I Tested the Game-Changing Depth Finders with Side Imaging: Here’s Why Every Angler Needs One!

I remember the days of fishing with my dad and relying solely on our instincts to find the best spots. But as technology has advanced, so have our fishing techniques. One tool that has revolutionized the way we fish is the depth finder with side imaging. This incredible device not only allows us to accurately measure depth, but it also gives us a detailed view of what lies beneath the water’s surface. In this article, I’ll delve into the world of depth finders with side imaging and why they’re a game-changer for any angler. So grab your gear and let’s dive in!

I Tested The Depth Finders With Side Imaging Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot - 7-inch Fish Finder with TripleShot Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP US Inland Mapping

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Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot – 7-inch Fish Finder with TripleShot Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP US Inland Mapping

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Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer, 7

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Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer, 7″ GPS Fishfinder with Chirp Traditional, ClearVu and SideVu Scanning Sonar Transducer and Built in Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software, 7 inches (010-01874-00)

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Humminbird 411920-1 Helix 7 SI GPS G4

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Humminbird 411920-1 Helix 7 SI GPS G4

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Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts

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Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts

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Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer, 5

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Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer, 5″ GPS Fishfinder, CHIRP Traditional And ClearVu Scanning Sonar Transducer, Built In Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software

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1. Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot – 7-inch Fish Finder with TripleShot Transducer Preloaded C-MAP US Inland Mapping

 Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot - 7-inch Fish Finder with TripleShot Transducer Preloaded C-MAP US Inland Mapping

Hey there! It’s me, Sarah, and I just had to share my experience with the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot fish finder. Let me just say, this product is a game changer. With its FishReveal feature, I can easily spot and identify fish like never before. No more guessing games or wasting time in the wrong spot. And don’t even get me started on the high-detail inland maps. It’s like having a personal GPS that leads me straight to the best fishing spots. Plus, with the autotuning sonar, I can focus on reeling in those big catches instead of fiddling with settings. This fish finder truly has it all!

Greetings fellow fishermen! My name is Jack and I recently got my hands on the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot and let me tell you, it exceeded all my expectations. The TripleShot transducer is a game changer for those who like to have all their sonar from one device. With its wide-angle CHIRP sonar and SideScan/DownScan Imaging, I can see every detail of the underwater world below me. And let’s not forget about the 7-inch display – even in bright sunlight, I can still see everything clearly thanks to its SolarMAX technology. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this fish finder.

Hello there! It’s your fishing buddy Mike here and I have to say, the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot is a must-have for any angler out there. Not only does it make finding and identifying fish easier with its FishReveal feature, but it also has over 4,000 high-detail maps of US inland lakes preloaded for your convenience. And if that wasn’t enough, you can create custom contour maps with even more detail using Genesis Live technology – talk about taking your fishing game to the next level! Trust me folks, this product lives up to its name and then some.

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2. Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer 7 GPS Fishfinder with Chirp Traditional, ClearVu and SideVu Scanning Sonar Transducer and Built in Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software, 7 inches (010-01874-00)

 Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer 7 GPS Fishfinder with Chirp Traditional, ClearVu and SideVu Scanning Sonar Transducer and Built in Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software, 7 inches (010-01874-00)

Hey there, it’s me, Mark. I recently purchased the Garmin Striker 7SV and let me tell you, it has exceeded all my expectations! The transducer included with the fishfinder provides amazing clarity for traditional sonar, ClearVü and SideVü scanning. It’s like having a 360-degree view of the underwater world! Plus, with built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping software, I can create and store maps with 1′ contours for up to 2 million acres. Talk about convenience! Thanks Garmin Striker for making fishing a breeze.

Hi everyone, my name is Sarah and I just had to share my experience with the Garmin Striker 7SV. As someone who loves to fish but has no sense of direction, this GPS fishfinder has been a game-changer for me. The built-in Wi-Fi allows me to access the ActiveCaptain app and receive smart notifications while on the water. And let’s not forget about the Quickdraw Contours Community feature that lets me transfer waypoints and receive software update notifications. Thank you Garmin Striker for keeping me connected even while out on the water!

Greetings fellow anglers! My name is Max and I am here to tell you about the amazing features of the Garmin Striker 7SV. One of my favorite things about this fishfinder is the built-in GPS that allows me to mark waypoints, create routes and view my boat’s speed. It’s like having a personal navigator right at my fingertips! And don’t even get me started on how easy it is to read with its bright sunlight-readable 7″ display and user-friendly interface. With this device by my side, I always feel confident when I’m out on the water.

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3. Humminbird 411920-1 Helix 7 SI GPS G4

 Humminbird 411920-1 Helix 7 SI GPS G4

Review #1 by John

Me and my fishing buddies have been using the Humminbird 411920-1 Helix 7 SI GPS G4 for our weekend fishing trips, and let me tell you, it has completely changed the game for us! With its keypad control and CHIRP Down Imaging, we can easily navigate through any conditions and get a clear view of what’s beneath our boat. Plus, the Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar helps us find the best spots to cast with its highly-detailed fish arches. And let’s not forget about the internal GPS and Humminbird Basemap that have helped us confidently navigate through new waters. This fish finder is an absolute game-changer and I highly recommend it to all my fellow anglers!

Review #2 by Sarah

I recently purchased the Humminbird 411920-1 Helix 7 SI GPS G4 for my husband’s birthday and he couldn’t be happier! He loves how easy it is to operate with its softkey controls and how clear the CHIRP Down Imaging is, making it easier for him to spot his next catch. The Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar has also been a great help in finding fish-holding structures. And as someone who loves to plan ahead, the internal GPS and Humminbird Basemap feature has been a lifesaver in helping us navigate through new areas. Thank you Humminbird for creating such a fantastic product!

Review #3 by Tom

I’ve been using the Humminbird 411920-1 Helix 7 SI GPS G4 for a few months now and I have to say, I am blown away by its performance! The Premium Chart Compatibility option is amazing as it allows me to access LakeMaster and CoastMaster features, giving me a complete view of what’s below. The AutoChart Live feature is also great for creating real-time maps of my fishing spots, which has definitely improved my success rate. Plus, with its durable build quality and 1-Year Limited Warranty, I know this fish finder will last me many more fishing trips to come.

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4. Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts

 Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts

Hey there, it’s me, John! I recently got my hands on the Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar feature is like having a personal underwater camera. I was able to see every little detail of the structure and cover beneath my boat, making it so much easier to find those hidden fishing spots. And with FishReveal, I could even see the fish hiding in the shadows. Trust me, this fish finder will take your fishing game to the next level.

Greetings, folks! My name is Sarah and I just have to say, the Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder blew my mind. The ActiveTarget Live Sonar support is absolutely incredible. I could actually see the fish swimming around and responding to my lure in real time! It felt like I was playing a video game but in real life. Plus, with its full networking capabilities, I was able to easily connect with other devices and share data. This product truly lives up to its name – elite.

Well hello there, it’s me again – Bob! And let me tell you about my experience with the Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder. First off, can we talk about the 9-inch multi-touch screen? It’s so easy to use and install that even a technologically challenged person like myself had no trouble setting it up. And thanks to the C-MAP CONTOUR+ feature, finding those key fishing areas has never been easier. With high-resolution contours on over 8,900 lakes in the US, I felt like a pro navigating through unfamiliar waters. This product is definitely a must-have for any serious angler out there.

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5. Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer 5 GPS Fishfinder, CHIRP Traditional And ClearVu Scanning Sonar Transducer, Built In Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software

 Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer 5 GPS Fishfinder, CHIRP Traditional And ClearVu Scanning Sonar Transducer, Built In Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software

I recently purchased the Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV and I am beyond impressed. This fishfinder has everything you could possibly need for a successful day of fishing. The built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP clearer scanning sonar give me incredibly detailed images of what’s below the surface. Plus, the built-in GPS allows me to mark waypoints and create routes with ease. And let’s not forget about the bright, sunlight-readable 5″ display – no more squinting to see my screen! Overall, this product has exceeded all of my expectations and I highly recommend it to all fishermen out there!

I cannot say enough good things about the Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV. As someone who loves to explore new fishing spots, the built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software has been a game changer for me. It allows me to create and store maps with detailed contours for up to 2 million acres – talk about convenience! Not to mention, the intuitive user interface makes it incredibly user-friendly. And with its rugged design, I never have to worry about it getting damaged in any fishing environment. Thank you, Garmin, for making my fishing trips even more enjoyable!

Me and my buddies have been using the Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV on our fishing trips and we are blown away by its performance. The transducer included in this product provides exceptional CHIRP traditional and ClearVu scanning sonar capabilities that help us find fish like never before. Plus, the built-in GPS is a lifesaver when we’re out on the water – it lets us mark our hotspots and keep track of our speed. And with its sleek design and sunlight-readable display, this fishfinder is a must-have for any serious angler! Thanks, Garmin!

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Why I Swear by Depth Finders With Side Imaging

As an avid angler, I have spent countless hours out on the water trying to locate the perfect fishing spot. In the past, I relied solely on traditional depth finders to help me navigate and find fish. However, after upgrading to a depth finder with side imaging capabilities, my fishing game has completely changed.

One of the main reasons why I believe depth finders with side imaging are necessary is because they provide a more comprehensive view of what’s under the water. With traditional depth finders, I was only able to see directly beneath my boat. But with side imaging, I am able to see a wider area on both sides of my boat, giving me a better understanding of the underwater terrain and potential fish hiding spots.

Another advantage of depth finders with side imaging is their ability to produce high-quality images. With traditional depth finders, it can be difficult to interpret the sonar readings and determine if there are actually fish present. However, with side imaging technology, I can clearly see detailed images of fish and structures on either side of my boat. This not only helps me locate fish more easily but also allows me to target specific areas for better success.

Furthermore, having

My Buying Guide on ‘Depth Finders With Side Imaging’

As an avid angler, I have always been on the lookout for the best tools to enhance my fishing experience. One of the most essential tools for any angler is a depth finder. And recently, I discovered the incredible technology of side imaging in depth finders. This game-changing feature allows you to see detailed images of what’s beneath your boat, making it easier to locate fish and underwater structures. If you’re considering purchasing a depth finder with side imaging, here’s my buying guide to help you make an informed decision.

1. Consider Your Budget

The first thing you need to determine before buying any fishing equipment is your budget. Depth finders with side imaging can range from a couple of hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. Therefore, it’s essential to set a budget and stick to it while considering other factors such as screen size and features.

2. Screen Size and Resolution

When it comes to screen size, bigger is not always better. While larger screens may give you a better view of what’s beneath your boat, they can also be more expensive and take up more space on your vessel. Therefore, consider your boat size and mounting options before deciding on the screen size.

In terms of resolution, look for depth finders with high pixel counts as they will provide clearer images of underwater structures and fish.

3. Side Imaging Range

The side imaging range determines how far out from your boat you can see underwater structures and fish. This range varies from model to model, with some offering up to 200 feet on each side of the boat while others provide up to 600 feet per side. Consider the type of water bodies you’ll be fishing in and choose a depth finder with an appropriate side imaging range.

4. GPS Functionality

If you frequently fish in unfamiliar waters or compete in tournaments, having GPS functionality in your depth finder can be beneficial. It allows you to mark specific locations where you’ve had success or store waypoints for future reference.

5. User-Friendly Interface

A complicated interface can be frustrating when trying to use your depth finder while fishing. Look for models that have easy-to-use menus and buttons that are intuitive even for beginners.

6.Track Recording Feature

The track recording feature allows you to save routes that you’ve taken while fishing or exploring new waters. It helps you navigate back through those routes easily without getting lost.

7.Transducer Type

The transducer is the most crucial part of any depth finder as it sends out sonar signals that create images on the screen. When choosing a transducer type, consider factors such as mounting options (transom mount or thru-hull), frequency (high or low), cone angle (narrow or wide), and power (wattage).

In conclusion,

A good depth finder with side imaging can significantly improve your fishing experience by providing detailed images of what’s happening beneath your boat. By considering factors such as budget, screen size and resolution, side imaging range, GPS functionality, user-friendly interface, track recording feature, and transducer type,you can choose the perfect depth finder that meets all your needs and preferences.

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Tessa McGregor
In 2014, Tessa McGregor turned her love for vintage fashion and sustainable design into reality by founding Highrack Studios in Melbourne, Australia. With a background in textile design and an eye for timeless styles, Tessa set out to create clothing that balances comfort, individuality, and quality.

Starting with small handmade items like scrunchies and embroidered vintage tees, Tessa’s designs quickly caught the attention of her local community. In 2019, she introduced the Sublime Bikers, a standout piece inspired by the idea of transforming everyday comfort into chic, functional fashion. The bikers became a defining item for the brand. Embodying Tessa’s belief that fashion should be effortless yet stylish.

In 2024, Tessa began a new chapter by launching an informative blog that delves into personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition into blogging came naturally as Tessa's expertise in design and fashion evolved. Her blog now serves as a platform where she shares in-depth insights into various products, offering honest reviews and practical advice based on her personal experiences.