Installing a fish finder on a kayak can feel like a puzzle, but the right transducer arm is the final piece that brings it all together. A good mount does more than just hold your gear; it provides a stable, secure, and adjustable platform for your electronics, ensuring you get a clear picture of what’s below without sacrificing deck space or dealing with complex installations. The challenge is finding the model that best fits your specific kayak setup and fishing style. To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a detailed review of ten leading options on the market. This roundup covers everything from all-in-one systems to versatile components, helping you find the perfect mounting solution for your next fishing trip.
The Best Transducer Arms for Your Kayak
- YakAttack CellBlok with Switchblade Transducer Arm
- RAM Mounts RAP-400-202U Tough-Claw Trolling Motor Stabilizer
- 7400931 MHX XNT Transducer Bracket
- Velpaw Kayak Fish Finder Mount for Garmin Striker 4
- JERBOR Transducer Mounting Plate for Lowrance
- RAILBLAZA StarPort Accessory Mounting Base
- RAM Mounts Horizontal 6″ Swing Arm Mount
- Humminbird Transom Transducer – XHS 9 HDSI 180 T
- xik Heavy Duty 1.5″ Ball Double Socket Arm
- YakAttack MightyMount and T-Bone Transducer Arm Combo
YakAttack CellBlok with Switchblade Transducer Arm
This system is an all-in-one solution that streamlines your entire fish finder setup. The CellBlok combines a track-mounted battery box with a top platform and pairs it with the robust SwitchBlade Transducer Arm. This integrated approach means you can manage both your power source and your transducer with a single, cohesive unit, reducing clutter on your kayak deck.
A significant benefit is the no-drill installation, which eliminates the need for permanent holes and complex wiring in your kayak. You can attach or remove the entire system simply by loosening two knobs, making it both simple and highly secure. Weighing just 1.4 pounds, the updated CellBlok is lightweight yet spacious, with an interior designed to fit 10ah batteries and larger cable wraps to accommodate modern fish finder units.
RAM Mounts RAP-400-202U Tough-Claw Trolling Motor Stabilizer
For anglers who need a versatile clamping solution, the RAM Tough-Claw offers exceptional adaptability. It includes a small version of the renowned Tough-Claw base, which is engineered to quickly clamp onto round, square, and odd-shaped rails and bars. The rubber pads provide a stable grip while protecting the mounting surface from scratches or damage.
This mount is built with durability in mind, constructed from powder-coated, marine-grade aluminum and high-strength composite materials. This ensures reliability in demanding marine environments, from freshwater lakes to saltwater bays. The included medium-length double socket arm and round plate with a rubber ball give you the flexibility to position your transducer or other accessories exactly where you need them.
7400931 MHX XNT Transducer Bracket
This transducer bracket is designed to improve the performance of your fish finder by providing secure and stable mounting. It helps ensure your skimmer transom-mount transducer operates correctly, delivering the clear scan images you expect. This can make a significant difference in locating fish and structure, enhancing your overall fishing efficiency.
The MHX XNT bracket offers broad compatibility, specifically supporting a wide range of XHS model transducers from popular brands like Humminbird. It is a genuine mounting kit that provides the proper support for your sensor, preventing signal loss and ensuring accurate readings. This reliable setup can be a valuable asset for both casual anglers and tournament fishermen.
Velpaw Kayak Fish Finder Mount for Garmin Striker 4
This is a versatile and universal mounting system designed for kayak anglers. It features a 1.5-inch ball base with a strong clamping force, allowing for secure 360-degree adjustment of your fish finder. The package includes eight stainless screws for a durable and permanent installation on various kayak or SUP surfaces.
Constructed from high-strength composite material with a non-slip rubberized coating, this mount resists corrosion and remains stable in harsh marine conditions. The flat drill-down design ensures it stays put even in rough waters. The transducer arm is adjustable, extending from 14.3 to 18.8 inches to accommodate both deep and shallow water scanning, and it offers multiple screw hole patterns to fit most fish finder models.
JERBOR Transducer Mounting Plate for Lowrance
This mounting plate offers a specialized solution for integrating your electronics with your trolling motor. It is specifically designed for Lowrance Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducers and fits all Minn Kota trolling motors that have built-in US2 sensors. This allows for a seamless and integrated setup, keeping your gear organized and functional.
Crafted from high-quality ABS material, the mount provides excellent waterproof performance, ensuring reliable operation in diverse water conditions. By securely pairing your transducer with your trolling motor, this mount helps deliver precise underwater scanning. This enhanced fish detection capability can help you locate fish more efficiently and improve your overall success on the water.
RAILBLAZA StarPort Accessory Mounting Base
The RAILBLAZA StarPort is a highly versatile mounting base that serves as the foundation for a wide array of kayak accessories, including transducer arms. Its flexibility allows it to be installed as either a deck mount or a flush mount, giving you options for the cleanest installation on your specific kayak model.
It comes with a gasket and a cap, helping to maintain the integrity of your kayak and prevent water ingress. The standout feature is its slide-locking mechanism, which provides a quick, secure, and tool-free way to attach and detach compatible accessories. This makes it ideal for anglers who need to reconfigure their setup quickly.
RAM Mounts Horizontal 6″ Swing Arm Mount
This universal drill-down mount provides an excellent solution for positioning your fish finder or chartplotter in the ideal spot. The 6-inch swing arm offers a significant range of motion, allowing you to place your device exactly where you need it for the best visibility and access while fishing.
The mount features two pivot points that allow for complete 360-degree rotation, providing nearly limitless adjustability. You can fine-tune the angle and position of your unit with ease. Built from powder-coated steel and high-strength composite, this RAM mount is designed for long-term durability and reliable performance in a marine environment.
Humminbird Transom Transducer – XHS 9 HDSI 180 T
While not an arm itself, this transducer is a critical component for many kayak fishing setups and is often paired with an aftermarket mounting arm. It is engineered for transom performance, delivering solid readings even at higher speeds with minimal turbulence. This ensures you get consistent data whether you are cruising or stationary.
The XHS 9 HDSI 180 T is capable of providing detailed Side and Down Imaging, along with crisp CHIRP 2D returns, depending on your fish finder model. It is tuned with the right frequency mix to separate fish from structure across a wide range of water depths, from very shallow to deep water, giving you a comprehensive view of the underwater world.
xik Heavy Duty 1.5″ Ball Double Socket Arm
This extension arm is a robust and compatible component for building your custom mounting solution. Made from solid aircraft-grade aluminum alloy, the arm is 9.1 inches long and features a powder-coated finish to resist corrosion from saltwater environments. Its construction prioritizes strength and longevity.
The arm is designed to be compatible with the widely-used RAM Mount C-size system, making it easy to integrate into existing setups. It is capable of supporting up to 15.5 pounds at rest, which is more than enough for most transducers and small electronics. The double socket design allows for 360-degree rotation, giving you full control over the positioning of your device.
YakAttack MightyMount and T-Bone Transducer Arm Combo
This combination offers a straightforward and effective method for mounting a transducer on your kayak. The MightyMount provides a sturdy, low-profile base that can be permanently installed on your kayak’s deck, creating a reliable anchor point. When paired with the T-Bone Transducer Arm, you get a complete system for securing your fish finder’s sensor.
The T-Bone arm is known for its simple, effective design that holds the transducer firmly in place while allowing for easy adjustment and deployment. This combo is a popular choice among kayak anglers for its durability and simplicity. It eliminates the need for complex installations and provides a proven, reliable way to get your transducer in the water correctly.
Buying Guide: How to Pick the Right Transducer Arm for Your Kayak
Choosing the right transducer arm for your kayak is one of those gear decisions that seems simple but has a big impact on your time on the water. I have installed and used a bunch of them, and I can tell you that not all arms are created equal. The goal is to find one that gets your fish finder’s transducer in the water cleanly, keeps it secure, and doesn’t get in your way. Here is what I always consider before making a purchase.
First, think about the mounting system. Most kayaks have pre-drilled tracks, so you will want an arm that uses a track-compatible base. Look for a base that locks in solidly without any wobble. Some use a single bolt, while others use a dual-bolt system for extra stability. If your kayak does not have tracks, you will need an arm with a different mounting solution, like a clamp or a base designed for direct screw-in installation. Make sure the arm you choose is compatible with your kayak’s setup.
Next, consider the arm’s construction. You are going to be deploying and retracting this thing, and it will get knocked around. I look for arms made from sturdy, corrosion-resistant materials like anodized aluminum or stainless steel. The joints and pivot points are critical; they need to be strong enough to hold the transducer steady at speed but also allow for easy adjustment. A flimsy arm will cause your transducer to bounce, leading to a messy and unreliable sonar reading.
Versatility is another big factor for me. A good transducer arm should offer a decent range of motion, allowing you to position the transducer at the optimal depth and angle. Some arms are fixed-length, while others are telescoping. I prefer telescoping arms because they give me more control over the final placement, which is handy if I am switching between different kayaks or water conditions. Also, check how the transducer itself attaches to the arm. Many use standard GoPro-style mounts, which is great because it gives you a lot of compatibility with aftermarket transducer holders.
Finally, think about cable management. A loose cable is a snag hazard and can get tangled in your paddle. The best transducer arms have built-in channels or clips to neatly route the cable along the arm and back to your fish finder. This small detail makes a huge difference in keeping your deck clean and functional. By focusing on the mount, build quality, adjustability, and cable management, you can find a transducer arm that makes using your electronics a breeze and helps you get the most out of your kayak fishing trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I just mount my transducer inside the hull of my kayak?
You absolutely can use a through-hull or in-hull mount, and for many people, that is a great permanent solution. However, a transducer arm offers a major advantage: easy deployment and retraction. When I am launching or landing in shallow water or weedy areas, I can simply lift the arm to protect my transducer from damage. It also allows me to make fine adjustments to the depth and angle to get the clearest possible signal, which is something a fixed, in-hull mount does not offer.
Will a transducer arm slow down my kayak or affect its handling?
Any object you put in the water will create some drag, but a well-designed transducer arm should have a minimal effect. The key is to position it correctly. I make sure the arm is tucked in close to the hull and that the transducer itself is not angled outwards, acting like a brake. When deployed properly, the impact on your speed and handling is negligible, especially when you consider the benefit of having accurate sonar data.
How do I prevent my transducer arm from vibrating or shaking while I paddle?
Vibration is usually a sign of a loose connection or an arm that is not quite sturdy enough. First, I double-check that all the bolts and knobs on the arm and its base are tightened down securely. If it is still shaking, the arm itself might be too flexible for your kayak’s speed or the weight of your transducer. Upgrading to a more robust arm made from thicker aluminum or with a more secure locking mechanism typically solves this problem.
Are transducer arms universal, or do I need a specific one for my fish finder brand?
The arms themselves are generally universal. The compatibility comes down to the mount that holds the actual transducer. Most transducer arms on the market use a standard GoPro-style finger mount. Luckily, manufacturers like Garmin, Humminbird, and Lowrance often include a compatible bracket with their units. If not, you can usually purchase one separately. So, when you are looking at the 10 best transducer arms for a kayak, you can be confident that most will work with your specific fish finder with the right adapter.
What is the best way to route the cable from the transducer arm to my fish finder?
Good cable management is crucial. I always follow the path of least resistance. I use the built-in clips on the arm to secure the cable, then run it along an existing scupper hole or a track rail to keep it off the deck. I use small, reusable zip ties or adhesive-backed cable clips to hold it in place. The goal is to have the cable snug against the kayak so it does not loop up and catch your paddle or fishing line.
Can I leave my transducer arm deployed when transporting my kayak?
I highly recommend against this. It is a recipe for a broken transducer or a bent arm. The force of the wind while driving or even just moving the kayak on and off your car can easily snap it. I have made it a habit to retract and secure the arm every single time I am finished fishing. It only takes a second and protects your investment.