10 Best Fish Finder For Pontoon Boat 2025 in the United States

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv is a strong contender for those looking for a fish finder tailored to pontoon boating. With a 7-inch color display, it offers vivid scanning sonar color palettes that help users easily differentiate between fish and underwater structures, making it user-friendly for both novice and experienced anglers. The included GT20 transducer supports both traditional CHIRP sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning, enhancing your ability to identify fish and their surroundings.

Its high-sensitivity GPS is a key feature, allowing you to mark waypoints, set routes, and monitor your boat's speed—great for navigating and returning to productive fishing spots. Additionally, the built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping lets you create custom maps of your favorite areas, adding to its utility.

Connectivity is another highlight, as it includes Wi-Fi support for the ActiveCaptain app, enabling you to transfer waypoints and receive notifications directly to your smartphone. This feature is particularly useful for staying updated on software changes and accessing a community of users for shared insights.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. While the display size is adequate, some users might find that in bright sunlight it can be challenging to see clearly, which may affect usability during sunny days. The reliance on buttons for navigation, while straightforward, can feel outdated compared to models with touchscreens. The device is primarily battery-powered, so keeping an eye on battery life is essential during extended outings.

In terms of affordability, it sits comfortably in the mid-range for fish finders, making it accessible for hobbyists but perhaps not feature-rich enough for hardcore anglers seeking advanced technologies.

The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is an easy-to-use fishfinder suitable for pontoon boats with its compact 4-inch color display. The display, although on the smaller side, offers vivid scanning sonar color palettes that make it easier to distinguish between fish and underwater structures. This can be particularly useful for both novice and experienced anglers. The included GT20 transducer provides both traditional CHIRP sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar, giving you a clearer and broader view of what’s beneath your boat. This helps in identifying fish and underwater obstacles more precisely.

Additionally, the high-sensitivity GPS allows you to mark waypoints, create routes, and track your boat's speed, which is excellent for navigation and ensuring you can return to promising fishing spots. The built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping feature lets you create personalized fishing maps, adding further value. One notable drawback is the relatively small 4-inch screen, which might be less convenient for those preferring larger displays, especially in wide-open water conditions. The device is button-operated, which could be less intuitive compared to touchscreen models. However, this may also mean greater durability and ease of use in wet conditions.

It includes a tilt/swivel mount for flexible installation, and at 2 pounds, it's quite portable. Connectivity is a plus with Wi-Fi capabilities, but it lacks more advanced networking features found in higher-end models. This fish finder is battery-powered, which offers flexibility but may require carrying spare batteries for longer trips. In summary, the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv is a solid choice for pontoon boat owners seeking a reliable fish finder with clear sonar imaging and basic GPS functions, provided you don’t mind the smaller screen size.

The Lowrance Eagle Eye 9" Live Sonar is a robust and versatile tool designed to enhance your fishing experience on a pontoon boat. One of the standout features is its ability to offer four sonar views from a single transducer without needing additional modules. This includes Live Forward and Live Down views, which can significantly improve your ability to locate fish. The autotuning capability is user-friendly, allowing for focused imaging that adjusts automatically to provide optimal clarity, making it easier for both seasoned anglers and novices alike.

The detailed C-MAP charts with Genesis Live add another layer of sophistication, enabling you to navigate effectively and spot underwater structures that attract fish. The 9-inch IPS display is another highlight; it ensures great visibility from various angles, even in bright sunlight or when wearing polarized sunglasses.

However, it comes with some drawbacks. While the twist-lock connector system simplifies installation, beginners may still find it a bit challenging compared to more plug-and-play options. Additionally, its weight of around 2 pounds might be considered on the heavier side for some users, especially if they plan to move it between different boats or kayaks regularly. The display quality is excellent, but those looking for the sharpest resolution might find it lacking compared to higher-end models. In terms of connectivity, it lacks advanced networking features that some fishing enthusiasts may desire, such as smartphone integration or Wi-Fi capabilities. Despite this, its solid build and effective sonar functionalities make it a strong contender for pontoon boat users who want reliable performance without the complexity of high-end models.