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Top fish finders include side imaging to help fishermen and women reel in the best catch.
This article will discuss what side imaging is, how to interpret it, and the pros and cons of each fish finder on our list. Read through the features of each device to see which one is best for you.
What Is Side Imaging?
Fish finders use a transducer to help interpret surroundings, providing more efficiency when it comes to finding fish near your vessel. This transducer is usually mounted outside of the boat, sending out sonar waves which help it construct an image on your fish finder of the 300 feet surrounding the vessel.
These images are interpretations of underwater structures, which you can analyze to find the best spot to cast your reel. Most side-imaging sonar operates at both 800 kHz and 455 kHz frequencies, scanning both the sides and underneath the boat.
What is Side Imaging (Video Explanation)
We’ve analyzed some of the best sellers in the markets, putting together the top four fish finders with excellent side imaging:
How to Interpret Side Imaging
Interpreting side imaging becomes much easier with practice. Generally, your screen will have a black vertical band in the center, representing the water underneath the boat. The sides will typically be a golden color.
When looking for fish with side imaging, you’ll want to look for obscure shapes or white dots on the screen. Baitfish will appear as cloud shapes. Plants and rocks will be apparent in the image.
Humminbird 410120-1 Helix 10 CHIRP Mega Si GPS G2N Fishing Charts ; Maps
The Helix 410120-1 is part of the new Humminbird Core Series, replacing old 800 and 900 Humminbird fish finders. It is one of our top choices because of its long list of features, including a comfortable screen for easy side-imaging viewing.
This 10.1” display allows you to easily adjust your settings to view the Mega Side and Mega Down Imaging your way. The new design also provides edge-to-edge glass for a modern look not seen in most competing fish finders.
This newest series of Humminbird fish finders also include firmer keypads and a smoother cursor for ease of use.
Features
The Helix 410120-1 includes:
- Mega Side Imaging: This extra feature accentuates the sonar images, discovering 3x more output than in regular side imaging.
- Up to 125 ft. of images on both sides of your vessel
- CHIRP digital sonar: Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse (CHIRP) sonar was first used by the military before being adapted for fishing sonar technology. This longer-pulse sonar transmits a range of frequencies in ascending pulses, creating a clearer image of what is under and around your boat.
- Dual Beam PLUS Sonar: This feature allows you to use 200 kHz and 83kHz to get further clarity from your side imaging, returning images in a split-screen function.
- SwitchFire Sonar: Another sonar edition to the Helix 410120-1 is the SwitchFire Sonar mode which allows you to add or edit detail, plus account for the water temperature, turbulence, and/or depth.
- Basemap Built-in feature: This feature gives a clear image of the surrounding underwater terrain plus surrounding points of interest. You’ll be able to navigate with ease, avoiding dangerous terrain, identifying buoys, and making clear and correct judgments on contours, marinas, and depth markers.
- Map-compatible: Connect your device to other maps easily, such as Navionics or Navionics Platinum.
- Bluetooth system: Use this fish finder’s Ethernet and Bluetooth networking to connect with other fish finders or your mobile device.
Downsides
Even the best devices have their downfalls. The Helix 410120-1 has a few to mention.
- No multitasking: The device limits how many tasks you can carry out at one time.
- Slow startup: It takes a few minutes for this fish finder’s 360 screen to start pinging.
Garmin Echomap Plus 73SV
Whether you’re in the bright sun or fishing at night, the Garmin Echomap offers a clear view with convenience. Using a single transducer, this fish finder combines the use of three different sonar technologies.
It’s also easily compatible with other systems and apps, allowing users to add in a ton of new charts to expand their fishing horizons.
Features
The Garmin Echomap includes:
- 7” keyed-assisted touchscreen with bright features to read in the sunlight
- Crystal-clear images using CHIRP sonar, CHIRP ClearVu, and CHIRP SideVu scanning sonars
- Inbuilt Wi-Fi to pair with the ActiveCaptain app for free
- Use this app to access OneChart, where you can purchase and download different charts for your next fishing trip
- Support for Minn Kota and MotorGuide integrated transducers, if preferred
- Preloaded LakeVu HD Maps. These freshwater maps are highly detailed and include over 17,000 U.S. reservoirs, rivers, and lakes.
- Shallow Water Shading lets you designate the minimum depth. It also functions as a reference to wide roads, interstates, boat ramps, designated fishing locations, and more.
- Quickdraw Contours mapping
Downsides
The pitfalls of the Garmin Echomap are:
- Garmin Echomap series manual is generic and not specific to your exact Echomap model
- No NMEA 2000 adapter cable
Garmin Striker Plus 9SV with CV52HW-TM Transducer, 010-01875-00
Unlike its 7” predecessors, the Garmin Striker Plus 9SV offers a 9” screen with a full-color design. The 800 by 480 resolution includes an LED backlight, making it another excellent option for fishing on bright days.
Features
The Garmin Striker Plus 9SV offers:
- A waterproof design
- Built-in Wi-Fi with connection to the ActiveCaptain app
- The CV52HW-TM transducer with a temperature sensor, 12-pin connector, and 20-foot cable
- This transducer includes frequency ranges of 50/77/200 kHz
- It covers a depth capacity of 800 ft with coverage between 24-16° for the 2D CHIRP sonar.
- Basic GPS plotter’s capability
- Fish ID symbol
- Split-screen zoom
Downsides
The cons of the Garmin Striker Plus 9SV are that:
- Its transducer does not support connection with Panoptix transducers
- There is no microSD card
- It does not include a unit cover
Lowrance Hook2 9 9-inch Fish Finder with TripleShot Transducer and US Inland Lake Maps Installed
The Lowrance Hook2 is one of the most straightforward fish finders with side imaging technology. This is built for the fisherman who wants to spend as little time as possible personalizing their fish finder and instead get right into the heart of the action.
Features
The Lowrance Hook2 features:
- A 9” horizontal backlit screen with 800 x 480V pixel resolution, also available in 4”, 5”, 7”, and 12” displays.
- High Wide Traditional CHIRP, CHIRP ClearVu, and CHIRP SideVu sonar.
- Depth capability for 2D CHIRP: 800 feet
- Depth capability for ClearVu: 250 feet
- Depth capability for SideVu: 500 feet
- The TripleShot transducer that allows for full angle sonar, allowing you to track baits, mark fish, and identify structures
- Autotuning sonar technology which adjusts according to water conditions
- GPS Chartplotter for basic navigation
- MicroSD reader
- Compatible with superior charts such as Navionics
Downsides
With simplicity at its finest, the Lowrance Hook2 downfalls are:
- No GPS or AIS support
- No NMEA or Ethernet ports
- Not networkable
Choosing the Best Side Imaging Fish Finder
There are plenty of fish finders on the market, so what should be considered when choosing the best one for you? You’ll want to look into each fish finder’s frequencies/sonar capabilities, screen details, battery life, functionality, and transducer.
Frequencies/Sonar Capabilities
Old-school fish finders would only use low- or high-level frequencies at one time. Modern fish finders, including those with CHIRP technology, can double up on their frequencies to create the clearest image of what lies around your fishing vessel.
If you only fish in deep water, you may want to find a fish finder that specializes in lower frequencies. If you are a shallow-water fisherman, higher frequencies would be best for you.
Screen
Your screen’s size and resolution will make a big difference in how you see and interpret your transducer’s output. You can have a fantastic transducer, but if your screen distorts the image and makes it unclear, you won’t have much help finding your fish.
Colored screens have been proven to accentuate the details you are looking for, allowing for easy differentiation between underwater structures and the fish you are hunting.
Battery
While most fish finders are chargeable, there are some with replacement battery options. Depending on how long your fishing trip lasts, this is something you’ll want to consider when choosing your fish finder.
You may also have to choose between power and battery life; the more watts, the stronger the power, but this may mean a shorter battery life.
Functionality
If your boat has a front-end trolling motor, you’re going to need a fish finder that is compatible with this style. Be sure your fish finder matches your vessel’s structure to ensure you can use it easily and without restructuring your boat entirely.
You’ll also need to decide on your preferred size and weight dimensions.
Transducer
Most transducers will increase your imaging capabilities immensely. If you are using a side imaging fish finder, this transducer will help you to also locate fish under your vessel.
We highly recommend purchasing a fish finder with an included transducer, as it will offer you the most well-rounded sonar and imagery capabilities to find all of the fish in your area.
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