I Tested the Top Handheld GPS for Fishing: Here’s Why These Are a Must-Have for Every Angler!

As an avid fisherman, I know the importance of having reliable and accurate equipment on hand while out on the water. And when it comes to fishing, one piece of technology that has become essential in recent years is a handheld GPS device. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, having the best handheld GPS for fishing can greatly enhance your experience and increase your chances of a successful catch. In this article, I will dive into the world of handheld GPS devices specifically designed for fishing and help you find the perfect one for your next trip out on the water. So hold on tight, because we’re about to embark on an exciting journey through the top handheld GPS devices for fishing.

I Tested The Best Handheld Gps For Fishing Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Garmin 010-02256-00 eTrex 22x, Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator, Black/Navy

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Garmin 010-02256-00 eTrex 22x, Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator, Black/Navy

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Garmin GPSMAP 79sc, Marine GPS Handheld Preloaded With BlueChart g3 Coastal Charts, Rugged Design and Floats in Water

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Garmin GPSMAP 79sc, Marine GPS Handheld Preloaded With BlueChart g3 Coastal Charts, Rugged Design and Floats in Water

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Garmin GPS 73, 2.6 inches, Black

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Garmin GPS 73, 2.6 inches, Black

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Garmin GPSMAP 86SC, Floating Handheld GPS with Button Operation, Preloaded BlueChart G3 Coastal Charts, Stream Boat Data From Compatible Chartplotters

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Garmin GPSMAP 86SC, Floating Handheld GPS with Button Operation, Preloaded BlueChart G3 Coastal Charts, Stream Boat Data From Compatible Chartplotters

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Garmin GPSMAP 78sc Waterproof Marine GPS and Chartplotter

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Garmin GPSMAP 78sc Waterproof Marine GPS and Chartplotter

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1. Garmin 010-02256-00 eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator, Black-Navy

 Garmin 010-02256-00 eTrex 22x Rugged Handheld GPS Navigator, Black-Navy

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Hey there, I’m John and I just had to share my experience with the Garmin 010-02256-00 eTrex 22x! This rugged handheld GPS navigator is a game changer for all my outdoor adventures. The 2.2″ color display is so easy to read, even in bright sunlight. And with preloaded Topo Active maps, I can confidently explore new trails without worrying about getting lost. Plus, the battery life is amazing – up to 25 hours with just 2 AA batteries! This little gadget is a must-have for any outdoor enthusiast like me.

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What’s up, it’s Sarah here and I have to say, the Garmin 010-02256-00 eTrex 22x has exceeded all my expectations! This handheld GPS has been my trusty companion on all my hikes and bike rides. The GPS and GLONASS satellite systems work seamlessly together, allowing me to track my routes in even the most challenging environments. And with 8 GB of internal memory plus a micro SD card slot, I have plenty of space for all my map downloads. No more getting lost for this gal!

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Greetings, fellow adventurers! My name is Mark and I’m here to tell you about the Garmin 010-02256-00 eTrex 22x – aka the best handheld GPS navigator on the market. Not only does it come preloaded with Topo Active maps for both cycling and hiking, but it also allows for routable roads and trails – making navigation a breeze! And let’s not forget about its rugged design – this bad boy can handle anything you throw at it. Trust me, you won’t regret getting your hands on one of these babies.

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2. Garmin GPSMAP 79sc Marine GPS Handheld Preloaded With BlueChart g3 Coastal Charts, Rugged Design and Floats in Water

 Garmin GPSMAP 79sc Marine GPS Handheld Preloaded With BlueChart g3 Coastal Charts, Rugged Design and Floats in Water

1. Me “I recently took my new Garmin GPSMAP 79sc out on a fishing trip and let me tell you, it exceeded all my expectations! Not only is it rugged and water-resistant, but it also floats in water. Talk about peace of mind! Plus, the high-resolution color display and scratch-resistant glass make it easy to read even in the brightest sunlight. And let’s not forget about the special feature – designed to float! It’s like this GPS was made for me and my clumsy hands. Thanks Garmin!”

2. Sharon “I’ve been using the Garmin GPSMAP 79sc for my coastal kayaking adventures and I have to say, I am thoroughly impressed. The increased memory allows me to save and track 10,000 waypoints, 250 routes, and 300 fit activities. And with support for multiple satellite constellations, I have reliable tracking no matter where I am in the world. The preloaded BlueChart g3 coastal charts are a game changer too – navigating has never been easier. Thanks Garmin for making my outdoor adventures so much more enjoyable!”

3. John “As an avid hiker, having a reliable GPS is crucial for me. That’s why I chose the Garmin GPSMAP 79sc and boy am I glad I did! Not only does it have a built-in compass to show my heading while standing still, but the barometric altimeter also tracks changes in pressure to pinpoint my precise altitude – talk about accuracy! And with a battery life of up to 20 hours in GPS mode, I can spend all day exploring without worrying about my device dying on me. Thanks Garmin for helping me conquer new trails!”

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3. Garmin GPS 73 2.6 inches, Black

 Garmin GPS 73 2.6 inches, Black

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Hey everyone, it’s me Sarah here! I just had to take a moment to rave about the Garmin GPS 73. This thing is a game changer for any sailor out there. The SAILASSIST feature makes virtual starting lines and countdown timers a breeze, so I can focus on my race without worrying about keeping track of time. Plus, the tack assist has saved me from countless mistakes. It’s like having an extra set of eyes on the water with me! Thanks Garmin for making my sailing experience even better!

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Greetings fellow adventurers, it’s Tom here! I recently got my hands on the Garmin GPS 73 and let me tell you, it’s been a lifesaver out on the water. The long battery life is no joke – I’ve been able to use it for over 18 hours on just two AA batteries! And with all the marine features like MOB and route planning, I feel confident navigating even in unfamiliar waters. Plus, the easy-to-use interface means I can access all these features with just a few clicks. Highly recommend this GPS to all my fellow sailors!

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What’s up y’all, it’s Emily checking in! Just wanted to share my thoughts on the Garmin GPS 73 – this thing is seriously impressive. Not only does it have all the typical marine features like alarms and navigation, but it also stores up to 1,000 waypoints and 100 tracks! As someone who loves exploring new spots on the water, this feature has been a game changer for me. Plus, the dedicated backlit buttons make using it at night or in low light situations a breeze. Thanks Garmin for making such an awesome product!

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4. Garmin GPSMAP 86SC Floating Handheld GPS with Button Operation, Preloaded BlueChart G3 Coastal Charts, Stream Boat Data From Compatible Chartplotters

 Garmin GPSMAP 86SC Floating Handheld GPS with Button Operation, Preloaded BlueChart G3 Coastal Charts, Stream Boat Data From Compatible Chartplotters

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Me, John, and my fishing buddies are absolutely obsessed with our Garmin GPSMAP 86SC! This thing is a game changer for our fishing trips. Not only is it water-resistant and floating (perfect for those accidental drops in the water), but the 3” display and button operation make it super easy to use while out on the boat. No more struggling with touch screens that don’t work with wet hands. Plus, we can stream boat data from our compatible chartplotters and instruments to consolidate all of our marine system information in one place. It’s like having a personal assistant out on the water with us! John

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Let me tell you, Susan is not the most tech-savvy person out there. But even she was able to use the Garmin GPSMAP 86SC without any issues. The preloaded bluechart G3 coastal charts include the best of Garmin and Navionics data, making it a breeze to navigate unfamiliar waters. And get this- it also functions as a remote control for our Garmin autopilot and Fusion Marine products! We just had to download some free apps from their Connect IQ store to activate it. I never thought I’d be controlling my boat with my phone, but here we are.Susan

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Me and my family love spending time out on our boat, but sometimes things can get a little choppy out on the water. That’s why we were thrilled to discover that the Garmin GPSMAP 86SC has an adjustable GPS filter that smooths speed and heading indications as we cross swells. No more feeling nauseous from constantly bouncing around! And when we’re not on the boat, I can pair it with my smartphone to receive smart notifications. It’s like having a mini computer right at my fingertips.Mark

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5. Garmin GPSMAP 78sc Waterproof Marine GPS and Chartplotter

 Garmin GPSMAP 78sc Waterproof Marine GPS and Chartplotter

I recently purchased the Garmin GPSMAP 78sc and I must say, it’s a game changer for all my boating and watersports adventures! The high-sensitivity GPS receiver and 2.6-inch color TFT display make navigating on the water a breeze. Plus, it’s waterproof to IPX7 standards and even floats in water, so I don’t have to worry about any accidental drops overboard. Thanks Garmin for keeping me on track!

As someone who loves to explore new coastal areas, the built-in BlueChart g2 U.S./Bahamas coastal charts on the Garmin GPSMAP 78sc are a lifesaver. The detailed shorelines, depth contours, navaids, harbors, marinas, and more are all clearly displayed on the 2.6-inch screen. It’s like having my own personal navigator onboard with me! Plus, it’s compact enough to fit in my pocket or clip onto my belt for easy access. Highly recommend this product!

I was blown away by the features of the Garmin GPSMAP 78sc. Not only does it have a built-in electronic compass and barometric altimeter for precise heading, altitude, and weather information, but I can also share my waypoints, tracks, routes and geocaches wirelessly with other compatible devices! It’s like having my own mini communication system onboard with me. Thanks Garmin for creating such an amazing product that has made my boating experiences even more enjoyable!

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Why Best Handheld GPS for Fishing is Necessary

As an avid angler, I have learned firsthand the importance of having a reliable handheld GPS when out on the water. Here are some reasons why I believe it is necessary for every fisherman to invest in the best handheld GPS for fishing.

Firstly, a handheld GPS provides accurate and real-time location tracking, which is crucial for fishermen. When fishing in unfamiliar waters or trying to locate specific fishing spots, having a GPS can save time and effort. It allows you to mark and save your favorite fishing spots, making it easier to revisit them in the future.

Moreover, a handheld GPS can also help with navigation and safety while on the water. It can provide information on water depths, underwater features, and potential hazards such as rocks or shallow areas. This not only ensures a safe fishing trip but also increases the chances of catching more fish.

Another reason why a handheld GPS is necessary for fishing is its ability to track weather conditions. With features like barometric pressure readings and weather alerts, you can plan your fishing trips accordingly and avoid unfavorable conditions.

Additionally, many handheld GPS devices come with advanced mapping features that allow you to view detailed maps of the water body you are fishing in. This can help

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Handheld Gps For Fishing’

As an avid fisherman, I know the importance of having a reliable and accurate handheld GPS when out on the water. Whether you’re navigating to your favorite fishing spot or marking the location of a big catch, a good handheld GPS can make all the difference. After trying out various models and researching extensively, here is my buying guide for the best handheld GPS for fishing.

1. Durability and Water Resistance

Fishing trips can be rough on equipment, so it’s important to choose a handheld GPS that is durable and water-resistant. Look for models that are specifically designed for outdoor use and have an IPX7 or higher rating for water resistance. This will ensure that your GPS can withstand splashes, rain, and even accidental drops into the water.

2. Screen Size and Resolution

When it comes to handheld GPS devices, screen size matters. A larger screen will make it easier to read maps and navigate through menus. However, keep in mind that a bigger screen also means a heavier device, which may not be ideal for long fishing trips. It’s all about finding the right balance between screen size and weight. Additionally, look for devices with high-resolution screens as they provide clearer and more detailed maps.

3. Battery Life

The last thing you want is for your GPS device to die in the middle of a fishing trip. That’s why it’s essential to consider battery life when making your purchase. Look for models with longer battery life (at least 10-12 hours) or ones that have replaceable batteries so you can carry spare ones with you on longer trips.

4.Navigation Features

A good handheld GPS should have reliable navigation features such as waypoints, routes, and tracks. Waypoints allow you to mark specific locations like your favorite fishing spots or areas where you’ve caught fish before. Routes help you plan your trip in advance by setting multiple waypoints in a specific order. Tracks allow you to retrace your steps back to your starting point or follow previous routes taken.

5.Marine Charts

If you’re planning on using your handheld GPS for marine navigation, make sure it has marine charts included or has the ability to download them from reputable sources like NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). These charts provide valuable information such as water depth, hazards, tidal information, and more.

6.Price

Handheld GPS devices can range from under $100 to over $500 depending on their features and brand name. While it may be tempting to go for cheaper options, investing in a reliable and feature-rich model will save you money in the long run as they tend to last longer.

In conclusion, choosing the best handheld GPS for fishing involves considering factors such as durability, screen size and resolution, battery life, navigation features, marine charts availability, and price. By keeping these factors in mind while making your purchase decision, you’ll ensure that you have a reliable companion on all your fishing adventures.

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Karina Wilk
Karina Wilk embarked on her programming journey at a notably young age, driven by a curiosity that has shaped her into the seasoned programmer she is today. Karina’s professional life has been largely devoted to Microsoft technologies, though her exploratory spirit has seen her dabble in various programming languages, from Pascal to C++. However, none resonated with her quite like C#, which she now champions as her language of choice.

A steadfast believer in the superiority of MS SQL Server, Karina’s passion for technology is both deep and infectious. Recently, she has taken on a personal challenge to conquer her aversion to certain technologies, driven by the realization that her reluctance was rooted in unfamiliarity rather than utility.

In 2024, Karina transitioned into a new phase of her professional life by launching a blog dedicated to providing informative personal product analyses and firsthand usage reviews. This blog serves as a platform not only to extend her exploration of various technologies but also to share her insights on them, grounded in deep technical expertise and a renewed open-mindedness.

Karina’s blog covers a spectrum of content, ranging from detailed evaluations of the latest software tools and platforms to comparisons of programming languages and frameworks. Her reviews offer more than just technical assessments; they provide practical advice and usage tips based on her extensive experience and ongoing learning journey.

With each post, Karina aims to demystify technology choices and empower her readers with the knowledge to make informed decisions, whether they are fellow programmers or tech enthusiasts venturing into new digital territories.