Buying the 12 Inch Fish Finder can be a hectic venture, especially if you don’t know how to choose the product. Online reviews often praise the product too much instead of exploring its flaws, so it becomes much harder to figure out actual issues with the product.
The product’s visible characteristics and intricate details should be considered before you buy it. Otherwise, you might face unexpected trouble with the product. To keep you from such experiences after buying, we tried to make a comprehensive guide consisting of the necessary factors. To bring the best 12 Inch Fish Finder home, you must keep these factors in mind.
As we proceed, you will also find answers to a few crucial questions regarding the product. By the end, you will have a clear idea of what to consider for getting your desired product. Let’s get into more details without any further due.
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| Place | Image | Product Information | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra sv with GT UHD-TM by Garmin |
9.8
|
|
| 2 |
|
Garmin GPSMAP xsv SideVu ClearVu and Traditional by Garmin |
9.6
|
|
| 3 |
|
Raymarine Axiom Fish Finder with Built in by Raymarine |
9.1
|
|
| 4 |
|
Lowrance HDS- LIVE - -inch Fish Finder by Lowrance |
9
|
|
| 5 |
|
Elite- Ti - -inch Fish Finder Active by Elite- |
9
|
|
| 6 |
|
Humminbird - CHO Helix Chirp MEGA SI by Humminbird |
9.8
|
|
| 7 |
|
Lowrance HDS Live Multi-Function Display with LCD by Lowrance |
9.6
|
|
| 8 |
|
PFC Plastic Plastic Carrying Case with Foam by PFC |
9.6
|
|
| 9 |
|
Simrad GO XSE - -inch Chartplotter with by Simrad |
9.3
|
|
| 10 |
|
Lowrance HOOK Reveal TripleShot - -inch Fish by Lowrance |
9.8
|
Our Top 15 Best 12 Inch Fish Finder Reviews & Buying Guide
Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv with GT56UHD-TM Transducer, 12" Touchscreen Combo with BlueChart g3 Charts and LakeVu g3 Maps and Added High Def Scanning Sonar
Highlighted Features
- 12” keyed-assist IPS touchscreen combo with all the built-in tools you need to find and catch fish
- Included transducer provides Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and Ultra High-Definition ClearVü scanning sonar and SideVü scanning sonar with 20% greater range
- Vivid scanning sonar color palettes make it easy to distinguish targets and structure
- Built-in support for the full line of Panoptix sonars, including the Panoptix LiveScope system (transducers sold separately)
- Preloaded with Garmin exclusive BlueChart g3 coastal charts and LakeVü g3 inland maps — both with integrated Navionics data and Auto Guidance technology for planning purposes only
Additional Info :
| Brand | Garmin |
| Color | Grey |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 19 |
| Width | 22 |
| Length | 22 |
| Weight | 65.42 |
Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv, SideVu, ClearVu and Traditional Sonar with Mapping, 12", 010-01741-03
Highlighted Features
- 12-Inch color display with keypad interface and Multifunction control knob
- Preloaded U.S. LakeVü HD maps and Blue Chart g2 charts
- High-sensitivity Internal 10 Hz GPS and GLONASS receiver
- Built-in single channel CHIRP sonar, CHIRP ClearVü and CHIRP SideVü scanning sonar and Panoptix support (transducers sold separately)
Additional Info :
| Brand | Garmin |
| Color | Unknown |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 3 |
| Width | 28 |
| Length | 33 |
| Weight | 93.1 |
Raymarine Axiom 12 Fish Finder with Built in GPS, WiFi, Chirp Sonar and RealVision 3D with Navionics+, Black, 12" (E70369-00-NAG)
Highlighted Features
- Built-in Real Vision 3D Sonar with CHIRP Down Vision, CHIRP Side Vision and Traditional CHIRP Sonar
- Quad core processor delivers blazing fast performance without any slowdowns
- Multi-touch interface and powerful lighthouse 3 operating system allow for a smarter, more intuitive boating experience
- Built-in Wi-Fi paired with free Raymarine Apps allow you view or control your unit from your iOS or Android device
- Includes Navionics+ charts with coverage of coastal USA and Canada and over 20, 000 inland ponds, rivers and lakes
Additional Info :
| Brand | Raymarine |
| Color | Black |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 12 |
| Width | 34 |
| Length | 30 |
| Weight | 26.24 |
Lowrance HDS-12 LIVE - 12-inch Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3 In 1 Transducer with Smartphone Integration, Live Sonar Compatible, Preloaded C-MAP US Enhanced Mapping
Highlighted Features
- Active Imaging 3-in-1 (CHIRP/Sides can/Down Scan)
- Live Sight real-time sonar compatible
- Smartphone notifications
- Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity
- Fish reveal Smart target view
Additional Info :
| Brand | Lowrance |
| Color | Off-white |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 12 |
| Width | 24 |
| Length | 37 |
| Weight | 56.51 |
Elite-12 Ti2-12-inch Fish Finder Active Imaging 3-in-1Transducer, Wireless Networking, Real-Time Map Creation Preloaded C-MAP US Inland Mapping …
Highlighted Features
- Elite-12 Ti2 - 12-inch Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1Transducer, Wireless Networking, Real-Time Map Creation and Preloaded C-MAP US Inland Mapping
- ENHANCED DISPLAY TECHNOLOGY: High-resolution, 12-inch SolarMAX display that makes it easier to identify fish and structure with new, enhanced screen clarity and target separation.
- ACTIVE IMAGING: See structure and cover with a new level of high-resolution detail and unmatched sidescan range with new, 3-in-1 Active Imaging featuring CHIRP sonar, SideScan and DownScan and Active Imaging 2-in-1 sonar with SideScan and DownScan.
- GENESIS LIVE: Update the mapping of your favorite fishing spot or map unmapped areas with ½ foot contours – in real time – on the screen of your fishfinder/chartplotter with C-MAP Genesis Live.
- PRELOADED HIGH-DETAIL MAPPING: Fish new water like a pro with preloaded US Inland mapping that features 4,000 lakes with 1-foot contours. Narrow your search for productive water, easily locating fish-holding structure like ledges, drop offs and cover.
Additional Info :
| Brand | Elite- |
| Color | Grey |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 7 |
| Width | 37 |
| Length | 27 |
| Weight | 43.42 |
Humminbird 411450-1CHO Helix 12 Chirp MEGA SI+ GPS G4N CHO (Control Head Only) Fish Finder
Highlighted Features
- 12.1" display
- Features MEGA Side Imaging+, MEGA Down Imaging+, Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar, internal GPS with Humminbird Basemap, AutoChart Live, Wi-Fi, NMEA 2000, Bluetooth and Ethernet networking
- Control Head Only Model: This model does not include a transducer. This CHO model is a great choice for those looking to connect to connect to Built-in MEGA Imaging on Minn Kota trolling motors, accessory transducer options like MEGA 360 Imaging, or share sonar data from an existing Humminbird Ethernet network
- Premium Chart Compatible: Humminbird provides the most complete offering of premium chart options to anglers everywhere. Get a complete view of the world below with optional charts from Humminbird's LakeMaster and CoastMaster products, as well as your choice of compatible Navionics charts
- One-Boat Network Compatible: Many Humminbird models seamlessly integrate and communicate with Minn Kota and Cannon products to unlock more features and capabilities for anglers everywhere. Make the more of your time on the water with the exclusive boat control and fish-catching features of the One-Boat Network
Additional Info :
| Brand | Humminbird |
| Color | Multicolor |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 9 |
| Width | 45 |
| Length | 40 |
| Weight | 16.77 |
Lowrance HDS Live Multi-Function Display with 12" LCD, Internal GPS/Chartplotter and Active Imaging 3-in-1 Sonar - 000-14428-001
Highlighted Features
- Smartphone notifications | C-MAP Genesis Live onscreen mapping
- Smartphone notifications | C-MAP Genesis Live onscreen mapping
- Optional StructureScan 3D with Active Imaging enhancements | High-performance quad-core processor
- Full high-definition HDS SolarMAX HD multi-touch screen with the widest range of viewing angles -- viewable even through polarized sunglasses
- Preloaded high-detail C-MAP US Enhanced charts with 1-foot contours on 4,000-plus lakes
Additional Info :
| Brand | Lowrance |
| Color | Black |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 15 |
| Width | 37 |
| Length | 24 |
| Weight | 64.13 |
PFC Plastic Plastic Carrying Case with Foam, 12" x 8" x 3 3/4", Black (120-080-038-5SF)
Highlighted Features
- Made in USA
- The #1 solution when you need a quality case with foam
- Flat layered foam cushion in the bottom and convoluted cushion in the lid
- Textured exteriors with patented latches resists dents, cracking and scuffs
- Interior Dimensions 11" x 7" x 3 7/16"
Additional Info :
| Brand | PFC |
| Color | Multicolor |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 2 |
| Width | 42 |
| Length | 25 |
| Weight | 19.6 |
Simrad GO12 XSE - 12-inch Chartplotter with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, C-MAP Discover Chart Card
Highlighted Features
- MULTIFUNCTION DISPLAY: With GO12, add GPS navigation, sonar support, radar capability, and much more to your boat: perfect for sportboats, center-consoles, and smaller cruisers.
- C-MAP DISCOVER: Included C-MAP DISCOVER card with full-featured Vector Charts, Custom Depth Shading, Tides & Currents, C-MAP high-resolution Bathymetric contours, and ultra-wide coverage in the US and Canada.
- ACTIVE IMAGING 3-IN-1 TRANSDUCER: See structure and cover with a new level of refined detail with Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar featuring CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan imaging with FishReveal.
- RADAR READY: GO12 offers safer cruising and more productive fishing with plug-and-play connectivity to Simrad radar solutions for powerboats of all sizes.
- BUILT-IN CONNECTIVITY: Mirror your display to a smartphone or tablet and get access to charts, radar and other functionality from anywhere on board. NMEA 2000 connectivity offers more integration options.
Additional Info :
| Brand | Simrad |
| Color | Silver |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 10 |
| Width | 39 |
| Length | 35 |
| Weight | 22.01 |
Lowrance HOOK Reveal 9 TripleShot - 9-inch Fish Finder w/Transducer and C-MAP US Inland Mapping Preloaded
Highlighted Features
- FISHREVEAL: Fish are easier to find and easier to identify. FishReveal combines the target separation of Lowrance CHIRP sonar and the high-resolution images of structure from DownScan Imaging to makes fish light up on your display.
- HIGH-DETAIL INLAND MAPS: Get high-detail maps of almost 4,000 US inland lakes. Create custom contour maps with even greater detail over any map or GPS plotter with Genesis Live, so you can get onto the fish faster.
- TRIPLESHOT TRANSDUCER: Perfect for anglers who want all their sonar from a single transducer, TripleShot features wide-angle high CHIRP sonar and the high-resolution images of fish-holding structure from SideScan and DownScan Imaging.
- AUTOTUNING SONAR: Spend more time fishing and less time reworking your sonar settings with HOOK Reveal autotuning sonar, which ensures you get the best sonar image every time by automatically adjusting settings as fishing conditions change.
- 9-INCH DISPLAY: Enjoy crisp and clear views of your display no matter the conditions – even in direct sunlight – with excellent clarity and daylight visibility of HOOK Reveal’s SolarMAX display.
Additional Info :
| Brand | Lowrance |
| Color | Off-white |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 2 |
| Width | 30 |
| Length | 44 |
| Weight | 25.74 |
Simrad NSX 3007 - Chartplotter Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer and C-MAP Discover X Charts, Black
Highlighted Features
- MULTIFUNCTION DISPLAY: 7-inch high-definition IPS touch screen with extreme viewing angles, even viewable through polarized lenses.
- C-MAP DISCOVER X: Features a marine-optimized chart with a fresh, intuitive chart presentation and daily updates – plus support for C-MAP REVEAL X charts.
- SONAR: High resolution views of fish and structure with Active Imaging featuring CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan Imaging, plus 1kW transducer capability to reach greater depths.
- FULL INTEGRATION: Capability to expand system with Simrad sonar, autopilot, radar, and more.
- SETUP WIZARD: Get up and running quickly with simpler sonar setup and hints to assist you when you need it.
Additional Info :
| Brand | Simrad |
| Color | Multicolor |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 15 |
| Width | 43 |
| Length | 22 |
| Weight | 13.73 |
Garmin 010-01741-00 GPSMAP 1222 with Worldwide Basemap
Highlighted Features
- Accepts Data Cards: 2 SD cards
- Display Type: WXGA display; Display Resolution: 1280 x 800 pixels
- Garmin Marine Network Ports: 2
- Display Size: 10. 3" x 6. 4"; 12. 1" diagonal
- Physical Dimensions: 14. 1" x 8. 9" x 2. 7"
Additional Info :
| Brand | Garmin |
| Color | Grey |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 14 |
| Width | 39 |
| Length | 26 |
| Weight | 60.53 |
Garmin GPSMAP 1242xsv, 12-inch Chartplotter/Sonar Combo, Includes Transducer, Colored Display, Keypad Interface and Multifunction Control Knob
Highlighted Features
- 12” color display with keypad interface and multifunction control knob
- Includes GT52-TM transducer for Garmin CHIRP sonar and CHIRP ClearVü and CHIRP SideVü scanning sonars (also available without transducer)
- High-sensitivity internal 10 Hz GPS and GLONASS receiver
- Supports Panoptix all-seeing sonar, which includes Panoptix LiveScope sonar (transducers sold separately)
Additional Info :
| Brand | Garmin |
| Color | Unknown |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 14 |
| Width | 43 |
| Length | 23 |
| Weight | 63.86 |
Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 106sv
Highlighted Features
- 10” keyed-assist touchscreen combo with built-in support for our premium sonar capabilities, including the Panoptix LiveScope scanning sonar system
- Preloaded with Garmin exclusive Blue Chart g3 coastal charts and LakeVu g3 inland maps — both with integrated Navionics data and Auto Guidance (for planning purposes only and does not replace safe navigation operations) technology
- Share sonar, waypoints and routes with other ECHOMAP Ultra 10” and 12” units as well as ECHOMAP Plus 7” and 9” units
- Built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping software instantly creates personalized fishing maps on-screen with 1’ contours as you fish
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity pairs with the free ActiveCaptain app
Additional Info :
| Brand | Garmin |
| Color | Silver |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 20 |
| Width | 33 |
| Length | 32 |
| Weight | 95.33 |
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 94SV, Keyed-Assist Touchscreen Chartplotter with U.S. BlueChart G3
Highlighted Features
- Bright, Sunlight-readable 9” touchscreen with keyed assist
- Optional transducer for ultra High-Definition clearer and Ultra High-Definition SideVü scanning sonars and Garmin high wide CHIRP traditional sonar
- Preloaded bluechart G3 coastal charts with integrated Navionics data
- Supports Panoptix all-seeing sonar, including Panoptix live Scope sonar
- Sonar sharing capabilities with other ECHOMAP Plus, ECHOMAP UHD and ECHOMAP Ultra units
Additional Info :
| Brand | Garmin |
| Color | Multicolor |
| Item Dimensions | |
| Height | 12 |
| Width | 38 |
| Length | 38 |
| Weight | 81.13 |
What To Look Before Buying Best 12 Inch Fish Finder
You need to consider a lot, from materials and build quality to design and features, while buying 12 Inch Fish Finder. But the following factors are pivotal to landing a good product. Check them out.
Brand Value
Build quality, durability, after-sales support, and many other factors mainly depend on how renowned the brand is. Though products from reputed brands are usually more expensive, you can expect the best value from them. Top brands invest a lot in R&D, so their products will be of much higher quality than the competitors.
In this case, you must choose from one of the top three brands to ensure the product lasts longer and continues to perform without any issues midway.
Design and Dimensions
The outer surface of the product is highly visible all the time. So, you must choose a 12 Inch Fish Finder that has some unique aesthetics to it. Also, make sure the design is suitable for the place you want to use the product.
Checking the dimensions is also important, as the product needs to fit the desired space.
Material and Build Quality
Checking the material of the product is crucial to ensure you get the best product available. The same product can be made with different materials and marketed at different prices. Check what material was used to make the product and try to imitate the hand feel of the product.
The build quality is also important as the product’s durability will depend on it. There should not be any faulty joints or seams which can break over time. Try to know the rate of wear occurring in the product to have an idea of its service life.
Availability of Components
In many cases, the product can be inactive due to the failure of certain components. Instead of replacing the whole product, you should try to fix the faulty component or replace it. Before buying the product, you need to look for available replacements to fix it without much hassle.
And this is a factor many users often overlook. So, you need to be careful about this.
Price
Here comes the most anticipated factor as everyone wonders what the ideal product price range should be. To figure this out, you need to compare the price of similar products. We suggest you make a table consisting of the price and features of the chosen products.
Try to draw a clear line on what you should spend at maximum to enjoy those features. This will allow you to get the 12 Inch Fish Finder without spending too much.
Accessories
The hassle you face while choosing the product will be multiplied if you need to choose the accessories separately. So, it is better to pick a product that comes with all the necessary accessories.
If there are multiple products with similar accessories, you need to check the quality of the product and the accessories simultaneously. This also saves you from spending extra on accessories.
FAQs
Even though you know about important factors to choose 12 Inch Fish Finder, don’t miss the answers to some frequently asked questions.
How long will 12 Inch Fish Finder last?
It depends on the product’s build quality, usage, and maintenance. When you choose a good brand, the product should serve for at least a few years without issues.
Is 12 Inch Fish Finder waterproof?
Not all products in this category are waterproof. You need to check the waterproof rating of the product before buying it. The higher the rating, the more splash-resistant it will be.
Does it catch fingerprints or scratches?
When you choose a glossy finish, it is supposed to catch fingerprints quickly. Scratches will also be more visible on such a surface. But if it has a matte finish, it will catch fewer fingerprints or scratches. Choose the surface accordingly.
How to replace its components?
You must check the instruction manual coming with the product to replace any component. If you aren’t sure about how to do it, you should take the product to an authorized service center to get the replacement done. Don’t disassemble anything that will void the product warranty.
So Which 12 Inch Fish Finder Should You Choose?
Before we draw a conclusion, let us remind you of the importance of choosing the best 12 Inch Fish Finder once again. As this will be a long-term expense, you need to trust the best product available in the market. This is why considering the above-mentioned factors is so important.
Take time while researching the product, as you might need to explore a lot of reviews to find the truth. Watch video reviews to know how the product actually looks or how it performs in different case scenarios. Compare all possible choices before making the buying decision.
And when you finalize the decision, try to have a closer look at the selected product to ensure it will match your expectations. Give it a trial, if possible, to find out anything you didn’t know earlier. All this hard work will pay off when you can satisfactorily come back with the right product at the right price.