Can I use a regular bass boat fish finder on a kayak?

Technically yes, but it is not ideal. Boat-sized units are larger, draw more power, and their transducers may not fit kayak mounting options. Dedicated kayak-sized units like the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv are designed for the limited space and power available on a kayak.

Is CHIRP sonar worth the extra cost?

Absolutely. CHIRP sonar sends a continuous sweep of frequencies rather than a single frequency, resulting in much clearer target separation and bottom detail. You can distinguish individual fish and identify bottom composition more accurately. Every serious angler should choose CHIRP over traditional sonar.

Best Kayak Fish Finders 2026