Do fish finders actually show individual fish?

Yes, CHIRP sonar displays individual fish as arches on the screen. Higher-frequency CHIRP provides better target separation — the ability to distinguish two fish swimming close together. Live sonar like Active Target shows fish in real time, including their movement and reaction to lures.

Can I use a fish finder on a kayak?

Absolutely. Choose a portable or kayak-specific unit with a small screen (5-7 inches) and a shoot-through-hull or suction cup transducer. Many kayak anglers use all-in-one units like the Garmin Striker Vivid with a portable kit that requires no drilling or permanent installation.

Best Fish Finders 2026