Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 – 4.3" Compact Dual-Beam Fish Finder for Beginners

The Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 is built with simplicity and effectiveness in mind – it delivers the core functionality needed to find fish without the complexity of higher-end models. With its 4.3-inch display, the PiranhaMAX 4 is small enough to mount almost anywhere, yet bright and contrast-rich enough to read easily in sunlight. The menu system is extremely straightforward: with just a few buttons, you can switch views, adjust sensitivity, or set alarms.

This fish finder’s Dual Beam technology means it uses two different frequency beams to scan: one with a wider cone to cover more area, and one with a narrower cone for more detail. The PiranhaMAX 4 uses 200 kHz for the wider beam and 455 kHz for the narrower (in the non-DI model, 455 kHz serves as the second beam of the Dual Beam). This gives it a maximum depth reach of around 320 feet (100 m) – plenty for most inland lakes and near-shore fishing environments.

One of the hallmark features of the PiranhaMAX series is the Fish ID+ function. When enabled, the unit’s software analyzes the sonar returns and tries to determine if targets are fish. If so, it displays easy-to-understand fish icons on the screen (often with depth labels) instead of the typical arch shapes. This simplifies interpretation for beginners – no need to guess whether a certain arc is a fish or not. In addition, the PiranhaMAX 4 offers adjustable alarms: for depth (e.g., to warn of shallow water), for fish (an audible alert when the sonar detects a fish), and for when the water gets below a set depth.

In terms of installation and use, this fish finder is very versatile. The included tilt-and-swivel mount allows you to adjust the viewing angle. The transducer is small and attaches to the transom with minimal hassle. With its compact size and weight, the PiranhaMAX 4 can easily be stowed away and moved – some anglers use it as a portable unit, taking it to different boats or even using it for dock fishing. The device runs on 12V power (not included – typically hooking into the boat’s battery) and draws very little current, which is a plus for long days on the water.

In summary, the Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 is simple but reliable. It isn’t meant to compete with high-end units featuring GPS and chartplotting, but many anglers don’t need those extras. If your goal is to quickly and easily know the depth and whether fish are present under your boat, this fish finder will get the job done – at a price that won’t break the bank.

• Great for novice anglers or as a first fish finder – provides basic but valuable info without complexity
• Suitable for small jon boats, dinghies, or inflatables where a portable, quick solution is needed
• Ideal for fishing in shallow to mid-depth lakes and rivers – where depths typically don’t exceed 150-250 ft
• Useful as a backup sonar or for sharing – it can easily be dismounted and transferred to another boat or taken on a trip