How to Build the Perfect Portable Sonar Setup

by Kaleigh Hedrick November 4, 2025

Building the Perfect Portable Sonar Setup

Forward-facing sonar has changed how people fish — but for many, the challenge isn’t just using it. It’s setting it up right. Whether you’re jumping between boats, switching from open water to ice season, or just want to keep things organized, a portable sonar setup can save you time, frustration, and money every trip.

Here’s how to build a setup that’s simple, durable, and ready to fish anywhere.

1. Start with a Solid Base

The heart of your setup is your shuttle or box system. This holds your screen, black box, and battery — basically, everything you need to power your sonar.

A quality shuttle keeps things neat and makes transport easy. The Summit Shuttle is one example — it’s built from Marine Grade UV-resistant HDPE, designed to handle both open water and ice setups, made 100% in the USA, and it is compatible with all screens up to 16."

When choosing a shuttle:

Make sure it fits your screen & battery, compatible with your transducer
Make sure it is built for the type of fishing you do (ice, open water, etc.)
What is the weight of the shuttle? Screens, transducers, and batteries are all heavy. It is crucial to choose a shuttle that doesn't add much weight to the unit. The Summit Shuttle is super light weighing in at 4.3lbs.
Is the shuttle compatible with accessories such as bags, covers, shades, and pole holders? Also if you're open water fishing, it is important to find a shuttle that has boat mounting options.

2. Pick the Right Transducer Pole

A stable, lightweight, strong, and adjustable pole is key to getting the most out of forward-facing sonar. You’ll want something that keeps your transducer steady in the water — even when there’s chop or current — and allows for quick & easy adjustments.

The Summit Carbon Fiber Transducer Pole is a great option for a few reasons:

Lightweight & strong: Easier to move between setups without bending or fatigue. Our carbon fiber pole is 1.2lbs with the transducer mount & handle included.
We offer transducer mounts for all of the popular transducers.
Built for all four seasons. Use the transducer pole in summer, fall, winter & spring! On the ice or open water fishing.

3. Use the Right Power Source

Forward-facing sonar can drain a battery faster than most expect. To keep your setup running all day, go with a reliable battery.

Look for one with:

Enough amp-hours (AH) to power your unit and black box.
A compact size that fits your shuttle.
A reliable charger and built-in protection against overcharging.

Having your battery secured inside the shuttle keeps your setup clean and ready to go. With the Summit Shuttle, you are able to charge your battery without disassembling anything, just simply plug the charger into the faceplate outlet.

4. Keep It Organized

Portable means keeping your gear together as efficient as possible. Keep your cables tucked away, ideally the pole mounted to the shuttle, essentially having a box or shuttle to hold everything together.

If you’re constantly switching from boat to ice setup, make sure your gear can handle both environments without extra parts or tools. Small touches like pole holders on your shuttle can make storage and transport a lot easier.

5. Test Before You Hit the Water

Before your next trip, power up your setup in the garage or driveway. Make sure your screen, transducer, and battery all work correctly. The last thing you want is to troubleshoot wiring or settings while you should be fishing. At Summit, we are always happy to help with troubleshooting or general questions.

Final Thoughts

A portable sonar setup isn’t just about convenience — it’s about efficiency. The less time you spend setting up or moving gear, the more time you spend fishing.

Whether you’re chasing walleye on Lake Erie or hopping between ice holes in January, building a clean, reliable system makes all the difference.

If you’re ready to streamline your sonar setup, check out our collection of shuttles, mounts, poles, and accessories designed to help you stay organized and focused on what matters — catching more fish.