Best Side Imaging Fish Finders 2021
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How We Found the Best Side Imaging Fish Finderss
Experts Interviewed
Fish Finders Tested
HOW WE DECIDED
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58
Models Considered
38
Hours Researched
2
Experts Interviewed
208
Consumers Consulted
BOTTOM LINE
Garmin has improved upon their fish finders and added several functionalities that aim to make life easier for anglers. These include built-in GPS and WiFi. Combine these with the SideVu side imaging technology and you have one of the best side imaging fish finders in the market today.
Utilizing triple image capturing, fantastic scanning technology, and high resolutions to look at all the helpful information, and that only scratches the surface of the Striker PLUS 7SV. The built-in WiFI capabilities allow for you to use several useful apps such as the ActiveCaptain app.
A compact and portable unit that comes with many useful features that deliver accurate information. It uses CHIRP side imaging filters to cut through the noise and deliver a clearer picture. These make the HELIX 5 a popular fish finder in the market today.
The fact that the Striker Plus 4 can be portable, have various features pumped into a compact unit, and be so affordable is a triumph in its own right. The dual-beam transducer with CHIRP allows for excellent target separation as you cast from the side of your boat.
The HDS Live series is one of the best from the Lowrance inventory. The Active 3-in-1 imaging transducer presents an unmatchable scale of sonar including Down and Side imaging.
PROS
- Up to 5,000 waypoints can be created
- Has numerous helpful features
- Comes with a transducer
- High resolution for better viewing
- Easy to use
- Portable
- Multiple sonar types
- Accurate readings
- Affordable
- Packed with features
- Sturdy and waterproof
- High definition imaging
- Up-to-date Lowrance technologies
- Intuitive and user-friendly
- Comprehensive fishing tool
CONS
- Lacks a card reader
- Lacks mapping software
- Lacks a card reader
- Lacks NMEA connectivity
- Lacks chart-plotting
- No networking features
Expensive
- Lacks versatility without an NMEA port
- Expensive
- Requires connection for software updates
This Guide In Video
Check out this guide in video format with our host, Shaina, sharing to you the best side imaging fish finders in our list and their pros and cons.
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To be a successful fisherman, you need to have the best equipment available. While you may have your lines, rods, and lures, you might be missing out on a fish finder. A side imaging fish finder can benefit you greatly, especially if you love fishing on the open water. There are many reasons why a best side imaging fish finder is a great option.
Using the right side imaging fish finder allows you to have more success, and you’ll notice the difference when you’re using the right one.
6 Best Side Imaging Fish Finders
Garmin Striker Plus 9SV
Best of the best
Bottom Line
Garmin has improved upon their fish finders and added several functionalities that aim to make life easier for anglers. These include built-in GPS and WiFi. Combine these with the SideVu side imaging technology and you have one of the best side imaging fish finders in the market today.
PROS
- Up to 5,000 waypoints can be created
- Has numerous helpful features
- IPX7 waterproof rating
CONS
- Lacks a card reader
- Lacks mapping software
Summary
Multiple Imaging Types
The 9sv offers multiple imaging types such as traditional sonar, CHIRP, SideVu for side imaging, DownVu for down imaging, and ClearVu for improved clarity. With all these imaging types, you’ll have no problems finding, pinpointing, and catching fish.
Thousands of Waypoints
Garmin’s Striker series lacks contour map support. However, it does allow for the creation of 5,000 waypoints. This allows anglers to plot their courses out onto the waters and back to shore.
Large and Clear Display
This is the largest fish finder in the Striker series. With a 9 inch screen, 480×800 resolutions, and an LED backlight, you’ll have no problem seeing all the helpful information, even in sunlight.
Garmin Striker PLUS 7SV
Best for the Price
Bottom Line
Utilizing triple image capturing, fantastic scanning technology, and high resolutions to look at all the helpful information, and that only scratches the surface of the Striker PLUS 7SV. The built-in WiFI capabilities allow for you to use several useful apps such as the ActiveCaptain app.
PROS
- Comes with a transducer
- High resolution for better viewing
- Easy to use
CONS
- Lacks a card reader
- Lacks NMEA connectivity
- Lacks chart-plotting
Summary
Multiple Imaging Types on One Screen
The 7SV offers SideVu imaging, DownVu, and even traditional sonar. While many fish finders have this versatility of imaging, the 7SV is unique in a sense as it allows people to view all of these imaging types on one screen. See all the information at a glance and use it to help catch those fish.
A Range of Frequencies
There are a ton of frequencies to play around with and adjust. They include 77/200/455kHz for Traditional and CHIRP, 260/455/800kHz for DownVu, 260 and /455/800kHz for SideVu. While this fish finder is great for side imaging, the frequencies and imaging types also make it useful for any occasion and situation.
Humminbird HELIX 5 Fish Finder
Bottom Line
A compact and portable unit that comes with many useful features that deliver accurate information. It uses CHIRP side imaging filters to cut through the noise and deliver a clearer picture. These make the HELIX 5 a popular fish finder in the market today.
PROS
- Portable
- Multiple sonar types
- Accurate readings
CONS
- No networking features
- Pricey
Summary
Clearer View Areas
The dual beam transducer allows for quite a wide and detailed coverage range. Combine this with the CHIRP side imaging filter that helps filter out the noise from your view, and you’ll be able to see and hone in on your targets much better.
Built-in Basemap Feature
The built-in basemap feature provides anglers with over 10,000 charts of lakes at their disposal. Additionally, the AutoChart function allows anglers to create detailed maps of your favorite fishing spots.
Garmin Striker Plus 4
Bottom Line
The fact that the Striker Plus 4 can be portable, have various features pumped into a compact unit, and be so affordable is a triumph in its own right. The dual-beam transducer with CHIRP allows for excellent target separation as you cast from the side of your boat.
PROS
- Affordable
- Packed with features
- Sturdy and waterproof
- High definition imaging
CONS
- Lacks versatility without an NMEA port
Summary
Great Fish and Structure Separation
The dual-beam transducer offers CHIRP sonar. Both of these allow for the great separation of fish and various structures. Easily switch between sonar frequencies, with one covering less with a clearer picture, and the other covering a bigger area. It is a great choice for your side imaging fish finder.
Extremely Portable
This extremely portable finder is packed with many great features. The size of the screen does leave a lot to be desired. However, the portability allows it to be a great choice for kayaks, boats, and even ice fishing.
Lowrance HDS-Live with Active 3-in-1 Imaging
Bottom Line
The HDS Live series is one of the best from the Lowrance inventory. The Active 3-in-1 imaging transducer presents an unmatchable scale of sonar including Down and Side imaging.
PROS
- Up-to-date Lowrance technologies
- Intuitive and user-friendly
- Comprehensive fishing tool
CONS
- Expensive
- Requires connection for software updates
Summary
Active 3-in-1 Imaging Transducer
The imaging transducer included in the HDS Live series is powerful and versatile. It provides 2D CHIRP, down imaging, and side imaging. Furthermore, the quality of the scans surpasses a majority of fish finders in the market.
FishReveal
The FishReveal feature has been a feature that has captivated the attention of fish finder manufacturers. This feature combines the down imaging capability with the 2D CHIRP sonar, revealing structures and fish in a united synergy of these imaging types.
Humminbird HELIX 7
Bottom Line
The HELIX 7 is a great fish finder that exhibits optimal performance and a variety of useful functions and features. All the information you’ll collect will help in aiding you with catching fish. View all this information on an HD display for clear images.
PROS
- Clear HD display
- DualBeam Plus sonar
- Accurate GPS
CONS
- High temperatures may mess with depth readings
Summary
DualBeam Plus Sonar
The Dualbeam Plus sonar allows anglers to choose from wide area searches and narrower ones. Both are great choices for side imaging. Anglers can start off searching a bigger area with the wide view, then narrow it down and hone in on the catch.
HD Display
The 7 inch screen of the HELIX 7 is a great size for you to see all the useful information and details. With the additional 8-bits of color, the picture is clearer and crisper. The backlight also means anglers can use this fish finder under the sun without worrying about the glare.
How to Choose a Right Side Imaging Fish Finder
Display
The best fish finder should have a large enough display so you can see everything in the water. The wider the screen, the better off you’ll be. However, you will need to consider the pixel size, as well. Using a fish finder that is blurry won’t help you find out what is a fish and what is debris. When you’re looking for a best side imaging fish finders, you should find one that provides a clear display. The more pixels, the more clarity you’ll have on the display. Find out how big the display is, so that way, you can put it in a comfortable place on your boat.
Frequency
What best side imaging fish finder can give is good frequency range which is important to where you want to fish. If you’re fishing in shallow water, you want a fish locator that has a higher frequency. Fishing in deeper water requires a lower frequency. There are fish finders available that allow you to switch between shallow and deep water fishing. No matter what your preference is, using the right frequency will guarantee you more success. Otherwise, you might just as well throw your line over the boat, and hope that something will find the bait.
Transducer
The transducer is what allows the fish finder to send information to the display. You want to make sure the transducer will work for the type of fishing you want to do. If the transducer isn’t powerful enough, you’re not going to get good readings on the display. The transducer should also fit on the boat to ensure it will pick up the signals the side imaging sonar sends out. If you put the transducer next to the blades on your boat, you won’t get a good reading. Estimate where you’re going to put the fish locator to ensure it is in the right place.
Features
The features on the fish finder should make it easy to use. If you’ve never used a fish finder before, you want to make sure you understand the features. Things such as LED lights, settings, and maps are a few features that can come in handy when you’re fishing. While having a lot of features is great, you want to make sure the price works for you. Getting even the best side imaging fish finder that eats up too much of your budget or is too complicated won’t help you become a better fisherman.
Price
The price of the fish finder should not be too expensive for you. The best thing you can do is create a budget and find a fish finder that is the best for your budget. I recommend to spend at least $300. You may need to sacrifice certain features to ensure the fish finder will be in your budget. You want to make sure you’re getting everything you need for the right price, and sticking within your budget gives you more options. This way, you get a fish finder that will work for you and your budget.
Conclusion
A fish finder is a fisherman’s best friend, and there are many different types available. The best side imaging fish finders should be easy to use and install. You don’t want a fish finder that won’t work for you. If you’re looking for a fish finder from this review, the Garmin Striker 7SV fish finder is perfect for you. It has everything you need to have a great fishing trip, and it beats out the competition with the larger screen size.
We like to share product recommendations with you and hope you like them! Just to make you aware FishingLab may collect a small share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.
I love to write for readers with a genuine interest in enjoying the fishing. Hence, I started this blog to provide you guides so that you can have a better and more pleasant fishing experience.
James Williams
Staff | FishingLab
Article Name
Best Side Imaging Fish Finders 2021
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James Williams
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Fishing Lab
We like to share product recommendations with you and hope you like them! Just to make you aware FishingLab may collect a small share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page.