Although fish finder requires some time to getting used to, once their workings are learned, you can have the easiest and smartest fish hunting experience.
These benefits of fish-finding devices have made them largely popular among the fishing community.
One such of these highly beneficial and smart features is the best side imaging fish finders. This allows the user an incredibly easy-to-understand and almost real view of what is underneath.
For this reason, we have compiled a list of the best side imaging fish finder that excel at this feature while being equipped with many other ones, promised to boost your fish hunting experience.
Best Side Imaging Fish Finders Comparison Table
| Image | Name | Features | Display Size | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI (MEGA Side Imaging) Fish Finder |
1. Dual Spectrum CHIRP 2. Low Q CHIRP transducer |
7 Inches | Check Price |
 |
Humminbird SOLIX 10 G2 Fish Finder with CHIRP, Mega Si+, GP |
1. Underwater clarity 2. Bluetooth connectivity |
10.1 Inches | Check Price |
 |
Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer, 7″ GPS Fishfinder | 1. CHIRP ClearVü 2. CHIRP SideVü scanning sonars |
7 Inches | Check Price |
 |
Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MDI (MEGA Down Imaging) GPS G3 Fish Finder |
1. Low Q CHIRP transducer 2. Dual Spectrum CHIRP |
7 Inches | Check Price |
 |
Humminbird PIRANHAMAX 4 DI (Down Imaging) Fish Finder |
1. Dual Beam 2. Get a clear view |
4.3 Inches | Check Price |
 |
Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot – 5-inch Fish Finder | 1. SplitShot Transducer 2. Preloaded C-MAP |
5 Inches | Check Price |
 |
Humminbird NAV HELIX 5 CHIRP DI (Down Imaging) GPS G2 NAV Fish Finder |
1. CHIRP digital sonar 2. Clearer view beneath |
5 Inches | Check Price |
 |
HDS-9 Live Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3 in 1 | 1. 3 in 1 Transducer 2. Active Imaging Sonar |
9 Inches | Check Price |
What are the Best Side Imaging Fish Finder Reviews?
1. Humminbird HELIX 7 MEGA Side Imaging Fish Finder:
Let us start this list with the most trusted brand in the sale and manufacture of fish finders. Humminbird has excelled in providing the customers with nothing but the best in its products. It manages to does so again in its HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI GPS G3 fishfinder.
Equipped with dual spectrum CHIRP sonar, HELIX 7 provides the widest scanning frequency which ultimately leads to improved fish arches and target separation ability. These features contribute to providing the fisher with a clear view of what is underneath.
Have you always wanted to share your customized maps with others? Well, this dream of yours is about to get fulfilled with the Ethernet capabilities of Humminbird G3 GPS Fishfinder. Through this, you can instantly connect with other devices using a dongle or use the built-in Bluetooth and Fish smart application to pair with nearby devices.
As the name states, HELIX 7 allows for mega side imaging capability. Now you must be wondering exactly how far does this go? The MSI fish finder allows about 100 ft. of coverage on both sides of the boat, making up for gigantic and a largely closer to reality view.
Side imaging capabilities is largely expensive because of the efficiency and ease it provides. The most notable quality of the Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP mega side imaging fish finder lies in the fact that despite offering a mega side imaging ability, the device is offered at a budget-friendly rate to its customers.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
Given the amazing mega side imaging power of Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MSI MEGA side imaging fish finder, it is only fair that we term it as our definitive number one in the category. At the budget-friendly rate, it is offered at, HELIX 7 is worth more than every penny spent on it.
2. Humminbird SOLIX 12 G2 Side Imaging Fish Finder:
It is no surprise to see another product of Humminbird on the list. The new SOLIX 12 G2 Fishfinder is another notable device and has made it into our list of favorites with its adored key features. Offered a wide 12.1-inch display, SOLIX 12 facilitates four high-dimensional viewing panes.
Featuring a highly sensitive built-in GPS and AutoChart Liveability, Humminbird allows its user to create and customize maps along with marking accurate waypoints and navigating to and fro from there. This feature is further eased by the pre-downloaded Humminbird Basemap in it.
The most noteworthy feature of this fish finder surely relies upon its Mega side imagining technology. With this, you can easily scan about 200 ft. on both sides of the boat and obtain an amazingly clear and accurate view.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
Although relatively costly when compared with other fish finders, every user of Humminbird SOLIX 12 G2 Fish Finder with CHIRP, Mega Si+, best GPS fish finder, and 12.1-Inch-Display agrees that it’s worth the money spent on it. Loaded with the smartest technology and side imaging tech, this finder is a dream-worthy for every fisher.
3. Garmin Striker 7SV Side Scan Fish Finder:
Garmin is another name that has only received praise and respect over the years with its outstanding products and its promising performance. The Striker 7SV with Transducer is another garmin side imaging fish finder launched that accurately checks both of those things off and is here to boost every fisher’s hunting experience.
Let us start with its 7†wide display that demonstrates every crucial piece of information on it. This high-resolution screen display is UV resistant and readable even during the sunniest hours. Understanding how hard complex controls can be for amateur fishers, Garmin has equipped Striker 7SV with an incredibly easy to use interface.
Featuring a built-in sensitive GPS, you can easily navigate and mark waypoints in your Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer, 7-inch side scan fish finder. Moreover, the GPS displays the boat speed on the screen so you don’t accidentally go over the limit while fish hunting.
What is a Garmin product if not equipped with the latest technology? With the help of the ClearVü scanning sonar of Striker 7SV, you are offered almost photographic side and down imaging. The quality of this image is further progressed by the convectional CHIRP sonar by increasing the target separation and fish arches.
Lastly, with its Wi-Fi capability, you don’t need to worry about losing signals while in the middle of an excursion trip. The Garmin Striker 7SV supports continuous browsing and map sharing using its downloaded Activecaptain application.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer, 7 Inch GPS Fishfinder it also the best fish finder for small boats and has been doing rounds since its release with its latest technology and ease of use. However, the SideVü capability of this finder is the one that outshines among other features and has made it one of the best side imagining fish finders.
4. Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MDI Best MEGA Down Imaging Fish Finder:
Are you looking for a fish finder that excels in its side and down imagining technology without being too harsh on your pocket? If yes then you need to look no further as Humminbird 410940-1 HELIX 7 CHIRP MDI MEGA Down Imaging GPS G3 is the best down imaging fish finder in 2023 device for you!
Finished in a 7-inch widescreen display, Humminbird 410940-1 HELIX 7 CHIRP MDI Finder provides various split-screen options. Inclusively, its TFT 800 by 480 color resolution makes up for vivid and high contrasting image view.
Humminbird has outdone themselves in regards to depth coverage with their HELIX 7 MDI fish finder. This allows the fisher a phenomenal 125 feet below and dual side coverage of the boat. Additionally, the high-quality coverage is increasingly detailed to make up for closer to reality view.
Next, let’s take a look at the mapping customizability offered in this device. Featuring a pre-installed Humminbird Basemap, you can confidently spot fish hotspots and navigate towards them instantly with the help of the 10,000 plus maps available.
Moreover, the AutoChart Live feature allows the fisher to create and mark their real-time maps and record their depth contours and vegetation for up to eight hours. The navionics compatibility of the HELIX 7 G3 fishfinder supports detailed cartography as well.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
With its magnificent side imaging fish finder technology, Humminbird 410940-1 HELIX 7 CHIRP MDI (MEGA Down Imaging) GPS G3 Fish Finder has won the hearts of every fisher. This device contains every adored detail which any fish hunter would desire and has been deemed as one of the very best at doing its job.
5. Humminbird PIRANHAMAX 4 DI Down Imaging Fish Finder:
Are you planning to buy a fish finder that is equipped with the very latest technology and does not compromise in any regard? The Humminbird 410160-1 PIRANHAMAX 4 DI (Down Imaging) Fish Finder is the perfect match for your choice and budget.
Let’s start by shedding some light on the construction of this amazing unit. Finished in a 4.3-inch compact screen display, Humminbird PIRAMHAMAX 4 is portable enough to be carried on any excursion trips. Meanwhile, its amazing pixels ensure a vivid image view at all times.
Like every other Humminbird unit, this PIRANHAMAX 4 side view fish finder is also backed by 2D sonar capability. This makes up for increasingly high dual scanning frequencies and offers optimal clarity in the image view displayed.
What is it about the side imaging of Humminbird 410160-1 that makes it worthy of the immense appraisal? The answer to this is in the 320 feet depth coverage of Humminbird PIRANHAMAX 4 offered which provides the fisher with an accurate and detailed view.
With a waterproof rating of IPX7, Humminbird 410160-1 PIRANHAMAX 4 DI (Down Imaging) Fish Finder has a durable construction. Equipped with additional features like a fish alarm indicator and easily zoom in and out, this unit has the perfect answer to every question asked.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
With the moderate cost, it is offered at, Humminbird PIRANHAMAX 4 DI (Down Imaging) Fish Finder best budget side scanning fish finder and surely offers the user with every essential they require to boost their fish hunting experience. Its superb side imaging coverage and detailed quality of the image has left its users in utter awe of it.
6. Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot Side view Fish Finder:
Lowrance has gradually paved its way onto the favorites of many customers through its years of guaranteed performance and quality in its product. Another unit that managed to fulfill this criterion is the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot -a 5-inch fish finder.
As the name states, Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 Splitshot offers a 5-inch display. While this display is compact enough to be deemed as portable, the unit ensures that every crucial piece of information is displayed on it. Moreover, the anti UV construction makes it visible even during extremely sunny days.
Are you tired of tuning your sonar before every hunting expedition? You can free yourself from this hassle with the auto-tuning sonar feature of Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot fishfinder with side imaging. This automatically adjusts the sonar settings based on the change in fishing conditions and circumstances.
Perhaps the most reputed quality of this fish finder is in the CHIRP sonar and side imaging and down imaging coverage technology. These features work together to scan the widest angle of what lies beneath and around the boat. In addition to this, the CHRIP sonar takes care of providing the highest quality and detailed image view.
Finally, let’s discuss its unique fish reveal application that has left the fishers gawking at it. Mixing the CHIRP sonar and imaging technology, fish reveal application efficiently locates fishes in the sea and lights the screen every time it identifies the fish nearby.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
Through its unique and impressive features lowrance side view, Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot – 5-inch Fish Finder also best for side imaging for kayak fish finders it has gradually risen as a tough competitor for other famous brands. Its excellent side imaging and CHIRP sonar combination make it a fantastic side imaging fish finder.
7. Humminbird NAV HELIX 5 Down Imaging Fish Finder:
Are you one of those fishers who are reluctant to compromise on anything when it comes to the performance of your fish hunting trip? If yes then we bring Humminbir NAV HELIX 5 CHIRP DI (Down Imaging) GPS G2 NAV Best Portable down imaging Fish Finder to you to meet your high expectations accurately.
Featuring its own built in accurate GPS technology, you can forget the possibility of you getting lost in the sea with Humminbird 410220-1NAV HELIX 5 CHIRP DI unit. Its ability to correct positions up to 2.5 meters instantly makes it the perfect tool for navigating anywhere.
Measured to be 5 inches, the screen of HELIX 5 is wide enough to display every essential information. Meanwhile, the LED backlight display offers a completely readable view even in the darkest hour of the night, making it suitable for both day and nighttime use.
Humminbird has ensured to install the smartest of features in its NAV CHIRP DI fish finding unit. One of these is the Switchfire technology. This lets the fisher choose between the dual Max and Clear modes offered along with what information they want to see with it on the screen.
It’s about time we talk about the most awaited detail of this fish finder. Using an ultra-thin beam for scanning, Humminbird HELIX 5 produces the most precise and detailed sideway view. Moreover, high-frequency scanning contributes to amazing contouring and image clarity.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
Despite taking some time to get used to, Humminbird NAV HELIX 5 CHIRP DI (Down Imaging) GPS G2 NAV Fish Finder and is useable for best side imaging fish finders and it offers one of the most applauded fishing experiences once learned. Combining the latest technology with adjustable settings, this fish finder has done nothing but satisfied its users since its release.
8. HDS-9 Live Fish Finder
What is a better way to end this list than to do it with a widely adored product released by the most promising brand? Lowrance’s HDS-9 Live – 9-inch Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3 in 1 Transducer is the perfect solution for every fisher looking to achieve the highest sonar technology in a compact finding unit.
Loaded with the most innovative features, the fish reveal the ability of Lowrance HDS-9 has only received affirmative reviews by the users. Through this, you can locate fishes almost immediately using the highly detailed and contrasting underneath view.
In addition to this, the thoughtful real-time ActiveTarget Live sonar lets you track and view the fish’s response to your bait. The high quality and resolution of this view make it not only pleasant to look at but allows the fisher to learn about crucial fish tactics as well.
If you are still somehow not convinced about the high functionality of Lowrance HDS-9 Live – 9-inch Fish Finder then surely its imaging and best side scanning fish finding technology will have you convinced. Utilizing the Active Imaging sonar, Lowrance offers a coverage higher than that of most finders and image quality significantly closer to the actual view underneath and sideways.
Finished in an extremely wide 9-inch display, HDS-9 Live Fish Finder balances the sport of fish hunting and keeping up with news updates in an accurate manner. With its LiveCast smartphone integration, you can casually carry on browsing through your social media applications while the finder does its job of identifying the fishes on the same device.
Pros
Cons
Final Verdict:
Lowrance HDS-9 Live – 9-inch Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3 in 1 Transducer wins over every other device in terms of innovative technology and efficient performance. Although it’s every feature is worthy of nothing but approval, it is specifically its side imaging frequency that has left all heads turning towards it.
Best Side Imaging Fish Finders – Buyer’s GuideÂ
Side imaging fish finders are a valuable tool for anglers who want to find fish in deep water, narrow places, or around structures. The technology behind side imaging scan sonar is complex, but the end result is a clear image of the underwater environment that can help you locate fish.
There are many different brands and models of side imaging fish finders on the market, and it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. This buyer’s guide will help you understand the different features of side imaging fish finders so that you can make an informed decision about which one is best for your needs.
What is Side Imaging?
The Side imaging is a type of sonar that creates a clear image of the underwater environment by sending sound waves out to the sides of the boat. These sound waves bounce off of objects in the water and return to the fish finder, where they are translated into a digital image.Â
Side imaging scan sonar can give you a clear picture of what is happening beneath your boat, even in deep water or in narrow places where it would be difficult to see with traditional sonar. This type of sonar can be very helpful for locating fish because it can show you what kinds of structures they might be hiding around.
Features to Look for in a Side Imaging Fish FinderÂ
When you are shopping for a side imaging fish finder, there are several important features to look for:
Transducer:
First, consider the transducer. The transducer is the part of the unit that emits and receives the sound waves that create the image of what’s beneath the surface. A good transducer will have a wide beam angle and a large coverage area.
Frequency:
The frequency of a side imaging fish finder determines how clear the image will be. A higher frequency will give you a clearer image, but it will also require more power. Most side imaging fish finders have a frequency between 200kHz and 800kHz.
Resolution:
Next, think about resolution. The higher the resolution, the more detail you’ll be able to see in the image.
Power:
The power of a side imaging fish finder determines how far away from your boat it can send sound waves and how deep it can scan. A higher power will give you a better image, but it will also be more expensive. Most side imagers have between 500 watts and 4,000 watts of power.
Display size:
The display size on a side imaging fish finder determines how much detail you will be able to see in the image. A larger display will give you a better view, but it will also be more expensive. Most side imagers have display sizes between 4 inches and 12 inches.
Price
Finally, take price into consideration. Side imaging fish finders can be quite pricey, so be sure to set a budget before you start shopping.
(FAQs) of Best Side Imaging Fish Finders:
What is the difference between Side Imaging and Down Imaging?
As the name suggests, down imaging is used to direct high-frequency beams beneath your boat whereas side imaging directs the beams on both sides of the boat. Side imaging is essential when scanning in shallower water meanwhile down imaging suits fishers willing to go vertically deeper in the sea.
Is Side Imaging worth it?
Although it adds quite a bit to the overall cost of the fish finder, Side imaging is definitely worth the money spent on it. Once it is learned and comprehended by the user, this imaging is sure to increase the number of fish hotspots identified by a high mark and ultimately lead to a better fish catch.
What’s better down imaging or side imaging?
Side imaging is more useful for fishers hunting in shallow water horizontally whereas down imaging is more suitable for vertically deep fish finding movement.
Who Has the Best Side Imaging Fish Finders?
The aforementioned list states the best side imaging fish finders but our top three favorites include Humminbird HELIX 10 CHIRP SI MEGA G2N, Garmin EchoMap Plus 73SV, and Garmin Striker Plus 9SV fish finder.
Who Has the Best down Imaging?
This decision depends on a variety of factors but some of the very best down imaging fish finders are Garmin Echomap, Humminbird 410210-1 HELIX 5, Raymarine Dragonfly, and Lowrance HDS-7 fish finder.
Conclusion:
Given the numerous products available guaranteeing the best side imaging fish finder 2023 in technology, the decision on selecting the best fish finder for side imaging and you can turn out to be quite confusing.
To help make you this decision and prevent you from spending on a unit that compromises any other essential besides side imaging capability, we have enlisted down the best fish finders. Now, the decision is upon you to pick your favorite unit from these.
Tom Banton had 15 years of experience in fishing. When he was 16, he started fishing through old fashion, so now times have passed, so digital fish finder has come into the market and converted into digital fishing. He used lots of experience catch lots more fish through fish finders, and now tom started blogging on fishing and is now a Successful blogger too!