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 Humminbird Helix 7 G4 is a solid choice for anglers looking for detailed underwater views and reliable navigation. Its 7-inch color screen is large enough to clearly display MEGA Side Imaging, which provides sharp, detailed images up to 125 feet on each side of your boat—about three times clearer than standard models. This helps you spot fish and underwater structures more easily. It also offers MEGA Down Imaging for clear views directly beneath the boat at similar depths. The Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar is versatile, switching between wide coverage to spot more fish and narrow mode to focus on fine details. A good plus is the built-in GPS with an enhanced basemap showing lakes, coasts, depth contours, and points of interest, so you can navigate confidently and mark fishing spots.

AutoChart Live lets you create real-time maps of your fishing areas, which is handy for tracking changes in underwater terrain. The included transducer and mounting hardware make installation straightforward. It runs on DC power, so it’s mostly suited for boats with compatible power sources. Some users might find the keypad controls less modern compared to touchscreen models. The device comes with a 1-year warranty, which is fairly standard but something to keep in mind. For detailed side imaging with solid GPS mapping for freshwater and coastal fishing, this unit delivers clear visuals and mapping features in an easy-to-use package.

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.