Discover all the outdoor activities in the Bayou

Bayou Outdoors

Explore the best adventure destinations in the Bayou with a team that makes all the arrangements for your safety, activity, food, and accommodation. We are a team of locals offering the best adventure in the woods for over 15 years.

The ultimate outdoor adventure

fishing

Explore the best fishing sites around the waters and set up a fun camp with your friends and family.

trail running

Take early morning walks around our running trails and breathe in the fresh air of nature for refreshed health.

hiking

Join our weekly hike programs to camp at the best locations at Bayou with great food and company.

Find a Great Adventure

We at Bayououtdoors offer a complete holiday experience for those who seek the beauty of nature. Our camping programs offer activities and locations for large groups and small family vacations. Rent accessories for fishing, hunting, and camping from our store and explore the woods on your own. We also provide security around our camping area with regular guide surveys.

what our clients say about our programs

★★★★★ 5/5

This was my first ever camping experience, and It gave me the confidence to go for more adventures like this. The staff was amazing and had a lot of teaching everyone.

Roy Martin

★★★★★ 5/5

I would recommend their service to everyone looking for a quality stay and camping at Bayou. Their online guidebooks are equally helpful while going for adventures.

Daniel Beck

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Programs & Packages

We have a list of activities that our guests can take part in to enjoy their vacation in the woods. We deliver the best-quality experience with our well-equipped facility for all age groups. We have something for everyone!

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Enjoy the best services offered by us and also check out the best places to go fishing and hiking in our coverage.

Latest From Our Blog

How to Choose the Best Saltwater Spinning Reel? – Top Reel Choice in 2020

June 21, 2021

Whether you’re a beginner in the world of saltwater fishing or an advanced angler, we know you’re always on the lookout for the best saltwater spinning reels. Because there are so many options on the market, it can be really difficult to sort through what is a great reel and what’s just going to break when you get to the water. We’ve assembled a helpful list to help you sort through the choices out there, check it out below.

Features to Consider

Max Drag

The max drag tells you how big of a fish you can reel in. Your needs can change based on where you’re fishing, the season, and what you’re working with. Be sure you know all your conditions and choose one that works for you.

Gear Ratio

The gear ratio can tell you how your reel will function on the water. The first number tells you how much line is pulled in on each rotation of the spool, meaning a higher number indicates a quicker reel in.

Ball Bearings

Ball bearings can be good indicators of how smooth and fast you will be able to reel in your catch. More ball bearings typically mean a smoother reel in. Keep in mind that quantity doesn’t always beat quality and use your best judgment.

Material

Metal reels can be a heavier weight and sometimes more powerful than other reels. Modern companies have made other materials, like graphite that can be just as powerful and durable but are lighter weight. Choose your material based on your personal preference.

Weight

A heavier reel can mean it has more power on the water, but in some cases, a lighter weight reel may suit you better. The weight alone is not a good indication of power, so pay close attention to all the factors.

Warranty

A warranty is a great sign that the maker believes their product will last you. But warranties can also be worked into the price of the reel, creating a higher price tag up front for you.

Top 10 Spinning Reel Products

So now that you know what to look for in a reel, let’s answer the question “What is the best saltwater spinning reel?” Our top and budget picks are great places to start, as we believe they are the best of the best. We’ve also included eight other top-notch picks that are worth looking into if you really want to be sure you’ve done your research. We hope these reels help you grab the catch of your life!

Penn Battle II Reel

Our top pick is the best all around spinning reel on our list. It Is durable and provides high range spinning, making it ideal for conquering big saltwater game fish. This reel has a full metal body increasing its durability. It also comes with full metal side plates rotors and a heavy bail wire. These all provide exceptional durability ensuring that your reel will last you for a long time. This reel also has an HT 100 carbon fiber drag system. This system provides powerful drag without sacrificing smoothness. the fluid cranking system comes with 5 sealed stainless steel ball bearings and an instant anti-reverse bearing. The superline spool requires no backing making it perfect for people who want to use their reel right out of the box. It is bread ready and has line capacity ring marked at ?, ?, and full capacity. This is a perfect all around reel for any saltwater fisherman.

Max Drag: 12 lbs
Gear Ratio: 6:2:1
Ball Bearings: 6
Material: Metal
Weight: 1 lb
Warranty:1 year

Okuma Avenger Reel

Our budget pick is the best value saltwater spinning reel for people who don’t want to break the bank on their reel. It includes a bait feeding system that allows for disengagement of the school. This system also allows for a free-running line without opening the bail. This makes it easy and quick to operate your reel. It includes six ball bearings and one quick set anti-reverse roller bearing. This makes it perfect for anyone looking for a great all-around reel. It has a corrosion resistant construction and is made of corrosion resistant materials meaning your reel will last you for a long time. The multi-disc drag system is constructed with Japanese oiled felt drag washers. It also comes with a patented on/off trip bait feeding system. It’s machined aluminum handle knob makes it easy to reel in the biggest catch. It also comes with a patented S-curve oscillation system. This helps you catch more fish by making your line look live.

Max Drag: 8-22 lbs
Gear Ratio: 4:5:1-5:0:1
Ball Bearings: 7
Material: Graphite
Weight: 8.8-27.6 oz
Warranty:1 year

KastKing Centron Reel

Kastking Centron Reel

If you’re looking for the best lightweight spinning reel, this one by KastKing is for you. This reel is a great value. It is loaded with features like a narrow graphite frame design with a computer balancing system. This, combined with high performance makes this spinning reel an awesome choice for anyone who loves fishing. It delivers smooth performance with 9 quality ball bearings and one instant stop one-way anti-reverse bearing. This provides ultra-smooth performance. This real offers incredible stopping power up to 20 lbs. It achieves this by using its hardened metal main shaft, perfect mesh drive gear, and precision machined pinion gear. This gives it ultimate fish fighting power without weighing it down. This awesome reel comes with a two-color anodized aluminum spool. Its lightweight compact design allows you to cast effortlessly and reel in the biggest fish. This is a perfect reel for anyone who needs something lightweight and powerful.

Max Drag: 11-17.5 lbs
Gear Ratio: 4:5:1-5:2:1
Ball Bearings: 9
Material: Metal
Weight: 8.9-13.6 oz
Warranty:1 year

Sougayilang Fishing Reel

Sougayilang fishing reel salt water

This reel is a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile and easy-to-use reel. It includes fully adjustable cast control and a sound S-curve oscillating system that makes it easier to reel in big catches. This reel is lightweight and portable, it easily fits in your fishing box, bat hatch, or backpack. This makes it easy to take this reel wherever you go and fish in the perfect spot every time. This reel comes in various sizes which make it a great pick for anyone looking for a specific type of reel. It comes with 12 ball bearings making it a great choice for anyone who needs a smooth cast. The gear ratio is 5: 1: 1 on many of the models of reels. This package includes the fishing reel and it should be ready to attach to your favorite pole. This is the perfect fishing reel for many different kinds of fishermen.

Max Drag: 10-20 lbs
Gear Ratio: 5:1:1-5:2:1
Ball Bearings: 13
Material: Metal
Weight: 9-14 oz
Warranty: None

Yongzhi Spinning Fishing Reel

Definitely a frontrunner for the best cheap saltwater spinning reel on our list, this Yongzhi Spinning Fishing Reel is a great choice for people on a budget. It comes in multiple different models and sizes making it perfect for anyone looking for a wide array of fishing reels. These reels are light, smooth, and powerful. They even come with a spare spool that can be used for saving time while changing the line for different kinds of fish. This reel includes 14-corrosion resistant deep-race ball bearings that help you to have the smoothest cast possible. The internal structure is made of Aerospace grade stainless steel that gives you strength and keep it lightweight. This reel is equipped with precision brass gears, a hardened metal main shaft, and triple-disc carbon drag washers. This real features fully adjustable cast control which make it very good for line winding. This reel is suitable for ocean boat casting, rocks, beaches, rivers, ponds, streams, and all freshwater and saltwater fishing.

Max Drag: 13-15 lbs
Gear Ratio: 5:0:1
Ball Bearings: 14
Material: Stainless Steel
Weight: 9.7-14 oz
Warranty: None

Apusale Spinning Reel

This reel is not only an incredibly functional but great looking. It comes with 13 stainless steel ball bearings plus 1 roller bearing. The bearings are constructed with a no gap structure which provides smooth operation. It also combines the power of precision matched gears and a powerful 4:7: 1 gear ratio. The result is an incredibly powerful and smooth saltwater and freshwater reel. The nylon composite material that is used to build the main body gives it Incredible strength. This, combined with the forged aluminum alloy spool, makes it a great reel for any fisherman. It comes with an all metal CNC rocker arm and a left-right interchangeable soft-touch handle. This makes it perfect for fishermen who are both left and right-handed. It provides excellent line lay oscillation through a well-constructed system. The fishing reel is a great choice for beginners and advanced fisherman in any environment. It can be used in both salt and freshwater.

Max Drag: Approx 20 lbs
Gear Ratio: 4:7:1
Ball Bearings: 14
Material: Nylon
Weight: 24 oz
Warranty: None

Daiwa Opus Saltwater Reel

This Daiwa Opus Saltwater Spinning Reel is definitely a frontrunner for the best spinning reel for the money. This saltwater spinning reel can be used for heavy action in saltwater environments but can also be used for extra heavy action than freshwater ones. This reel comes with an infinite anti-reverse double stopper. It also comes with an ABS composite spool. Both of these features help you reel in the biggest catch on the smoothest line. This reel is a great budget option for anyone looking for something incredibly powerful. Is perfect for saltwater fishing in the ocean and can help you do battle with all the biggest catches. This is a great choice for anyone looking to get started with saltwater fishing or for anyone who needs to upgrade their reel for a low price. It has a max drag of 33 lb, making it a great choice for anyone looking to reel in big catches. It comes with one ball bearing and 1 roller bearing.

Max Drag: 33 lbs
Gear Ratio: 4:6:1
Ball Bearings: 2
Material: Metal
Weight: 20.1 oz
Warranty:1 year

Abu Garcia Baitcast Reel

This reel is perfect for those who want to make a statement with the look and feel of their reel. It is sleek, lightweight, and stylish. The one-piece graphite frame and graphite side plates if it’s not only looking great but functioning incredibly well. The red color highlights your reel and make sure you always know which one is yours. This reel comes in four different configurations allowing you to customize exactly how your reel works and feels. It comes with 4 stainless steel ball bearings and 1 roller bearing which provides reliable operation and effortless retrievability. The power discs system ensures smooth drag performance through the entire drag range so you will never have to worry about your drag when reeling in a big catch. The compact bent handle and reel foot provide a comfortable grip. This reel is packed with cutting-edge features that allow you to easily and quickly pull in the biggest catches.

Max Drag: 18 lbs
Gear Ratio: 6:1:1
Ball Bearings: 5
Material: Graphite
Weight: 7.13 oz
Warranty: 1 year

Yoshikawa Spinning Reel

A front-runner for the best saltwater casting reel, this reel by Yoshikawa makes a statement. Its unique baitfeeder drag system delivers a fully free spool mode. All you have to do to activate this mode is to flip the small lever on the back of the reel. This allows you to have freerunning line without opening the bail. This makes it easier to fight big fish while protecting your gears. It also gives you wider and more accurate drag adjustment. It is built with corrosion resistant material that makes sure your reel lasts for as long as you need it. The graphite construction and graphite side plates combined with a strong anodized CNC aluminum spool, stainless steel shaft, and interchangeable aluminum handles make this one of the best fishing reels on the market.This reel has extremely high line capacity which allows you to have longer casting distance on a wide target area.

Max Drag: 26 lbs
Gear Ratio: 5:5:1
Ball Bearings: 11
Material: Graphite
Weight: 11.9-18.6 oz
Warranty: None

Piscifun Venom Spinning Reel

Finishing out our list is a frontrunner for the best light saltwater spinning reel. This reel comes in 2000, 3000, 4000, and 5000 models. It is CNC machine aluminum braid ready and the school allows braids to be tied directly without any slip. The lightweight graphite body and rotor provide not only a lighter load to carry but also provide strength and durability. This real has unparalleled stopping power and features a superior 3 carbon fiber drag system. The system offers up to 26 lb of fish stopping power. This makes the Venom reel a great choice or both fresh and saltwater fishing. This reel comes with 10 anti-corrosion stainless steel ball bearings and a reinforced alloy drive gear. These features, combined with a reinforced body, precision brass gears, and a stainless steel main shaft give you smooth and dependable performance. This reel even features a sealed rubber ring in the drag to stop moisture and fight against corrosion.

Max Drag: 26.5 lbs
Gear Ratio: 5:1:1, 5:5:1
Ball Bearings: 11
Material: Stainless Steel
Weight: 8.8 oz
Warranty:1 year

Essential Things That One Must Know Before Hiking

June 16, 2021June 17, 2021

Hiking is an outdoor activity where people go on a walk across the country. Here are some tips that one needs to know before starting hiking.

CHECK ON THE WEATHER

This is one of the main things to know before hiking. Check on the weather to know if the sky is clear or not. It is important to stop or cancel the hike if there is rain or a storm. Skidding on the surface may make your trip.

WEAR THE RIGHT SHOES

While hiking, there are special shoes where the grip is firm, and the sole will be thick enough. One must choose the proper shoes because there might be leeches searching around to stick on; if the correct shoes are not worn, they might get in quickly and start sucking the blood.

DRESS IT TO AN OCCASION

Yes, it is an occasion to go hiking. So, we should be neatly dressed, and it should cover the whole body. It should be light so that the hiking gets easy.

PACK SNACKS

Very important. It’s essential to pack snacks and get enough food for the entire hike. We walk a lot here, so it is necessary to keep you energetic and keep you from getting the stamina to hike the mountains.

LET THE PEOPLE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE GOING TO

Tell your friends or family that you are on a hike and let them know the location. If there are any emergencies, they get to see the location and come to rescue or help you out.

PACK ONLY THE ESSENTIALS

There should be a limit of 10 items to carry out. If there are enough resources, that would be sufficient—no need to carry a lot.

THE TEN MAIN ESSENTIALS ARE

First aid supplies are the essential thing to carry. In times of emergencies, they come into use.
Navigation tools like maps, compass, etc., to determine the location.
Sun protection glasses or sunscreen to see correctly on a bright day and protect the skin from getting allergies or tan.
Flashlight or headlamp if hiking a deep forest or any dark place.
Fire(match sticks, light) for the emergency delay in returning home.
Water bottle to keep yourself hydrated, which is mandatory while hiking.
Emergency shelters such as tents and garbage covers can also be used in emergency conditions.
Extra clothing if it rains unexpectedly.
Waterproof bag to keep all these things from getting wet and wasted.
Food to keep ourselves from not stopping until we reach the destination.

How to Choose the Best Baitcasting Reel ?

September 25, 2020June 16, 2021

Angling really is an art and a good reel can help you perfect it. The right baitcasting reel will help you get precise casting and make it easier to reel in your big catch. To help you find the best baitcasting reel, we’ve put in our time doing research on the newest and best-selling baitcasters around. Before we get into our baitcasting reel reviews, here are the important features you need to know when choosing your reel.

Important Features

Hand Orientation

A lot of our picks are for right handers. That’s just because there are more of them out there. Lefties, never fear! If you find something you like, a lot of brands make identical left-handed versions.

Bearings

Ball bearings basically keep the best casting reels moving more smoothly. Do you want a reel that can handle heavy fish? Do you fish often and want something that’s going to last a long time? The more ball bearings, the better.

Gear Ratio

This is basically how fast the reel spins and it’s given in a ratio. For example, a ratio of 6:1 means that for every 1 turn of the handle, the spool revolves 6 times.

Frame Material

Lightweight, durable material is best. That way, you’ll get something that won’t bog you down while being tough enough to last in a fight. You’ll find a little variety here, from aluminum to graphite to composites.

Weight

Generally, lighter is better but it really is personal preference. It won’t put a lot of weight on the rod and will make it a little easier to make it through those long, tough days out on the water.

Dimensions

Obviously, this is how big the reel is. Again, this is personal preference but keep the size of your rod and your hands in mind. If you have large hands, try a larger reel. Smaller hands? Try a low profile one.

Top 10 Baitcasting Reels

Finding the perfect fishing set up doesn’t have to be hard! All you have to do to get the best baitcasting rod and reel combo is find the right baitcaster reel and pop it on your favorite rod. Now that you know what features to look for, let’s move right into our baitcasting reel reviews. If you don’t have a lot of time, make sure to take a look at our top and budgets picks. All right, let’s go fishing!

Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast

The first thing to mention about our top pick is the bearings. You won’t see HPCR bearings in any other reel that we researched and they’re a big feature of this one. High performance corrosion resistant (HPCR) bearings are an Abu Garcia original. And, no, they’re not treated steel. They’re actually made of rust resistant stainless steel. This is a smooth, strong reel that will last. That’s not all this best baitcaster reel has to offer. It’s an ideal reel for hard pulling fish, making it the best baitcasting reel for bass. It’s low profile and has 3 different power handles so you have some customization. Plus, it’s made of aircraft grade aluminum, keeping it both lightweight and strong.

Features:

Hand Orientation: Right
Bearings: 7 HPCR + 1 RB
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Frame Material: Aluminum
Weight: 13.6 oz
Dimensions: 6.5 x 5.6 x 3.5”

Pinnacle Platinum Plus Reel

Our best baitcasting reel for the money is right here. It has a reinforced graphite frame for strength and durability plus 6 stainless steel ball bearings to avoid any snags. The spool is composed of machined aluminum. Not only is it strong, it’s lightweight, too. There’s also a fully adjustable magnetic cast control system that helps your cast go the distance. That’s not all. You can easily fight back against your catch with the multi-stack drag washers. Plus, it has a quick access removable side cover. With a gear ratio that matches some of the much more expensive options, it works just as fast. This best budget baitcaster is an effective and powerful choice that can help you make your next big catch.

Features:

Hand Orientation: Right
Bearings: 6 BB
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Frame Material: Graphite
Weight: 7.8 oz
Dimensions: 4.6 x 4.6 x 2.1”

Quantum Fishing Accurist

The Quantum Fishing Accurist has PT bearings. What does that mean? They’re made of a polymer-stainless hybrid to help them last a long time. Not only is the frame made of aluminum, it’s also one piece with an easy-access side cover. This is a pretty rugged reel that will go the distance. Another unique feature is the Flippin’ Switch, an easy way to get instant gear re-engagement that helps with control. For you, that means you’ll be better able to place your lure exactly where you want it to go. The internal ACS and external magnetic cast control systems add to this precision, too. That’s not all. The gear ratio on this one is great, allowing you to reel in your line a little bit faster.

Features:

Hand Orientation: Right
Bearings: 7 PT
Gear Ratio: 7.0:1
Frame Material: Aluminum
Weight: 0.6 oz
Dimensions: 5.5 x 4 x 2.5”

KastKing Royale Baitcasting Reel

Another awesome low-profile reel, the KastKing Royale Baitcasting Reel has a high speed gear ratio. With a total of 12 corrosion resistant ball bearing, you can be sure you’ll get a smooth cast and reeling in your big catch will be a little nicer, too. You might be wondering, what about control? This reel has dual brakes with an easy to adjust centrifugal and magnetic brake system that gives you a lot of it. There’s just so much to love about this reel. It’s super silent, even at high speeds. The drag system is reliable. It has an aluminum spool on a stainless steel shaft so it’s both lightweight and strong. Plus, it just looks cool. And get this. It’s both saltwater and tournament ready.

Features:

Hand Orientation: Left
Bearings: 11 BB + 1 RB
Gear Ratio: 7.0:1
Frame Material: Aluminum
Weight: 7.5 oz
Dimensions: 3 x 5.9 x 4.9”

Lew’s Fishing Tournament Baitcast

This reel comes with a smaller profile and a lighter design but doesn’t sacrifice performance at all. It includes the brand’s innovative dual-braking system. How does it work? The magnetic brake system uses an external click dial while the internal centrifugal brake system has a 4-pin on/off control. The stainless steel ball bearings and double-shielded for durability, helping this reel last for a long time. The one-piece aluminum frame keeps it light and easy to handle and also adds to how tough this reel is. You get 20 pounds of drag power thanks to the carbon fiber star drag system. That’s not all. It also comes with Lew’s paddle handle knobs and a bowed, lightweight reel handle. The external lube port makes maintenance easy.

Features:

Hand Orientation: Right
Bearings: 9 BB + 1 RB
Gear Ratio: 5.6:1
Frame Material: Aluminum
Weight: 6.7 oz
Dimensions: 2.9 x 5.6 x 4.5”

Daiwa Laguna 7.1:1

If you’re looking for something that’s user friendly and also one of the best baitcasting reels, check out the Daiwa Laguna. It’s been newly redesigned with a lightweight composite frame and side plate. It’s lightweight, effective, and also really comfortable. Why? Because of the swept handle, unique I-shape, and soft touch handle knobs. It’s also fast thanks to the high gear ratio. As far as casting goes, well, you’ll go far! It’s precise, too. It’s all thanks to Daiwa’s exclusive MagForce Anti-Backlash system that allows the spool to start faster and spin longer which gives you a lot of control. The reel has a cool look, too, because of the open profile. But it’s more than good looking. It also provides superb ergonomics.

Features:

Hand Orientation: Right
Bearings: 5 BB + 1 RB
Gear Ratio: 7.1:1
Frame Material: Composite
Weight: 7.7 oz
Dimensions: 4.6 x 4.6 x 2.1”

Zimo 11+1 Baitcasting Reel

With 11 + 1 bearings, this is a smooth reel. The magnetic brake system is fully adjustable. What does that mean for you? More control over your cast. This low-profile reel is comfortable to use thanks to the streamlined frame and the extended, bent aluminum handle. That’s not all. There’s large EVA knobs so you know you’re going to be able to get a strong grip. The spool is made of double coated aluminum so it’s lightweight and made to last. The frame is made for longevity, too, because it won’t corrode. This is another good option if you’re looking for a best baitcasting reel for the money. It’s very reasonably priced and performs as well as much more expensive options.

Features:

Hand Orientation: Right
Bearings: 11 BB + 1 RB
Gear Ratio: 6.3:1
Frame Material: Graphite
Weight: 7.58 oz
Dimensions: 3 x 5.9 x 4.9”

Abu Garcia Low Profile Reel

This is a low-profile baitcaster that is great for accuracy. What makes us say that? First of all, the MagTrax brake system allows for long-range, accurate casting. It works by applying constant brake pressure that’s also customizable. It’s also made to last a long time. The 1-piece graphite frame and double-anodized aluminum spool are made for lightweight durability. Not only that, but the gears will last just as long because they’re made with Duragear brass. Some people with large hands might shy away from a low-profile reel but this one is comfortable for anyone to use. The recessed reel foot and compact bent handle make it a great ergonomic choice. One more thing: the Power Drag system helps you tame any hard-pulling fish.

Features:

Hand Orientation: Right
Bearings: 7 BB + 1 RB
Gear Ratio: 7.1:1
Frame Material: Graphite
Weight: 7.4 oz
Dimensions: 5.5 x 5.5 x 2.4”

Shimano 200IPG Curado

With it’s cool modern design, the Shimano 200IPG Cuardo not only looks great, it’s hands down one of the best baitcasting reels around. The offset handle and center clutch design not only add to the funky look but give it a great feel, too. In fact, it’s ergonomic design makes it really comfortable to use. The SVS Infinity Brake System is unique in that it’s a centrifugal system that has an easy to access external control. The spool was redesigned with Shimano’s Stable Spool Design, improving casting by trying to eliminate spool vibration. What does that mean for you? A balanced, stable spool and an accurate, smooth cast. One more thing. The gearing on this is superb, on par with Shimano’s higher end reels.

Features:

Hand Orientation: Right
Bearings: 5 BB + 1 RB
Gear Ratio: 5.5:1
Frame Material: Aluminum
Weight: 7.4 oz
Dimensions: 3 x 3 x 2”

Piscifun Saex Baitcasting Reel

Another option if you’re looking for best baitcasting reel for the money, the Piscifun Saex Baitcasting Reel is a compact, lightweight powerhouse. Thanks to the aluminum alloy frame and machined aluminum spool, this reel is exceptionally durable, too. The ball bearings are all double-shielded meaning they’ll help you cast smoothly on years of fishing trips. Thanks to the 270-degree magnetic brake system, you can combat wind with just the touch of a finger. For more power when you’re reeling in your next big catch, take full advantage of the extended swept-back handle. It also has a pretty impressive gear ratio for a reel in this price range. Oh, and here’s the best part: it comes with a 1 year worry-free warranty.

Features:

Hand Orientation: Left
Bearings: 6 BB + 1 RB
Gear Ratio: 6.5:1
Frame Material: Aluminum
Weight: 6.3 oz
Dimensions: 2.9 x 5.6 x 4.5”

Best Fishing Depth Finders – Expert Reviews & Buying Guide

September 25, 2020June 16, 2021

How to Choose the Best Depth Finder?

The best depth finders can not only help you find where the fish are but can also tell you how far down under the surface you need to go to get them. We sacrificed our time and spent a lot of time fishing to research some of the best brands and top selling fishing depths finders.

The result? Our fish depth finder reviews. Before we get started, let’s look at some key features to know before you start shopping.

Display Size

The screen size varies with these tools. Some are so small that you can even wear them around your neck. Others will have to be mounted. Generally, the larger the screen, the easier you can see it.

Max Depth

These max depths on these machines range from 200 to 1500 feet. Where you fish determines what you need. If you keep to lakes or rivers, you don’t need that same max depth as someone who’s ocean fishing.

Transmit Power

This is the strength of the “ping” and it’s measured in RMS. So, what does that mean? The higher the power, the stronger the signal is that’s sent into the water to figure out depth and find fish.

Alarms

Alarms aren’t necessary but they do make your fish and depth finder more useful. You don’t have to stare at the screen, just wait for the right alarm and you’ll be alerted to what’s going on.

Color Display

You can certainly have a great fishing trip without one, but a color display makes it so much easier to determine what’s actually happening on the screen. You can distinguish between different things more easily when they’re in color.

Warranty

Think about it: these items are going to be used outside, in the sun, in bad weather at times, around water. A good warranty is important because, to put it bluntly, there’s a lot that can go wrong.

Top 10 Fishing Depth Finders

All right, we’ve covered some of the most important things you need to know about fishing and depth finders. That means it’s time to dive into our reviews. If you’re running short on time, the best place to start is with our top and budgets picks, the first 2 items on our list. Stick around if you can, the products that round out our top 10 are all pretty great. All right, let’s get right to it!

Garmin Striker Fish Finder

If you’re looking for the best depth finder for kayaks, canoes, or even ice fishing, the Garmin Striker Fish Finder is it. Thanks to its Clearvu scanning technology, you can really see more of what’s in the water and get a detailed representation of what is it. We really liked how easy this one was to use.

The map is easy to read and helps you navigate around brush, docks, and other obstacles. This one is also equipped with CHIRP sonar. Basically, CHIRP sends a continuous sweep of frequencies to provide you with more data. What’s the result? Crisper fish arches on the screen and a clearer image of where they are on the map. And get this: you can even check your speed right on the screen.

Display Size: Varies
Max Depth: 300 ft
Transmit Power: 200 RMS
Alarms: Yes
Color Display: Yes
Warranty: 1 Year

Venterior Portable Fish Finder

For a portable depth finder that won’t break the bank, check out our budget pick. This portable fish finder from Venterior not only gives you the depth of the water, but also approximate locations of fish, weeds, sand, and rocks. This depth finder comes with 25 feet of cable and a simple float so you can use when ice fishing, floating, on a pole, or even fixed to the bottom of a small boat. Just make sure you get the sonar sensor in the water with the float. Another thing we really liked about this one is that it comes with a neck strap. No need to mount it or anything like that, you can just keep it around your neck. That way, it’s always within reach.

Display Size: 2.5″
Max Depth: 328 ft
Transmit Power: N/A
Alarms: Yes
Color Display: No
Warranty: 1 Year

Lowrance Hook-3X Sonar

This fish finder depth finder from Lowrance is great. For starters, we really liked the detail of the screen. Specifically, because it was really easy to see from any angle, even in harsh light. The advanced signal processing feature makes this machine really easy to use. Why? Because you don’t have to make manual adjustments and you’ll be able to see fish, debris, structures, and plants in the water more clearly. The depth finder transducer comes with a built-in water temperature sensor and can track from the bottom up at speeds as fast as 75 mph. You can monitor for fish even when you’re on the go. And here’s something we really loved. Rather than arches, Fish ID actually shows you little fish icons so you can easily distinguish them from everything else in view.

Display Size: 3″
Max Depth: 200 ft
Transmit Power: 180 RMS
Alarms: Yes
Color Display: Yes
Warranty: 1 Year

Humminbird CHIRP Fish Finder

This Humminbird gps depth finder is pretty impressive, which isn’t a surprise. The brand pioneered the idea of a depth finder with side imaging. The LCD screen itself is big, bright, and clear. There are 2 display modes that allow you to make adjustments to conditions when things change quickly. What kind of things can you account for? Water depth, temperature, even turbulence. This is a sophisticated piece of technology that saves you a lot of time hunting down fish. Basically, you tell it what you want and it tries to find it for you. And get this. The GPS is based on the latest data from LakeMaster. You get specific information you need to know to navigate, all based on the latest information about more than 10,000 lakes in their database.

Display Size: 5″
Max Depth: 1500 ft
Transmit Power: 500 RMS
Alarms: Yes
Color Display: Yes
Warranty: 1 Year

HawkEye DepthTrax

The HawkEye DepthTrax is a simple but highly effective depth finder. For starters, it’s a combination transom mount and glue-in-hull transducer. Mount it in whatever way works best for you. They even include black and white face plates and trim so you can choose the color that best suits your needs. This is a precise tool that will give you readings from 2.5 to 200 feet, even when traveling at speeds as fast as 63 mph. There’s an automatic 3-stage depth alarm warning system but what we really liked it that you can program your own shallow and deep-water alarms. There’s also a keel offset feature that lets you adjust for the effects your vessel is having on the surrounding waters. One more thing: it comes with a 2-year warranty.

Display Size: 1.65 x 0.85″
Max Depth: 200 ft
Transmit Power: N/A
Alarms: Yes
Color Display: No
Warranty: 2 years

Zikke Portable Fishfinder

This fish finder and depth finder from Zikke has a lot of great features, but we have to say that the one we liked best was something so simple. It saves your settings even when you turn it off! It’s so nice to not have to worry about finding your way back to a hotspot! Of course, there are other great features, too. It measures depth up to 328 feet and it will alert you to a bunch of other things, too: fish, weeds, sand, and debris on the lake floor. Because it uses sonar, this one can find even fish in dirty water, where the silt or mud has been stirred up. One more thing, there are some different levels you can choose from, like battery saver mode, backlight mode, and fish display.

Display Size: 2″
Max Depth: 328 ft
Transmit Power: N/A
Alarms: Yes
Color Display: No
Warranty: 1 Year

Simrad GO7 XSE Fishfinder

If you want the best gps depth finder that does just about everything, then the Simrad GO7 XSE Fishfinder is for you. First off, we love that it’s a touchscreen and it works just like a smartphone: tap to select, pinch to zoom, drag to scan. You can even pick different wallpapers! It also comes loaded with a lot of different mapping programs, too. And it doesn’t stop there. The TotalScan transducer does medium and high CHIRP sonar and StructureScan HD imaging so you can see just about everything under the water, from fish to sandbanks to rocks. You can even store places you’ve been so you can always find your way back to a spot you found to be lucky. Oh, and one more thing: it also comes with WiFi and Bluetooth.

Display Size: 7″
Max Depth: 1000 ft
Transmit Power: 500 RMS
Alarms: No
Color Display: Yes
Warranty: 1 Year

Venterior Fish Finder Transducer

It might be small, but this depth finder from Venterior is mighty. It comes with a round transducer with a 25-foot cable and removable float which makes it really versatile. You can use it when fishing on a dock, on a boat, or even ice fishing. Not only does it detect water depth and temperature, it will also tell you approximate fish locations, where the weeds are, and if there’s any debris or obstacles on the bottom of the lake, river, or sea. You can also choose from a few different modes, including battery saver, fish alarm, and backlight mode. One thing we really liked about this one is that the screen shows fish shapes instead of arches so you know without a doubt that there are fish nearby.

Display Size: 2×2.5″
Max Depth: 328 ft
Transmit Power: 500 RMS
Alarms: Yes
Color Display: No
Warranty: 1 Year

Humminbird DI Color Fish Finder

The 2 hummingbird depth finder reviews on our list are for very different machines. While this one is definitely the more basic of the pair, that doesn’t mean it’s not loaded with good stuff. For starters, it has down image and Fish ID+. What does that mean for you? Rather than showing fish on the screen as arches that could blend in with other things, Fish ID+ actually shows them as little fish icons. That makes it much easier to determine what’s a fish and what isn’t when you’re reading the screen. This one has an impressive maximum depth of 320 feet and up to 600 feet when using dual beam technology. The interface is easy to use and the screen is really easy to see, even in bright sunlight.

Display Size: 3.5″
Max Depth: 600 ft
Transmit Power: 300 RMS
Alarms: Yes
Color Display: Yes
Warranty: 1 Year

Docooler Portable Fish Finder

It doesn’t matter if you’re a professional or a weekend angler, this depth and fish finder is for you. The screen is designed so that you can even read it in sunlight so you’ll never miss a thing. It has multi-language settings where you can choose from 15 different languages! Not only does it help you find the location of the fish, it will also help determine depth as well their size. This one is really good at showing you the bottom contour and helping you find schools of fish thanks to the dual beam frequency sonar depth finder. There are audible fish and depth alarms, too, so you never miss anything important. It’s a great companion for any type of fishing, whether in the ocean, lake, or river.

Display Size: 3.5″
Max Depth: 984 ft
Transmit Power: 100 RMS
Alarms: Yes
Color Display: Yes
Warranty: 1 Year