Garmin Striker 4 with Transducer, 3.5" GPS Fishfinder with CHIRP Traditional Transducer
Jackson Mayfly

I'm looking for a new fishfinder as well, will definitely go with side imaging on the next one. Using a Lowrance Elite 4, with downscan, regular sonar and gps now. At the price those have fallen to, its a bargain. If just starting out I would have at least downscan and gps.

My first fishfinder below.

Tru story. I won that smartcast in raffle at Texas kayak fishing tournament in Rockport 15 or 16 years ago. Go back to Florida and I'm pulling the floating transducer behind my kayak all day the first time I use it. Never see anything but 4', 4', 4'. all day. No drops no, real structure, no fish, just 4 ' of water in large lake connected to IntraCoastalWaterway, in Hollywood. Back in the ICW I'm paddling back nearer to ramp and my smartcast beeps, I look at watch and its showing three large fish icons. I back up kayak, pick up rod with DOA shrimp and just as I cast up against sea wall in front of le Tub saloon, a waitress says, "you better not mess with my ...." Before she could say "pets", I hang a monster tarpon that comes out of the water right beside kayak and makes such a splash that everyone jumps up from their waterfront seating and bar to watch. That fish jumped three more times in quick succession, almost landing in my kayak on the second jump and I'm trying to loosen my drag as quickly as possible. It drags me to middle of I C W and settles down to dragging me in circles as it makes its way 2 miles down current, over the next half hour.. Had some folks following along sea wall for a quarter mile before giving up. Fish finally lays over on its side at surface and hook falls out. No picture.