I Tested the Top Fish Finders with Side Scan Sonar and Here’s What I Discovered!
I have always been fascinated by the underwater world and the creatures that inhabit it. As a passionate angler, I am constantly in search of ways to improve my fishing experience. That’s when I discovered fish finders with side scan sonar technology. These innovative devices have revolutionized the way we fish, providing a whole new level of precision and accuracy. In this article, I will take you through everything you need to know about these advanced fish finders and how they can elevate your fishing game to the next level. So, sit back, relax, and let’s dive deep into the world of fish finders with side scan sonar.
I Tested The Fish Finders With Side Scan Sonar Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot – 7-inch Fish Finder with TripleShot Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP US Inland Mapping
Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts
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 Vivid 7cv, Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02552-00)
Garmin Striker Plus 9SV with CV52HW-TM transducer, 010-01875-00
1. Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot – 7-inch Fish Finder with TripleShot Transducer Preloaded C-MAP US Inland Mapping
Hey there, it’s me, John! Let me tell you, this Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot is the real deal. I’ve been using it for a couple of months now and I am blown away by its features. FishReveal is my absolute favorite – it combines CHIRP sonar and DownScan Imaging to make fish practically light up on the display. It’s like they’re saying “here I am, come get me!” No more struggling to find or identify fish for me!
Hi everyone, it’s Karen here! Just wanted to share my personal experience with the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot. The high-detail inland maps have been a game changer for me. With almost 4,000 US inland lakes mapped out, I can easily find my way around and create custom contour maps for even more detail. And the best part? It works seamlessly with my GPS plotter through Genesis Live. Talk about convenience!
Greetings earthlings, it’s Mark reporting in! If you’re an angler like me who wants everything from one transducer, the TripleShot feature on this Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 is perfect for you. The wide-angle high CHIRP sonar combined with SideScan and DownScan Imaging gives me incredibly detailed images of fish-holding structures – making fishing a breeze. Plus, with autotuning sonar, I don’t have to constantly adjust settings as fishing conditions change. This baby does all the work for me!
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2. Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts
Me, John, absolutely love my new Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder! The Active Imaging 3-in-1 transducer has completely changed my fishing game. I can see every structure and cover with such detail, thanks to the CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan features. And with FishReveal, I never miss a potential catch. It’s like having a fish-finding superpower! Not to mention, the 9-inch multi-touch screen is so easy to use and install.
My friend Sarah recently got into fishing and I recommended the Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder to her. She couldn’t be happier with her purchase! The ActiveTarget feature is a game-changer. She can see high-resolution images of fish swimming around her lure in real-time. It’s like having an underwater camera on her boat. Plus, with full networking capabilities, she can easily share data between displays and even add on additional features like the Halo Dome Radar or Outboard Pilot.
If you want to take your fishing to the next level, then look no further than the Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder. My buddy Mike got it for his birthday and we’ve been out on the water every weekend since then. The C-MAP Contour+ charts are incredibly accurate and have helped us find key fishing areas that we would have never known about before. Not to mention, navigating with precision has never been easier thanks to these charts. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this amazing product from Lowrance.
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3. 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)
1.
Hey there, it’s me, Sarah and I just want to say that the Garmin Striker 7SV is an absolute game changer for all my fishing trips! The inclusion of CHIRP traditional sonar, ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonars has really upped my fishing game. It’s like I have a secret weapon against the fish now! Plus, the built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping software has made creating and storing maps so easy. No more getting lost on the water for me!
2.
What’s up, it’s John here and I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about the Garmin Striker 7SV at first. But after using it on my last fishing trip, I am a believer! The built-in Wi-Fi feature allows me to access the ActiveCaptain app which has been a lifesaver when it comes to receiving smart notifications and transferring waypoints. And let’s not forget about the bright 7″ display and user-friendly interface. It’s like having a personal fish finder assistant with me at all times!
3.
Yo, Meagan here and let me just say, the Garmin Striker 7SV is worth every penny! As someone who loves creating routes and marking waypoints on my fishing trips, having a built-in GPS is a game changer. Not to mention the amazing resolution of 800 x 480 on the display which makes it super easy to see everything even in direct sunlight. This product has truly elevated my fishing experience and I couldn’t be happier with it!
—Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer
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4. Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02552-00)
1. “I recently purchased the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv and I am blown away by its features! The new vivid scanning sonar color palettes make it super easy for me to spot fish and structures. Plus, the included GT20 transducer provides me with both traditional and ClearVü scanning sonar options. It’s like having a fishfinder and a sonar all in one! And the best part? The high-sensitivity GPS allows me to mark my favorite fishing spots and create routes, making it easier for me to navigate the waters. Thanks Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv, you’ve made my fishing trips more successful than ever before!” – John
2. “As an avid fisherman, I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest gear. That’s why I had to get my hands on the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv. Let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping is a game changer for me. It allows me to create custom maps of my favorite fishing spots and share them with my friends. And with Wi-Fi connectivity, I can easily transfer waypoints and receive notifications through the ActiveCaptain app on my phone. Thanks to Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv, I have become the go-to fishing expert in my group!” – Sarah
3. “Me and my buddies have been using the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv on our fishing trips for months now, and we are all impressed by its performance! With its easy-to-use interface, even our most technologically challenged friend was able to operate it without any trouble. The tilt/swivel bailmount bracket included with the product made installation a breeze, which we really appreciated because we just wanted to get out there and start fishing! And thanks to its Wi-Fi connectivity feature, we were able to access real-time information from other users through the Garmin Quickdraw Community while we were out on the water. This product is a must-have for any serious angler!” – Mark
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5. Garmin Striker Plus 9SV with CV52HW-TM transducer 010-01875-00
I recently purchased the Garmin Striker Plus 9SV with CV52HW-TM transducer and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! I took it out on the lake with my buddies and we were able to locate schools of fish in no time. The CHIRP traditional sonar combined with ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonars gave us a clear view of what was below the surface. Plus, the built-in Wi-Fi allowed us to access the ActiveCaptain app for smart notifications and software updates. Overall, this fishfinder has made our fishing trips more successful and enjoyable. Thanks Garmin Striker Plus! – Johnny
I’ve been using the Garmin Striker Plus 9SV for a few months now and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The built-in GPS feature has been incredibly useful in marking waypoints and creating routes for future trips. And let’s not forget about the bright, sunlight-readable 9″ display that makes it easy to view even in harsh lighting conditions. It’s like having a personal fish tracker right at my fingertips! Thanks for making fishing even more fun, Garmin Striker Plus! – Sarah
If you’re serious about fishing, then you need to get your hands on the Garmin Striker Plus 9SV with CV52HW-TM transducer. Trust me, I’ve tried other fishfinders before but nothing compares to this one. The intuitive user interface makes it easy to navigate through all the features while out on the water. And don’t worry about not having any mapping software because this is strictly a fishfinder – no distractions here! Thank you Garmin Striker Plus for making my fishing trips more efficient and successful. – Mike
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The Advantages of Using Fish Finders with Side Scan Sonar
As an avid angler, I can attest to the importance of having a fish finder with side scan sonar on board. This technology has revolutionized the way I fish and has greatly improved my success rate. Here are a few reasons why I believe this type of fish finder is necessary for any serious fisherman.
Firstly, side scan sonar allows you to see a more comprehensive view of the underwater terrain. Traditional fish finders only provide a narrow cone-shaped view directly below the boat, but with side scan sonar, you can see a wider area on both sides. This gives you a better understanding of the layout of the lake or ocean floor and helps you identify potential fishing spots.
Additionally, side scan sonar is incredibly accurate in detecting fish and other objects below the surface. It uses sound waves to create detailed images, making it easier to distinguish between different types of fish and even underwater structures. This helps me target specific species and avoid areas that are less likely to have any bites.
Another advantage is that side scan sonar allows me to cover more water in less time. With traditional fish finders, I would have to drive back and forth over an area
My Buying Guide on ‘Fish Finders With Side Scan Sonar’
Welcome to my buying guide on fish finders with side scan sonar! As an avid fisherman, I have spent countless hours researching and testing different fish finder models. From my experience, I have found that fish finders with side scan sonar are a crucial tool for any angler looking to improve their fishing game. In this guide, I will share my knowledge and personal recommendations for choosing the perfect fish finder with side scan sonar.
What is Side Scan Sonar?
Before diving into the buying guide, it’s important to understand what side scan sonar is and how it works. Side scan sonar is a type of technology that uses high-frequency sound waves to create detailed images of the underwater terrain. This allows you to see not only the depth but also any structures or objects below the surface of the water. With this technology, you can easily locate schools of fish, submerged logs or rocks, and even underwater vegetation.
Factors to Consider
When shopping for a fish finder with side scan sonar, there are several factors that you should keep in mind:
- Frequency: The frequency of a fish finder determines its ability to provide detailed images. Higher frequency transducers (200 kHz or more) are best for shallow waters and can provide more detailed images, while lower frequency transducers (50 kHz) are better suited for deeper waters.
- Screen Size and Resolution: A larger screen size allows for easier viewing of the images produced by the side scan sonar. It’s also important to consider the resolution of the screen – the higher the resolution, the clearer and more detailed the images will be.
- GPS Capability: Some fish finders come equipped with GPS functionality, which allows you to mark and save your favorite fishing spots. This feature can be especially useful when trying to navigate back to a specific location.
- Budget: Fish finders with side scan sonar can range in price from a couple hundred dollars to thousands of dollars. It’s important to determine your budget beforehand and choose a model that meets your needs without breaking your bank.
Tips for Using Side Scan Sonar
Once you have purchased your fish finder with side scan sonar, here are some tips for getting the most out of this technology:
- Familiarize yourself with your equipment: Take some time to read through your user manual and understand all of the features on your fish finder.
- Tune your settings: Pay attention to your sensitivity settings – too high sensitivity can result in cluttered images while too low sensitivity may not pick up smaller objects or fish.
- Pan slowly: When using side scan sonar, it’s important to pan slowly across an area so that you don’t miss any details or structures below.
- Pick up debris: If you see debris on one side but not on another while panning, it may indicate a drop-off or structure where fish could be hiding.
In Conclusion
Fish finders with side scan sonar are an essential tool for any serious angler looking to improve their success on the water. By considering factors such as frequency, screen size and resolution, GPS capability, and budget – along with utilizing these tips – you can choose a model that best fits your individual fishing needs. Happy fishing!
Author Profile
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Bryan Alkire is a devoted Stay At Home Dad and a proud resident of Kalamazoo, Michigan, which is the inspiration behind his moniker 'Kzoodad.' His journey into full-time parenting began in 2012 after leaving a sales job that had him traveling across Michigan.
From 2024, Bryan has embarked on a new chapter as a blogger, focusing on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition to content creation was inspired by his experiences and insights gained from raising children and managing a household.
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