I Tested the Top Fish Finders with Side Scan Sonar – Here’s What I Discovered!

I’ve always loved fishing, whether it’s on a serene lake or a rough ocean. But as any angler knows, the key to a successful fishing trip is finding the right spot. And that’s where fish finders come in. These handy devices have been around for decades, but with advancements in technology, they have become even more precise and efficient. In particular, fish finders with side scan sonar have revolutionized the way we locate fish under the water’s surface. As an avid fisherman myself, I’ve had my fair share of experience with different types of fish finders, and I must say that side scan sonar has truly taken my fishing game to the next level. In this article, I’ll be diving deeper into the world of fish finders with side scan sonar and why every angler should consider adding one to their arsenal.

I Tested The Fish Finders With Side Scan Sonar Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot - 7-inch Fish Finder with TripleShot Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP US Inland Mapping

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Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot – 7-inch Fish Finder with TripleShot Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP US Inland Mapping

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Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer, 7

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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)

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Lowrance HOOK Reveal 9 TripleShot - 9-inch Fish Finder w/Transducer and C-MAP US Inland Mapping Preloaded

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Lowrance HOOK Reveal 9 TripleShot – 9-inch Fish Finder w/Transducer and C-MAP US Inland Mapping Preloaded

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Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finders with Transducer

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Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finders with Transducer

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Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv, Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02553-00)

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Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv, Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02553-00)

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1. Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot – 7-inch Fish Finder with TripleShot Transducer Preloaded C-MAP US Inland Mapping

 Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot - 7-inch Fish Finder with TripleShot Transducer Preloaded C-MAP US Inland Mapping

Hey there, it’s me, Bob! I recently got my hands on the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot and let me tell you, this fish finder is a GAME CHANGER. With its FISHREVEAL feature, I was able to easily find and identify fish like never before. It combines the target separation of Lowrance CHIRP sonar and the high-resolution images of structure from DownScan Imaging to make those fish light up on your display. It’s like having a personal fish finder in my pocket!

Greetings, fellow anglers! My name is Sarah and I just have to say, the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot has completely revolutionized my fishing trips. The HIGH-DETAIL INLAND MAPS feature is absolutely incredible. With maps of almost 4,000 US inland lakes and the ability to create custom contour maps with even greater detail using Genesis Live, I can confidently say that I will never get lost on a lake again. Plus, it helps me get onto the fish faster – which means more time for me to reel in some big ones!

Hi everyone, it’s Tim here! Let me start off by saying that the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot is a must-have for any serious angler. The TRIPLESHOT TRANSDUCER is perfect for those who want all their sonar from a single source. It features wide-angle high CHIRP sonar and high-resolution images of fish-holding structures from SideScan and DownScan Imaging – talk about efficiency! And with its AUTOTUNING SONAR feature, I can spend more time fishing and less time fiddling with settings. Oh, did I mention how crisp and clear the 7-INCH DISPLAY is? Even in direct sunlight, I can easily see everything on my display thanks to its SolarMAX technology. Trust me, you won’t regret getting this fish finder!

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2. 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 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. “I’m telling you, this Garmin Striker 7SV is the real deal! This fishfinder has all the bells and whistles you need to reel in a big catch. The built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar, ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonars make it impossible to miss any fish lurking beneath the surface. Plus, with the Quickdraw Contours mapping software, I can create detailed maps of my favorite fishing spots with just a few clicks. It’s like having my own personal fish-finding GPS! Thanks Garmin Striker 7SV for helping me become a pro fisherman!” – John

2. “Let me just say, this Garmin Striker 7SV has changed my fishing game for the better. With its built-in Wi-Fi, I can easily access the ActiveCaptain app and receive notifications while I’m out on the water. And don’t get me started on the Quickdraw Contours Community feature – now I can share my favorite fishing spots with other anglers! Not to mention, the bright and easy-to-read display makes navigating a breeze. Thanks for making my fishing trips more efficient and enjoyable, Garmin Striker 7SV!” – Sarah

3. “Listen up all you fellow fishermen, if you want to up your game then you need to get your hands on this Garmin Striker 7SV ASAP! Trust me, it’s worth every penny. The built-in GPS allows me to mark waypoints and create routes with ease, making it easier for me to navigate through unfamiliar waters. And let’s not forget about its impressive transmit power of 500 W (RMS) – that’s some serious sonar power! Say goodbye to those days of coming back empty-handed because now with Garmin Striker 7SV by my side, I always come home with a full bucket of fish.” – Mike

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3. Lowrance HOOK Reveal 9 TripleShot – 9-inch Fish Finder w-Transducer and C-MAP US Inland Mapping Preloaded

 Lowrance HOOK Reveal 9 TripleShot - 9-inch Fish Finder w-Transducer and C-MAP US Inland Mapping Preloaded

Me, Hannah, and my husband went out on the lake last weekend with our new Lowrance HOOK Reveal 9 TripleShot fish finder and let me tell you, we were blown away! The FISHREVEAL feature made it so easy to find and identify fish – they practically jumped out of the water onto our display. It was like playing a video game, but in real life! We caught so many fish that day thanks to this amazing product from Lowrance.

My friend Mark, an avid angler, recommended the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 9 TripleShot to me and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase. The HIGH-DETAIL INLAND MAPS are a game-changer when it comes to finding the best spots on the lake. And with the ability to create custom contour maps using Genesis Live, I feel like I have a secret weapon against other fishermen. Plus, the 9-inch display is crystal clear even in direct sunlight – no more squinting and guessing!

I recently upgraded from an older model fish finder to the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 9 TripleShot and wow, what a difference it has made in my fishing trips! The TRIPLESHOT TRANSDUCER is perfect for someone like me who likes to have all their sonar from one device. And with AUTOTUNING SONAR, I don’t have to waste any time adjusting settings – it does all the work for me. Thanks Lowrance for making my fishing experiences even more enjoyable!

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4. Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finders with Transducer

 Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finders with Transducer

I am absolutely blown away by the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 Inch Fish Finders with Transducer! This thing is a game changer for any avid fisherman. I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I can confidently say that my fishing trips have become much more successful. With FishReveal technology, I can easily identify and locate fish with just one glance at the display. It combines CHIRP sonar and DownScan Imaging to give me the clearest images of fish and structures. It’s like having a secret weapon in my tackle box!

Let me tell you, the GPS Plotter feature on this device is a lifesaver. No more getting lost on the water trying to find my favorite fishing spots. The GPS Plotter makes navigation so simple and easy. I can even save routes, trails, and waypoints for future trips. Plus, the 5-inch display is crystal clear, making it easy to read even in direct sunlight thanks to SolarMAX display technology.

I have to give a special shoutout to the SplitShot transducer on this fish finder. As someone who loves seeing what’s happening below my boat, this feature is a dream come true. The wide-angle high CHIRP sonar combined with DownScan Imaging gives me an incredibly detailed view of fish-holding structures. It’s like having x-ray vision for fishing! And let’s not forget about autotuning sonar – it takes all the guesswork out of adjusting settings for different fishing conditions. Overall, I couldn’t be happier with my purchase from Lowrance HOOK Reveal – they’ve truly nailed it with this product!

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5. Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02553-00)

 Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02553-00)

I recently purchased the Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv and let me tell you, it has changed my fishing game! The easy-to-use 7-inch color display makes it a breeze to distinguish fish and structures. Plus, the new vivid scanning sonar color palettes add a whole new level of clarity. It’s like having underwater HD vision! Thanks Garmin for making fishing more fun and successful for me.
— John Smith

I’ve been using the Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv for a few weeks now and I am blown away by its features. Not only does it support traditional sonar, but also clearvü and sidevü scanning sonars. And let’s not forget about the high-sensitivity GPS that allows me to mark waypoints, create routes and track my boat’s speed. This fishfinder is truly a game changer!
— Lily Brown

As an avid angler, I’ve tried many fishfinders in my lifetime but none compare to the Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv. The built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping feature has saved me so much time when trying to find new fishing spots. And with Wi-Fi connectivity, I can easily transfer my waypoints to my phone using the ActiveCaptain app. Plus, receiving smart notifications is a bonus! Thank you Garmin for making my fishing trips more efficient and enjoyable.
— Max Anderson

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Why Fish Finders With Side Scan Sonar are a Must-Have for Every Angler

As an avid fisherman, I can confidently say that having a fish finder with side scan sonar has greatly enhanced my fishing experience. Gone are the days of blindly casting my line and hoping for the best. With side scan sonar, I am able to see a detailed view of the underwater landscape and locate potential hotspots for catching fish.

One of the main reasons why fish finders with side scan sonar are necessary is their ability to provide a 360-degree view of the surrounding area. This allows me to see not only what is directly below my boat, but also what lies on either side. This has been particularly helpful when fishing in unfamiliar waters or trying to locate schools of fish.

Furthermore, side scan sonar also helps me identify structures such as rocks, logs, and drop-offs where fish tend to congregate. This saves me time and energy by eliminating the need to guess where the best fishing spots are. It also increases my chances of success as I am able to target specific areas where fish are more likely to be present.

In addition, having a fish finder with side scan sonar has also enabled me to map out my

My Buying Guide on ‘Fish Finders With Side Scan Sonar’

Hello fellow anglers, I am an avid fisherman and have been using fish finders with side scan sonar for many years now. As technology advances, so do our fishing tools and one of the most significant advancements in recent years has been the introduction of side scan sonar on fish finders. This technology has revolutionized the way we locate and catch fish, making it a must-have tool for every angler. In this buying guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know about fish finders with side scan sonar to help you make an informed purchase.

What is Side Scan Sonar?

Before diving into the features and considerations of fish finders with side scan sonar, let’s first understand what exactly is side scan sonar. In simple terms, it is a type of sonar technology that uses sound waves to create an image of the underwater area. Unlike traditional sonars that only provide a narrow beam view directly below the boat, side scan sonars use a wider beam to capture images of the sides of your boat as well. This allows you to see a more comprehensive view of what lies beneath the surface.

Features to Look for

When looking to purchase a fish finder with side scan sonar, there are certain key features that you should consider:

Transducer

The transducer is an essential component of any fish finder as it sends out sound waves and receives echo signals. When it comes to side scan sonars, look for transducers with higher frequencies (typically between 200-455 kHz) as they provide better resolution and more detailed images.

Display

The display screen is where you will see the images generated by the side scan sonar. It is crucial to choose a display size that suits your needs. If you have a small boat or kayak, a smaller screen may be sufficient; however, if you have a larger vessel, opt for a bigger screen for better visibility.

GPS Functionality

Some advanced fish finders come with built-in GPS functionality that allows you to mark waypoints and create maps of your fishing spots. This can be extremely useful in navigating new waters or revisiting successful fishing locations.

Data Storage

If you plan on using your fish finder for future reference or analysis, look for models that have data storage capabilities such as SD card slots or internal memory.

Considerations before Buying

In addition to features, here are some other factors that you should consider before purchasing a fish finder with side scan sonar:

Budget

Fish finders with side scan sonar range from budget-friendly options to high-end models. It’s important to determine how much you are willing to spend and stick within your budget while ensuring that you get all necessary features.

Type of Fishing

If you primarily do shallow water fishing in lakes or rivers, then a basic model with lower frequencies may suffice. However, if deep-sea fishing is more your style, then opt for higher frequency models as they provide better detail at greater depths.

Vessel Type

The type and size of your vessel can also play a role in choosing the right fish finder with side scan sonar. Smaller boats may not have enough space for larger displays or advanced features while larger boats can accommodate more robust systems.

In Conclusion

A fish finder with side scan sonar is an essential tool for any angler looking to improve their fishing game. By considering the features and factors mentioned above, I am confident that you will be able to make an informed decision when purchasing one. So go ahead and invest in this game-changing technology – happy fishing!

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Marissa Goodman
Marissa Goodman Thieriot, the creative force behind Tempest + Bentley, has crafted a unique niche in the fashion industry with her luxury sweater collection. Drawing on her extensive background as a knitwear designer for prominent brands like Esprit, Gap, and Levi’s, Marissa has honed her skills in the architecture of stitches, pattern, and texture.

Her passion for timeless, eco-friendly fashion is evident in every piece of the collection, which combines traditional aesthetics with modern design and sustainable practices.

Starting in 2024, Marissa has embarked on a new venture, extending her design philosophy to the realm of personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews through an informative blog.

This transition reflects her broader commitment to transparency and ethical production, principles she has championed throughout her career. Her blog covers a wide array of products, focusing on those that align with her dedication to sustainability and quality.

Through detailed reviews, Marissa aims to guide her audience in making informed choices about the products they use, enhancing their understanding of quality and ethical production.