The Deeper PRO+ 2 is genuinely different from a conventional fish finder — no transducer to mount, no wiring, no display to fit. You cast it out like a lure and it streams sonar straight to your phone. Here’s whether it actually holds up for kayak anglers.
What it does well
Zero installation — genuinely usable within minutes of unboxing
Works from a kayak, from shore, or even through ice — one unit for multiple fishing styles
GPS mapping builds a depth map of water you fish regularly over time
Where it falls short of a fixed fish finder
It’s not a live, always-on display like a mounted unit — you’re checking your phone rather than glancing at a screen mounted in front of you, which is less practical while actively paddling and fishing at the same time. Range and battery life are also more limited than a boat-powered system.
Who it suits
Excellent for kayak anglers who don’t want to permanently mount a fish finder, shore anglers scouting a new spot, or as a genuinely useful backup to a mounted unit. If you want a proper mounted display for a kayak, see our Best Kayak Fish Finder guide instead.
See the full Deeper PRO+ 2 listing, genuine stock with UK & Europe delivery.
Anchoring a kayak from a fixed bow or stern point sounds simple until you’re actually fighting current or wind — the kayak swings broadside and fishing becomes a battle. An anchor trolley fixes exactly this.
What it actually does
A trolley runs a line through pulleys along the side of your kayak, letting you adjust where the anchor line pulls from — bow, stern, or anywhere between — without moving the anchor itself or leaving your seat. Position it forward to hold nose-into-current, or amidships to sit broadside for casting across a drop-off.
Who genuinely needs one
Anyone fishing current — rivers, tidal estuaries, or areas with strong tidal flow
Kayak anglers who anchor regularly rather than drift fishing
Anyone who’s had a kayak swing broadside and take on chop while anchored
Installation
A kit like the YakGear Anchor Trolley Complete Kit includes everything needed — pulleys, cleats, line and hardware — and mounts to most kayak hulls in under an hour with basic tools.
Pair it with a lightweight anchor sized for your kayak — see our anchor buying guide, or get in touch for fitting advice specific to your kayak.
Kayak anglers fishing beyond the surf line have real reasons to carry a VHF that a car angler doesn’t — no engine, lower profile in the water, and often further from immediate help. Here’s what to look for.
Floating and waterproof are non-negotiable
A capsize or dropped radio shouldn’t mean losing your only means of calling for help. Both the Cobra MR HH600 FLT BT and Uniden MHS75 float and are fully submersible — genuinely tested features, not just marketing claims.
Size and one-handed operation
You’ll often be operating a VHF one-handed while managing a paddle or rod with the other — look for large, glove-friendly buttons and a compact size that fits a PFD pocket without snagging.
Battery life
A full-day kayak session with no shore access to recharge means battery life matters more than it does for boat anglers who can run off the house battery. Check the rated hours on standby vs active transmission before you buy.
A dedicated fishing cooler does more than keep drinks cold — it doubles as a livewell, a dry storage box, and often extra seating on a kayak or small boat. Here’s what makes a good one and our pick for kayak and small-boat anglers.
ENGEL ENG35 35-Quart Kayak Dry Box Cooler Combo
At £344.99, the ENGEL ENG35 35-Quart Kayak Dry Box Cooler Combo combines a 35-quart dry storage cooler with a design built specifically to sit behind a kayak seat — rod holder mounts, a comfortable seat-height lid and genuinely solid ice retention for a full day, or multiple days, on the water.
What to Look for in a Fishing Cooler
Ice retention: rotomolded and vacuum-insulated coolers hold ice significantly longer than basic foam coolers — worth the extra cost for multi-day trips.
Kayak compatibility: check the footprint fits your kayak’s tank well or rear deck, and whether it’s designed to double as a seat.
Rod holder and accessory mounts: a genuine convenience upgrade if you’re already running a track-mount accessory system.
Drainage: a drain plug makes emptying meltwater far easier than tipping the whole cooler.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a fishing cooler as a livewell? Many anglers do, with an aerator added — check the cooler isn’t treated with anything that could harm fish if you plan to keep catch alive in it.
How long does ice last in a quality cooler? Rotomolded coolers like the ENGEL ENG35 typically hold ice for several days in moderate conditions, depending on ambient temperature and how often it’s opened.
Does it fit standard kayak track systems? Check compatibility with your specific kayak and track system — see our kayak accessories guide for mounting options.
Looking to complete your kayak fishing setup? Our team can advise on cooler sizing and mounting — browse the full range in our online shop.
Kayak fishing puts different demands on a fish finder than a boat does — space, weight and power draw are all tighter, and a lot of kayak anglers don’t want to run wiring at all. Here’s our pick of the best options for kayak anglers in the UK.
Best Overall for Kayaks: Deeper PRO+ 2 Smart Sonar Castable WiFi Fish Finder
The Deeper PRO+ 2 Smart Sonar Castable WiFi Fish Finder (£229.99) needs no wiring, no mounting bracket and no battery beyond its own — cast it out on your line, and it streams sonar straight to your phone over WiFi. For kayak anglers who don’t want to drill a hull or run cables, it’s the simplest option available.
Best Wired Options: Garmin STRIKER Plus 4 Fish Finder with GPS and Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G3 Fish Finder
If you’d rather have a fixed screen mounted to your kayak, the Garmin STRIKER Plus 4 Fish Finder with GPS (£172.99) is compact, low-power and includes GPS for marking spots — ideal for a small 12V battery setup. The Humminbird HELIX 5 CHIRP GPS G3 Fish Finder (£287.99) steps up to a larger display with CHIRP sonar for sharper target separation, still small enough for most kayak consoles.
Best Compact Colour Display: Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Fish Finder
The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv Fish Finder (£172.99) packs a bright colour display into a small footprint — easier to read in direct sunlight on the water than many budget units, without the bulk of a larger unit.
What to Look for in a Kayak Fish Finder
Power draw: kayak batteries are small — check the unit’s current draw against your battery’s capacity.
Mounting: look for track-mount or RAM-compatible units if you want to switch between kayaks or remove the unit for storage.
No-wiring options: castable sonar like the Deeper PRO+ avoids drilling or running cable through the hull entirely.
Screen size vs weight: bigger screens are easier to read but add weight and draw more power — balance against your kayak’s setup.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to drill my kayak to fit a fish finder? Only for a fixed transducer. Castable units like the Deeper PRO+ need no drilling at all, and many kayak anglers use suction or clamp transducer mounts to avoid it too.
What battery do I need for a kayak fish finder? A small sealed lead-acid or lithium battery in the 5–12Ah range is typically enough for a compact fish finder for a full day on the water.
Is GPS worth having on a kayak fish finder? Yes — marking productive spots and finding your way back in poor visibility is genuinely useful, even on small inland waters.
Need help fitting a fish finder to your kayak setup? Our team can advise on mounts and power — browse the full range in our online shop.
