Garmin EchoMAP Fish Finder Review

Considered one of the most sophisticated models on the market, the EchoMap by Garmin features a large seven-inch display screen, DownVu and SideVu imaging, in addition to an intuitive design that makes this model one of the easiest to use fish finders on the market. Garmin has done it again by producing an intuitive device that comes loaded with thousands of maps, a lightweight design that makes this model highly portable, and simple controls that will allow you to quickly skip from one feature setting to the next. Overall, this is a fish finder that comes with all the essential features you’ll need for inland angling.

Our Verdict: This device comes with some great features including the popular Quickdraw map that allows you to create a more accurate map of your favorite fishing spots. Additionally, the device can store over seventeen thousand maps of lakes and rivers in the US. This device also comes with a couple of different transducer mounting options, CHIRP sonar, and a beginner-friendly design that makes this fish finder a cinch to use.

Overview and Features

If you know how to read a Humminbird fish finder, then you should have no trouble operating this model by Garmin. Featuring a similar setup, the Echomap is known for its basic controls and CHIRP sonar. The CHIRP operates on low, medium, and high ranges, for side, down, and 2D scanning sonar modes, all of which are said to improve target separation and clarity. If you find yourself fishing in clearer, deeper waters, then this type of technology can really have an impact on what you see. As an example, baitfish can be easier to spot, while bottom hugging fish that are usually invisible now stand out from their surroundings. If you want the ability to customize maps of your favorite fishing spots, add waypoints to keep track of areas that the fish are biting and hazards, then you’ll appreciate the interactive software that gives you more control over how detailed your maps are.

Design

If you don’t fall in love with this fish finder for its mapping capabilities, then you’ll want it for its compact design, the five-inch full-color display screen with keypad control, or the internal GPS with 5Hz updates. The compact fish finder weighs in at just a few pounds and comes complete with a couple of hardware mounting options, and a design that makes this model highly portable.

ClearVu Transducer

The manufacturer has created an impressive down scanning sonar technology that provides stellar imagery of structures and lake bottoms. The manufacturer has also included hardware for mounting the transducer to the transom or the trolling motor. The small plastic plate that screws into the transducer allows you to swap it out and move it from the trolling motor mount to the transom mount in seconds. This means you won’t have to deal with running out and buying hardware.

Maps

This model comes with a total of seventeen thousand preloaded lake maps. If the LakeVu maps aren’t enough, you can purchase the LakeVu HD ultra-card and use it in the fish finder’s SD card slot.

Auto Guidance

The latest version of Garmin’s app allows you to calculate a precise course for you to navigate unfamiliar waters safely. This program will work by plotting out a path that totally bypasses any hazards including shallow waters. You can also choose to customize your route by inserting waypoints anywhere you want on the route.

Custom Mapping

This fish finder is also able to create custom maps with the use of the free Quickdraw software program. This is great news for the angler who loves to explore unchartered waters. In truth, those HD maps that you purchase on memory cards really aren’t very accurate, in some areas of the rivers and lakes. With this type of on-demand mapping capability, anglers will have control over creating their own, very detailed maps of their favorite fishing areas. So, if you run into a great fishing spot you’ve never come across before, you can turn on the Quickdraw app and begin idling around the spot. You’ll be blown away by how different your map looks compared to the generic HD LakeVu version.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Pros

Cons

EchoMap Vs. Raymarine Axiom 7 Fish Finder

The Raymarine fish finder allows you to download an app so you can control the fish finder’s settings from your smartphone. Like this model from Garmin, the competition also comes equipped with CHIRP sonar and side and down image scanning. However, many users feel that the Raymarine fish finder offers a more intuitive user experience. It also comes with the popular Navionic charts, offering full coastal coverage for Canada and the US, in addition to maps of over twenty thousand rivers, lakes, and ponds. Aside from impressive coverage, this fish finder also features a multi-touch interface and a lighthouse three operating system. As you can see, the competition comes with plenty of bells and whistles, especially compared to the EchoMap. However, all of these extra features come at a price. If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll want to steer clear of this fish finder by Raymarine and instead stick with this basic, reliable model by Garmin, which is available at a price that’s affordable.

Conclusion and Rating

Product Rating: (4.5/5)

The EchoMap by Garmin features a compact, lightweight design, and comes with the popular Quickdraw app, which allows you to create your own custom maps of your favorite fishing spots. Hands down, this is one of the best fish finders for the angler who’s in need of a reliable model that’s highly accurate and easy to use. I gave this model a rating of four and a half out of five stars.