If you want to get an advanced view of the structures underwater when you are fishing , side imaging is what you need. When well used, this handy feature makes it super easy to pinpoint rich fishing locations and, therefore, simplify your fishing experience.
But, there is multiple fish finder manufacturers out there; there are quite a few imaging technologies out there in the world. In that regard, if you’re looking for the best side imaging fish finder for sale, you need to look into our recommended prospects.
Now, todays’ best side imaging fish finder reviews are broken down into the following sections:
- A rundown of top fish finders with side imaging
- An honest look at the options available in store for you
- Important factors you should consider when making your purchase
- Details about which side imaging fish finder is the best bet for you
Best Side Imaging Fish Finder for Sale
You need not have to shoot blanks when you’re out there fishing. The following chart below shows our expert ranking on various product choices so you can make a fast and informed choice.
| Ranking | Image | Model | Dimensions | Weight | Check Price |
| 1 |   |
Humminbird 4096401 | 8.5 x 6 x 4 inches | 4.14 pounds | View Product On Amazon |
| 2 | Lowrance Gen2 HDS9 | 15.6 x 10 x 11.7 inches | 12.36 pounds | View Product On Amazon | |
| 3 |   |
Garmin Striker 7SV | 9.3 x 2.3 x 5.5 inches | 1.7 pounds | View Product On Amazon |
| 4 | Humminbird HELIX5 410210 | 1.1 x 7.5 x 4.3 inches | 2.5 pounds | View Product On Amazon | |
| 5 | Dragonfly Raymarine | 13.8 x 13.8 x 13.8 inches | 8.8 pounds | View Product On Amazon | |
| 6 |   |
Garmin echoMAP 75sv | 2 x 9.8 x 5.5 inches | 1.7 pounds | View Product On Amazon |
| 7 |   |
Simrad XSE GO7 | 10 x 9 x 8 inches | 7.7 pounds | View Product On Amazon |
7 Best Side Imaging Fish Finder for Kayak Reviewed
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Humminbird 409640-1
Quick summary:
- It uses the most innovative and cutting edge technology
- It maximizes your catching rate
- The leader in fish finders, depth sounders
Popular for its additional-wide screen that sits at 15 inches, this finder provides you with 480×800 worth of resolution. What that means is that you get all the tactical advantage you desire to make sense of what’s under the water.
It comes with a backlit screen that makes usage in the sun really easy. Other models that lack this feature tend to be hand to view under the direct sunlight.
The best part is that this Humminbird fish finder is compact, miniature and lightweight. So, whether you need to stash it in your fishing wader or pack it up in your bags for a trip, you are rest assured that it is portable and mobile to move around easily.
To crown it all up, this unit boasts of two beams that allow you to cover a wider work area without compromising accuracy or focus. That, therefore, means you can employ a whole split screen experience so you can track more than one site at once. Above all, the transducer emits 83K Hz and 200K Hz meant to cover a 200 degrees and 60 degrees area with a depth of up to 100 feet.
Pros
- High quality down imaging achieved through sound waves
- It comes with precision GPS making it easier to determine your location
- Built-in micro SD slot for storing waypoints, default settings and GPS locations
- Convenient 3D chart view for enhanced visibility
- Features a 1-year warranty
Cons
- The screen isn’t as wide and spacious as some of the dimensions offered by competing models and brands
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Lowrance Gen2 HDS-9
You’re bound to enjoy your fishing trip with this award-winning fish finder. The fish finder is no doubt one of the best side imaging for kayak out there.
This unit gives you 180-degree views of the water below your boat because of the high-definition sonar imaging. Using Broadband sounder technology, you can mark structures and game fish from 1 feet to 3000 feet.
The touchscreen helps you find your way through the menus quickly, and preview panels. The device also has multiview splits, allowing you to see many images on one display. This allows you to do many things at the same time,
The fish finder jas a camera and video input, 2-full sized SD card slots and high-speed Ethernet ports. The Lowrance maps employ the latest and top technology in helping you plan your trip. They have waypoint markers, to help you identify, mark and save the best fishing spots.
This fish finder has a real-time structure map that displays what’s happening around you and then gives you a chart for the underwater views.
Pros
- It is durable
- Touch Screen is great
- An Award-winning product
- The product is shipped to many parts of the world
Cons
- No warranty on the product
Learn More About:
The Best Vexilar Flasher Fish Finder for Sale
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Garmin Striker 7SV
Sitting on the 3rd position on our review of the Best side imaging fish finder for sale in 2020 is the Garmin striker 75V.
This Garmin Striker fish sounder will better your fishing experience with its smart features. The device can be easily mounted on your boat. With this device, you are able to view the bottom topography under your boat well and identify the best fishing spots. Then you can mark and save those favorite fishing spots and locate them easily in your future fishing trips.
The fish finder has waypoint maps. The map allows you to view docks, stumps, brush piles and other underwater features. This saves you time by helping you avoid areas without fish. It has a built-in flasher.
The flasher will enhance ice fishing or jigging. Chirp sonar technology in this fish finder provides you with up to date information about what is happening underwater. They come in 3 display sizes, 3, 5, 5 and 7 inches.
Pros
- GPS
- Clear bright charts
- 3 display sizes available
- It is competitively priced
- Unique serial number to secure the product against theft and fraudulent use
Cons
- The item does not ship to many parts of the world
- It lacks complete mapping capabilities
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Humminbird HELIX5 410210-1
Humminbird HELIX works great in both salty and freshwaters. Installation is simple because ity comes with a user manual. The fish finder has double display modes. The screen of this fish finder has a perfect color display, in addition to the backlight.
It uses Chirp Sonar technology providing you with better and advanced images, perfect depth capabilities and less clutter. The fish finder has 2D sonar imaging.
One of the reasons why this unit made our list of best side imaging fish finder for sale is its depth capability of 1500 feet.
It provides temperature, turbulence, and water depth details. Sonar DualBeam Plus helps you identify clearly what is under water, helping you find the perfect fishing spots.
The Selective Fish ID feature allows you to detect small, medium, large and all fishes. On the other hand, the sonar recording feature allows you to rewind and view past spots. Plus, the device has a circular flasher enabling you to do stationary and ice fishing easily.
Pros
- Perfect depth finder
- Super affordable
- The unit can save multiple waypoints, routes and tracks
- The fish finder is waterproof but it should not be exposed to salty waters for long periods.
Cons
- No side imaging or down imaging
- No touchscreen technology
- List Element
Learn More About:
Best Fish Finder for Kayak under $100
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Dragonfly Raymarine
Increase your fishing chances by letting this fish finder locate fish for you. The fish finder provides you with real-time fishing experience.
With the Dragonfly fish finder at hand. You’re able to get better fishing targets. It boats of plenty features including a built-in-GPS system, a Wifi, a transducer, and , Navionics charts. It is simple to operate the device. It is available in 4”, 5” and 7” models.
With a dragonfly fish finder, you can perform high-speed bottom tracking. Chirp Down Vision provides you with fantastic views of the underwater, with bright and clear images.
Chirp technology allows sonar signals to be transmitted into the fishing waters. A built-in GPS navionics technology will provide you with easy-to-follow charts.
Even better… You have fantastic views in all weather conditions. It has a Wi-fish app. The built-in Wifi will enable you to connect your fish finder to your smartphone or tablet and stream fishing data on them.
Pros
- The item is shipped internationally
- Wifi connection
- Does fine in all weather conditions
Cons
- No Bluetooth connection
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Garmin EchoMAP 75sv
The Garmin echoMap fish finder is a professional fishing device. With this fish finder at hand, you are able to focus on fishing as it gives you real-time information on your fishing trip. It is a simple device to install and use.
The 7-inch screen has an adjustable automatic backlight. This allows you to get clear scans of sonars on the water. The internal GPS allows positioning and tracking to be easy. You can mark important waypoints and return to them later.
This affords you the chance to mark and track your most loved fishing spots. You will get super clear images of the sides of your boat with this fish finder.
With no doubt, we label this the best side imaging fish finder for kayak. The Garmin echoMap fish finders are available in 3.5-inch, 5-inch, and 7-inch sizes. This fish finder saves digital data which can later be played back on a computer. When you buy this device you will receive a transducer hardware, data/powercable, a protective cover, user manual and an adapter and a flush mount.
Pros
- Clear and bright images
- The item is shipped internationally
Cons
- No Bluetooth or Wifi connections
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Simrad XSE GO7
Last on this list of best side imaging fish finder for sale is the Simrad. If you desire na fish finder with the latest state-of-the-art technology, then Simrad is what you need to get.
It has a 7-inch display touch screen with led backlight. Its waypoint Management & Chartplotter Navigation features allow you to pick charts that you want. They also help you record various destinations.
You are able to name and mark waypoints, making it simple to remember and track them all in the future. Its sonar offers correct real-time depth tracking and a history of depth reviews. It also provides a view of the waters ahead of your fishing trip.
Tripintel technology allows you to track and display important fishing information to help you have a successful and safe fishing trip. With Tripintel technology, chart all your previous trips, fuel range among other details.
It comes with high-speed GPS. You can customize the home screen with features you frequently use. The Bluetooth and Wifi features allows you connect your fish finder to your phone or tablet.
Pros
- GO7 Simrad XSE Fishfinder
- Bluetooth and Wifi
- Detailed charts
- Touchscreen
Cons
- Does not ship to some parts of the world
Buying Guide – Side Imaging Fish Finders
When it comes to the issue of sonar technology , side imaging is probably the most advanced feature you’ll ever come across. This is because, using the images collected under water; you can access with ease an uninterrupted image of your area of target. But in order for that to happen, you need to first of all invest in the best side imaging fish finders of 2020 and here’s how to go about finding the best deal on the markets.
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Your Fishing Boat
Generally, most fish finders are designed for use in motor botas, bass boats, and vessels of similar shape/design. If you’d therefore, want to use your unit on an fishing kayak, it’s always important to note that some modifications may be needed.
Lucky for you, there are many different guides available freely online (including YouTube videos) and you can always refer to them in order to make the most out of your fishing gear.
Most side sounder shared today are some of the best side imaging fish finder for kayak you will ever find online.
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Transducer
One of the most special attributes of side imaging technology is that it uses a transducer to shoot out sound waves in 2 ways. This way, you can scan a larger surface than you would with the use of down imaging technology.
Not all fish finders feature transducers. So, it’s important to double-check that your chosen unit comes with a transducer, otherwise, you’ll find yourself ordering for a new transducer and that results in spending more $$$$ and waiting more days.
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Screen Size
If you purchase an old model, chances are that you’ll end up with an old-fashioned fish finder with a screen resembling that of an IPhone 4 screen size. On the other hand, modern side imaging fish finders tend to offer larger screens.
Wider screens have proven to be pretty handy at providing accurate readings thanks to a higher resolution and improved color contrast.
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Backlight
Aside using a large screen, using a finder that has a backlit screen makes it a whole lot easier for you to access data even in direct sunlight. Working with a unit that lacks this all-important feature will make it very hard for you to see the screen details and you’d need to go to a dark area to make sense of it. Of course, you don’t want to have such an event happening to you’re in the middle of a lake and that’s why it’s important to only settle for a backlit-screen model.
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Frequency
Last on things to consider while choosing side imaging fish finder for sale is the power and frequency of the fish finders. The factors here totally depend on your style of fishing. If you like fishing in deep waters, then a 50kHz unit would be ideal. On the other hand, if looking for a 200 kHz then it’d be ideal to try fishing in shallow reservoirs. As far as power is concerned, usually the rule is that, the greater the wattage, the better.
Which Is Best For You?
All the side imaging fish locators that made it to this list are worth the hype – no doubt. But, when our experts spent time examining each one of them, they discovered huge differences. At the end of the day, the Humminbird 409640-1 Helix bagged the top position as one offering the best value for money. That said, the Lowrance HDS-9 Gen2 Finder stands out as a high-quality package. So if you’re a pro we’d highly recommend giving it a try.
Final Thoughts
You shouldn’t go your next outdoor fishing trip without your fish sounder. This piece of technology gives you an unmatched advantage that the fishes in the water only dream of having.
The device eavesdrops on the school underneath so you know where to cast and always get big fishes every time. Just focus on getting yourself high-quality unit that supplies you with reliable data. Remember, not all units come with a transducer, so be sure to confirm this fact before finalizing your purchase.
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