Top 10 Fishing Electronics and Navigation Systems in Canada 2025: Fishfinders, GPS Chartplotters, Marine Radios and Sonar

As Humminbird’s flagship for combined side and down imaging, the SOLIX 10 with CHIRP MEGA SI+ offers the largest display, faster CPU and the most detailed MEGA-side and down imagery for maximum target separation and range. It outperforms the HELIX and many competitors in raw imaging clarity and multi-window capability; financially it is a higher upfront investment but reduces the need for add-ons, making it the preferred choice for anglers who prioritize top-level image fidelity and on-screen real estate.

The Humminbird SOLIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3 is positioned as a market leader for serious freshwater and inshore anglers thanks to its MEGA Imaging+ side and down-view sonar that reveal extreme detail on structure and bait. Technically it outpaces many competitors in pure imaging clarity and target separation, and though it can be pricier than value-oriented units like the Garmin, its superior MEGA returns deliver a measurable advantage when pinpointing structure and schooling fish.

The Icom IC-M94D is a top handheld VHF for fishing because it combines waterproof, floatable construction with an internal GPS/DSC and long battery life, providing vital portable redundancy for anglers. It uniquely offers mobile situational awareness that complements fixed systems like the IC-M510 or GX2400 by enabling shore-to-boat or tender communications and emergency calling without relying on the main install. Although handhelds rarely match fixed-mount signal power, the M94D's integrated GPS and rugged design make it a worthwhile safety and convenience investment on any fishing trip.

Garmin LiveScope Plus LVS34 is the market-leading transom live-scanning sonar, delivering near-instant, photo-like views of fish and structure that few competitors can match. Its premium position is driven by unrivaled real-time resolution and seamless Garmin integration, but that performance comes with a higher price and dependency on compatible Garmin displays compared with other transom transducer options.

Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv earns a best-in-class spot for fishing boats by combining industry-leading CHIRP and ClearVü/SideVü sonar with detailed Garmin cartography and ActiveCaptain connectivity, making target identification and route planning fast and reliable. Compared with the other multifunction displays here, it edges ahead on mapping ecosystem, frequent software updates and ecosystem resale value, though it can be a bit pricier up-front; its technical advantage is tight sonar-to-chart integration that saves anglers time on the water.

The Garmin GMR 424 xHD2 is a high-power, long-range xHD radar designed for larger fishing vessels that require extensive detection range and finer target definition for offshore operations. While it commands a higher purchase and installation cost than dome units, it offers superior range and resolution that can reduce search time and improve safety on extended trips, making it attractive financially for fleets or serious offshore anglers who value capability per dollar over initial outlay. Compared with the other products in this list, the GMR 424 xHD2 is the clear choice when maximum range and advanced imaging are the top priorities for a fishing boat.

The Lowrance Ghost stands out as an angler‑oriented trolling motor with quiet brushless operation and built‑in GPS anchoring and heading hold that directly serve the needs of fishing boats seeking stealth and spot-lock precision. Financially positioned mid‑range, it provides many of the practical benefits of an autopilot—precise station keeping and responsive heading changes—without the complexity or cost of installing a separate autopilot computer, and it integrates tightly with Lowrance fishfinder displays for a streamlined cockpit experience.

The Aqua-Vu HD10i Pro is positioned as the premium option for anglers who need the largest, sharpest view and integrated recording/streaming for underwater fishing. Its 10-inch HD display, high-resolution camera and onboard DVR/Wi‑Fi make it technically superior to the smaller, budget and midrange models here, and the higher price is justified for users who prioritize image clarity and live sharing over the lighter weight or lower cost offered by competitors. Compared to the MarCum and Vexilar units in this list, the HD10i Pro trades some rugged battery longevity for superior visual detail and convenience features tailored to tournament and content-driven anglers.

The Actisense NGW-1-ISO combines gateway functionality with galvanic isolation to safely interface NMEA 2000 backbones to external networks or equipment, prioritizing signal integrity and device protection. It is frequently chosen over general port expanders for installations that demand isolation between instrument clusters or between a PC and the backbone, offering a technically focused and cost-effective middle ground between simple cabling and full network extenders.