Ever cast your line into the water and wondered what treasures or hidden structures lie just beyond your view? Imagine painting a detailed picture of the lake or ocean floor right on your screen. That’s the magic of a Side Scan Fish Finder! These amazing tools let you see what’s lurking to the left and right of your boat, not just directly below.
But let’s be honest: picking the perfect Side Scan can feel like navigating a maze. Do you need high frequency or low frequency? How important is resolution? Many boaters get stuck choosing between features, fearing they’ll buy the wrong gear and miss out on the best fishing spots or important underwater details.
Don’t worry! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the key features, explain the technology in simple terms, and show you exactly what to look for. By the end, you will feel confident choosing a Side Scan that fits your budget and your fishing style perfectly.
Top Side Scan Fish Finder Recommendations
- easy-to-use 7” color fishfinder with new vivid scanning sonar color palettes to easily distinguish fish and structure
- supports garmin chirp traditional sonar plus chirp clearvü and chirp sidevü scanning sonars (requires compatible transducer)
- high-sensitivity gps to mark waypoints, create routes and view your boat’s speed
- includes built-in quickdraw contours mapping
- wi-fi connectivity allows you to connect to the activecaptain app with compatible smartphone to transfer waypoints, receive smart notifications (including software update notifications) and access the garmin quickdraw community
- MEGA Side & Down Imaging Technology: View fish, structures, and contours 125 feet on either side of your boat and 125 feet directly beneath your watercraft with 3x more detail than standard imaging sonar; Transducer included
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar: Delivers views of fish arches and fish-holding structure with two ways to search — Wide Mode for maximum coverage and Narrow Mode for detailed scanning; Precise 2D target separation powered by Low-Q transducer
- Enhanced GPS Navigation: Equipped with Humminbird Basemap, this chartplotter includes coverage of 10,000+ lakes and continental U.S. coastlines; Compatible with premium LakeMaster, CoastMaster, and Navionics charts
- Real-Time Mapping: AutoChart Live creates maps of depth contours, bottom hardness, and vegetation while boating with eight hours of built-in recording time; Compatible with AutoChart Zero Line SD cards for expanded mapping capacity
- Reliable Keypad Control: User-friendly menu system operated by softkey controls allows reliable operation in any weather conditions; Access pre-loaded views and settings through intuitive button interface
- 9-INCH TOUCHSCREEN DISPLAY: Bright, responsive interface designed for intuitive control and easy navigation
- 83/200 HDI TRANSDUCER: Provides CHIRP sonar and DownScan Imaging for clear views of fish and structure
- C-MAP DISCOVER CHARTS: Preloaded coastal and inland maps with detailed coverage and smart routing features
- INTEGRATED GPS AND CONNECTIVITY: Built-in GPS with Wi-Fi and NMEA 2000 support for seamless system integration
- RADAR AND AUTOPILOT READY: Expandable to include Simrad radar and autopilot systems for enhanced control and safety
- CHIRP Down Imaging: Filters out visual noise and clutter for a clear view beneath your boat; CHIRP Digital Sonar processing delivers detailed imaging to simplify fish finding
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar: Delivers views of fish arches and fish-holding structure with two ways to search — Wide Mode for maximum coverage and Narrow Mode for detailed scanning; Precise 2D target separation powered by Low-Q transducer
- Enhanced GPS Navigation: Equipped with Humminbird Basemap, this chartplotter includes coverage of 10,000+ lakes and continental U.S. coastlines; Compatible with premium LakeMaster, CoastMaster, and Navionics charts
- Real-Time Mapping: AutoChart Live creates maps of depth contours, bottom hardness, and vegetation while boating with eight hours of built-in recording time; Compatible with AutoChart Zero Line SD cards for expanded mapping capacity
- Reliable Keypad Control: User-friendly menu system operated by softkey controls allows reliable operation in any weather conditions; Access pre-loaded views and settings through intuitive button interface
- Includes transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP clearer scanning sonar
- Built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software lets you create and store maps with 1’ contours for up to 2 million acres
- Built-in GPS lets you mark waypoints, create routes and view boat’s speed
- Bright, Sunlight-readable 5” display and intuitive user interface
- Rugged design for every fishing environment
- Easy-to-use 7” color fishfinder with new vivid scanning sonar color palettes to easily distinguish fish and structure; tilt/swivel bailmount bracket included
- Includes a GT20 transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar
- High-sensitivity GPS to mark waypoints, create routes and view your boat’s speed
- Includes built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping
- Wi-Fi connectivity allows you to connect to the ActiveCaptain app with compatible smartphone to transfer waypoints, receive smart notifications (including software update notifications) and access the Garmin Quickdraw Community
- Keypad control: Master HELIX at the touch of a button. Access the pre-loaded views from the user-friendly menu system, operated by softkey controls that allow you to reliably operate your fish finder in any conditions.
- CHIRP Side Imaging: Filter out noise and clutter for a clearer view of the world below and out to each side of your boat. CHIRP Digital Sonar processing of Side Imaging sonar means that you'll see fish and structure to the left and right of your boat, so you can spend less time searching and more time catching.
- CHIRP Down Imaging: Filter out noise and clutter for a clear view beneath your boat. CHIRP Digital Sonar processing of Down Imaging sonar means that you'll see great detail to make finding the fish simple and easy.
- Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar: Before you cast, know what's down there thanks to highly-detailed fish arches and a clear view of fish-holding structure and the bottom. Powered by our proprietary, Low-Q CHIRP transducer, Dual Spectrum CHIRP 2D sonar offers two ways to search; Wide Mode for maximum coverage and Narrow Mode for focusing on the slightest detail.
- Internal GPS and Humminbird Basemap: Our enhanced basemap provides you with a clear view of underwater terrain and surrounding points of interest so you can fish and navigate with total confidence. Identify buoys, day markers, hazards, marinas, contours, depth markers and much, much more. Includes charts of more than 10,000 lakes, plus coastal coverage for the continental U.S.
- Includes transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar plus CHIRP clearer scanning sonar
- Built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software lets you create and store maps with 1’ contours for up to 2 million acres
- Built-in Wi-Fi for access to ActiveCaptain app so you can receive smart notifications, access Quickdraw contours community and transfer waypoints and software update notifications
- Built-in GPS lets you mark waypoints, create routes and view boat’s speed
- Bright, Sunlight-readable 7” display and intuitive user interface
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Choosing Your Side Scan Fish Finder
A side scan fish finder is like having underwater eyes. It paints a picture of what is on the bottom and to the sides of your boat. This guide helps you pick the right one for your fishing adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping, focus on these important parts. They make a big difference in what you see.
1. Frequency and Range
- Frequency (MHz): Lower frequencies (like 200kHz) see deeper but show less detail. Higher frequencies (like 455kHz or 800kHz) show amazing detail close to the boat. Pick a model that offers switchable frequencies.
- Side Scan Range: This is how far out from the boat the finder looks. If you fish in big open water, you need a longer range (like 500 feet per side). For small rivers, a shorter range is fine.
2. Display Quality
- Screen Size and Resolution: Bigger, brighter screens with high resolution let you see details clearly, even in bright sun. Look for at least a 7-inch screen for good viewing.
- Color vs. Grayscale: Color screens help separate different types of bottom structure (like mud versus rock) much better than older grayscale models.
3. Transducer Quality and Type
The transducer sends and receives the sound waves. A better transducer sends a clearer signal.
- Transom Mount vs. Thru-Hull: Most recreational boaters use a transom mount (attached to the back). Thru-hull mounts are better for very fast boats or boats where the transom mount won’t work well.
Important Materials and Durability
Your fish finder needs to handle water, sun, and bumps. Quality materials matter.
- Housing Material: Look for sturdy, UV-resistant plastic housings for the display unit. This keeps the screen from cracking or fading in the sun.
- Transducer Cable: The cable connecting the transducer to the unit must be thick and well-insulated. A thin, cheap cable breaks easily when dragged or bent.
- Waterproofing Rating: Check the IP rating. An IPX7 rating means the unit can handle splashes and brief submersion—this is a must-have for any marine electronics.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
What separates a good unit from a great one?
Quality Boosters:
- GPS Integration: Units with built-in GPS let you mark spots where you find great fish or structure. This feature is extremely helpful.
- CHIRP Technology: CHIRP sends a range of frequencies rather than just one. This greatly improves target separation, making it easier to tell a small fish from a piece of bait.
- Software Updates: Brands that regularly update their software often have better performance over time.
Quality Reducers:
- Poor Mounting Hardware: Cheap plastic mounts break quickly. Strong metal hardware keeps your transducer aimed correctly.
- Slow Processing Speed: If the screen lags when you speed up or change views, the internal processor is too slow. This reduces your real-time experience.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to use the finder affects your choice.
For Kayakers and Small Boats:
You need a compact unit with easy battery hookups. Portable kits that include a battery and charger are excellent choices. Focus on excellent down-imaging for close-range detail.
For Trolling and Deep Water Fishing:
Deep-water anglers need powerful low-frequency sonar for maximum depth penetration. GPS mapping capabilities are essential so you can navigate back to your best spots later.
Ease of Use:
Some high-end units have complex menus. If you are new to this technology, choose a brand known for intuitive, easy-to-navigate screens. You want to spend time fishing, not reading a manual.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Side Scan Fish Finders
Q: What is the main difference between a regular fish finder and a side scan?
A: A regular finder looks straight down. A side scan finder uses sound waves that shoot out to the left and right, showing you the bottom structure beside your boat, not just under it.
Q: Do I need GPS with my side scan unit?
A: While not strictly necessary, GPS helps a lot. It lets you save the exact location of fish or good cover so you can return to those exact spots later.
Q: Can side scan units see fish in deep water?
A: Yes, but lower frequencies work better for depth. High frequencies give you better detail near the boat, but they don’t penetrate as deeply.
Q: How do I install the transducer?
A: Most small boats use a transom mount, which screws onto the flat back of the boat. It must be placed in clean water flow so air bubbles do not block the signal.
Q: What does “target separation” mean?
A: Target separation is how well the finder can show two separate objects that are very close together, like showing two fish instead of just one big blob.
Q: Is a color screen worth the extra money?
A: Yes. Color helps you quickly identify different bottom hardnesses and makes interpreting the images much easier than on a black-and-white screen.
Q: Will side scan work in murky or muddy water?
A: Yes, side scan uses sound waves, not light, so it works very well in muddy or dark water where traditional cameras fail.
Q: How often should I clean the transducer face?
A: You should clean the transducer face before every trip. Algae, slime, or mineral deposits block the sound waves and make your image fuzzy.
Q: Can I use one unit on multiple boats?
A: Many modern units use quick-disconnect cables, making it easy to move the head unit between a boat and a kayak, provided you have the correct mounting hardware for each.
Q: What is the best frequency for finding structure?
A: For detailed structure like rocks, stumps, and ledges, use the highest available frequency, usually 800kHz, on the shortest range setting.