Over the last few years fish finder technology has come a long way and keeps getting better and better. There are now a variety of technologies, options, features, screen sizes and brands anglers can choose from more than ever before.
One of the more revolutionary sonar technologies that has hit the market is side imaging. Side imaging basically allows you to scan both sides of your boat up to 400 feet. This can be a valuable tool for finding structure and locating fish, but it’s much more expensive than traditional sonar units.
Which brings up a question many anglers have. Is side imaging worth it and do you really need it?
Side imaging is an extremely effective tool and is well worth the extra cost. Side imaging allows you to scan huge areas quickly, find key spots, structure, baitfish or even the fish you are targeting. Instead of looking at a small sonar beam below the boat with traditional sonar, side imaging enables you to see both sides of your boat giving you visibility all around you.
If you are out there looking at fishing finders and are trying to decide if side imaging is something worth investing in, then this post is for you.
In this article you’ll learn:
- What side imaging is
- The Pro’s & Con’s
- The difference between down imaging and side imaging
- Some side imaging tips and tricks
- As well as other information that will help you decide if side imaging is right fit for you
Let’s dive in.
What is Side Imaging?
Before we get started, let’s first discuss what side imaging is. Side imaging is an ultra-thin beam that scans areas horizontally up to 400 feet on each side of your boat. It basically allows you to graph on both sides of your boat up to 800 feet. This can give you an incredible view of what’s down below and locate key structure and fish.
Is Side Imaging Right for You?
We as anglers have a ton of options when it comes to sonar technologies, there is traditional 2d sonar, down imaging, side imaging, Humminbird 360, live scope as well as many others. Each one is a tool that we can utilize to help us find and catch more fish.
In an ideal world most anglers would choose to have the biggest screens with the latest high-tech units with all the bells and whistles (I know I would). However, for most anglers that’s simply not realistic or at least not very practical.
Most average anglers (including myself) have to decide what technologies are worth investing in and if it fits their style of fishing and falls within their budget.
Side imaging is a great example of this. I myself have asked as well as many other anglers if side imaging is worth the extra money you need to spend.
In my opinion if you fish a lot and have either a boat or kayak side imaging is absolutely worth investing in. It will take a little bit of time and effort to be able to understand and use the tool properly, but it will pay off huge dividends down the road.
However, I realize that side imaging might not be right fit for every angler. Let’s talk more about the advantages, disadvantages, and cost to side imaging and why it may or may not be the right for you.
Cost
First let’s look at the cost difference between units that have side imaging vs the ones that don’t. I’ve done some research and put together the following information that compares similar fish finders that have down imaging only vs side imaging.
Although there are a lot of brands and different options out there this will help you get an idea of how much more you should expect to pay for side imaging.
| Brand (Unit) | Down Imaging Only (DI) | Side Imaging (SI+DI) |
| Humminbird Helix 5 G2 | $349.99 (CHIRP DI GPS) | $499.99(CHIRP SI GPS) |
| Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3 | $549.99 | $699.99 |
| Humminbird Helix 12 GPS G4N | $2099.99 (MDI GPS G4N) | $2499.99 (MSI+GPS G4N) |
Based on my research on average you should expect to pay $200-$400 extra for fish finders that have side imaging. Keep in mind that you will typically also get down imaging and other features as well.
If you are on a tight budget and just need a basic depth finder than side imaging is probably not the right fit for you. However, if you can spend a couple extra hundred dollars it’s well worth the upgrade.
Pro’s & Cons of Side Imaging
Before you decide if side imaging is right for you it’s also important to understand what are the benefits that you are paying for and if there are any limitations.
Here is a look at some of the main advantages and disadvantages of side imaging:
Benefits of Side Imaging
- Scans the water horizontally on each side of your boat
- Allows you to quickly scan more water and find structure
- Better picture
- Helps you to easily find structure
- Side imaging units typically include down imaging and other features
Disadvantages of Side Imaging
- More expensive
- Does not give a great image of things directly below your boat
- Must be operated at slow moving speeds (3-5 mph)
The main downside of side imaging is the extra cost. As I stated previously it’s around $300 dollars more expensive than units that just have down imaging. The other downside is that it’s only effective when you are moving at slower speeds (3-5) miles an hour. Anything less or more than that you’ll struggle getting a clear image.
On the other hand, as you can see in the comparison above there are several benefits that side imaging will give you. The major benefit and one that makes the extra cost worth it is the ability to quickly find productive fishing areas. With down imaging or regular 2d sonar it would take you more than twice as long to graph the same areas.
Side imaging allows you to quickly scan for vegetation, rock piles, fish, and other key structures. You can do this way more efficiently and with better clarity. This is especially true if you buy a newer generation of fish finder.
In summary, side imaging is a more expensive technology and requires your boat to be moving at an ideal speed of 3-5 mph. The benefits of being able to find areas and fish more quickly and efficiently makes buying a unit with side imaging well worth the extra cost for most anglers.
Side Imaging vs Down Imaging
Another common question many anglers have when deciding on what fish finder they should get is about side imaging vs down imaging. What’s the difference and do you need both?
Let’s take a look at these two technologies:
Side Imaging
Fish finders that have side imaging allows you to scan the water horizontally on each side of your boat. This gives you the ability to scan a larger area more quickly. Side imaging is most effective when your boat is moving at 3-5 mph. It’s typically much more expensive than down imaging only units.
Down Imaging
Down imaging displays everything that is happening directly under the boat. They typically come at a much cheaper cost and they are simpler to use. Down imaging is a great tool when you just want to look below you.
For more information about these two sonar technologies check out this article: Down Imaging vs. Side Imaging: Differences and Similarities
Side Imaging Tips & Tricks
Side imaging is a great tool that can be used by anglers to find key areas and fish. If you do decide to buy a unit that has side imaging, you’ll find out there is a little bit of a learning curve to get it dialed in.
Here are some tips and tricks that will help you understand how it works and what to look for when you are graphing.
Side Imaging FAQ
Can You See Fish on Side Imaging?
Side imaging will allow you to identify and see fish on your fish finder. With the right settings and a little bit of training you’ll be able to easily identify individual fish as well as big schools. Most brands also offer side sonar imaging that shows larger individual fish as little white lines or streaks on the screen.
For tips on how to identify fish on side imaging check out this video by Tactical Bassin: Side Imaging Tricks to Actually See Fish.
How Deep Does Side Imaging Work?
The depth in which your side imaging transducer can reach might vary depending on the unit and brand of fishing finder you have. In general, you should except most side imaging units to allow detailed images of the bottom from up to 150 feet deep.
Does Side Imaging Work in Shallow Water?
Side imaging sonar will work in as little as two feet of water for most brands and units. They will also allow you to view details of objects 50-100 feet away from the boat. In general, the further away the object is from your boat the less detail you’ll be able to get.
Do I need Side Imaging?
If you fish a lot and you have the budget to spend a few extra hundred dollars then I think side imaging is definitely something you need to get. Side imaging will help you save a ton of time when looking for fish and will make you a much more efficient and confident angler.
On the other hand, if you don’t fish as often and want to save a little bit of money and keep things simple, traditional sonar or down imaging might be the best fit for you. With that being said I would highly recommend getting a unit that has side imaging if you are looking to buy a new one.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to selecting the right fish finder anglers have a ton of options, screen sizes, features, brands, and technologies to choose from.
One of the most important advancement in sonar technology is side imaging. If you are still considering whether it’s right for you or not, I would highly recommend taking the leap and picking up a good unit that has side imaging. Side imaging is well worth the extra cost.
Side imaging will make you a more efficient and productive angler, help you eliminate water, find key structure and areas, and help you maximize your time on the water.
I hope you have found this article to be insightful and that it helps you make the right sonar decision for your budget and style of fishing.