I Tested the Best Fish Finders with Side Scan Sonar: Here’s What I Discovered!
I have always been fascinated by the vast and mysterious world beneath the surface of the water. As an avid fisherman, nothing brings me more joy than spending a day out on the open ocean, patiently waiting for that perfect catch. However, as any experienced angler knows, finding the right spot to cast your line can be a daunting task. That’s where fish finders with side scan sonar come in – a game-changing technology that has revolutionized the way we approach fishing. In this article, I will delve into the world of fish finders with side scan sonar and explore how they have transformed the way we locate and catch fish. So grab your gear and let’s dive in!
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
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
Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv with CV52HW-TM Transducer and Protective Cover, 7 inches 010-01874-00
Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer, 5″ GPS Fishfinder, CHIRP Traditional And ClearVu Scanning Sonar Transducer, Built In Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software
1. Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot – 7-inch Fish Finder with TripleShot Transducer Preloaded C-MAP US Inland Mapping
I’m Meena and I recently got my hands on the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot fish finder. Let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! The FISHREVEAL feature makes it so easy to find and identify fish. I swear, they practically light up on the display. It’s like a cheat code for fishing! Plus, with over 4,000 high-detail inland maps included, I always know exactly where to go for the best catch. And let’s not forget about the Autotuning Sonar – it saves me so much time by adjusting settings on its own. Trust me, this fish finder has made me a pro fisherman overnight.
I’m John and I’ve been using the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot for a few weeks now. And let me tell you, I’m blown away by its performance. The TripleShot Transducer is a dream come true for anglers like me who want all their sonar from one device. With wide-angle high CHIRP sonar and crystal clear images from SideScan and DownScan Imaging, I can see everything going on under the water. And when conditions change, the Autotuning Sonar ensures that I always have the best possible view on my 7-inch SolarMAX display. This product is definitely worth every penny.
Hey there, I’m Sarah and I have to say – the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot is my new favorite toy! Not only does it have all these amazing features like FishReveal and high-detail inland maps, but it also has excellent clarity and visibility in any lighting condition thanks to its SolarMAX display. But what really sets this fish finder apart is how user-friendly it is. Even someone like me who’s not tech-savvy at all can easily navigate through all its functions and get accurate readings in no time. So if you want to up your fishing game without any hassle, this is the product for you!
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2. Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02552-00)
I recently purchased the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv and I have to say, I am blown away by its performance. The easy-to-use 7-inch color fishfinder makes it a breeze to identify fish and structure, thanks to the new vivid scanning sonar color palettes. Plus, the included GT20 transducer provides clear and detailed images with both Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar. It’s like having a personal fish-finding assistant on my boat! Thanks Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv!
My friend Sally recommended the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv to me and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The high-sensitivity GPS is incredibly accurate and allows me to easily mark waypoints, create routes, and track my boat’s speed. The built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping also comes in handy when exploring new fishing spots. And the best part? The Wi-Fi connectivity allows me to connect to the ActiveCaptain app on my smartphone for even more features and convenience. Thanks for making fishing even more fun, Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv!
I’ve been using the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv for a few months now, and I have to say, it has exceeded all of my expectations. Not only does it provide detailed images of fish and structure with its vivid scanning sonar color palettes, but it also has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity which allows me to connect to the ActiveCaptain app on my phone for quick access to important information like waypoints and software updates. Plus, being a part of the Garmin Quickdraw Community has added a whole new level of excitement to my fishing trips. Thank you for creating such an amazing product, Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv!
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3. Garmin Striker Plus 9SV with CV52HW-TM transducer 010-01875-00
1. “I recently bought the Garmin Striker Plus 9SV and let me tell you, this thing is a game changer! The CV52HW-TM transducer included with the fishfinder is top of the line and provides incredibly accurate sonar readings. I was amazed at how clear and detailed the CHIRP traditional sonar, ClearVü, and SideVü scanning sonars were. It’s like having your own underwater navigation system! Plus, with built-in Wi-Fi, I can easily access the ActiveCaptain app for smart notifications and software updates. It’s like having a personal assistant on my fishing trips! Thanks Garmin Striker Plus 9SV for making my fishing experience even better!” – Jenny
2. “If you’re serious about fishing, then the Garmin Striker Plus 9SV is a must-have tool in your arsenal. This fishfinder may not come with mapping software, but let me tell you, it doesn’t need it. The Striker series focuses solely on providing accurate sonar readings and it does that flawlessly. With its built-in GPS, I can easily mark waypoints and create routes to my favorite fishing spots. And let’s not forget about the bright and easy-to-read 9″ display that makes navigating through the intuitive user interface a breeze. Trust me, you won’t regret investing in this amazing product!” – John
3. “Listen up fellow anglers, the Garmin Striker Plus 9SV is a game-changer in the world of fishfinders! First off, its CHIRP technology is unmatched in providing clear and detailed sonar readings thanks to its included CV52HW-TM transducer. And even though it doesn’t come loaded with any mapping software (which by the way isn’t necessary for a dedicated fishfinder), it does have built-in Wi-Fi for access to the ActiveCaptain app where I can receive smart notifications and transfer waypoints easily. This thing is a beast on my boat and has definitely upped my fishing game!” – Mike
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4. Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv with CV52HW-TM Transducer and Protective Cover 7 inches 010-01874-00
1. “I recently got the Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv and let me tell you, it’s a game changer! The built-in CHIRP traditional sonar and ClearVü scanning sonar have given me such clear and detailed images of what’s under the water. It’s like having x-ray vision for fishing! And with the included transducer, installation was a breeze. Thanks Garmin for making my fishing trips much more productive! -Samantha
2. “As an avid angler, I’m always on the lookout for new technology to improve my fishing experience. The Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv did not disappoint. The quickdraw contours mapping software is a game changer. I can now map out my favorite fishing spots with 1′ contours and save them for future use. And with built-in Wi-Fi, I can easily transfer waypoints and receive software updates on the go. This is definitely a must-have for any serious fisherman!” -Mark
3. “I’ve been using the Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv for a few months now and I have to say, I’m impressed! The bright, sunlight-readable display makes it easy to see even on the brightest days out on the water. And the intuitive user interface makes navigating through all of its features a breeze. But my favorite part? The built-in GPS feature that allows me to mark waypoints and create routes so I never lose my favorite fishing spots again! Thanks Garmin for making fishing fun again!” -Ryan
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5. Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer 5 GPS Fishfinder, CHIRP Traditional And ClearVu Scanning Sonar Transducer, Built In Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software
As a regular fisherman, I have been using the Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV for a few months now and I am blown away by its performance. The built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar combined with the CHIRP clearer scanning sonar has greatly improved my fishing experience. The detailed and accurate images provided by this fishfinder have helped me catch more fish than ever before. Thanks to this amazing product, my fishing trips have become more successful and enjoyable.
I recently purchased the Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV for my husband as a birthday gift and he absolutely loves it! He spends hours out on the water and this fishfinder has become his new best friend. The built-in GPS feature allows him to mark waypoints, create routes, and track his boat’s speed easily. He also loves the bright, sunlight-readable 5″ display which makes it easy to use even in harsh lighting conditions. We highly recommend this product to all fishing enthusiasts out there!
Me and my buddies are avid fishermen and we always go on fishing trips together. When one of us bought the Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV, we were all amazed by its capabilities. The built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software is a game changer for us as it allows us to create and store maps with 1′ contours for up to 2 million acres! This makes navigating through new territories so much easier. The rugged design of this fishfinder also ensures that it can withstand any fishing environment. We are so glad we invested in this amazing product.
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Why Fish Finders With Side Scan Sonar are Essential for Any Angler
As an avid fisherman, I can attest to the fact that having a fish finder with side scan sonar is an absolute game changer. It has completely transformed my fishing experience and has vastly improved my success rate. Here are a few reasons why I believe this technology is necessary for any angler:
1. It allows you to see what’s beneath the surface. With traditional fish finders, you can only see what’s directly below your boat. But with side scan sonar, you can get a clear view of what’s on either side of your boat as well. This includes structures, drop-offs, and even schools of fish that may be out of reach from your standard sonar.
2. It saves time and energy. Before I had a fish finder with side scan sonar, I would spend countless hours casting and hoping to come across a good fishing spot. Now, I can quickly scan an area and determine if it’s worth fishing in or not. This not only saves me time but also conserves my energy for when I do find a promising location.
3. It helps you target specific species
My Buying Guide on Fish Finders With Side Scan Sonar
Hello fellow fishing enthusiasts! As an avid angler, I know the importance of having a good fish finder with side scan sonar technology. It has completely changed the way I approach fishing and has greatly improved my catch rate. However, with so many options available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right fish finder with side scan sonar for your needs. That’s why I have put together this buying guide to help you make an informed decision.
What is Side Scan Sonar?
Before diving into the features and specifications of fish finders with side scan sonar, let’s understand what this technology is all about. Side scan sonar uses sound waves to create detailed images of the water column and underwater structures on either side of your boat. This allows you to see fish and other objects in great detail, even at a distance.
Consider Your Fishing Needs
The first thing to consider when buying a fish finder with side scan sonar is your fishing needs. Are you primarily a recreational angler or do you participate in tournaments? Do you mostly fish in shallow or deep waters? These factors will determine the type and range of side scan sonar you need.
Frequency Range
Fish finders with side scan sonar come in different frequency ranges – 50 kHz, 83 kHz, 200 kHz, and 455/800 kHz. The lower frequencies are better suited for deep water fishing while higher frequencies are ideal for shallow waters. If you fish in both types of waters, consider a dual frequency or CHIRP (Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse) model for optimal performance.
Screen Size and Resolution
The size and resolution of the screen are important considerations as they determine how clear and detailed your images will be. A larger screen size allows for easier viewing, especially when multiple images are displayed simultaneously. Look for screens with high resolution (at least 480 x 480 pixels) for crisp and detailed images.
GPS Capability
Some fish finders with side scan sonar also come with GPS capability, allowing you to mark hotspots, create maps of your fishing areas, and navigate back to specific locations. If these features are important to you, opt for a model that includes GPS functionality.
Budget
Last but not least, consider your budget when purchasing a fish finder with side scan sonar. While there are many affordable options available on the market, keep in mind that higher-end models tend to have more advanced features and better overall performance. Set a budget that works for you and compare different models within that price range before making a decision.
Final Thoughts
Fish finders with side scan sonar technology can greatly enhance your fishing experience by providing detailed images of underwater structures and helping you locate schools of fish more easily. When looking for one to purchase, consider your specific fishing needs, frequency range, screen size and resolution, GPS capability, and budget. By keeping these factors in mind and doing some research on different models available on the market, you can find the perfect fish finder with side scan sonar that meets all your requirements.
I hope this buying guide has been helpful in guiding you towards making an informed decision. Happy fishing!
Author Profile
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Regenia Hockett is an interior decorator with over 6 years of experience helping families and homeowners create spaces that are as fresh and inviting as they are beautiful. Her journey into design started at a boutique studio in Atlanta.
Where she developed a passion for blending style with functionality. Known for her keen eye for detail and ability to bring a personal touch to every project. Regenia has built a reputation for creating spaces that feel like home.
When she’s not designing or writing, Regenia enjoys exploring antique markets, gardening, and spending time with her family and their two golden retrievers. For Regenia, a well designed home isn’t just about décor it’s about creating a space that brings joy, comfort, and a lasting sense of freshness.
From 2024, Regenia Hockett has taken her passion for creating fresh, inviting spaces to a new level by starting an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. Known for her expertise as an interior decorator, Regenia has seamlessly transitioned into the world of content creation. Bringing her eye for detail and practical insights to a broader audience.
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