Fish Finder Sunshades: How to Beat Screen Glare on Garmin, Lowrance & Humminbird Units
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Anyone who fishes in Australia knows the problem: the sun is high, the water is flat, and your fish finder screen turns into a mirror. You end up cupping a hand over the display or tilting your head to read depth and sonar returns. A dedicated sunshade fixes that by blocking light from above and the sides so the screen stays readable.
This guide covers why glare happens, what to look for in a fish finder sunshade, and which model-specific shades FNQI-3D makes in Far North Queensland.
Why fish finder screens wash out
Sounder displays have to compete with direct sunlight plus light bouncing off the water, white hulls and console surfaces. Even bright, sunlight-readable screens lose contrast when light hits them at a low angle. A hood or visor shades the screen so the display's own brightness can do its job.
Universal vs model-specific sunshades
Generic, one-size covers are made to roughly fit a range of screen sizes. They can leave gaps, sit crooked or slide around. A model-specific sunshade is shaped around a particular unit, so it sits neatly and shades the screen evenly. The trade-off is that you need to buy the shade for your exact model, so always check the model name on your unit before ordering.
Full hood or half hood?
- Full hood wraps further around the screen for maximum shade, ideal in harsh midday sun or open tinnies with no bimini.
- Half hood is more compact and keeps a lower profile, a good fit where space is tight or you want easier side access.
For the Garmin Striker Plus 4, FNQI-3D makes both styles, so you can choose based on your boat layout.
FNQI-3D sunshades by brand
Garmin
- Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 165SV Sunshade – designed for the ECHOMAP Ultra 2 165SV to reduce glare and improve screen visibility on the water.
- Garmin Striker Plus 4 Full Hood Sunshade – full hood design for maximum shade.
- Garmin Striker Plus 4 Half Hood Sunshade – compact half-hood option.
Lowrance
- Lowrance HDS 9 Live Sunshade – sunshade and protective screen-cover design for the HDS 9 Live.
- Lowrance Elite FS9 Sunshade – purpose-built visor for the Elite FS9.
Humminbird
- Humminbird HELIX 9 G3N Sun Visor – weather guard and screen shade design for the HELIX 9 G3N.
Before you order: fitment checklist
- Confirm your exact model. Check the label or settings menu. Each shade is made for the specific unit named on its product page.
- Check your mounting setup. Look at how your unit sits on its bracket or flush mount and make sure there's room for the shade.
- Choose your style. Where there's a full or half hood option, think about available space and how much sun you deal with.
- Remember what's included. The sunshade only. Your fish finder is not included.
Made in Far North Queensland
Every FNQI-3D sunshade is Australian designed and manufactured using durable, functional 3D-printed construction. Because each shade is made for a specific unit, you get a proper fit rather than a generic cover.
FAQ
Will a sunshade fit a different screen size from the same brand?
No. Each FNQI-3D sunshade is designed for the model named on the product page. Check your unit before ordering.
Is the fish finder included?
No, the listing is for the sunshade only.
My model isn't listed. What should I do?
Contact FNQI-3D through fnqi3d.com.au to ask about other models.