Hi, what is a recommended transducer for this unit for primarily inshore fishing? Either thru-hull

Thru hull or transom mount depends on the type of boat.  If your boat is suitbale for a thru hull, as most are, then it is always th emore robust way to go.  But if you want side imaging then it can get very costly to do a thru hull, and is generally not suitbale for thru hull if you ever end up on a trailer or lift.  So there are many questions, and many ways this advice could go.  But with the limited info I'd say a CHIRP 1kW High/Wide would be the best option.  This is called the B175 HW.  Or a TM185 HW if you want transom mount. Or the Active Imaging 3 in 1 if you want side imaging.