Garmin has come a long way in their company’s history to create the most advanced GPS Chartplotter/Sonar imaging fishfinders. Since their founding in 1989, Garmin has been at the forefront of GPS and sonar technology. Today, the Garmin fish finder touch screen is the most incredible piece of technology you can have on your fishing vessel.
Let us take a look at a few of their latest models of touchscreen fishfinders and why you should not be without one on your fishing craft.
Note: most links in this article are Amazon.com Affiliate links, see Affiliate Disclosure, thank you.
How Does the Touch Screen Work?
Touchscreen technology is everywhere, and in most devices we use today. It should not be a surprise to you. Touch screens have a natural feel that is just as easy to use as your cell phone.
However, some of us may not use a touchscreen device at home. We can assure you that the learning curb is exceedingly small. Once the finder is turned on, simply use your index finger to navigate the menu and all of the features within the menu. If you have any difficulties, Garmin is available by phone, and a customer service representative should be able to assist you.
What Are the Advantages of the Garmin Fish Finder Touch Screen?
Fishfinder models that are button oriented are just as effective; however, you may want to enjoy one of the many advantages of the touchscreen models.
One of those advantages is the pinch-to-zoom feature. Meaning when you are looking at one of the thousands of preloaded lake or coastal maps, you need to take your thumb and index and slide them across the screen in a pinching motion to zoom in and out on your favorite fishing hotspots.
Another advantage of the Garmin fish finder touch screen is the full-color high-resolution display.
Here are some of our top-rated and favorite models.
Garmin GPSMAP 742xs Plus w/ GT23M-TM Combo
Our first favorite Garmin touchscreen model is the Garmin GPSMAP 742xs Plus w/GT23M-TM Combo.
This model features the pinch-to-zoom touchscreen capabilities on a full-color 7-inch screen that is IPX7 waterproof.
The Garmin GPSMAP 742x Plus model comes with the GPS Chartplotter with all the preloaded bluChart and LakeVu maps that you could ever need.
PROS:
- 800 x 480-pixel 7-inch touchscreen.
- Easy-to-read daytime readability with night vision capabilities.
- Preloaded Lakevu and BlueChart maps.
- Wi-Fi connectivity.
- Three different mounting options.
CONS:
- A little expensive.
We recommend this model because of the beautiful 7-inch full-color screen. We also recommend this model for the night-time fisherman due to its night vision capabilities. Don’t forget the GT23M transducer that is normally sold separately.
Check out the price on Amazon.com
Garmin GPSMAP 7608xsv J1939 Combo
The Garmin GPSMAP 7608xsv J1939 Combo has some of the most advanced technological features available. This model comes with the signature CHIRP sonar system and the DownVu-SideVu scanning sonar.
This model comes with the larger 8-inch WSVGA multi-touchscreen. Also, this model features a 10Hz GPS/GLONASS system that incredibly updates your position ten times per second. You will always know where you are, and the Garmin GPSMAP 7608xsv J1939 Combo will keep you heading in the correct direction.
PROS:
- 8-inch WSVGA multi-touchscreen.
- Built not just for fishermen but also for sailors and sailing racers.
- Tracklog with 50,000 points and allows you to save 50 of your favorite tracks.
- Includes built-in sailing features including true wind data fields.
CONS:
- Includes features not needed for the average fisherman.
We recommend this model if you spend time doing activities other than fishing. It is excellent for larger vessels on larger waters but might not be needed for the average fisherman on his local lake. Either way, we are sure you will enjoy all of this device’s advanced features.
Check out the price on Amazon.com
Garmin GPSMAP 922 Plus
The Garmin GPSMAP 922 Plus is a super-advanced piece of technology that has every feature you could ever imagine. The 9-inch WSVGA touch screen includes an astonishing 1024 x 600 pixels display. This is an extremely advanced fishfinder that is at an affordable price. This model is for every fisherman and is designed not to break the wallet.
PROS:
- Affordable price.
- 9-inch WSVGA touchscreen display with 1024 x 600 pixels.
- Dual SD memory card slot for additional memory capabilities.
- Wi-Fi-Capabilities
CONS:
- Does not include features for sailing.
We recommend this model for every type of fisherman. Whether you are fishing on big water or just your local fishing hotspots, you will enjoy all the included features. This model is affordable, does not have an overkill of unnecessary features, and is built for every fisherman.
Check out the price on Amazon.com
Alternatives
If you use Minn Kota branded trolling motors, all Garmin GPS Chartplotter/Sonar imaging fishfinders are compatible with Standard built-in Minn Kota transducers. An adaptor cable will make quick work of connecting the Minn Kota motor and the Garmin fish finder touch screen.
If you want to take advantage of waypoint navigation and other advanced navigation features you will need to purchase products from one manufacturer. For more information on this topic check out our article Best Trolling Motor and Fishfinder Combo.
Conclusions
The Garmin fish finder touch screen is one, if not the most advanced touch screen on the market. Garmin has something available for every budget with all the incredible features of other branded fishfinders, and then some.
We recommend all these models for any fisherman. However, if you are into sailing and need something that includes updated wind reports and other sailing features, we would recommend the Garmin GPSMAP 7608xsv J1939 Combo.
For a budget-friendly model, then go with the Garmin GPSMAP 922 Plus. No matter which model you choose, you will not be disappointed.
FAQ
Q: Which model would be best for a budget-friendly option?
A: The GPSMAP922 Plus
Q: Which model is best for night fishing?
A: The GPSMAP 742xs Plus w/GT23M-TM Combo includes night vision capabilities.
Q: Are the models of the Garmin touchscreens are waterproof?
A: Yes, each of the models includes an IPX7 Waterproof rating.
Q: How many waypoints does the Garmin GPSMAP922 Plus include?
A: The GPSMAP922 includes 5,000 waypoints.
Q: Which model includes the CHIRP sonar system?
A: The Garmin GPSMAP 7608xsv J1939 Combo includes the CHIRP sonar system.
Q: Do the models include preloaded lake maps?
A: Yes, all the models include the LakeVu preloaded maps.
