About Garmin Fish Finders
It may be hard to imagine, but there was a time (not too long ago) when GPS technology did not exist – in any form. Before the dawn of GPS, people had to make their way around blindly, relying on their faith in a map or the advice of a gas station clerk. This went double for fishermen. With no real way to see the contents of the water beneath them, fishers were left to cast their reels and hope for the best, not knowing if they were going to catch a fish or a log—or lose the line altogether on a jagged lakebed. With Garmin, those days are over. As one of the forefathers of mainstream GPS technologies, they have been providing top-notch products to outdoorsmen and civilians all over the world, from professional fishermen to senators to construction workers, and everyone in-between.
One of their best lines of products is their fish finders, with models and sizes of all different sorts for anglers of all skill levels. Their goal is to help sportsmen strive for their passions, so their products reflect the needs of the everyday angler. And if you can add a trolling motor + a quality underwater fishing camera, you’re going to have a good time!
Where Garmin began
Garmin began with humble roots. Founders Gary Burrell and Min H. Kao—under the name ProNav—started the company in the 1980s in Lenexa, Kansas. Their first line of products sold for several thousand dollars apiece—and they were as cutting edge then as they are today. By the 1990s, they had found their first major client, the United States Army—not a bad start. With this major catch on their side, they quickly grew into the household name they are today.
Since the beginning, Garmin has always sought to deliver products that make customers’ lives as easy as possible, from GPS services for cars that plug right into the dashboard, to state-of-the-art fish finders that give fishermen the best possible chance at a catch. Today, they mostly focus on improving the lives of the outdoorsman. In the fishing world, that means better fish finders and Garmin sounders. Whether you’re a novice or a professional fisherman, chances are you’ve had your fair share of exposure to these industry-leading pieces of technology. Today, they’re even making strides to become industry leaders in wearable GPS technologies.
It’s safe to say they’re making their mark, with Forbes ranking them at number five on their list of America’s Best Large Employers of 2019. This didn’t happen overnight. They got there by sticking to their commitment to bring the best possible services to their customers. All this was accomplished while treating their customers with respect during their own personal journeys – no matter what they were using their products for. By providing top service and products, they have quickly become a name to be reckoned with in the maritime industry.
Throughout the industry, hobbyists sing the praises of their fish finders. No matter what kind of fishing you plan on doing, there is a model that can fit your specific set of needs. It doesn’t take any training either, with their intuitive programs and easy-to-use screens, the fish finder will be out of the box and on the boat in no time. With many different styles and colors, you’ll be able to find an option that not only fits your unique set of needs and skill-level but one that fits your sense of style as well. At the end of the day, their main objective is to help anglers get out on the water, doing what they love most. Luckily, it’s never been easier.
Making quality fish finders since 1980
When it comes to Garmin’s selection of fish finders, there’s plenty of options to choose from. Some are equipped with GPS, while other models don’t really have a use for it. Instead, these models opt to use spread spectrum technologies to identify the area. Today, their most popular models are from the Garmin Striker series—enough so their other lines have been discontinued. You can still buy them from third parties, but direct from Garmin, it’s just the Striker and Striker Plus lines. Each option has its own unique set of advantages, and each fits into a different price range. There are also several different variations of each model.
Nowadays, with the company boasting more than 13,000 associates in 60 offices around the world, it’s essential to become familiar with some of their most famous and popular products. By bringing GPS, fishfinder, and maritime navigation services to fishers all over the world, they are doing the best they can to make your life easier.
The Garmin Striker Series
There’s a reason Garmin choose to reduce their fishfinder lineup to the Striker line alone. This popular line of fish finders comes fully installed with built-in GPS to help anglers get to where they’re going quicker than ever before. Models are available in various sizes ranging from 4- to 9-inches.
Their CHIRP sonar and CHIRP scanning sonar capabilities are the best that modern science has to offer. You’ll be able to not only take a thorough look at your exact location and surroundings, but you can mark the spots to return later as a sort of personal road map.
It doesn’t just stop there, either. With the Garmin Striker series by your side, you’ll be able to mark specific boat ramps and docks so you can easily navigate your way home once you’re finished reeling in your dream catch. All that with prices starting at just over $100—there’s little not to love about this product line. It not hard to see why Garmin chooses to simplify things and only sell Striker Series fish finders—which is not to say their older options, such as the echoMAP, are anything less than excellent. Garmin is a name you can trust.
The Garmin STRIKER and STRIKER Plus series both feature some fantastic products and technology from the Garmin brand. With ClearVu and SideVu technology, these are some of the best fish finders and produce some of the best imaging around, and the portability of most of the products is also a major bonus, with some real stand-outs in the portable fish finder category. These are perfect for when you want to take your polarized sunglasses, a decent fishing kayak or a smaller boat with a good trolling motor, and just disappear for the day. They even have some of the best ice fishing fish finders you can find.