[Got Skunked]

Looking to get a portable fish finder here shortly, been browsing for awhile now but haven't gotten hands on any. just looking for some input and what people have used. I have also looked into actually fully mounting one but don't want to really have to commit to making a permanent attachment so by all means sway me decision if you feel it is the better choice. It also doesn't have to be fancy with gps nav and all other things just want it to have a solid read on depth and bottom contour.

 

[rwh]

I don't have any experience with portable fish finders, but I seem to remember when I looked at them that they are almost the same price you pay for a regular one with much better options and features. Depending on the type of kayak you have, there are options that allow you to use a regular one without it being permanently attached like these:

Using a Ram or Scotty (or DIY) transducer arm:

https://www.google.com/search?q=kay...ved=0ahUKEwi_-dza4-XLAhXHSiYKHS8MCBcQ_AUICCgD

Yak Attack CellBlock:

http://www.yakangler.com/kayaks-and-gear/item/2859-first-look-yakattack-cellblok

You could also use one of the ideas for the finder mounting options that are shown in some of pictures for the transducer arm, but instead of using the arm, mount your transducer to shoot through the hull but use duct seal to secure the transducer instead of epoxy or Goop and it can be easily removed.

https://www.google.com/search?q=kay...ved=0ahUKEwiZy4CV5uXLAhUF5CYKHdGBDGkQ_AUIBygC

 

[Got Skunked]

yea I was looking at shooting it thru the hull if I go with a permanent style. looked into a few times only complaints I ever see is false read outs from fish and water temp takes a minute to read accurate until the kayak hull reaches the same temp. Thanks for the input

 

[ez2cdave]

I'm not a kayaker, but I have a question . . .

Are those fishfinder units waterproof, in case you flip over or if it rains ?

 

[Croaker D]

The majority of the fish finders on the market targeting kayak fishermen are waterproof or water resistant. But to answer question in short, yes!

 

[Rodney MD]

My family got me a Deeper portable fishfinder last year for father's day. It works great and can even pick up the crappie nibbles I use from the edge of the dock. I take it out on the kayak and even to the shore piers with no issues. The only thing to be concerned about is your phone. I use an old iphone in a sealed bag. Here is the website https://buydeeper.com/

Because it was a surprise gift, at the same time I had mounted a Lowrance finder & Transducer into my kayak. It also works great, but I find it needs a bit more technical knowledge than the Deeper unit. Both work great and I'll usually use them both in the lake, bay, and rivers. It was a bit scary drilling those holes in the kayak, but if you seal them up well there shouldn't be an issue. Best of luck.