10 Best Side Imaging Fish Finders 2025 in the United States

The Humminbird 411920-1 Helix 7 SI GPS G4 is a solid choice for those looking for a side-imaging fish finder. It boasts a 7-inch color TFT display, which offers clear and detailed visuals. The CHIRP Down Imaging and Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar provide excellent detail and noise reduction, making it easier to locate fish and understand underwater structures.

This model is equipped with an internal GPS and Humminbird Basemap, which includes charts for over 10,000 lakes and coastal areas, enhancing navigation and fishing precision. It also supports premium charts from LakeMaster and CoastMaster, as well as Navionics compatibility, which can be beneficial for avid anglers seeking comprehensive underwater views. The AutoChart Live feature allows for real-time mapping, which is a valuable tool for customizing and understanding fishing spots on the go.

One notable strength is the user-friendly keypad control, which provides easy access to various views and settings even in challenging conditions. However, it might lack advanced connectivity options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which could be a downside for those wanting seamless integration with other devices. At 5 pounds and with a robust mount, it is relatively easy to install and handle. It includes all necessary mounting hardware, a transom-mount transducer, and a power cable. The one-year limited warranty offers some peace of mind.

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 Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv is an impressive option for side-imaging fish finders, especially for anglers seeking clarity and ease of use. Its 9-inch touchscreen is bright and easy to read, even in sunlight, which is a significant advantage during outdoor fishing trips. The included GT56-TM transducer offers excellent traditional, ClearVü, and SideVü scanning capabilities, allowing you to see underwater structures and fish with great detail, enhancing your fishing strategy.

One of the standout features is the built-in Garmin Navionics+ coastal charts, which provide detailed mapping that can guide you to the best fishing spots. The device also offers built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to share sonar data, waypoints, and routes with other ECHOMAP UHD2 units wirelessly. This is particularly useful if you're fishing with a partner or need to coordinate with others on the water.

While the ECHOMAP UHD2 is packed with great features, it might have a bit of a learning curve for those who are not tech-savvy. Some users may find the multitude of options slightly overwhelming at first. Additionally, while the touchscreen is responsive, using it with wet hands or in the rain could be a challenge, which is something to keep in mind in tougher weather conditions. In terms of power output and frequency, it performs well within its category, though it’s always good to check if it meets your specific fishing needs. The choice of mounting, whether dashboard or flush, adds versatility but may require some additional tools for installation.

For recreational boaters and serious anglers alike, the Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 94sv provides an excellent combination of functionality and advanced features, establishing it as a strong contender in the side-imaging fish finder market.