Fishing Forum

I'm looking for a simple/inexpensive way to measure water temperatures (in lakes from a canoe). I see some sinking fishing thermometers on Amazon, but the reviews aren't inspiring. Thoughts? Ideas?

(03-28-2025, 04:48 PM)joatmon Wrote: [ -> ]I'm looking for a simple/inexpensive way to measure water temperatures (in lakes from a canoe). I see some sinking fishing thermometers on Amazon, but the reviews aren't inspiring. Thoughts? Ideas?

Like the old saying goes (You get what you pay for), you buy cheap, you get cheap.  I have been using this item on my boat for at least 7 years and wouldn't fish without it.  While it may not meet your current definition of inexpensive (regarding water temp gauges), it is - IMHO - worth every penny.

Amazon.com: Fish Hawk TD - Logs Water Temperature Every 5-Feet - Fishing, Trolling, Downriggers, Boats, and Kayaks : Sports & Outdoors

I'll agree with DuBob on this recommendation for Fish Hawk TD..I've also been using mine for 6 or 7 years with no issues, and it gives the temps at 5' intervals, just like it says..

(03-28-2025, 04:48 PM)joatmon Wrote: [ -> ]I'm looking for a simple/inexpensive way to measure water temperatures (in lakes from a canoe). I see some sinking fishing thermometers on Amazon, but the reviews aren't inspiring. Thoughts? Ideas?

You don't have a lot of options, that I'm aware of, a cheap FFer, you can buy them new or used for under !00 dollars, the fish hawk or the thermometer you mentioned. JMO

Depends on if you need just the surface temp or want to know temps throughout the water column? For surface temp any old thermometer can be dropped overboard with a string, but if you want to check temp at different depths you would need the Fish Hawk or else a thermometer with a probe. Fish Hawk is much nicer and easier but a little pricey. For the probe, you would have to manually measure the depth by using a string and sinker or hook it to your downrigger ball. If you just try to sink a thermometer to a depth and then retrieve it, the reading will change as you bring it back up through warmer waters. Here's a probe model for less than $30.

https://www.amazon.com/Precision-Thermom...1245378154

(03-28-2025, 11:33 PM)FishfulThinkin Wrote: [ -> ]Depends on if you need just the surface temp or want to know temps throughout the water column? For surface temp any old thermometer can be dropped overboard with a string, but if you want to check temp at different depths you would need the Fish Hawk or else a thermometer with a probe. Fish Hawk is much nicer and easier but a little pricey. For the probe, you would have to manually measure the depth by using a string and sinker or hook it to your downrigger ball. If you just try to sink a thermometer to a depth and then retrieve it, the reading will change as you bring it back up through warmer waters. Here's a probe model for less than $30.

https://www.amazon.com/Precision-Thermom...1245378154

That's a good find, and if looks just like what he was asking about. Have you ever used one like that?

(03-28-2025, 06:12 PM)dubob Wrote: [ -> ]

(03-28-2025, 04:48 PM)joatmon Wrote: [ -> ]I'm looking for a simple/inexpensive way to measure water temperatures (in lakes from a canoe). I see some sinking fishing thermometers on Amazon, but the reviews aren't inspiring. Thoughts? Ideas?

Like the old saying goes (You get what you pay for), you buy cheap, you get cheap.  I have been using this item on my boat for at least 7 years and wouldn't fish without it.  While it may not meet your current definition of inexpensive (regarding water temp gauges), it is - IMHO - worth every penny.

Amazon.com: Fish Hawk TD - Logs Water Temperature Every 5-Feet - Fishing, Trolling, Downriggers, Boats, and Kayaks : Sports & Outdoors

(03-28-2025, 08:06 PM)Jmorfish Wrote: [ -> ]I'll agree with DuBob on this recommendation for Fish Hawk TD..I've also been using mine for 6 or 7 years with no issues, and it gives the temps at 5' intervals, just like it says..

I'm with dubob & Jmorfish, been using the FishHawk for about the same time frame. I attach it to my downrigger weight sending it down. 

Buy the Fishhawk and go fish.
Easy, precise, clip in to DR ball and send her down.
No dicking around with an extra cable.