Original Article: Side Scan Fish Finder – Top 5 of 2020
The ability to understand the water in which you are fishing is especially important to successful fishing and can make the difference between catching anything or nothing. When you understand the factors of an area you increase your chances of getting on the fish through means of understanding where they are and what cover you can find in the water.
Fishing different setups may require different depths and even water temperature which makes having a side scan fish finder a great asset to your gear.
Fish finders started as a black sonar tube that you hung over the side of your boat. I used one as a child and it always helped understand the lake bottom. With today’s technology, we can see environmental factors of a body of water in greater detail.
Most side scan fish finders also come equipped with great GPS features for getting to areas that you have never been. GPS allows you to plot a course and stay on point when trolling or making fishing runs of any kind which makes your fishing more fun with great precision.
The amount of detail of a side-scan fish finder depends on the brand but for the most part, they are all similar. When looking for a new fish finder, consider how you fish.
My favorite form of fishing from a boat is trolling so I like a fish finder that marks my location transparently so I can see the depth chart underneath me. This helps me stay on point when trying to maintain deeper water.
Bass fishing may require less emphasis on depth but rather terrain of the lake bottom. If you primarily fish for bass and other cover loving fish, then a side scan fish finder with detail would be best.
One thing to keep in mind is that some maps and depth charts will need to be installed in your fish finder. This is often done via SD card and is quite simple to do and these cards are often included in your purchase.
While fish finders used to be “corded” and required physical connection today’s fish finders are often, Bluetooth. The beauty of this is the reach and customization of the display as it is located to the reader itself.
Side scan fish finders are abundant, and all offer different benefits for fishing it is only a matter of what you want most in your fishing.
Fish finders can range from expensive to very reasonable depending on brand, make, and model. Do not let that discourage you though since there are many models that are very reasonable.
Here we will look at a few products out there and why they are great choices and a few reasons they might not be.
Hummingbird HELIX-7 CHIRP MSI
The Hummingbird HELIX-7 is a great fish finder for emphasis on sonar while still being capable of GPS and depth monitoring. The sleek design means it will not be obnoxious on your boat and can still perform with other competitors.
This fish finder will reach up to 125 feet below your boat making it a great choice for deepwater runs and lake bottom exploring.
The CHIRP feature allows you to scan a wide area very well and you can also concentrate on a smaller area with “narrow mode” for clear precision.
As with many other side-scanning fish finders, this model also monitors turbulence and other environmental factors to help you in all aspects of your fishing.
FEATURES
- CHIRP Technology
- Depth Charts
- GPS
- Easy Mount Bracket
- Customizable views
- Reads up to 125 feet
- Plottable GPS
- Not Bluetooth compatible
Lowrance HOOK 2 5-Inch Fish Finder
The Lowrance HOOK 2 is a good all-around choice for those who do are looking to save a little money. This side scan fish finder offers good scanning reach and a good GPS for tracking your location.
One thing that we find neat about this fish finder is its ability to scan very accurately with an auto-tuning feature built in.
This fish finder is great for smaller watercraft with limited room for bulkier units. It is extremely popular amongst those who kayak and raft due to its small size and durable build.
The Lowrance HOOK 2 also comes with over 1000 inland lakes already mapped and charted making it great for setting up and going with little hassle. You can zoom in on these pre-loaded maps and see great details such as structures and cover for fish that has been charted previously.
With that kind of detail, it is easy to see why this fish finder is so popular.
This model is only 5 inches but there are several other models available ranging from 7-inches to 12-inches.
FEATURES
- Pre-loaded maps
- Multiple View Screen
- Available in larger sizes
- SD card for map upgrades
- Great clarity in screen
- Pre-loaded maps are incredibly detailed
- Triple Shot transducer for an angled view
- GPS screen is limited
- 5-inch model has limited views
Garmin Striker 7SV
Garmin has been making GPS and mapping equipment for many years and has a reputation for quality.
The versatility of the Striker 7SV finder is abundant and can even be used for ice fishing applications.
This fish finder model is only available in 3.5-inch, 5-inch, and 7-inch display, making it a small unit. However, a smaller unit may be beneficial in some situations in a smaller watercraft with limited room.
The GPS of this fish finder is on par with other brands of a similar make and can plot courses and track locations as needed.
The button layout is simple and easy to use and can be preset to perform different tasks to further customize it to your fishing style.
FEATURES
- GPS Tracking
- CHIRP sonar
- Built-in flasher
- Available in different size displays
- Clear Display
- Flasher is great for jigging
- CHIRP sonar for clear tracking
- Small variety of display sizes
Lawrence Hook Reveal 7X
The Reveal 7X offers a great abundance of features that can be utilized well in lake fishing.
This fish finder uses triple shot technology which allows great imaging of the area around your boat as well as directly underneath your boat.
This fish finder also offers a self-tuning feature that will let you spend more time fishing and less calibrating your fish finder.
The menu operation of this device is quite simple, and it is also programmable to an extent.
The GPS plotting in this unit is particularly good and it can plot, and reverse navigate you to where you were.
The vibrant display shows in multiple colors and is easy to read in sunlight conditions.
FEATURES
- Triple Shot technology
- GPS navigation and plotting
- Colorful display for great viewing
- Programmable buttons
- Triple Shot allows great imagery
- Plottable GPS
- Programmable buttons for simple use
- Only one size available
- Bulkier display
Garmin ECHOMAP 9-Inch
The ECHOMAP series is a good all in one and is on the higher end of the cost spectrum.
This side scan fish finder offers many features, however. While this model has a built-in button operation on the right, it is also touchscreen for many features.
This fish finder comes standard with coastal water charts and maps for those who enjoy saltwater and inlet fishing and can be loaded with inland maps as well.
The transducer itself is exceptionally good quality and can make imagery crystal clear in most water conditions.
This finder is also compatible with Panoptix equipment making it very versatile.
This fish finder is larger in size making it difficult for use in smaller watercraft but well worth it if you can.
FEATURES
- CHIRP Sonar technology
- Compatibility with other brands
- Preloaded maps
- UHD display
- Clear display
- Detailed information
- Multi-Brand compatibility
- Preloaded charts are coastal
- Corded design
Things to Consider When Buying
Buying a side scan fish finder is a difficult decision because it is not a light investment. Always consider reviews and feedback of a product before buying and research thoroughly as to whether a fish finder is a good fit for where and how you like to fish. There are quite a few things that you should consider with your decision and we will break down a few key details you should look for in a new fish finder. Largely looking at environmental factors, we can ascertain what will work best.
Cost
We should discuss this factor right out of the gate because a fish finder is a big investment. Decide what your budget is and then look for a fish finder. You will be surprised at how many companies will try to show you products outside your budget right off the bat. Truth is, you can probably get what you need for fishing your way, for your price.
What Do I Need?
Ask yourself what features you need for your fishing before asking yourself what you want. We all want a top of the line fish finder that can read carp on the other side of the continent but start with asking yourself what you need. For me here in Montana, I required GPS, Side Scanning, Temperature, and the ability to read at least 100 feet down. Everything else was “bells and whistles” to me. Try to get everything you need within your budget and see what you have left.
Always for Weather Resistance
While most brands are waterproof there are a few odd ducks out there that have fish finders that are less water-resistant than their competitors. Even if the fish finder is inside a cabin on your boat, always get it waterproof or your $400 investment might be out the window. Weatherproofing is crucial to any technology you take to the water and this should be at the forefront of your mind when choosing.
Corded vs. Bluetooth
Corded units are nice for the simple fact that they are a charged unit unto themselves whereas their Bluetooth counterparts will need batteries changed or charged separately. Bluetooth is great for limiting bulk in your boat and keeping things simple if you do not mind the need for charging. Bluetooth is also easier to remove the device from the boat for storage. I for one hate when there are cords all over the place in my boat, so I use a Bluetooth unit which I do not mind charging.
You Are on Your Way
Purchasing a side scan fish finder is a great choice to enhance your fishing and with today’s technology it is extremely easy to install and use.
Always read the packaging and care instructions of your fish finder to keep it operational and clean and it will last you for many years. I still use my old stick style fish finder my dad gave me 30 years later thanks to careful care.
When choosing, simply look at what you need for your fishing and see what is out there. If you find a brand you like I urge you to check out the company that makes it to see if there are reviews worth looking at. Often you can learn more about a device by visiting a company website then you can on second-party websites.
Consider power outputs and consumption when choosing a product to see that it fits your boat well. Consider the setup of your trolling motor in terms of power for example. However, you will likely not have a problem there since most side scan fishes finders use little power.
You are on your way to better and more precise fishing with these products and I sincerely hope they help you make memories on the water.