Been kayaking for 5-6 years now but never pulled the trigger on a fish finder. I guess I just like to keep things simple and always looked at it like it’s just one more thing to carry and rig up. Hopefully upgrading to a hobie soon with the guardian transducer so I’ll definitely be adding a fish finder at some point.

Since I’ve never used one before would something basic like a Garmin striker 4 or 4sv be a good option? Or should I go all out and get something with side imaging that the guardian mount is pretty much made for.

Thanks in advance for your opinions and recommendations.

I'm not a tecky guy. That said, GPS is a great tool for fishing. I have used that more than any fish screen on a fishfinder. I would say don't get anything without gps.

Depends on funds. I’d say a 7” HB, Garmin, or Lowrance with Side Imaging. Not too big and not too small. And the SI is really helpful. Can’t go wrong with either brand.

Yep, a hobie tends to take up a lot of fishing budget. Seems like a couple years ago when I was looking 5” screens were the starting point for side image models but it seems like that’s bumped up to 7”. I guess it depends on what kind of deals will be available.

If you get a basic unit without side imaging a 5" screen is big enough. If you get a side imaging unit it's good to have a split screen with side imaging and scan or gps. In this case a 7" screen would be minimum. Either way I've posted numberous times about the Miady lithium batteries I found on Amazon. They're solid and work well for kayak fish finders. This is the one I use for my 5" screen and it will last for 2 long days or more. Strong little battery and cheap.

What about maps? Is it worth the extra to get one loaded with lake and coastal maps?