Marine GPS & chartplotters for fishing
— Buyer’s guide 2026
A marine GPS (chartplotter) lets you mark your spots, find your best breaks and navigate safely. Here’s how to pick yours based on how you fish in Quebec.
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How to choose a marine GPS
Handheld GPS vs sonar/GPS combo (chartplotter): a handheld slips in your pocket for kayak and ice fishing, a combo mounts on the boat and pairs sonar with navigation.
Lake mapping: check coverage for Quebec and Canada lakes (preloaded or compatible depth maps).
Accuracy and waypoints: mark your holes, shoals and launches to find them again every time.
Screen size and readability: bigger and brighter is easier to read in full sun.
Waterproofing: a proper water-resistance rating is essential on the water.
Spot and track memory: capacity to store a large number of waypoints and navigation tracks.
Popular brands and lines
Garmin GPSMAP
A high-end dedicated chartplotter: precise navigation, detailed marine mapping and a housing built to last on board. Downside: it’s a pure GPS — no built-in sonar on base models, and the price climbs fast. For whom: the boater-angler who wants navigation and charting first.
View on Amazon ↗Garmin ECHOMAP
The two-in-one combo: sonar and mapping on one boat-mounted screen. Downside: bulkier than a handheld and you have to install the transducer. For whom: the boat angler who wants to see the bottom and navigate without juggling devices.
View on Amazon ↗Garmin handheld
A compact, waterproof unit that fits in a pocket and runs on batteries. Downside: small screen and no sonar — it’s a navigation tool, not a fish finder. For whom: the kayaker and ice angler who want to mark spots and find their way back.
View on Amazon ↗Lowrance
Chartplotters and combos known for clear mapping and easy waypoint management. Downside: the accessory and chart ecosystem can add up. For whom: someone who wants a coherent navigation-plus-sonar setup from one brand.
View on Amazon ↗Humminbird
Sharp mapping and reliable navigation, with a wide range from small to large screens. Downside: the interface can feel less intuitive than rivals at first. For whom: the angler who prioritizes chart readability and rugged build.
View on Amazon ↗Which GPS for your use?
Boat sonar + GPS combo
View on Amazon ↗A dash-mounted combo to see the bottom and navigate at the same time.
Handheld GPS
View on Amazon ↗A light, waterproof handheld for kayak and ice fishing.
Big lakes / mapping
View on Amazon ↗A chartplotter with detailed depth maps for large waters.
Buyer’s guides
