Fish Finders – SideVu, DownScan and GPS

Fish finders come in many different forms and are used to help anglers locate and identify the most active fishing areas. Depending on the type you choose, side and down imaging can provide a wide-ranging view of the water. These sonar technologies also allow you to see structure and baitfish. While side imaging is generally more accurate than down imaging, it can still produce garbled images. Here are some of the differences between these three types of sonar. top fish finders

If you are in the market for a high-definition fish finder, the Lowrance Elite 7X is an excellent choice. It has a 7-inch full-color LCD screen and a button keypad for easy operation. The screen also includes a split-screen feature that allows you to view sonar data in a new way. CHIRP sonar also helps you see underwater topography and fish locations. Lowrance DownScan technology gives you accurate scans at up to 300 feet. And with its Broadband CHIRP sonar, the Lowrance Elite 7X has an excellent mapping capability.

Down and side imaging are the most popular choice for anglers. The primary benefit of these units is their ability to display side images. The drawbacks of this technology include the fact that you need to move your boat forward to use them. Ideally, the scrolling speed should be set to idling or below idle speed. Down and side imaging also only shows structure that is passing by your boat.

As for the price, you can find fish finders in every price range. The Garmin Striker 7 is a superb model for a budget, while the Humminbird HELIX 5 is a great option with excellent features. But if you’re on a tight budget, the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 106sv is an excellent touchscreen fish finder that features SideVu.

The Helix 7 has a simple zooming system and an easier-to-use interface. It also has a built-in transducer. However, it’s important to note that the unit is not particularly useful when the weather is too bright. And it also lacks GPS technology. If you need to use it in bright sunlight, you should stick with a fixed-mount model. You’ll find that the Helix 7 offers a 125-foot coverage area.

Both side imaging and down imaging fish finders have their advantages and disadvantages. A down-imaging fish finder will provide a clearer image of what’s under the boat while a side-imaging unit may miss some species. However, side imaging fish finders are much more expensive than down-scanning units, so don’t let your budget stand in the way of a quality fish finder.

Humminbird makes four lines of fish finders, ranging in price from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. Each has a variety of features and is available with or without GPS. A 256-color display allows you to see more details and more accurately identify fish and structure. You can adjust the zoom, and the sensitivity of the sonar. The PiranhaMax 4 is particularly useful for fishing when you’re in shallow water.