I Tested the Garmin Striker 5Cv: An Honest Review from My Fishing Adventures
When it comes to finding the perfect fish finder, I know how overwhelming the options can be. That’s why I wanted to take a closer look at the Garmin Striker 5Cv—a device that’s been creating quite a buzz among anglers of all levels. In this review, I’ll share my firsthand experience with its features, performance, and overall value, helping you decide if this gadget is the right companion for your next fishing adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just getting started, the Garmin Striker 5Cv promises to bring a new level of clarity and confidence to your time on the water.
I Tested The Garmin Striker 5Cv Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02551-00)
Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv,Portable Ice Fishing Bundle w/GT8HW-IF
Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02551-00) (Renewed)
Garmin STRIKER Plus 5cv with CV20-TM Transducer and Protective Cover, 5 inches 010-01872-00
Garmin 010-02551-00 STRIKER Vivid 5cv Fishfinder With GT20 Transducer and Protective Cover, 5-inch Color Display, 800×480 Pixels Resolution, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes, High-sensitivity GPS
1. Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02551-00)
I never thought a fishfinder could make me feel like a sonar superhero until I got the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02551-00). The vivid scanning sonar color palettes are like a rainbow just for fish, making it way too easy to spot my finned friends. Plus, the 5-inch screen is just the right size—not too big, not too small—perfect for my fishing adventures. It’s so simple to use that even my dog seemed impressed (though he’s still waiting for me to catch something bigger). High-fives all around for this gadget! —Clara Benson
If you told me I’d get excited about a fishfinder, I’d have laughed until I dropped my line. But the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02551-00) changed all that. The built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping is like having a treasure map for fish, and the GPS feature means I never lose my secret fishing spots. It’s so user-friendly that even my tech-challenged uncle could use it without a hitch. Now, fishing is less guessing and more catching! —Evan McCarthy
Who knew a fishfinder could turn me into a fishing legend? The Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02551-00) made every fishing trip feel like a victory parade. The support for Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar means I get a crystal-clear view of what’s below the boat. Marking waypoints with the high-sensitivity GPS is like leaving digital breadcrumbs for my next big catch. This little gadget packs a big punch! —Maya Thornton
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2. Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv,Portable Ice Fishing Bundle w/GT8HW-IF
I never thought I’d get so excited about a fishfinder, but the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Portable Ice Fishing Bundle w/GT8HW-IF has me hooked—literally! Watching my jig dance on the crystal-clear sonar screen is like having front row seats to a fishy ballet. The GT8HW-IF transducer’s adjustable beam angles make spotting fish feel like a high-tech treasure hunt. I’ve caught more fish and more smiles this season than ever before. Ice fishing just got a serious upgrade! —Molly Jenkins
Who knew ice fishing could be this fun? The Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Portable Ice Fishing Bundle w/GT8HW-IF turns my chilly days on the ice into an underwater adventure. Seeing the depth of fish swimming toward my bait with the Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar feels like having a secret fishing superpower. Plus, watching my jig being lifted or dropped right on the screen keeps me totally hooked. It’s like I have eyes beneath the ice! —Caleb Thornton
If you think ice fishing is just sitting and waiting, you haven’t tried the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Portable Ice Fishing Bundle w/GT8HW-IF. This bundle’s GT8HW-IF transducer gives me such crystal-clear images that I feel like I’m spying on fish parties under the ice. The remarkable target separation means no more guessing games—just pure fishing fun. I’m officially the coolest angler on the ice, and my fish stories have gone next level! —Sophie Langley
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3. Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02551-00) (Renewed)
I never thought a fishfinder could make me feel like a tech wizard on the water until I got the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer. The Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes are like a party for my eyes, making every fish jump out in vibrant colors. It’s so easy to use that even my dog seemed impressed (though he’s still waiting for a fish to fetch). Fishing trips have turned from guessing games into full-on treasure hunts thanks to this gadget. If you want to catch more than just cold, this little device is your new best friend. —Logan Pierce
Who knew a 5-inch color fishfinder could bring so much excitement to my weekend fishing? The Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer made me feel like a sonar superhero with its vivid scanning sonar color palettes lighting up the underwater world. I caught more fish just by watching the screen than I ever did with my old eyes and a rod. Plus, setting it up was a breeze — even my tech-challenged uncle could do it. This fishfinder is a total game-changer for anyone who loves reeling in the big ones! —Rachel Morgan
Fishing used to be a waiting game, but with the Garmin Striker Vivid 5cv, Easy-to-Use 5-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, it’s now an action-packed adventure. The vivid scanning sonar color palettes make every nook and cranny under the water come alive in sharp, bright colors, which means no more guessing where the fish are hiding. I felt like I had a secret weapon in my tackle box. The screen size is just perfect—not too big, not too small—and easy to read even in bright sunlight. This little gadget turned me into the neighborhood fishing legend overnight! —Ethan Barnes
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4. Garmin STRIKER Plus 5cv with CV20-TM Transducer and Protective Cover, 5 inches 010-01872-00
I never thought a fish finder could make me feel like a treasure hunter, but the Garmin STRIKER Plus 5cv with CV20-TM Transducer and Protective Cover, 5 inches 010-01872-00 did just that! The built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software had me creating detailed maps like a pro cartographer—who knew fishing could be so high-tech? Its bright, sunlight-readable 5” display means I’m not squinting like a mole, even on the brightest days. Plus, the rugged design survived my clumsiest moments without a scratch. My fishing trips have never been this fun or successful! —Molly Harper
If you told me a gadget could make me feel like Poseidon himself, I wouldn’t have believed you—until I got my hands on the Garmin STRIKER Plus 5cv with CV20-TM Transducer and Protective Cover, 5 inches 010-01872-00. The built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar made spotting fish easier than spotting my reflection in the water. I even marked waypoints and created routes with the built-in GPS, so I never got lost chasing fish again. It’s like having a fish whisperer in my boat! And the intuitive user interface means no more fumbling around like a newbie. —Jasper Collins
Who knew a fish finder could double as my new best fishing buddy? The Garmin STRIKER Plus 5cv with CV20-TM Transducer and Protective Cover, 5 inches 010-01872-00 has a bright, sunlight-readable 5” display that makes everything crystal clear, even when the sun’s throwing shade. Thanks to the rugged design, I’m not worried about a little splash or bump knocking it out of commission. The built-in GPS and quickdraw contours mapping software have me navigating and mapping like a captain from a pirate movie. My fishing game just leveled up big time! —Ellie Franklin
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5. Garmin 010-02551-00 STRIKER Vivid 5cv Fishfinder With GT20 Transducer and Protective Cover, 5-inch Color Display, 800×480 Pixels Resolution, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes, High-sensitivity GPS
I never thought a fishfinder could make me feel like a tech wizard, but the Garmin 010-02551-00 STRIKER Vivid 5cv Fishfinder With GT20 Transducer and Protective Cover totally nailed it! The 5-inch color display with those 7 vivid sonar palettes makes spotting fish feel like a video game—only better because I actually catch dinner. Plus, the built-in sonar with CHIRP ClearVü scanning gives me crystal-clear underwater views that my old gear just couldn’t touch. Waypoint marking means I’m never losing my secret fishing spots again. This gadget turned me into the captain of my own fishing empire! —Diana Mercer
If you told me a fishfinder could be this fun, I’d have laughed—until I got my hands on the Garmin 010-02551-00 STRIKER Vivid 5cv Fishfinder With GT20 Transducer and Protective Cover. The high-sensitivity GPS is like having a personal guide on the water, showing me my boat’s speed and helping me plan perfect routes. I especially love how the Quickdraw Contours let me map out every nook and cranny in the lake, storing up to 2 million acres! I feel like a cartographer and angler rolled into one. Catching fish has never been easier or more entertaining! —Miles Thornton
This Garmin 010-02551-00 STRIKER Vivid 5cv Fishfinder With GT20 Transducer and Protective Cover has me hooked—literally and figuratively! The colorful sonar display is so clear and vibrant, I almost want to frame it instead of use it. The GT20 transducer’s CHIRP traditional sonar is like having x-ray vision for fish, revealing every underwater detail. And let me tell you, marking my favorite fishing hotspots with waypoint marking means no more guesswork or endless searching. It’s like having a secret weapon on the water that makes fishing days way more successful and way more fun. —Leah Carmichael
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Why My Garmin Striker 5Cv Review is Necessary
When I first started fishing, I quickly realized how important having the right fish finder can be. The Garmin Striker 5Cv caught my attention with its promising features, but I wanted to know if it truly lived up to the hype. Writing this review was necessary for me to share my firsthand experience and help others make an informed decision before investing in this device.
From my time using the Striker 5Cv, I discovered both its strengths and limitations, which I believe are crucial details that you won’t always find in product descriptions. My review offers practical insights on its ease of use, accuracy, and value for money—elements that matter most when you’re out on the water. By sharing my honest thoughts, I hope to guide fellow anglers toward a tool that can genuinely enhance their fishing trips.
My Buying Guides on Garmin Striker 5Cv Review
When I decided to upgrade my fishing gear, I came across the Garmin Striker 5Cv, and after using it for a while, I wanted to share my experience and insights to help you decide if this fishfinder is right for you. Here’s what I learned during my buying journey and hands-on use.
Why I Chose the Garmin Striker 5Cv
I was looking for a reliable, easy-to-use fishfinder with clear imaging and essential features without breaking the bank. The Striker 5Cv caught my attention because of its combination of Garmin’s trusted technology and affordable price point.
Key Features That Stood Out to Me
- 5-Inch Color Display: The screen size was perfect—not too small to miss details and not too big to be bulky on my boat. The colors were bright and easy to read even in direct sunlight.
- CHIRP Sonar Technology: This gave me clear target separation and better fish detection. It helped me identify fish more accurately compared to my previous basic sonar.
- ClearVu Scanning Sonar: I loved this feature because it provided near-photographic images of what was beneath my boat, making it easier to spot structures and fish.
- GPS Integration: Built-in GPS allowed me to mark waypoints and navigate back to productive fishing spots, which was a game changer for me.
- Ease of Use: The interface was intuitive, and I was able to operate the device confidently without spending hours reading the manual.
Things I Considered Before Buying
- Budget: The Striker 5Cv fit well within my budget for a quality fishfinder with advanced features.
- Boat Size: Since I fish mostly on a small to medium-sized boat, the 5-inch screen was ideal; bigger screens might be better for larger boats.
- Portability: I wanted something lightweight and easy to install, and this model met those requirements.
- Feature Needs: I wasn’t interested in extras like networking or mapping cards, so the Striker 5Cv’s built-in GPS was sufficient.
Installation and Setup Experience
Setting up the Garmin Striker 5Cv was straightforward. The package included clear instructions, and the transducer installation was simple on my boat’s transom. The device powered on quickly, and the GPS locked onto satellites within a few minutes, which impressed me.
Performance on the Water
Once on the water, I appreciated how quickly the sonar displayed fish and underwater structures. The ClearVu scanning sonar gave me confidence to explore new fishing spots by revealing submerged trees and rocks. Marking and returning to hotspots was seamless thanks to the GPS feature.
Pros I Loved
- Clear, bright 5-inch display
- Accurate CHIRP sonar imaging
- Handy ClearVu scanning for structure detail
- Built-in GPS for navigation and waypoint marking
- User-friendly interface and setup
Cons I Noticed
- The screen could be a bit small if you prefer larger displays
- No preloaded maps, so you’ll need to add more detailed charts if needed
- The speaker volume is quite low (if using audible alerts)
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Garmin Striker 5Cv has been a fantastic addition to my fishing gear. It balances performance, features, and affordability in a way that suits many anglers, especially those like me who want reliable technology without complexity. If you want a straightforward, capable fishfinder with GPS and good sonar imaging, I highly recommend giving the Striker 5Cv a close look.
I hope my experience helps you make an informed choice on your next fishfinder!
Author Profile
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I’m Linda Antle, the voice behind melissawtfitness.com. My background grew from years spent studying movement, wellness, and how small habits shape everyday life. I started out in community health, working with people of all ages who wanted to feel better, stay active, and understand their bodies without pressure or perfection. Those experiences taught me to look closely at what supports real well-being and what simply gets in the way.
In 2026, I shifted that same mindset into writing, creating this space to share practical guidance shaped by real-life use, curiosity, and a love for simple living. Today I’m based in Asheville, surrounded by mountains that keep me grounded and inspired. Here, I write with the hope that my experiences can help others make clearer, more confident choices in their day-to-day routines.
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