapping
- CHIRP Down Imaging
This model pairs lake coverage and AutoChart Live with CHIRP Down Imaging. Choose it when a view beneath the boat is a priority alongside GPS and mapping.
Pros
- Basemap coverage of 10,000+ lakes and continental U.S. coastlines
- AutoChart Live maps contours and bottom details
- CHIRP Down Imaging
Cons
- AutoChart Live recording time is eight hours
- Premium chart compatibility may require additional charts
The Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP DI GPS G3 is the pick for combining lake coverage with Down Imaging. It has Humminbird Basemap coverage of 10,000+ lakes and continental U.S. coastlines, and AutoChart Live can record contours, bottom hardness and vegetation.
CHIRP Down Imaging filters visual noise and clutter for a view beneath the boat. Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar also offers Wide and Narrow modes, so the unit pairs imaging options with its GPS and map functions.
The built-in AutoChart Live recording time is eight hours. Compatible AutoChart Zero Line SD cards can expand mapping capacity, and the model also supports premium LakeMaster, CoastMaster and Navionics charts.
Choose this model when Down Imaging matters as much as chart coverage. If you're comparing it with the standard Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G3, the key difference here is the additional CHIRP Down Imaging feature.
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 54cv: coastal maps and sonar
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 54cv: Best for coastal charts
- 5-inch color display
- U.S. coastal maps
- CHIRP and ClearVü sonar
- Wi-Fi chartplotter sharing
The 54cv configuration pairs a 5-inch chartplotter with U.S. coastal maps and CHIRP plus ClearVü sonar. It fits anglers who want chartplotter functions in a compact display.
Pros
- U.S. coastal maps included
- Traditional and ClearVü sonar
- Wireless sharing with compatible ECHOMAP UHD2 units
Cons
- 5-inch screen may feel small for split views
- Wireless sharing needs another compatible chartplotter
The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 54cv is the coastal-map counterpart to the 53cv. It comes with U.S. coastal maps, a 5-inch display and CHIRP traditional plus ClearVü scanning sonar.
Its Wi-Fi can share sonar, waypoints and routes with compatible ECHOMAP UHD2 chartplotters. That can be useful if your boat has another supported unit and you want to share information between displays.
Choose the 54cv when coastal chart coverage is more relevant than the inland maps included with the 53cv. Both are 5-inch chartplotter and fish finder combos, so your fishing area is the main distinction in this roundup.
Garmin Striker Plus 7cv: larger display and Quickdraw
Garmin Striker Plus 7cv: Best for saved contour maps
- 7-inch display
- Built-in GPS
- Quickdraw Contours mapping
- Wi-Fi waypoint transfer
A 7-inch display leaves more room for sonar and map views, while Quickdraw Contours supports making and storing maps. Wi-Fi can transfer waypoints through the ActiveCaptain app.
Pros
- Large screen
- Built-in contour mapping
- Wi-Fi waypoint transfer
Cons
- Needs more console space than compact units
- No preloaded chart coverage stated
The Garmin Striker Plus 7cv combines a 7-inch display with GPS and Quickdraw Contours mapping. It can mark waypoints, create routes and show boat speed, while map drawing stores contours of 1 ft for up to 2 million acres.
The larger display provides more viewing room than the 4.3-inch Striker Plus 4. The tradeoff is console space, so measure the planned mounting area before choosing a larger unit.
Wi-Fi supports waypoint transfer through the ActiveCaptain app, as well as access to Quickdraw Contours Community data and software update notifications. The included CV20-TM transducer supports CHIRP traditional and ClearVü scanning sonar.
This is a good fit if a large screen and custom contours matter more than preloaded chart coverage. If you want a 7-inch Garmin screen with vivid color palettes, compare the Striker Vivid 7cv and Striker Plus 7cv.
Lowrance Eagle 5 SplitShot HD: inland charts and imaging
Lowrance Eagle 5 SplitShot HD: Best for inland charts and DownScan
- 5-inch IPS screen
- C-MAP inland charts
- CHIRP and DownScan Imaging
- Auto-Tuning Sonar
This 5-inch unit combines inland charts with CHIRP and DownScan Imaging. Its stated features emphasize charting and sonar detail; GPS waypoint functions are not specified here.
Pros
- C-MAP inland charts cover more than 17,000 American lakes
- DownScan Imaging and FishReveal
- Auto-Tuning Sonar
Cons
- GPS waypoint and route features are not specified
- No contour map creation feature stated
The Lowrance Eagle 5 SplitShot HD pairs a 5-inch screen with inland charts and DownScan Imaging. C-MAP inland charts cover more than 17,000 American lakes, and SplitShot HD combines CHIRP fish targets with DownScan views of structure and bottom composition.
FishReveal places fish targets on the DownScan image, while Auto-Tuning Sonar reduces manual setup. The IPS screen is described as viewable in sunlight and with polarized sunglasses.
GPS waypoint and route functions are not specified for this model here, so don't choose it based on those features without checking the exact unit details. It may still suit you if inland chart coverage and imaging are your main priorities.
For a comparison with a Garmin option, see Lowrance Eagle 5 and Eagle differences. If marking and returning to specific spots is essential, choose a model in this roundup with stated GPS waypoint features.
What should you look for in a fish finder with GPS?
Choose GPS features based on how you plan to use saved locations. A waypoint tool supports saving and returning to spots; chart coverage and map creation add different kinds of navigation context.
Do you need waypoints, routes or charts?
A waypoint is a saved point, such as a brush pile or dock. Routes connect locations, while charts show mapped water areas.
Models like the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv state waypoint, route and boat-speed functions; the ECHOMAP UHD2 models add inland or coastal maps.
The Garmin Striker 4 is a simpler option if waypoint marking is enough. A unit with charts may be a better fit if you want to see your location against coverage for a specific lake or coast.
Is map creation important?
Choose a fish finder with a named mapping feature if you want to record contours as you travel. Garmin Quickdraw Contours supports creating and saving maps on several Striker models, while Humminbird AutoChart Live records depth contours, bottom hardness and vegetation.
Map tools differ in how they work and how much recording capacity is built in. The Helix 5 models have eight hours of AutoChart Live recording, while several Striker models state Quickdraw Contours storage capacity of up to 2 million acres.
What screen size fits your boat?
A 3.5- or 4-inch display keeps the unit compact, while 5-inch screens give maps and sonar more room. A 7-inch display can make split views easier to see, but check your console space and mounting position first.
Screen size isn't a substitute for checking the controls and views you expect to use. If your boat is small, read our guide to fish finders for a 14-foot aluminum boat.
Which sonar features matter alongside GPS?
CHIRP traditional sonar appears across several models in this roundup, while some add ClearVü, Down Imaging or DownScan. These sonar features can help you read what is below or around the boat, but they serve a different purpose from GPS and charts.
If sonar terms are unfamiliar, our guide to fish finder types explains the differences. You can also compare Garmin and Humminbird fish finders to see how the brands approach screens, charts and controls.
Which GPS fish finder should you choose?
Choose the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv if you want compact GPS tools and contour mapping, or the Humminbird Helix 5 CHIRP GPS G3 if lake coverage and AutoChart Live matter most. For larger screens, choose a 7-inch Striker; for built-in charts, match the ECHOMAP UHD2 map coverage to your fishing area.
If you only need to mark a few spots, the Garmin Striker 4 keeps the focus on waypoints and simple controls. If you need coastal charts, choose the ECHOMAP UHD2 54cv; for inland charts, compare the 53cv and Lowrance Eagle 5 SplitShot HD.
Before you buy, check the screen size against your console, then confirm that the model's stated GPS and map features match how you fish. For more options grouped by boat use, continue to our boat-mounted fish finder guide.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What does GPS do on a fish finder?
GPS lets you mark locations and return to them later. Depending on the model, it can also support routes, show boat speed, display charts or help you create depth contour maps.
Check which of those functions matter to you, since a waypoint map and a chartplotter with preloaded maps serve different needs.
Can a fish finder with GPS make its own maps?
Some models can create maps as you boat. Garmin Quickdraw Contours and Humminbird AutoChart Live are examples in this roundup.
Other units focus on marking waypoints or using preloaded charts, so check for a named map-drawing feature if recording your own contours is a priority.
Do all GPS fish finders include lake charts?
No. Some units focus on GPS waypoints and routes, while chartplotter models may include preloaded coverage for inland or coastal waters.
Compare the stated map area with where you fish.
A chart label alone doesn't tell you whether your particular lake or shoreline is covered.
Is a 4-inch fish finder large enough?
A 4-inch screen can suit a compact console and basic waypoint use, but it leaves less room for maps and sonar views than a 5- or 7-inch display.
Think about viewing distance and whether you'll use split screens before choosing a size. Measure your mounting area, too.
What is the difference between a waypoint and a contour map?
A waypoint saves a location so you can return to a spot. A contour map shows depth changes across an area, which can help you understand the shape of a lake or the bottom around your route.
Some fish finders offer both tools, while simpler GPS units may focus on waypoints.
