Powering a fish finder on a small kayak presents a unique set of challenges. Space is at a premium, and every ounce counts, making the choice of battery and power system critical for a successful day on the water. You need a reliable power source that is compact, durable, and safe, without adding unnecessary bulk or weight to your streamlined craft.
The right setup not only keeps your sonar unit running for hours but also integrates seamlessly into your kayak’s layout. From all-in-one castable fish finders with built-in batteries to dedicated power boxes and long-lasting battery packs, there are numerous solutions designed specifically for the kayak angler. This roundup covers a range of options to help you find the perfect power source for your fishing needs.
Top Power Solutions for Your Kayak Fish Finder
- LUCKY Kayak Portable Fish Depth Finder
- usvehj Track Mounted Battery Box for Fish Finders
- Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar – Portable Fish Finder
- LUCKY Portable Fish Finder Handheld Kayak Fish Finders
- Elephant Kayak Battery Box Waterproof Battery Enclosure
- 2 Pack ExpertPower 12 Volt 12 Ah Rechargeable Battery
- Mighty Max Battery ML12-12 12V 12Ah SLA AGM Battery
- NOCO NLP20 12V 20Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery
LUCKY Kayak Portable Fish Depth Finder Water Handheld Fish Finder Sonar Castable Kayak Boat Fishfinder Transducer Fishing LCD Display FFC1108
This LUCKY unit is an all-in-one solution that combines the fish finder and its power source into a single, handheld device. It is designed for simplicity and portability, making it an excellent choice for kayak anglers who want a straightforward setup without separate batteries or complex wiring. You can easily wear it around your neck with the included strap, keeping it accessible while you paddle or fish.
The device functions as both a fish finder and depth finder, displaying approximate fish location, water depth, and bottom composition like weeds, sand, and rocks. Its sonar transducer can be attached to the hull of your kayak, providing real-time data as you move. With a depth detection range of up to 328 feet and an adjustable backlight for visibility in any condition, it provides the essential information you need on the water.
usvehj Track Mounted Battery Box for Fish Finders
For kayak anglers who use a separate fish finder unit, the usvehj battery box offers a clean and integrated mounting solution. It is designed to replace the YakAttack CellBlok and attaches directly to common kayak track systems, eliminating the need for drilling holes in your kayak. This keeps your deck organized and your battery securely housed.
This box is compatible with most 7, 9, or 10 Ah 12V batteries, including popular brands like YakAttack, Nocqua, and Dakota Lithium. Its compact and durable composite construction is built to withstand harsh marine environments. The top surface also acts as a mounting platform for your display, creating a centralized and professional-looking power center for your electronics.
Deeper PRO+ 2 Sonar – Portable Fish Finder and Depth Finder
The Deeper PRO+ 2 is a sophisticated, castable fish finder that connects directly to your smartphone via its own Wi-Fi network. This design means it operates on its own internal, rechargeable battery, requiring no external power source from your kayak. It’s an ideal wireless solution for anglers who prefer using a smart device as their display.
It offers advanced features with three scanning beams—wide, mid, and narrow—to cover large areas or focus on specific spots with high detail. With a remarkable accuracy down to 330 feet and high target separation, it can pinpoint individual fish and track small lures. Its GPS-enabled app allows you to map the bottom and mark productive fishing spots for future trips.
LUCKY Portable Fish Finder Handheld Kayak Fish Finders Wired Fish Depth Finder
This earlier model from LUCKY provides a reliable, wired fish finder solution with a built-in rechargeable battery. Its 2.4-inch color TFT LCD screen clearly displays underwater contours, water temperature, and fish size, offering a significant upgrade in clarity. The unit is handheld and portable, designed for easy operation from a kayak.
It features a 26-foot wired operating distance, giving you flexibility in how you deploy the transducer. The device can detect depth up to 328 feet and offers a simulation mode to practice with all functions before you head out on the water. After a full charge, it provides approximately five hours of continuous use, which is sufficient for most kayak fishing sessions.
Elephant B095S2 Kayak Battery Box Waterproof Battery Enclosure
The Elephant battery box is a fundamental and highly effective component for any kayak angler building their own power system. It is a simple, durable enclosure designed to protect a standard 12V 7Ah or 9Ah battery from water splash and the elements. Its primary job is to keep your battery dry and secure, which is vital for safety and reliability.
This box comes equipped with a waterproof, marine-grade 2-pin connector rated at 25A, ensuring a solid and weatherproof connection to your fish finder. It also includes a watertight fuse holder with two fuses (3A and 5A) to protect your electronics from power surges. It’s a no-frills, practical solution that does its job very well.
2 Pack ExpertPower 12 Volt 12 Ah Rechargeable Battery
This two-pack from ExpertPower offers great value for kayak anglers who need reliable power or want a backup for longer trips. These are sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries, a proven technology known for its stability and cost-effectiveness. They are a direct fit for many standard battery boxes, including the Elephant box featured above.
Constructed with a high-impact resistant ABS plastic case, these batteries are built to resist shock, vibration, and heat. With a 12Ah capacity, they provide a solid runtime for most fish finders, allowing for multiple trips between charges. Having a second battery on hand ensures you never have to cut a fishing day short due to a lack of power.
Mighty Max Battery ML12-12 12V 12Ah SLA AGM Battery
Mighty Max is a well-regarded brand in the realm of sealed lead acid batteries, and the ML12-12 model is a popular choice for powering kayak electronics. As an AGM (Absorbent Glass Mat) battery, it is maintenance-free, spill-proof, and can be mounted in any orientation, adding to its versatility on a small kayak where space is limited.
This battery provides a dependable 12Ah of power, which is more than adequate for a full day of fishing with a standard fish finder. Its robust construction is designed to handle the vibrations and movement inherent in kayaking. For anglers seeking a trustworthy and widely available SLA battery, the Mighty Max is a consistent performer.
NOCO NLP20 12V 20Ah Lithium Iron Phosphate Battery
For the kayak angler looking for the highest performance and lightest weight, the NOCO NLP20 represents the premium option. It utilizes Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) chemistry, which offers significant advantages over traditional lead acid batteries. It is exceptionally lightweight and provides a much longer lifespan, often lasting for thousands of charge cycles.
With a 20Ah capacity, it offers extended runtime, perfect for long sessions or for powering additional devices like a livewell pump or LED lights. Despite its high capacity, it remains compact and is a fraction of the weight of a comparable lead acid battery. This investment in lithium technology pays off in convenience, performance, and long-term reliability.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Battery for Your Kayak Fish Finder
Picking the right battery for running a fish finder on a small kayak is all about balancing power, weight, and size. I’ve learned from trial and error that the wrong choice can leave you stranded without a screen or make your kayak feel like a barge. The first thing I always check is the battery chemistry. For kayak fishing, you’re typically looking at three main types: Lithium-ion (LiFePO4), Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM), and standard lead-acid.
Lithium-ion, specifically LiFePO4, is my top recommendation. These batteries are incredibly lightweight, compact, and can be discharged almost completely without damaging them. They are more expensive upfront, but their longevity and performance are worth it for serious anglers. AGM batteries are a solid, more affordable middle ground. They’re sealed, so you don’t have to worry about acid spills, and they handle vibrations well. Standard flooded lead-acid batteries are the cheapest option but are heavy, bulky, and require upright mounting to prevent leaks. For a tippy kayak, I would avoid these.
Next, you need to figure out the capacity, which is measured in Amp-hours (Ah). This tells you how long the battery will last. To estimate your needs, check your fish finder’s manual for its amp draw. A typical unit might draw around 0.5 to 1 amp per hour. Multiply that amp draw by the number of hours you plan to be on the water. For a full 8-hour day with a 1-amp device, you’d need at least an 8Ah battery. I always add a 20-30% buffer to that number to be safe, so in that case, a 10Ah battery would be a good target.
Physical size and weight are non-negotiable factors on a small kayak. Every pound and every cubic inch matters. A heavy battery will affect your kayak’s stability and make it harder to paddle. Measure your storage compartment or the space where you plan to put the battery and compare it to the product dimensions. A small, lightweight battery is easier to secure and won’t throw off your kayak’s balance.
Finally, consider the features. A built-in handle is a small thing that makes a big difference when you’re hauling gear. For lithium batteries, a built-in Battery Management System (BMS) is essential for safety, as it protects against overcharging, over-discharging, and short circuits. Also, check what kind of charger comes with it. Some batteries come with smart chargers that extend battery life, while others might require a separate purchase. Taking the time to match the right battery to your specific kayak and fish finder setup will ensure you have power all day long.
FAQ
How long will a 10Ah battery run my fish finder?
This depends entirely on your fish finder’s power consumption. You need to find the amp draw listed in its manual. Let’s say your unit draws 1 amp per hour. A 10Ah battery would, in theory, run it for 10 hours. However, to preserve battery health (especially for lead-acid types), you shouldn’t drain it completely. I plan for a safe discharge of 50-80% of the total capacity, so a 10Ah battery would reliably power a 1-amp fish finder for a solid 5 to 8 hours on the water.
Can I use a car battery on my kayak?
Technically, yes, it would power your unit. But I would strongly advise against it. A standard car battery is far too heavy and large for a small kayak. It will severely impact your stability, handling, and freeboard (the height of the kayak above the waterline). It’s also a spillable, vented battery, which is a safety hazard. Stick with a purpose-built, sealed marine battery like an AGM or a lithium battery designed for kayaks.
What is the advantage of a LiFePO4 battery over an AGM?
The main advantages are weight, size, and depth of discharge. A LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate) battery is often half the weight and a third the size of a comparable AGM battery. You can also use almost 100% of its capacity without harming it, whereas with an AGM, you should only use about 50% to get a good lifespan. Lithium batteries also charge much faster. The trade-off is the higher initial cost, but for a kayak where every pound counts, it’s usually the best choice for running a fish finder.
How should I secure the battery in my kayak?
This is a critical safety step. An unsecured battery becomes a dangerous projectile if you capsize. I always use a waterproof battery box. These boxes are inexpensive and do two things: they contain any potential leaks, and they have mounting points so you can securely strap the box to your kayak using the existing deck rigging or by adding a pad eye. For extra security inside the box, you can use foam padding or a bungee cord to stop the battery from shifting around.
Do I need a special charger for a lithium battery?
Yes, you absolutely do. Lithium batteries require a specific charging profile that a standard lead-acid battery charger cannot provide. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and is a fire risk. Most quality lithium batteries for running a fish finder on a small kayak will come with a compatible charger. If not, the manufacturer will specify exactly which charger model you need to purchase separately. Never use a charger that isn’t explicitly designed for your battery’s chemistry.