10 Best Side Imaging Fish Finders 2025 in the United States

The Humminbird XPLORE 9 GPS Fish Finder is equipped with a 9-inch full HD touchscreen display, which offers excellent visibility and ease of use whether you prefer touch or keypad controls. The screen size and resolution (1280 x 720) ensure clear and detailed imaging, which is crucial for identifying fish and underwater structures. This fish finder boasts premium sonar technology, including MEGA Side Imaging+ with a 200-foot range and MEGA Down Imaging+ that reaches depths of 200 feet, along with Dual Spectrum CHIRP for precise fish detection. The built-in advanced GPS navigation system is a significant asset, providing coverage of over 10,000 lakes through the Humminbird Basemap, and it comes bundled with LakeMaster and CoastMaster VX map cards for extensive U.S. and Canada regions.

This integration facilitates real-time mapping features like AutoChart Live, which allows you to create detailed maps of your fishing spots, recording up to eight hours of data. Connectivity options are robust, including high-speed Ethernet and Bluetooth, making it compatible with the NMEA 2000 network and seamlessly integrating with other products like Minn Kota and Cannon. This compatibility is ideal for anglers looking to build a comprehensive fishing system. One downside is the product's weight at 9 pounds, which may be a consideration for some users. The two-year warranty provides peace of mind, ensuring long-term reliability. Given its advanced features, this fish finder is best suited for serious anglers who need high-quality imaging and mapping capabilities for a professional-grade setup. It may be overkill for casual fishers or beginners due to its extensive feature set and higher price point.

The Lowrance Elite FS 7 Fish Finder stands out with its 7-inch high-resolution, multi-touch screen, making it easy to view and use. The screen size is quite suitable for most users, providing a clear view while still being compact. The Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar is a major strength, offering CHIRP, SideScan, and DownScan capabilities, which helps in identifying fish and underwater structures with refined detail.

The inclusion of preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts adds value by providing detailed mapping of 8,900 U.S. lakes, which is useful for identifying key fishing spots and navigating accurately. GPS integration is another plus, helping users mark waypoints and navigate efficiently on the water. The fish finder is also ActiveTarget ready, meaning it supports high-resolution live sonar images, which can be very beneficial for serious anglers wanting real-time data on fish movements.

Connectivity options are robust with integrated wireless, NMEA 2000, and Ethernet, allowing for the addition of extra devices like radar or sharing data between displays, enhancing the fishing system. However, the maximum measuring depth of 40 feet might be limiting for users fishing in deeper waters. Additionally, the product's weight at over 9 pounds could be considered heavy for a portable device. Despite these drawbacks, the Lowrance Elite FS 7 is a solid choice for both casual and serious anglers, offering a comprehensive set of features to improve the fishing experience.

The Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 is a solid choice for anglers looking for a high-quality side-imaging fish finder. With a large 12-inch screen, it offers an impressive resolution that makes it easy to see underwater details, even in bright sunlight, which is a real plus for those spending long hours on the water. The device is equipped with Garmin Navionics Plus mapping, providing comprehensive coverage of US and Coastal Canada waters, which can be incredibly useful for navigation and finding fishing spots. Additionally, the LiveScope live-scanning sonar feature allows for real-time monitoring of fish movements, making it easier to locate and catch fish.

Some users might find the lack of a transducer included in the package a drawback; this means additional costs for those looking to maximize the device's potential. The power source is battery-operated, which may raise concerns about battery life during extended trips, especially if using features like LiveScope that demand more power. While the weight of 5.5 pounds makes it relatively portable, it may still be cumbersome to manage for some users, particularly when mounting it or moving it aboard a smaller vessel.

Connectivity options are not explicitly mentioned, so users who rely heavily on syncing their devices may need to check for additional compatibility. The Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 is well-suited for serious anglers who value advanced features and high performance in a fish finder, but it may require extra investments and considerations for those just starting out.