Best Lowrance Kayak Fish Finder

Lowrance offers a variety of fish finders suitable for kayak owners ranging from basic to advanced models. 

The Hook Reveal series, such as the Hook Reveal 5 SplitShot, caters to those who prefer simplicity with essential features like GPS plotting and CHIRP sonar for a balance of functionality and ease of use. For anglers seeking more detail and a larger display, the Elite FS series, like the Elite FS 7, offers high-resolution imaging, touchscreen interfaces, and detailed charts, making it ideal for serious kayak anglers interested in extensive mapping and sonar technologies. These devices come with different transducer options that can be mounted in various ways to suit the unique setups of kayaks. 

Whether you’re a casual, avid weekend, or tournament angler, Lowrance provides a range of fish finders for kayaks to suit the different needs and budgets of anglers.

Lowrance Hook Reveal 5 SplitShot

Lowrance’s Hook Reveal 5 SplitShot is a suitable fish finder for kayak due to its compact size, essential features, and affordability. Here’s a brief overview from a kayak perspective:

• 5-Inch Screen: Its 5-inch display is smaller compared to some other models, which can be advantageous for the limited space on a kayak while still providing enough screen real estate to view the data clearly.
• SplitShot Transducer: This model includes the SplitShot transducer, which gives you access to both High CHIRP sonar for fish arches and DownScan Imaging for detailed views beneath your kayak.
• GPS Plotter and Maps: A basic GPS plotter is included, which is sufficient for tracking and navigating to your favorite fishing spots.
• Mounting Options: It’s compact enough to be mounted on a variety of kayak setups, but you will need to choose an appropriate mount.
• Transducer Installation: The SplitShot transducer is suited for kayaks and can be installed in several ways, including on the transom, through a scupper hole, or on a sliding mount.
• Power Efficiency: Being a smaller unit, it generally consumes less power, making it suitable for the limited power resources available on a kayak.

Lowrance Hook2 4x

The Lowrance Hook2 4x is an entry-level fish finder designed for simplicity and ease of use, which makes it an appealing option for kayak enthusiasts who are looking for a straightforward, no-frills sonar unit. Here’s an overview of this model from a kayak perspective:

• 4-Inch Screen: Its compact 4-inch screen fits easily on the limited deck space of a kayak and is sufficient for displaying sonar readings.
• Simple Menus: The device is designed with auto-tuning sonar settings and a simple menu layout, making it user-friendly for those who prefer to focus on fishing rather than adjusting settings.
• Broadband Sonar: The Hook2 4x uses Broadband Sounder technology which is good for basic fish finding and displaying bottom structure.
• Easy Installation: The Hook2 4x is known for its simple setup, with a single transducer that can be mounted on the transom, through the scupper hole, or on the side of the kayak using various kayak-specific mounting solutions.
• Power Efficiency: Its smaller size and simplified electronics make for lower power consumption, an advantage for kayaks where battery weight and space are at a premium.
• Portability: Its small size and ease of use make the Hook2 4x an ideal choice for kayakers who might be limited on space and prefer portability.
• Affordability: As an entry-level fish finder, it is generally more affordable, making it a great option for kayak anglers on a budget or those just starting with sonar.

Lowrance Fish Hunter 3D

The Lowrance FishHunter 3D is quite a different product compared to traditional fish finders with a display. It’s a castable sonar device designed to be used with a mobile device (like a smartphone or tablet) that acts as the screen and interface. This portability and flexibility can be very attractive for kayak anglers. Here’s a brief overview:

• Wireless Operation: As a castable fish finder, it can be tossed from the kayak to scan areas you’re not directly over, which is useful in shallow or tight spaces where kayaks excel.
• No Fixed Installation: Since there’s no need for mounting a display or a transducer to the kayak, it’s a good choice for those who prefer a minimal gear setup or use rental kayaks.
• 3D Sonar Views: It provides a detailed view of the underwater environment with structure and fish location in three dimensions, offering a comprehensive understanding of the water below.
• Mobile App: You use your smartphone or tablet with the FishHunter app, which provides you the sonar returns and data.
• GPS Capabilities: The app allows you to create custom maps of your favorite fishing spots, log catches, and waypoints.
• Internal Battery: It has its own rechargeable battery, which is rated to last up to 10 hours, so it should be sufficient for most kayak fishing trips.
• Compact and Lightweight: Being small and light, it doesn’t add any significant weight or bulk to your kayak setup.

Lowrance Elite FS 7

The Lowrance Elite FS 7 is a more advanced fish finder that provides comprehensive features for serious kayak anglers. Let’s look at it from the perspective of kayak use:

• 7-Inch Screen: A large, 7-inch high-resolution screen allows for easy viewing of the various sonar returns and navigational maps, even on a sunny day.
• Touchscreen with Keypad: The hybrid interface that combines touchscreen functionality with a keypad offers flexible control, which is helpful in a kayak when you may have wet hands or the kayak is moving.
• Active Imaging Transducer: It provides detailed images of fish and structure with CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan sonar capabilities, which is beneficial for the detailed surveying of fishing areas.
• Detailed Mapping: Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts make it easy for kayak anglers to find key fishing areas.
• Mounting: The Elite FS 7 would typically require a secure and potentially larger mounting system due to its size, so consider the space available on your kayak.
• Transducer: The included transducer should be installed carefully to ensure optimal performance without interfering with the kayak’s operation.
• Power Consumption: As a larger and more feature-rich unit, it will consume more power than smaller models, so you’ll need a reliable battery setup.

Lowrance Transducer Mounting Options for Kayak

Lowrance offers various transducer mounting options for kayaks, providing flexibility depending on your kayak design and fishing needs. Here are some common methods:

• Scupper Hole Mount: This involves placing the transducer in one of the scupper holes of your sit-on-top kayak. Lowrance’s Scupper Hole Transducer Mount is specifically designed for this purpose, offering a clean and secure installation method that keeps the transducer below the kayak for optimal sonar performance.
• Transom Mount: This is where you attach the transducer to the back of the kayak, on the transom area, using a bracket. This position is commonly used but may require custom mounting solutions for kayaks without a flat transom area.
• In-Hull Mount: For those who don’t want their transducer externally mounted, you can place it inside the hull of a sit-inside kayak. The transducer is glued to the inside of the kayak’s hull with marine goop or a similar adhesive. This method only works with plastic kayaks and may slightly reduce sonar quality.
• Portable Suction Cup Kit: This allows for a temporary and movable installation of the transducer. It’s handy for those who use their fish finder on multiple kayaks or prefer not to make permanent alterations to their kayak.