Best Side Imaging Fish Finder

Whether you are a beginner or an expert in fishing, you will always want this piece of supreme technology to help you. Fishing is not just lazing around with a stick. It is a sport that shows perseverance and patience. So why not use the best technology for the best experience of this beautiful sport?

Still, fishing the old way waiting blindly for the fish to bite? Well, it’s high time you upgraded your fishing experience with the side imaging fish finder technology. Gone are the days when you wait all day long blindly throwing your bait in the water. Now, with the side imaging fish finder you get to know where the fishes are so you get the best fishing experience.

What is a Side Image Fish Finder, you ask? It is a technological development that allows you to enjoy your fishing experience by cutting a lot of waiting time.

Basically, the Side Imaging Fish Finder uses sonar beams attached on both sides of the boat at the right angle direction. This sonar picks up any activity in the water including the fish movements or any other objects like the bait or other natural structures, wreckage parts, etc.

These work on both clear water or saltwater regardless of the depth and the texture of the water. It also works on muddy water and covers an area of 300 feet. So you can scan out what parts of the water have great fish density and enjoy your best fishing experience with the best side imaging fish finder.

With the best side imaging fish finder, your fishing experience will be more fishing than waiting. You will have a clear view of the fish movement and have a greater chance of catching fish than the traditional non-digital way.

Wondering which is the best side imaging fish finder for you? Well, we have brought to you the 10 best side imaging fish finders out there so you can choose the one that suits you the most.

Best Side Imaging Fish Finder – Top 10 Reviews

Given below are a few of the best side imaging fish finder you can find with great quality and imaging performance.

Side Imaging Fish Finder	Screen Size	Frequency Range	Depth Range	Product Images	Price
Humminbird 410230-1 HELIX 5	5 inches	420-520 kHz	200-350 ft		Check Price
Garmin Striker 7SV - Top Pick	7 inches	77/200 kHz	800 ft(traditional), 500 Feet (DownVu) 500 Feet Left/Right (SideVu)		Check Price
Humminbird 410950-1NAV HELIX 7	7 inches	50/83/200/455 kHz	1,200 ft (standard transducer), 3,500 ft (optional 50 kHz)		Check Price
Humminbird HELIX 9 G3N	9 inches	50/83/200/455/800 kHz & 1.2 MHz	1,200 ft (standard transducer), 3,500 ft (optional 50 kHz)		Check Price
Garmin Striker 4	3.5 inches	77/200 kHz	1,600 feet freshwater, 750 feet saltwater		Check Price
Humminbird 409640	5 inches	83/200/455 kHz	1,500 ft		Check Price
Garmin Striker 4cv	4.3 inches	77/200 kHz	1,600 ft		Check Price
Humminbird SOLIX 12 G2	12 inches	20-1200 kHz	200 Ft.-3500 ft		Check Price
Lowrance HDS-12 Live- 3-in-1 Transducer	12 inches	40-200 kHz	300 Ft.-3500 ft		Check Price
HDS-7 LIVE - Affordable with GPS	7 inches	40-200 kHz	300 Ft.		Check Price

1. Humminbird 410230-1 HELIX 5 – Affordable with great mapping

Screen Size: 5 inchec
Brand Name: Humminbird
Frequency Range: 420-520 kHz
Power Transmission: 500 Watts
Item Weight: 10.1 pounds
Depth Range: 200-350 ft

With the Helix- 5 side fish finder from Humminbird, you can expect affordable prices with great performance. With the constant portability needed for the fish finder, you will find this product very helpful.

I tas the perfect size for portability, a Dual Beam Plus Sonar beam helps you combine the abilities of the two beams and provides you with the best views of the fish in the water. It is designed to reach a great depth range. With the widescreen color display, it helps you locate your fishing sports more efficiently. It also has built-in GPS and allows GPRS which helps you connect to the internet to download maps.

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Why choose Helix-5 by Humminbird?

Wondering why you should choose the Helix-5 fishfinder? One of the obvious reasons for choosing this beauty is because of the price range which is very affordable for the services it provides. It is also portable and lightweight and the built-in base map along with GPS helps you stay on track wherever you are. The transducers in this system are top-notch helping you scan for fish in a large area at the same time which gets it into the list of best side imaging fish finder.

2. Garmin Striker 7SV – Top Pick

Screen Size: 7 inches
Brand Name: Garmin
Frequency Range: 77/200 kHz
Power Transmission: 500 Watts
Item Weight: 1.7 pounds
Depth Range: 800 ft(traditional), 500 Feet (ClearVu) 500 Feet Left/Right (SideVu)

Second, on our list of Best Side Imaging Fish Finder on our list is Garmin Striker 7SV. It provides you with great quality resolution images of the movement underwater. With both the CHIRP Clear View traditional Sonar and the new CHIRP side view sonar, you get the best coverage of depth and area.

The screen display is not just the best resolution but also made in such a way that you can read it on even the brightest day. This means no more scrunching your eyes to read what’s on the screen when the sun is bright. Apart from that the screen also shows you your speed and allows you to mark points on your map on where to go and where you’ve gone or where the fish is in abundance.

The product has wifi options in order for you to download maps to venture on your adventure. You can enjoy the fishing trip without having to wonder where you end up. You will know right away with the GPS system. Also, the traditional sonar helps you get crystal clear crisp images of what is under or beside your boat.

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Why Choose Garmin 7SV?

Being more on the affordable side, you will love this product. If you are someone who gets carried away while fishing and worries about ending up in an unknown area, you need this. The GPS in this product will help you navigate your way through unknown lands. Better, nothing will stay unknown with the GPS function where you can download a map via WiFi and find your location.

Apart from the GPS function, the sonars are extremely good and capable of getting you a fruitful fishing experience anytime. You don’t have to waste your time waiting and searching for fish as this device will do it for you.

3. Humminbird 410950-1NAV HELIX 7 – With Navionics

Screen Size: 7 inches
Brand Name: Humminbird
Frequency Range: 50/83/200/455 kHz
Power Transmission: 500 Watts
Item Weight: 5.3 pounds
Depth Range: 1,200 ft (standard transducer), 3,500 ft (optional 50 kHz)

The Helix-7 MSI from Humminbird is a model that specializes in Mega Side Imaging. It is one of the best side imaging fish finder on the list. This refers to the feature of having anything within the 125 feet of the side of the boat to be clearly seen on the screen. This model also comes with the Mega Down Imaging feature where you can monitor anything within the 125 feet range of the boat to be seen crystal clear on the screen below the boat.

The Mega Side Imaging and the Mega Down Imaging features really help you get detailed information on your fish when you are fishing. Apart from these features, you get a TFT display screen with an 800×480 resolution color screen to provide you with the best images of the findings.

You can also buy SD cards with maps of many lakes to explore lakes as you can enter the card in the slot and embark on your adventure. With the Dual Spectrum, CHIRP Sonar, you can easily cover a large area of the lake for fish.

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Why Choose Humminbird Helix-7?

With the Helix-7 you get the best experience of the crisp and detailed images of the fish under and near your boat. The mega side imaging and mega down imaging is one of the main features which makes this product unique. Apart from the detailed images of the fish around 125 feet of the boat, you also get great readings in shallow as well as the deepwater making this favorable for any type of water depth. The GPS is very sensitive and accurate as well. So don’t miss out on this product.

4. Humminbird HELIX 9 G3N – Wide area coverage

Screen Size: 9 inches
Brand Name: Humminbird
Frequency Range: 50/83/200/455/800 kHz & 1.2 MHz
Power Transmission: 500 Watts
Item Weight: 1 pound
Depth Range: 1,200 ft (standard transducer), 3,500 ft (optional 50 kHz)

Further, in to our list of Best Side Imaging Fish Finder is the Gen-3 Humminbird Helix 9. It gives you the best deal for the price range. With its 9 inch display and the Mega Side Imaging Plus and the Mega Down Imaging Plus, you will be able to get the best information on the fish. The display and resolution of the screen is also great. The device is also equipped with keys to make your accessibility much more advanced.

With the dual spectrum sonar, you get the most coverage in both shallow and deep water. The GPS location with depth contour maps combined with your phone’s connectivity and downloaded GPS data makes the location more precise and easy to use and understand.

Apart from all the great features of the product, it comes with transducer and mounting hardware along with power cable and cover for portability safety.

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Why choose Helix-9 Gen 3?

One of the main reasons for choosing HELIX-9 GEN3 is because of the Mega Side Imaging Plus and Mega Down Imaging Plus feature. Also, the screen size as big as this provides you with the best clear images. So instead of sticking to the screen or scrunching your eyes you can check the information easily with split screens as well. This is a great investment for its price and worth every penny.

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5. Garmin Striker 4- Portable traditional fish finder

Screen Size: 3.5 inches
Brand Name: Garmin
Frequency Range: 77/200 kHz
Power Transmission: 500 Watts
Item Weight: 1.7 pounds
Depth Range: 1,600 feet freshwater, 750 feet saltwater

The Garmin Striker 4 is a small portable device with an inbuilt GPS and a traditional CHIRP transducer. The device has high-frequency sonar which helps you to capture even the smallest movement underwater. With this device, you can easily catch a lot of fish with accurate information through photographic images.

The waypoint map helps you view and mark the locations with many fish or other locations for future references. Also, this product has a built-in flasher which allows for fish finders to find fish even during ice fishing. With the traditional CHIRP sonar, you can easily sweep a wider area.

Also, you can upgrade your transducer in the future to a higher performance with a GT8 or GT15 transducer.

Because of its unique and exciting features, it is one of the Best Side Imaging Fish Finder available on the market.

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Why choose the Garmin Striker 4?

Choosing the Garmin Striker 4 provides you with the best scanning technology as it consists of the traditional CHIRP transducer which can later be upgraded to a higher performance transducer as per need. The built-in flasher makes it easier for you to fish in ice or in the night as well.

6. Humminbird 409640-1 Helix 5 – Sensitive and Accurate GPS

Screen Size: 5 inches

Brand Name: Garmin

Frequency Range:83/200/455 kHz

Power Transmission: 500 Watts

Item Weight: 4.14 pounds

Depth Range: 1,500 ft

Strolling down through the list of Best Side Imaging Fish Finder, here in the number six we present you the Humminbird Helix 5 SI. It has been popular for a long time. It is yet another portable device with great screen quality to give you that crisp image with most details. The transducer has a great frequency range which allows you to fish in both shallow as well as deep waters.

This product contains depth sounder along with GPS which helps you stay on your very best for fishing. As the transducer is dual-beam you can use it for down imaging and side imaging. Also, it comes with the mounting device so you can easily mount it on your boat or kayak.

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Why choose Helix 5?

There are other versions of Helix 5 which extends to Helix 7 but they all have the same processors. You can choose the Helix 5 for more portable reasons along with the fact that the screen size increase in future products causes the cost to increase as well. And it is better to go traditional in some areas. This being the older version with a portable screen and the best performance as any other and the more affordable version which gets it included in our list of Best Side Imaging Fish Finder.

7. Garmin Striker 4cv – Best for Deep Water

Screen Size: 4.3 inches
Brand Name: Garmin
Frequency Range: 77/200 kHz
Power Transmission: 300 Watts
Item Weight: 11.2 ounces
Depth Range: 1,600 ft

As the list of Best Side Imaging Fish Finder continues, we have another promising side image fish finder from Garmin. It is the Garmin Striker 4cv. It is quite similar to the Striker 4 but has a slightly larger screen size. The traditional CHIRP transducer along with the ClearVu Scanning transducer makes it a more advanced technology than the traditional Striker-4.

You can scan a wide range of water surfaces with the Garmin Striker 4cv. The sonar waves from the two transducers combined provide you with accurate information on the movement underwater while the 4.3 inches screen provides you with a clear view of the images captured.

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Why Choose Striker 4cv?

Similar to the Striker 4 model, it shows great promise for portability but it has surpassed any problems seen in the Striker 4. It is affordable and portable along with a sensitive and accurate GPS sensor. The dual transducers also give it a higher chance at providing accurate information and the slightly larger screen size makes a huge difference in display and viewing experience.

8. Humminbird SOLIX 12 G2- Great display

Screen Size: 12 inches

Brand Name: Humminbird

Frequency Range: 20-1200 kHz

Power Transmission: 500 Watts

Item Weight: 1 pound

Depth Range: 200 Ft.-3500 ft

The huge screen display of the Solix-12 provides you with clear images of the movement underwater. The transducers with Mega Side Imaging plus and the Mega Down Imaging Plus features help you scope out any fish with great details up to 200 feet distance from the boat.

Apart from the transducer being of great quality and wide range, you also get a touch screen display with light buttons and programmable buttons for ease of access and night fishing. You can choose among the features of Mega Side Imaging or Mega Down Imaging based on the water you will be fishing in.

You can also connect the device to your phone via Bluetooth to get the notifications based on your settings. Also, you can download accurate maps and the sensitive GPS system in-built in the device will guide you to a safe and efficient fishing experience which gets it included in the list of Best Side Imaging Fish Finder for the money.

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Why choose Solix-12?

The main reason for you to choose the Solix-12 by Humminbird is because of the high-quality screen with 12 inches of display. This allows you to open multiple screens for screening most of the information without any information is unclear or too small for display. The device not only has a great screen but also a great transducer fit for both deep and shallow water.

9. Lowrance HDS-12 Live- 3-in-1 Transducer

Screen Size: 12 inches

Brand Name: Lowrance

Frequency Range: 40-200 kHz

Power Transmission: 500 Watts

Item Weight: 6.5 pounds

Depth Range: 300 Ft.-3500 ft

Lowrance provides you with a new and advanced side imaging fish finder device with the HDS12 Live. This product has the most advanced technology among all the fish finders. With the HDS-12 Live, you get the best resolution and screen quality along with great images from the sonars. The 3-in-1 transducer helps in getting the best information from the water.

You will have no more monochrome or small screen view with this device. Its large screen helps you navigate your location with the CMAP along with the speed and depth contour in the same screen. You can use a split-screen on this device and still have a clear view of all the aspects.

The down scanning and side-scanning from the boat are all live so you can enjoy fishing directly while you scan the area. With the quad-core processor, the touch screen along with other processes of the device is super fast.

Due to its specifications and features, it is listed as one of the Best Side Imaging Fish Finder available on the market.

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Why choose HDS-12 Live?

Although the HDS-12 Live is a bit on the costly side, it is a great investment. It provides you with the best sonar system with a 3-in-1 transducer with the dual CHIRP transducer and a color transducer which helps you scan both the shallow and the deep areas with a higher range. The system is a complete touch device with programmable buttons and can be easily connected to your mobile devices for more convenience. It is one of the best investments for a dedicated fisher like you.

10. HDS-7 LIVE – Affordable with GPS

Screen Size: 7 inches
Brand Name: Lowrance
Frequency Range: 40-200 kHz
Power Transmission: 500 Watts
Item Weight: 5.85 pounds
Depth Range: 300 Ft.

Last but not the least, one of the Best Side Imaging Fish Finder available on the market is HDS-7 LIVE – Affordable with GPS. If you are searching for a side imaging fish finder that provides you with the real-time imaging for live fishing, this is the one for you. With the HDS-7 Live fish finder by Lowrance, you can fish while scanning the surface under the water.

This is one of the affordable products by Lowrance Company which provides you with a great color display. The display of this fish finder is crisp and allows you to have a clear view of any movement underwater. It provides you with better visibility and 3d structure visuals.

The model also has a detailed GPS mapping system which means you do not have to guess where you are. You can see your location clearly and the location of the fish on your screen clearly with clear guidelines. Also, you can connect your smartphone to your sonar device for convenience.

HDS-7 Live does not come with a transducer though. It can be taken as a customization benefit as well. You can customize the transducer of your choice.

It is a much more affordable fishfinder with great specifications. Along with the crisp resolution, it also provides you with space for 3 micro SD cards for recording any activity.

The HDS-7 Live side imaging fish finder by Lowrance can be mounted on Transom, Kayak, and Hulls.

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Why choose HDS-7 Live?

Being on the affordable side, HDS-7 Live side imaging fish finder provides you with a crisp 3D quality color display of the fish. All this is displayed in real-time. Also, it is the best option if you are someone who loves to fish in solidarity. With the detailed and accurate GPS system which can be connected to your smartphone, you will have the best fishing experience.

Our Top Pick

Our top pick among the above 10 best side imaging fish finders is the Garmin Striker 7SV. It has the perfect size for a clear viewing experience with the 7 inches screen with great resolution and color screen. Apart from the screen, the combined Traditional CHIRP transducer with the SideVu and ClearVu transducer makes the scanning more powerful and accurate.

The only drawback is that it does not come with an SD card with pre-recorded maps but you can easily purchase it. This is a great investment given the features and it is not that pricey, to begin with. So don’t let this great product pass by and purchase this beauty for a better fishing experience.

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Choosing A Quality Side Imaging Fish Finder

Now that you know how much of a magnificent device the side imaging fish finder is, wouldn’t you want one for yourself? But wait! Before getting yourself one of these time-saving devices, you should get to know some of the major features it provides. Only after knowing what are the main features to look for in one of these devices, can you know which one to buy for certain.

Transducer

A transducer is a critical part of the device that helps you find activity underwater by emitting sonar waves in the water. Most side imaging fish finders come with the transducer so you should get the one with the high-quality transducer. Also, some may come without one where you can customize the quality of the transducer on your own.

Frequency Range

You should always check the frequency range of the product before purchasing it. The frequency range refers to the capacity of the sonar to scan the underwater activity based on the depth. Lower frequency helps in deep water scanning and vice versa. 50-200 kHz is the ideal frequency range.

Display

One of the main features you should be looking for in a side imaging fish finder is the display of the product, we are using the fish finder in order to have a clear view of the underwater movement. So it would be a waste if the product couldn’t provide us with a clear display.

The display also means color or monochrome. The color display is much more contrasty and better than monochrome but expensive. Also the resolution of the device matters just as much. The screen size also makes the display worth the price. The bigger the screen does not mean the best views. The screen and resolution must be compatible.

Durability & Portability

Apart from the basic features and the additional features provided by the product, you should also check the durability and portability of your product, you would not want your product to be damaged after just a few uses after investing so much into it. So you should find the product with a durable cover case and proper warranty for durability and portability.

Mounting Style

Many people just search for the product with the best features, the largest screen, the highest price, and think they got the best one. But the main purpose of the side imaging fish finder is to attach to your boat or other fishing devices while fishing. You should always keep in mind the mounting device and the style before purchasing your fishfinder. You should make sure the product is compatible with your mounting device and style.

Price & Warranty

Price and warranty for the product play a major role in the purchasing decision for the product. You should not just buy the product based on its features. The price and warranty of the product are also one of the features of the product. If you are planning on buying a side imaging fish finder, you should compare the prices of the products along with the features.