Walleye fishing is a popular sport that many anglers enjoy. Many fishermen use electronics like fish finders and GPS devices to find and catch these elusive fish. These tools can help locate walleye and map out the best fishing spots on lakes and rivers.
Fish finders use sonar to detect fish under the water. They show images of the lake bottom and any fish swimming nearby. GPS devices help anglers navigate and mark good fishing locations. Together, these electronics make walleye fishing more successful and fun.
When buying fishing electronics, I look at screen size, ease of use, and mapping features. Bigger screens are easier to see but may cost more. Simple controls make the device less frustrating on the water. Good maps help find structures where walleye like to hide. Battery life is also key for long days of fishing.
I spent many hours testing different fish finders and GPS units to find the best ones for walleye fishing. My goal was to identify electronics that make locating and catching more walleye easier.
Best Walleye Fishing Electronics
I’ve researched and tested the top fish finders and GPS units for walleye fishing. My list includes the most effective and reliable electronics to help you locate and catch more walleye. These devices offer high-resolution sonar, detailed mapping, and easy-to-use interfaces.
Garmin Striker 4 Fish Finder
I highly recommend this fish finder for walleye anglers looking for a reliable, feature-packed device at a great price.
Pros
- Clear, detailed sonar imaging
- Easy-to-use interface
- Compact and versatile design
Cons
- Small 3.5-inch screen
- Limited mapping features
- Battery not included
I recently took the Garmin Striker 4 out on my boat, and I was impressed by its performance. The ClearVu scanning sonar gave me a crisp view of what was beneath my boat. I could easily spot fish, structures, and underwater features. The CHIRP sonar technology helped me see individual fish clearly, even when they were close together.
The interface is simple and intuitive. I liked the dedicated buttons, which made it easy to use even with wet hands. Setting waypoints for my favorite fishing spots was a breeze. I quickly navigated back to productive areas without wasting time or fuel.
While the 3.5-inch display is smaller, I found it adequate for most situations. The screen remained visible even in bright sunlight. The compact size makes it perfect for smaller boats or kayaks. I appreciated the built-in flasher, which came in handy when I tried vertical jigging.
Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv Fish Finder
I think the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is a great pick for walleye anglers who want a user-friendly fish finder with sharp visuals and GPS.
Pros
- Clear 7-inch color display
- Built-in GPS for marking spots
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons
- No networking capabilities
- Limited mapping features
- Separate purchases are needed to cover
I recently tested this fish finder on my boat and was impressed by how easy it was to set up and use. The 7-inch screen is a good size—big enough to see clearly but not too bulky for smaller boats. The new vivid color palettes really pop, making spotting fish and underwater structures simple.
The built-in GPS is a handy feature. I could mark my favorite fishing spots and see my boat’s speed. This helped me find my way back to productive areas and troll at the right speed for walleye. The Quickdraw Contours software let me make my own maps, which was excellent for fishing new spots.
One thing I liked was the CHIRP sonar. It gave me detailed images of fish and the lake bottom. I could quickly tell the difference between walleye and other fish. The ClearVü scanning sonar was great for seeing structures and spotting schools of baitfish.
The unit connects to the ActiveCaptain app on my phone, which lets me transfer waypoints and receive notifications. It’s not as advanced as some pricier units, but it works well for what I need. All in all, I found the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv to be a solid, no-frills fish finder that gets the job done for walleye fishing.
Lowrance Elite FS 9
I highly recommend the Lowrance Elite FS 9 for serious walleye anglers seeking a top-notch fish finder and GPS combo.
Pros
- Crystal-clear 9-inch touchscreen
- Versatile 3-in-1 sonar imaging
- Preloaded with detailed lake maps
Cons
- Tight screen cover
- Steep learning curve
- Pricey for casual anglers
I recently took the Lowrance Elite FS 9 out on Lake Michigan for a walleye fishing trip. The 9-inch touchscreen is a game-changer – it’s big enough to see clearly even in bright sunlight. I found the menus easy to navigate while steering the boat.
The 3-in-1 Active Imaging sonar blew me away. I could see fish and structure with amazing detail using the CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan modes. It helped me spot a school of walleye hanging near a dropoff that I would’ve missed otherwise.
One of my favorite features is the preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts. They showed me 1-foot contours for the lake, which made finding likely walleye spots a breeze. I marked several productive areas as waypoints to return to later.
The unit links up with other Lowrance gear too. I connected it to my trolling motor for hands-free navigation to hotspots. The only real downside I found was the screen cover – it’s a pain to remove. But that’s a minor gripe for such a powerful fish finder.
Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7″ Fish Finder
I recommend this fish finder for walleye anglers seeking a reliable and feature-packed unit at a reasonable price point.
Pros
- Clear 7-inch display visible in sunlight
- FishReveal technology enhances fish detection
- User-friendly GPS plotter for navigation
Cons
- No pre-loaded maps included
- Some users report confusing setup process
- Limited coastal mapping capabilities
I recently took the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7″ out on my boat, and I was impressed by its performance. The 7-inch SolarMAX display is a standout feature. Even in bright sunlight, I could see the screen clearly, which is crucial when I’m trying to spot those elusive walleye.
The FishReveal technology really caught my eye. It combines CHIRP sonar with DownScan Imaging, making fish show up more clearly on the display. I found it much easier to spot fish and understand the underwater structure. This feature alone could give anglers a big edge on the water.
I liked the GPS plotter too. It made it simple to mark my favorite fishing spots and navigate back to them. The autotuning sonar was another plus. It adjusted settings on its own as conditions changed so I could focus on fishing instead of fiddling with the device.
One drawback is the lack of pre-loaded maps. You’ll need to buy these separately if you want detailed charts. The setup process can be tricky for some users too. I suggest watching online tutorials if you run into trouble.
In my tests, the SplitShot transducer worked well. It gave me a good view of what was under my boat, helping me find likely walleye hangouts. The wide-angle CHIRP sonar paired with DownScan Imaging provided a clear picture of both fish and structure.
For walleye fishing on lakes and rivers, this unit offers a lot of value. Just be aware that its coastal mapping isn’t as strong if you plan to use it in saltwater. All in all, I found the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7″ to be a solid choice for most freshwater anglers.
Simrad Cruise 5 GPS Chartplotter
I highly recommend the Simrad Cruise 5 for its user-friendly design and reliable performance for walleye fishing.
Pros
- Easy to use with clear menus
- Preloaded coastal maps
- Accurate depth readings
Cons
- Basic features for the price
- Limited customization options
- No touchscreen
I recently took the Simrad Cruise 5 out on my boat, and I was happy with how simple it was to set up. The 5-inch screen is bright and easy to read, even in direct sunlight. I found the rotary dial and keypad controls made it quick to switch between screens and adjust settings.
The preloaded US coastal maps were a nice touch. They gave me a good starting point for navigation. I liked that I could see my boat’s position, depth, and other key info all at once. This made it easy to keep track of where I was and find good walleye spots.
The CHIRP sonar worked well for tracking fish. I could see clear images of the bottom and fish. The auto-depth feature was handy – I didn’t have to mess with settings to get good readings. While it’s not the fanciest unit out there, it does the job for basic walleye fishing needs.
Garmin Striker 5cv
I highly recommend the Garmin Striker 5cv for walleye anglers looking for a reliable fish finder with GPS.
Pros
- Bright, easy-to-read 5″ display
- Built-in GPS for marking spots
- CHIRP sonar provides clear images
Cons
- No networking capabilities
- Lacks side-imaging
- Menu system takes time to learn
I recently took the Garmin Striker 5cv out on my boat, and I was impressed by its performance. The 5-inch screen is crisp and visible even in bright sunlight. This made it easy to spot fish and structure while I was on the water.
One of my favorite features is the built-in GPS. I marked several productive fishing spots with waypoints, which helped me return to them later. The Quickdraw Contours mapping software let me create custom maps of my local lakes, showing me underwater features I didn’t know existed.
The CHIRP sonar technology provides clear images of fish and bottom structure. I could easily tell the difference between walleye and other fish species. The transducer works well in both shallow and deep water, giving me a good view down to about 1,500 feet.
While the Striker 5cv lacks some advanced features like side-imaging or networking, it offers great value for its price. The simple button interface is easy to use, though it took me a little time to get used to the menu system. For walleye fishing, this fish finder gives me all the essential information I need to locate and catch fish.
WINDFRD Fish Finder Mount
I highly recommend this sturdy and versatile fish finder mount for kayak anglers seeking a reliable way to secure their electronics.
Pros
- Fits most kayak tracks and third-party systems
- 360-degree adjustability
- Corrosion-resistant materials
Cons
- Plastic mounting plate may flex under heavy load
- Might be overkill for smaller devices
- Limited color options (only black)
I recently tried out the WINDFRD Fish Finder Mount on my kayak, and I’m impressed with its build quality. The marine-grade aluminum construction feels solid and durable. I appreciate how easy it is to install – I just slid it into my kayak’s track and tightened it with a quick twist.
The mount’s adjustability is a standout feature. I can change the angle of my fish finder screen in seconds, which is great when the sun’s glare shifts. The ball-and-socket design moves smoothly but stays put once I set it.
One thing to note is the mounting plate’s size. It’s bigger than I expected, which is good for stability but might look bulky with a small device. The plate is plastic, which keeps the weight down but can flex a bit under pressure. Still, it held my Garmin Striker 4 securely even in choppy water.
I’m glad I chose this mount for my walleye fishing trips. It’s withstood saltwater exposure without any signs of corrosion so far. The T-bolt attachment feels secure, and I don’t worry about my expensive electronics falling off. For kayak anglers who want a reliable, adjustable mount for their fish finder, this WINDFRD model is a solid choice.
Buying Guide
When shopping for walleye fishing electronics, I focus on a few key features:
Display
A clear, bright display is crucial. I look for:
- At least 5″ screen size
- High resolution (1024×600 or better)
- Sunlight-readable
Sonar
Good sonar helps locate fish. I prioritize:
- Dual-frequency (83/200 kHz)
- CHIRP technology
- Side-imaging capability
GPS
For navigation and marking spots, I want:
- 10 Hz GPS refresh rate
- Preloaded base maps
- Ability to add custom maps
Connectivity
Wireless features are handy. I check for:
- Wi-Fi compatibility
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Smartphone app integration
Durability
Fishing can be tough on gear. I ensure:
- Waterproof rating of IPX7 or higher
- Rugged casing
- Good warranty coverage
Battery Life
Long days on the water need good power. I aim for:
- 8+ hours of continuous use
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery
- Power-saving modes
I always compare prices across retailers and look for bundle deals that include transducers or mounts. Reading user reviews helps me gauge real-world performance and reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Walleye anglers often have questions about using electronics to improve their fishing success. These FAQs cover key features, interpreting data, GPS functions, and choosing the right fish finder for different situations.
What features should I look for in a fish finder specifically for targeting walleye?
I recommend looking for a fish finder with high-resolution sonar and GPS mapping. CHIRP sonar helps spot walleye in deep water. A split-screen display lets you view sonar and maps at once. Water temperature sensors are useful too, as walleye prefer cooler waters.
How do I interpret walleye signatures on down-imaging fish finders?
On down imaging, walleye often appear as thin, arched lines. They’re usually found near the bottom or around the structure. Look for clusters of arches, as walleye often school together. Pay attention to the size and shape of the arches to distinguish walleye from other fish.
Which fish finder offers the most accurate GPS functionality for locating walleye habitats?
Garmin and Humminbird units are known for accurate GPS. The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD series has detailed lake maps and waypoint markings. Humminbird HELIX models offer precise GPS tracking. Both brands let you create custom maps of your favorite walleye spots.
What are the advantages of side imaging technology for walleye fishing?
Side imaging helps find a walleye-holding structure away from your boat. It shows a wide view of the underwater landscape. This tech is great for spotting submerged trees, rock piles, and drop-offs where walleye hide. It also helps locate baitfish schools that attract walleye.
Can you recommend the best fish finder for use in shallow waters when fishing for walleye?
For shallow water, I suggest the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7. It has a TripleShot transducer that works well in depths under 10 feet. The unit’s downscan imaging clearly shows the bottom structure. Its FishReveal feature helps identify walleye even in shallow, weedy areas.
What distinguishes the top-rated fish finders for pontoon boats when fishing for walleye?
Top fish finders for pontoon boats have large, sunlight-readable screens. The Humminbird SOLIX series fits this bill. It offers clear views from a distance. These units often have networking capabilities to connect multiple displays. They also tend to have more powerful transducers to compensate for pontoon boat design.