Best GPS Unit (Handheld, Marine): For navigation.

Best Fishing GPS Unit (Handheld, Marine): For navigation.

Let's be real for a moment. You're out on the water, you've just landed a trophy fish, and you're surrounded by what seems like a hundred other boats. You look around, and you realize that a particular submerged rock pile or a specific drop-off is the reason you're having so much success. It's the kind of spot you dream about finding. So what do you do? In the old days, you might have tried to memorize landmarks on the shoreline, but let's be honest, that's a fool's errand. You'd be back to square one on your next trip. This is where a good fishing GPS unit comes in, and I can tell you from 30 years in the fishing supply business that this piece of technology has completely changed the game. It's the difference between fishing blind and fishing with a purpose.

A GPS unit is more than just a navigational tool to keep you from getting lost. It's a memory bank, a strategic planner, and a treasure map all rolled into one. It allows you to precisely mark those honey holes, those secret spots that produce time and time again. It helps you navigate safely through unfamiliar waters, avoiding submerged hazards and shallow shoals. It's a tool that takes all the guesswork out of finding your way and lets you focus on what's most important: catching fish. But just like every other piece of fishing gear, the market is flooded with options, from small, portable handheld units to large, multi-functional marine chartplotters that look like something out of a sci-fi movie.

We're going to dive deep into the world of fishing GPS units, exploring the features that separate the good from the great. We'll talk about the pros and cons of a handheld unit versus a mounted marine unit, the importance of screen size and readability, and the crucial role that mapping and sonar technology play. I’ve personally sold, installed, and used countless GPS units over my career, and I've got the insider's perspective on what works and what's just marketing fluff. I've curated a list of seven of the best fishing GPS units on the market today, giving you my honest, real-world take on each one. By the end, you'll have all the knowledge you need to choose the perfect unit to navigate your waters, mark your spots, and, most importantly, help you catch more fish. Let's get to it, because the perfect fishing spot is just a waypoint away.

Handheld vs. Marine: Choosing Your Navigator

The first major decision you'll have to make when buying a fishing GPS unit is whether you want a handheld model or a marine-mounted chartplotter. Each has its own distinct advantages and is suited for a different type of angler. Handheld GPS units are the champions of portability and versatility. They're compact, battery-powered, and can be used on a boat, a kayak, or even while hiking to a remote fishing spot. Many models are rugged and waterproof, designed to withstand the rigors of the outdoors. They're perfect for anglers who fish in a variety of locations and don't want to be tied to a single boat. The downside is their smaller screen size and often more basic features compared to their larger marine counterparts. While they excel at marking waypoints and providing basic navigation, they usually don't have the advanced sonar and mapping capabilities of a mounted unit.

Marine GPS units, also known as chartplotters, are the command centers of a serious fishing boat. These are permanently mounted to your vessel and often feature large, high-resolution screens that are easy to read in any light. A good chartplotter is a multi-function device that combines GPS, detailed electronic charts, and advanced sonar technology. It’s like having a full suite of marine electronics in a single box. These units can show you a detailed map of the area, display the water depth and bottom composition, and even show you fish in real time. The biggest drawback is that they are not portable. Once they're installed, they're part of the boat. They also tend to be more expensive and require a more complex installation, but for a dedicated boat angler, the benefits of a large screen, integrated sonar, and advanced features are well worth the investment.

The Heart of the Unit: Mapping and Sonar

Beyond the form factor, the quality of the GPS unit's mapping and sonar is what truly sets it apart. The best units come preloaded with incredibly detailed charts, often from providers like Navionics or C-MAP, that show everything from depth contours and submerged structures to marinas and points of interest. Some units even have the ability to create your own custom maps in real time, a feature that can be a huge advantage when you're fishing an uncharted lake or pond.

Sonar technology has also come a long way. The old-school fish finders that showed you fuzzy arches are a thing of the past. Modern units use CHIRP (Compressed High-Intensity Radar Pulse) sonar, which sends a continuous sweep of frequencies to provide a much clearer, more detailed image of what's beneath your boat. Many units also include Down Imaging and Side Imaging, which give you a photorealistic view of the bottom and everything around your boat. For the serious angler, these features are invaluable, allowing you to not only see fish but also understand the structure and terrain they're holding on.

Product Reviews

Now, let's take a closer look at seven of the best GPS units on the market today, from a durable handheld for the versatile angler to a high-tech chartplotter for the serious boat fisherman.

1. Garmin GPSMAP 79s

This is a fantastic option for the angler who needs a rugged, reliable handheld GPS unit. The Garmin GPSMAP 79s is a purpose-built marine navigator with a sunlight-readable, scratch-resistant color screen that is perfect for a day on the water. What I love about this unit is its simplicity and durability. It’s built to be waterproof and it even floats, so if you happen to drop it in the lake, it's not a total loss. It features a high-sensitivity GPS receiver and a built-in worldwide basemap, so you can always know your general location. You can store up to 10,000 waypoints and 250 routes, which is more than enough for marking all your favorite fishing spots. It runs on two AA batteries, giving you a respectable 19 hours of battery life, and its physical buttons make it easy to operate even with wet hands or gloves. It's a great, no-nonsense tool for navigation and waypoint marking.

• Price Range: $300 - $400

• Best For: Kayak anglers, small boat fishermen, and anyone who needs a durable, portable, and reliable GPS unit for basic navigation and waypoint marking.

2. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 73cv

Garmin's ECHOMAP series has become the go-to for many anglers, and the UHD 73cv is a perfect example of why. This is a multi-function chartplotter with a bright, 7-inch keyed-assist touchscreen that is incredibly easy to use. It comes preloaded with Garmin's LakeVü g3 maps, which have incredibly detailed coverage of over 17,000 US lakes, including one-foot contours. But what really makes this unit shine is its sonar. It includes a GT24 transducer that provides Ultra High-Definition ClearVü scanning sonar, giving you a crystal-clear, photographic view of what's below your boat. It also has traditional CHIRP sonar for classic fish arches and built-in Wi-Fi for connecting to the ActiveCaptain app. This unit is a true workhorse, offering a perfect blend of high-end features and user-friendly design.

• Price Range: $600 - $800

• Best For: Inland lake fishermen, boat anglers, and anyone who wants a powerful, feature-rich chartplotter with excellent mapping and sonar.

3. Humminbird HELIX 8 CHIRP MEGA SI+ GPS G4N

Humminbird has a long-standing reputation for its fish-finding technology, and the HELIX 8 G4N is a testament to that. This unit is an absolute powerhouse, featuring an 8-inch display with Humminbird's legendary MEGA Side Imaging+ and MEGA Down Imaging+ sonar. This technology provides an incredibly detailed, high-resolution view of the underwater world, extending up to 200 feet on either side of your boat. The unit also includes Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar, an internal GPS, and a preloaded Humminbird Basemap. But what truly sets this unit apart is its connectivity. It’s part of the Humminbird One-Boat Network, which allows it to seamlessly integrate with Minn Kota trolling motors and other accessories, turning your boat into a unified, high-tech fishing system. For the angler who wants to see every detail of the water, this unit is a must-have.

• Price Range: $1,000 - $1,500

• Best For: Tournament anglers, serious bass fishermen, and anyone who wants the most advanced sonar technology and networking capabilities.

4. Lowrance HDS PRO 9

Lowrance has been at the forefront of marine electronics for years, and their HDS PRO 9 is a premium, top-of-the-line chartplotter for the most demanding anglers. This unit features a stunning, high-definition 9-inch touchscreen display that is easy to read in any light. It is a complete system, offering a new level of sonar performance with Active Imaging HD and ActiveTarget 2 Live Sonar, which allows you to see fish in real time as they react to your lure. The unit also comes preloaded with detailed C-MAP charts and has the ability to create your own high-definition maps in real time with C-MAP Genesis Live. With its super-fast processor, intuitive interface, and seamless networking capabilities, the HDS PRO 9 is a professional-grade tool that gives you a massive advantage on the water.

• Price Range: $2,000 - $3,000

• Best For: Professional anglers, serious offshore fishermen, and anyone who wants the best of the best in terms of technology and performance.

5. Raymarine Element 7 HV

Raymarine has earned its reputation for building reliable, easy-to-use marine electronics, and the Element 7 HV is a shining example. This unit is a fantastic choice for the angler who wants a lot of features without a confusing, complex interface. It features a bright, 7-inch display and a quad-core processor that makes for incredibly fast map redraws and a smooth user experience. The standout feature is its HyperVision 3D sonar, which uses a super-high frequency to provide a stunningly clear, photographic image of the underwater world. It also has SideVision, DownVision, and RealVision 3D sonar, giving you a complete picture of your surroundings. The unit comes with Raymarine's Lighthouse charts for North America and is fully compatible with Navionics and C-MAP. It's a powerful and intuitive system that is perfect for a wide range of anglers.

• Price Range: $700 - $900

• Best For: Anglers who want a great all-around unit with powerful sonar, a simple interface, and a fast processor.

6. Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv

For the budget-conscious angler who still wants the benefits of a high-tech fish finder and GPS, the Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv is an excellent choice. This unit is a great entry point into the world of advanced sonar. It features a bright, 7-inch display and comes with a GT52 transducer that provides ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonar, as well as traditional CHIRP sonar. It may not have built-in maps like the ECHOMAP series, but it does have a high-sensitivity GPS receiver that allows you to mark waypoints, create routes, and even create your own custom maps in real time with Garmin's Quickdraw Contours. This is a fantastic, no-frills unit that delivers where it counts: with clear sonar and reliable GPS. It's the perfect choice for an angler who wants to level up their fishing game without breaking the bank.

• Price Range: $400 - $600

• Best For: Beginners, small boat owners, and anyone who wants a powerful fish finder and GPS at an affordable price.

7. Simrad Cruise 5

Simrad is a brand that is famous for its high-end marine electronics, and the Simrad Cruise 5 is their answer for the recreational angler who wants simplicity and reliability. This unit is the most intuitive and easy-to-use chartplotter I've ever seen. It features a bright, 5-inch screen and a simple rotary dial and keypad control system that makes navigating menus a breeze—no complex touchscreens here. It comes preloaded with detailed C-MAP charts and includes a transom-mounted transducer for depth and temperature readings. While it may lack the advanced imaging sonar of the more expensive units, its straightforward design and reliable navigation make it a fantastic choice for a small boat or a pontoon. It’s the kind of unit you can turn on and go, without having to read a thick instruction manual.

• Price Range: $300 - $500

• Best For: Anglers who value simplicity and ease of use, small boat owners, and those who want a reliable, no-frills navigation system.

The Final Cast: Your Path to Success

Choosing the right fishing GPS unit is a huge decision, and it’s one that can dramatically change your success on the water. It’s more than just a piece of technology; it's a tool that helps you fish smarter, not harder. It allows you to find and return to those secret spots, to navigate safely, and to see the underwater world in a way you never thought possible. Whether you opt for a versatile, portable handheld unit like the Garmin GPSMAP 79s, a high-tech powerhouse like the Humminbird HELIX 8, or a simple, user-friendly chartplotter like the Simrad Cruise 5, the most important thing is to have a system that works for you. So, think about where and how you fish, consider your budget, and choose a GPS unit that gives you the confidence to explore new waters and, most importantly, to catch more fish.