When it comes to finding fish, side imaging fish finders are an indispensable tool for anglers. They provide a detailed, high-resolution image of the underwater environment and fish that live there, making them a favorite tool for anglers. The devices create a sonar “cone” that extends out to the sides of the boat when they use advanced sonar technology. As a result, you can see the underwater landscape much better. 

You can track the movements of individual fish as they swim through the water with a side imaging fish finder, which shows structure, cover, and other underwater features. 

Taking factors such as image quality, range, accuracy, and overall value into account, we aim to review the best side imaging fish finders available in 2023. We have compiled a list of side imaging fish finders that will suit every angler’s budget and needs, no matter if they are a seasoned pro or just starting out.

Best Side Imaging Fish Finder 2023

Best Budget Side Imaging (Under $500 - $1000) Fish Finder

Humminbird 410950-1NAV HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI (MEGA Side Imaging) GPS G3 NAV Fish Finder

A top-of-the-line fish finder, the Humminbird 410950-1NAV HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G3 NAV is designed to find and track fish in any body of water. Its seven-inch screen and 800H x 480V color TFT display make it easy to see structure, cover, and individual fish in the underwater environment with crystal clear images. 

The Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G3 NAV includes a Navionics+ (U.S. and Canada) SD card, which covers over 21,000 lakes and waterbodies.

With Mega Side Imaging technology, you can see the world below in unprecedented detail with the Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G3 NAV. You can get a wide-angle view of the underwater landscape with this feature, as far as 125 feet from your boat, giving you a much better view of everything. Using these features, you can see fish hiding under structures or cover in great detail, which can be extremely useful when trying to locate them.

Along with its side imaging capabilities, the Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G3 NAV also comes with Mega Down Imaging, allowing you to see beneath the water up to 125 feet, providing unprecedented underwater clarity. If you want to see the bottom of the waterbody in detail, this feature is extremely useful, as it allows you to see rocks, weeds, or other underwater features that may hide fish.

This Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G3 NAV comes with a transducer and mounting hardware, a power cable, and a gimbal mounting bracket.

With a range of advanced features, the Humminbird 410950-1NAV HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G3 NAV is an excellent fish finder that helps you locate fish anywhere. This Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G3 NAV is definitely worth considering if you are looking for a high-quality side imaging fish finder.

What We Like

  • The images are crisp and clear
  • An auto chart for mapping in real-time
  • Units of high durability

What We Don’t Like

  • Keypads add width to units

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Lowrance Elite FS Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts and Protective Cover Bundle

The Lowrance Elite FS Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer is a powerful and advanced fishing finder that can help you locate and track fish in any waterbody. Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, which offers new levels of refinement when it comes to seeing structure and cover, is one of the most distinctive features of this fish finder. You can see the underwater environment clearly and in detail with this sonar, since it uses CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan technology.

Along with its advanced imaging capabilities, the Lowrance Elite FS Fish Finder is ActiveTarget-compatible, meaning it is compatible with ActiveTarget Live Sonar (sold separately or included with ActiveTarget Bundle). By doing so, you can see fish swimming around structure and responding to lures in real-time, giving you an edge when fishing.

Besides being fully networked, the Lowrance Elite FS Fish Finder can also be integrated with other devices, including Halo Dome Radars and Outboard Pilots. In this way, you can build a complete Elite Fishing System that can share sonar data, charts, waypoints, and other user data.

Additionally, Lowrance Elite FS Fish Finders come with preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts that provide detailed 1-foot contours for 8,900 lakes in the United States. It is possible to use these charts to locate fishing areas, such as ledges, drop-offs, and ditches, as well as to navigate with precision to fish-holding grounds.

This fish finder has a 7-inch, high-resolution, multitouch screen. The fish finder comes with a protective cover that helps protect it from the elements when not in use. 

The Lowrance Elite FS Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer lets you find and track fish anywhere.

It is definitely worth considering the Lowrance Elite FS if you are serious about fishing.

What We Like

  • Compatible with NMEA 2000
  • Wireless connections integrated into the system
  • Imagery from FishReveal

What We Don’t Like

  • Screen size of 7 inches

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Simrad GO9 XSE Bundle – 9-inch Chartplotter with HALO20+ Radar, Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, C-MAP Discover Chart Card

A top-of-the-line fish finder and chartplotter, the Simrad GO9 XSE Bundle is perfect for small cruisers, center console boats, and sportboats. The device is equipped with a touchscreen display measuring 9 inches, so you can navigate, locate, and track fish easily.

With the Simrad GO9 XSE Bundle, you’ll get full-featured Vector Charts, Custom Depth Shading, Tides & Currents, high-resolution Bathymetric Contours, and the C-MAP DISCOVER card for ultrawide coverage. Besides providing precise navigation to fish holding areas, this is also capable of locating key fishing areas, including ledges, drop-offs, and ditches.

You can also see structure and cover in greater detail with the Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer included in the Simrad GO9 XSE Bundle. You can see the underwater environment clearly and detailed with this transducer, which uses CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan imaging in conjunction with FishReveal. In particular, this can be useful for finding fish hiding behind cover or structure, since it gives you an in-depth view of these features.

Aside from its imaging capabilities, Simrad’s GO9 XSE Bundle also includes a pulse compression radar, the HALO20+, which has a dome antenna of 20 inches, a range of 36nm, and a speed of 60 RPM. With VelocityTrack as part of the radar, you can stay safe on the water by using this radar.

With its built-in connectivity, the Simrad GO9 XSE Bundle allows you to view charts, radar, and other features from anywhere on board by mirroring the display to a smartphone or tablet. Moreover, it supports NMEA 2000, which allows for more integration possibilities. There are several accessories included with the fish finder, including a mounting bracket, dash mounting kit, edge bezel, power cable, sun cover, Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer, and HALO 20+ radar, radar power/Ethernet cable, and radar Ethernet adapter. 

Overall, the Simrad GO9 XSE Bundle is a top-quality fish finder and chartplotter that offers a range of advanced features to help you navigate, locate and track fish, and stay safe on the water. You should definitely consider the Simrad GO9 XSE Bundle if you are looking for a high-performance device.

What We Like

  • An easy-to-mount display for consoles
  • Touch screen interface and intuitive user interface
  • Provides boat accessories and data to users

What We Don’t Like

  • It can be difficult to use the touch screen in the rain

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Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv with GT56UHD-TM Transducer, 9″” Keyed-Assist Touchscreen Chartplotter with U.S. LakeVü g3 and Added High-Def Scanning Sonar (010-02523-01)

You can locate and track fish in any waterbody with the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv with GT56UHD-TM Transducer, the top-of-the-line fish finder and chartplotter that features a wide range of advanced features. A bright, sunlight-readable 9″ touchscreen with keyed assistance makes this device easy to use and operate even in bright conditions.

As well as Garmin’s traditional CHIRP sonar, this transducer has Ultra High Definition ClearVü scanning sonar and SideVü scanning sonar, both of which have 20% more range than traditional sonar. Therefore, you will have a detailed, high-resolution image of your fish and the surrounding environment. You can easily distinguish targets from structures with bright scanning sonar color palettes, which is especially useful when searching for fish that hide in cover.

With LakeVü g3 inland maps and Navionics data integrated into the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv, the unit covers more than 18,000 lakes with contours up to 1′ in size. In addition to helping find key fishing areas such as ledges, drop-offs, and ditches, this can also be used to navigate accurately to fish holding areas.

You can also view real-time images of fish swimming around structures and responding to your lure with Panoptix LiveScope sonar on the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv, which supports Panoptix all-seeing sonar. Any waterbody can be used to find and track fish using this tool.

With the ECHOMAP Plus, ECHOMAP UHD, and ECHOMAP Ultra fish finder, anglers will be able to share information with other anglers as well as create a comprehensive view of the underwater landscape by sharing information with other anglers. Aside from autopilot and engine data, NMEA 2000 and NMEA 0183 networks are also supported by the SteadyCast sensor.

A quick-release bail mount is included with the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv, so you can move it quickly, and it is compatible with Force trolling motors that you can control from the screen, as well as follow tracks and route to waypoints.

As a top-quality fish finder and chartplotter, the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv with GT56UHD-TM Transducer offers a range of advanced features to assist you in finding and tracking fish.

What We Like

  • Interface that is user-friendly
  • Images with crisp details 
  • Different depths with multiple frequencies

What We Don’t Like

  • There is no joystick

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Things to Consider Before Buying a Side Imaging Fish Finder

Before making a purchase of a side imaging fish finder, it is important to consider a few key factors. These include:

  • Image quality: A fish finder should produce high-quality, clear images of the underwater environment. Look for one with clear, high-resolution images.
  • Range: Another important factor to consider is the range of the fish finder. A wider range lets you observe more of the underwater environment, which can help you locate fish hiding under cover or structures.
  • Accuracy: A fish finder must also provide reliable information about the underwater environment and track individual fish movements accurately.
  • Price: The price of a fish finder should always be considered when making any purchase. Make sure that the fish finder provides good value for money and has features that suit your budget and needs.
  • Brand: There are also brands associated with high-quality, reliable fish finders, while other brands may have less dependable products or less positive customer reviews.
  • Ease of use: Look for a fish finder with clear, intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface that is easy to install and use.
  • Additional features: The fish finder should have additional features as well, such as GPS navigation, mapping capabilities, and connectivity options, that can help you find and track fish in different waters.

FAQs on Side Imaging Fish Finder 2023

Which is better down imaging or side imaging?

Depending on the type of fishing you do, down imaging provides a more detailed view of the bottom and structure below the boat when you are in shallow water. While side imaging is ideal for deep-water fishing, it provides a better view of the surrounding area around the boat. Together, these technologies can be used to provide a more comprehensive picture of the underwater world.

What speed is best for side imaging?

For side imaging, a speed of 1.5 to 3 mph is ideal. This speed range allows the sonar to capture a large area around the boat while providing sufficient detail to identify fish and structure. A faster speed will cover more area, but may not provide as much detail as a slower speed. The images will be more detailed at a faster speed, but not as much.

How deep is Side Imaging effective?

Generally, side imaging is recommended for depths of at least 200 feet. However, the depth range of the transducer and the water conditions will determine the depth range.

What does bass look like on Side Imaging?

Side imaging shows bass as bright yellow or orange blobs. Depending on the fish’s size and orientation, the size and shape of the blob may vary. Smaller bass may appear as a single dot, while larger bass may appear as an elongated shape. In addition, sonar type will affect the color of the blob.

Does Side Imaging work when not moving?

Neither side imaging nor transducers work when the boat is stationary. A moving boat is required for side imaging to capture a wide area around the vessel. A stationary boat will only scan a small area directly beneath the transducer.

Can you see your lure on side imaging?

With side imaging, you will not be able to see your lure. Side imaging works by sending out sound waves that bounce off objects in the water and return to the transducer. Due to the large sound waves, it is not possible to detect small objects such as lures on side imaging.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a few key factors should be kept in mind when choosing the best side imaging fish finder for 2023. An important consideration when choosing a side imaging fish finder is the image quality, range, accuracy, price, brand, ease of use, and additional features. Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G3 NAV, Lowrance Elite FS Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, and Simrad GO9 XSE Bundle are three of the top contenders for the best side imaging fish finder in 2023. 

All of these fish finders are capable of locating and tracking fish in any waterbody, thanks to their advanced features and capabilities. Your specific needs, preferences, and budget will determine the best side imaging fish finder for you. When choosing a fish finder, consider all of these factors carefully and choose one that will meet your needs and make your fishing experience enjoyable and successful.

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Anthoni Ja
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