The Garmin Striker 4 has been available since its 2016 release and remains a contender in the budget fishfinder category to date. Let’s take a quick look at its capabilities, along with some pros and cons, if you’re considering making a purchase.
This Garmin is equipped with a 3.5-inch color display that shows crisp CHIRP sonar images (77/200 kHz), providing clear fish arches, strong target separation, and reliable depth readings up to 1,600 feet in freshwater. The traditional sonar compares well with many competitors in this price range, distinguishing fish from structure such as logs or debris. The screen remains readable in overcast conditions, though direct midday sun can create glare—consider a sun shield for brighter days.
It’s built-in high-sensitivity GPS enables you to mark waypoints, return to hot spots, boat ramps, or docks, and track boat speed—ideal for saving time and fuel. The intuitive keypad interface is simple to use, even with gloves, and setup is quick and easy.
Its portability is a plus for kayak, johnboat, and small watercraft users. I ordered an additional transducer and switch seamlessly between my fishing kayak and boat. The compact transducer mounts easily with the included kit, and the whole unit weighs under 1 lb. Many anglers run it on portable battery packs for full-day outings without needing to recharge.
Closeup view in action:
The flasher mode excels for ice fishing and vertical jigging, rivaling dedicated units at a fraction of the cost. The flasher view provides real-time jig action feedback, making it a favorite winter option for local crappie and bass enthusiasts. Versatile across kayaks, boats, canoes, and portable setups.
Mounted on a kayak:
Its CHIRP sonar delivers sharper fish targets and better bottom detail than standard 2D sonar at this price. Users consistently report a clear separation of baitfish schools from larger game fish, even in 20-40 ft of stained water.
The GPS waypoint system is a standout ![]()
feature for small boats. Mark brush piles, creek channels, or productive humps once, then return to them precisely on the next trip—especially useful on large reservoirs with changing conditions.
A summary of Pros includes bombproof build (IPX7 waterproof), accurate CHIRP clarity, great portability, and unmatched value under $200. It’s highly competitive in entry-level sales and user praise for reliability in saltwater flats, lakes, and ice.
Cons: The small screen can feel cramped in bright sun or for detailed viewing; no advanced mapping (like Quickdraw Contours) or ClearVü scanning—consider Striker Plus/ Vivid models for those.
For serious tournament anglers or those needing side/down imaging, step up to higher models. For weekend warriors, family trips, or first-time electronics users, the Striker 4 remains the smartest budget choice available to date.
I will give the Garmin Striker 4 an “Excellent” rating for compact fish finders. Overall pros include a crisp 3.5” display, reliable CHIRP sonar, and built-in GPS, which make finding fish easy. Simple interface, quick setup, great value. Performs well in shallow to moderate depths. Highly recommended for small boats and kayaks.
You can pick one up on Amazon (https://amzn.to/4jQUEVm) or Reelpassion.com (https://reelpassion.com/products/garmin-striker-4-fishfinder-w-4-pin-77-200khz-tm-transducer-010-01550-00) by clicking the links.
