Best Side Imaging Fish Finder for 2024

Looking for the best side imaging fish finder on the market? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with our comprehensive reviews.

A side imaging fish finder is a device that can be used by anglers to locate fish in the water. The device uses sonar to create a three-dimensional image of the bottom of the body of water.

This image can then be used to identify the location of the fish. It is an important tool for anglers because it can help them to locate fish that may be hiding in areas that are difficult to see.

The device can also be used to identify the structure of the bottom of the body of water, which can help find fish.

That’s why a side imaging fish finder is often considered the best type of fish finder on the market.

If you’re serious about fishing, then a side imaging fish finder is a tool that you need in your arsenal.

In this article, We’ll take a look at what a side imaging fish finder is, how it works, and some of the best side imaging fish finders on the market.

We’ll also provide a buyer’s guide to help you choose the best one for your needs.

What Am I Looking at The Best Fish Finders with Side Imaging?

Side Imaging is a type of sonar that is used by fishermen to find fish in deep water.

It works by sending out sound waves from the side of the boat, which bounce off the bottom of the lake and return to the transducer.

The transducer then interprets the returning sound waves and creates an image around your boat of the lake on the fish finder screen.

Side Imaging is a great tool for finding fish in deep water because it allows you to see every side of the lake in great detail.

One of the great things about Side Imaging is that you can quickly cover a lot of ground. When you are fishing in deep water, it can be difficult to explore all of the potential fishing areas.

Top 7 Best Side Imaging Fish Finder Reviewed

Nº	Product Name	Score	Links
1	Humminbird HELIX 7	93/100	Check Price
2	Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 94SV	98/100	Check Price
3	Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv	85/100	Check Price
4	HOOK2 Fish Finder	83/100	Check Price
5	Garmin Striker Plus 9SV	95/100	Check Price
6	Garmin Echomap Plus 73SV	95/100	Check Price
7	Lowrance Hook Reveal 7	88/100	Check Price

Let’s deep dive into each unit:

#1 Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp MEGA

Fish are smart. They know how to hide from you, and they’re good at it. 

The problem is that most of the low-quality fish finders just aren’t powerful enough to see through the water’s surface or block out noise like other boats on the water.

This makes fishing a frustrating experience for anglers who want to catch more fish and spend less time searching for them. 

Humminbird Helix 7 Chirp MEGA Sonar/GPS combo gives you a combination of high-performance sonar with GPS mapping so you can see what’s below your boat in any conditions, day or night, rain or shine!

With this kind of power in your hands, catching more fish is as easy as pressing a button, which means more time relaxing on the water instead of fighting it!

The Helix 7 Chirp MEGA Imaging has a built-in GPS and an inbuilt sonar that can track down any fish hiding under the water.

You will find better quality and better performance in the Garmin model than in Helix 7.

Key Features

1. Large, High-Resolution Display: The HELIX 7 boasts a 7-inch display with a resolution of 800×480. This generous screen size ensures exceptional clarity, even in direct sunlight. Anglers can precisely identify fish targets and underwater structures without straining their eyes.

2. MEGA Side Imaging: A standout feature offering a 360-degree view around the boat. This advanced imaging technology provides a comprehensive view, making it easier to locate fish, track their movements, and pinpoint potential fishing spots that might be challenging to identify with traditional sonar.

3. CHIRP Digital Sonar: Renowned for its precision in fish detection. The CHIRP Digital Sonar technology enhances the accuracy of fish identification, even capturing the smallest of fish. This capability is especially valuable for anglers aiming for specific species in diverse water conditions.

4. Dual Beam PLUS Sonar: Versatile sonar capability providing both short and long-range underwater views. This functionality is beneficial for fishing in various depths of water, allowing anglers to effectively scan both shallow and deep areas.

5. SwitchFire Sonar: A feature offering customizable sonar settings. Anglers can tailor the sonar according to their preferences, adapting to different fishing conditions and optimizing the device’s performance based on their specific requirements.

6. Built-In Humminbird Basemap: This built-in feature equips anglers with a detailed map of the fishing area. It provides comprehensive and accurate location information, aiding in navigation and helping users pinpoint prime fishing spots.

7. Networking Options (Ethernet and Bluetooth): Connectivity features allowing users to connect the fish finder to the internet and share fishing data. This capability supports data exchange, making it possible to track fishing progress and share information with fellow anglers or fishing communities.

8. SD Card Slot: Enables anglers to conveniently store fishing data for future reference. The SD card slot offers a practical way to save fishing waypoints, routes, and other essential data, allowing users to revisit successful fishing locations or share information across different devices.

Pros and Cons

Overall, the HELIX 7 is an excellent fish finder that offers a variety of features to help you find and catch fish.

#2 Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 94SV

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 94SV is a top-notch fish finder Chartplotter that offers a variety of features for the modern boater.

With a sleek design, CHIRP sonar, and built-in GPS, this Chartplotter is perfect for anyone looking for an upgrade from their current plotter.

Read a single article about the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 94SV.

Design:

The Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 94SV has a sleek and modern design that is sure to turn heads.

The keyed-assist touchscreen makes it easy to navigate the menus and the large 9-inch display is easy to read, even in direct sunlight.

The plotter is also IPX7 waterproof, meaning it can withstand accidental splashes and rain. 

CHIRP Sonar and Transducer:

One of the best features of the ECHOMAP UHD 94SV is the CHIRP sonar.

CHIRP sonar is a type of sonar that uses multiple frequencies to produce clear and concise images of what is beneath your boat.

The included GT52HW-TM transducer provides high-frequency CHIRP sonar, as well as traditional 455/850 kHz sonar. 

GPS & Navigation:

The built-in GPS receiver allows you to track your position, create waypoints, and plot your course.

The ECHOMAP UHD 94SV comes preloaded with Garmin BlueChart G3 charts, which provide detailed coastal mapping for the United States.

You can also purchase additional mapping products, such as Garmin LakeVu HD or Garmin BirdsEye Satellite Imagery, to expand the capabilities of your Chartplotter.

It is also Garmin’s Panoptix LiveScope Sonar Supported Fish Finder that you can use with a Panoptix LiveScope Sonar (Sold Separately).

Does it have an SD card?

Yes, the ECHOMAP UHD 94SV has an SD card slot that allows you to save your waypoints, routes, and sonar recordings.

You can also use the SD card slot to update the software on your plotter. 

Overall, the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 94SV is a top-of-the-line fish finder device that offers a variety of features for the modern boater.

If you are looking for an upgrade from your current plotter, the ECHOMAP UHD 94SV should be at the top of your list.

#3 Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv is a high-quality fishfinder and sonar transducer that is easy to use and provides excellent features.

Design: 

The Striker 7sv has a sleek and compact design that is easy to hold and use. It has a 7-inch color display that is bright and easy to read.

The buttons are large and easy to press, and the menu is easy to navigate.

CHIRP Sonar and Transducer: 

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv comes with a CHIRP sonar transducer. The CHIRP SideVu sonar technology provides clear and concise images of fish and underwater structures.

The transducer is small and compact, making it easy to store and transport.

GPS & Navigation: 

The Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv comes with built-in GPS and navigation capabilities. This allows you to easily find your way back to your starting point.

The GPS also provides you with speed, distance, and time data.

Overall, The Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv is a great fish finder and sonar transducer. It is easy to use and provides excellent features.

#4 HOOK2 Fish Finder

The Lowrance HOOK2 with TripleShot Transducer is a top-of-the-line fish finder that provides anglers with everything they need to find and catch fish.

Design:

The HOOK2 Fish Finder is designed with the serious angler in mind. The large, bright display is easy to read, even in direct sunlight.

The unit is also equipped with a high-powered TripleShot transducer that provides clear sonar images.

The GPS and navigation features are top-notch, and the built-in mapping system makes it easy to find your way back to your favorite fishing spots.

The unit also features networking capabilities that allow you to share your data with other anglers.

CHIRP Sonar and Transducer:

The HOOK2 is equipped with a high-powered TripleShot transducer that provides clear sonar images.

The TripleShot transducer uses CHIRP sonar technology to provide anglers with a clear view of the underwater environment.

The transducer is also capable of producing high-frequency sonar images that are crystal clear.

GPS & Navigation:

It comes with a high-performance GPS that provides accurate navigation information.

The unit also features a built-in mapping system that makes it easy to find your way back to your favorite fishing spots.

The GPS is also capable of storing up to 500 waypoints, making it easy to keep track of your favorite fishing spots.

Networking:

The HOOK2 features networking capabilities that allow you to share your data with other anglers.

The unit is also capable of sharing your data with other HOOK2 units, making it easy to stay connected with your fishing buddies.

Overall, the HOOK2 is a great choice for serious anglers who want the best possible performance from their fish finder.

#5 Garmin Striker Plus 9SV

The Garmin Striker Plus 9SV is a high-quality fish finder GPS combo that offers a comprehensive view of both what’s beneath your boat and where you’re going.

It’s packed with features like CHIRP sonar, which gives you crystal-clear images of fish and underwater structures, and GPS navigation with pre-loaded maps.

So you can easily find your way back to your favorite fishing spots.

It also has networking capabilities, so you can connect to other devices on the water and share your data.

Design: 

The Garmin Striker Plus 9SV has a sleek, easy-to-use design. The large 9-inch display is bright and easy to read, even in direct sunlight.

The keypad is simple to navigate, and the transducer is easy to install.

CHIRP Sonar and Transducer: 

The Striker Plus 9SV comes with a CV52HW-TM transducer, which gives you high-frequency CHIRP sonar.

This sonar technology gives you clearer images of fish and underwater structures than traditional sonar, and the transducer is designed for easy installation. 

GPS & Navigation: 

The Striker Plus 9SV has a built-in GPS receiver, so you can track your position on the water and see your speed and distance traveled.

It also comes with pre-loaded maps, so you can easily find your way back to your favorite fishing spots. 

Networking: 

The Striker Plus 9SV has networking capabilities, so you can connect to other devices on the water and share your data.

You can also connect to the Garmin Marine Network to get detailed weather information and download software updates. 

Overall, the Garmin Striker Plus 9SV is a high-quality fish finder and GPS combo that is packed with features like CHIRP sonar, GPS navigation with preloaded maps, and networking capabilities, making it a great choice for serious fishermen.

#6 Garmin Echomap Plus 73SV

The Garmin Echomap Plus 73SV is a top-of-the-line fish finder with a CV52 transducer and Chartplotter.

It features CHIRP sonar technology and a built-in GPS that makes it easy to find and stay at your desired fishing spot.

The Echomap Plus also comes with pre-loaded mapping for over 17,000 lakes, making it easy to find and navigate to your favorite fishing spots.

The unit also features networking capabilities, allowing you to connect to other devices on the water, such as a weather station or marine radio.

The Echomap Plus 73SV is a great choice for serious fishermen who want the best possible performance from their fish finder.

Design: 

The Garmin Echomap 73SV is a large unit, measuring 9.4″ x 6.9″ x 3.3″. It has a large, sunlight-readable 7″ display that is easy to see even in direct sunlight.

The unit is designed for easy operation, with large buttons and an intuitive menu system.

The Echomap Plus 73SV is also designed for easy installation, with a quick-release bail mount that makes it easy to remove and reinstall the unit on your boat.

CHIRP Sonar and Transducer: 

The Echomap Plus 73SV features CHIRP sonar technology, which sends out a continuous sweep of frequencies that provides more accurate and detailed fish returns than traditional sonar.

It also comes with a CV52 transducer, which is a high-performance transducer that provides excellent fish-finding performance.

The transducer also features a built-in temperature sensor, which is great for finding thermoclines and other temperature breaks that hold fish.

GPS & Navigation: 

The 73SV features a built-in GPS that provides accurate position information. The GPS can be used to create waypoints, track your progress, and mark fishing spots.

It also comes with pre-loaded mapping for over 17,000 lakes, making it easy to find and navigate to your favorite fishing spots.

The unit has a built-in compass and barometer, which are great for keeping track of your heading and weather conditions.

Networking: 

It also comes with networking capabilities, allowing you to connect to other devices on the water, such as a weather station or marine radio.

The unit also features NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 compatibility, which allows you to connect the Echomap Plus 73SV to a wide variety of marine electronics.

The networking capabilities of the Echomap Plus 73SV make it a great choice for serious fishermen who want to be able to connect to all of their marine electronics.

Overall, the Garmin Echomap Plus 73SV is a great choice for serious fishermen who want the best possible performance from their fish finder.

#7 Lowrance Hook Reveal 7

The Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 is a top-of-the-line product that offers many features to help you find and land fish.

The Hook Reveal is a great choice for serious anglers who want the best possible chance of success on the water.

Design: 

The Hook Reveal 7 is designed for easy use and clear viewing. The large, bright display is easy to read in all conditions, and the transducer is easy to install and use.

The GPS and navigation features are straightforward to use, and the mapping functions are very helpful.

And the networking capabilities are a great addition, and the overall design is very user-friendly.

CHIRP Sonar and Transducer: 

The Hook Reveal 7 uses CHIRP sonar technology to provide clear, accurate information about what’s going on beneath the surface.

The transducer is easy to install and use, and it provides clear accurate information.

The CHIRP sonar is a great addition to the Hook Reveal, and it’s one of the many features that make this fish finder a top choice for serious anglers.

GPS & Navigation: 

The Hook Reveal 7 fish finder comes with GPS and navigation capabilities. The GPS is easy to use and very accurate, and it’s a great addition to the Hook Reveal.

The navigation functions are very helpful, and they make it easy to find your way around on the water.

The GPS and navigation features are a great addition to the Hook Reveal, and they make it a top choice for serious anglers.

Networking: 

The Hook Reveal 7 has networking capabilities. The networking is easy to use and very helpful, and it’s a great addition to the Hook Reveal.

The networking capabilities are a great addition to the Hook Reveal, and they make it a top choice for serious anglers.

Overall, the Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 is a great choice for serious anglers who want the best possible chance of success on the water.

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Buying Guides: How To Choose The Best Side Imaging Fish Finder?

When it comes to finding fish, having the best side imaging fish finder can make all the difference.

But with all the different brands, models, and features available, how do you choose the right one?

Here are some things to consider when choosing the best side imaging fish finder for your needs:

Frequencies:

Most side imaging fish finders operate on two frequencies: 200 kHz and 400 kHz. The higher the frequency, the more detail you’ll be able to see.

However, higher frequencies also require more power, so it’s a trade-off.

Power:

Side imaging fish finders use a lot of power, so make sure your boat can handle it. If you’re not sure, ask your dealer or check the manufacturer’s website.

Screen Resolution and Color:

The higher the screen resolution, the more detail you’ll be able to see. And if you choose a color screen, you’ll be able to see the fish and structure more clearly.

Consider the Trolling Motor:

If you plan on using your side imaging fish finder while trolling, make sure it’s compatible with your trolling motor. Some models come with a special trolling motor mount.

CHIRP Sonar and Transducer:

CHIRP (Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse) sonar is the latest technology and it’s becoming more common in side imaging fish finders.

It provides better fish identification and target separation.

GPS & Navigation:

Many side imaging fish finders come with GPS and navigation features. This can be handy if you want to create your maps or mark fishing spots.

Networking:

Some side imaging fish finders can be connected to other devices, such as your smartphone or tablet. This allows you to view and control the fish finder from another device.

By considering these factors, you can narrow down the options and choose the best side imaging fish finder for your needs.

How To Read Side Imaging/Scanning Fish Finder?

Do You Really Need a Side Imaging Fish Finder?

Some fishfinder specialists say that a side imaging fish finder can make a huge difference in your fishing experience.

Unlike traditional sonar, side imaging allows you to see a wider and more detailed view of what’s under the water on both sides of your boat.

This technology uses high-frequency sound waves to create a picture of the underwater environment, including the location and movement of fish, rocks, and other structures.

With side imaging, you can identify the exact location of fish and structure in relation to your boat, which can help you determine the best fishing spots and increase your chances of a successful catch.

In addition to its fishing benefits, side imaging can also be useful for navigation and safety purposes.

You can use it to avoid shallow areas, locate hazards, and get a better understanding of underwater topography.

Overall, while it is not absolutely necessary to have a side imaging fish finder, it can definitely enhance your fishing experience and help you become a more successful angler.

FAQs: People Also Asked

Conclusion

If you’re looking for the best side imaging fish finder on the market, then you’ll want to check out our top choice Humminbird HELIX 7.

This fish finder is packed with features that will help you find fish in even the most difficult conditions.

The side imaging technology gives you a clear view of the underwater environment, while the built-in GPS ensures that you’ll always know where you are.

Also, you can choose the Garmin ECHOMAP 7SV, 94SV, and Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 for great performance.