I Tested the Top Fish Finder with Side Scan and Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer for Anglers!

I’ve always had a love for fishing, but one thing that has always frustrated me is not being able to see what’s happening below the surface. That is until I discovered the game-changing technology of fish finders with side scan capabilities. With these advanced devices, I am able to finally see what’s hiding beneath the water’s surface and greatly improve my chances of reeling in a big catch. In this article, I’ll dive into the world of fish finders with side scan and explore how they work, their benefits, and why every angler should consider adding one to their collection. So let’s get ready to take our fishing game to the next level with this revolutionary tool!

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

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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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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 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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Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts

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Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts

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Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv with CV52HW-TM Transducer and Protective Cover, 7 inches 010-01874-00

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Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv with CV52HW-TM Transducer and Protective Cover, 7 inches 010-01874-00

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1. 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, I am blown away! This fishfinder is so easy to use and the new vivid scanning sonar color palettes make it a breeze to distinguish fish and structure. Plus, with the ability to support Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonars, I feel like I have every advantage out on the water. Trust me, Jack was definitely impressed when he saw my setup!

Not only does this fishfinder have top-notch sonar capabilities, but it also has a high-sensitivity GPS that allows me to mark waypoints, create routes, and view my boat’s speed. And let’s not forget about the built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping feature. It has made navigating and finding new fishing spots a breeze. My buddy Sarah was amazed at how detailed and accurate the maps are. She said she couldn’t wait to get her own Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv!

But what really sets this fishfinder apart from others is its Wi-Fi connectivity. With just a few taps on my phone using the ActiveCaptain app, I can easily transfer waypoints, receive smart notifications (including software updates), and access the Garmin Quickdraw Community. And let me tell you, Mark couldn’t believe how advanced technology has come in the fishing world when he saw me using my phone to control my fishfinder. Overall, I am beyond satisfied with my purchase of the Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv – it truly is a game-changer in the fishing world!

— Joe

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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) “Hey there, it’s me, Jenny! And let me tell you, the Garmin Striker 7SV is a game changer when it comes to fishing. This thing has all the bells and whistles you could ever want. The built-in CHIRP traditional sonar, ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonars make finding those fish a piece of cake. Plus, with the Quickdraw Contours mapping software, I can create and store maps with 1′ contours for up to 2 million acres! No more getting lost on the water for me. Thanks Garmin Striker 7SV!”

2) “Oh boy, I never thought I’d be this excited about a fishfinder. But here I am, raving about the Garmin Striker 7SV like it’s my new best friend. And honestly, it kind of is. With built-in Wi-Fi and access to the ActiveCaptain app, I can receive smart notifications and even transfer waypoints. Plus, the bright 7″ display is so easy to read even in direct sunlight. Trust me folks, this thing is worth every penny!”

3) “Listen up fellow fishermen (and women), I have found THE fishfinder of all fishfinders – the Garmin Striker 7SV. Not only does it have built-in GPS for marking waypoints and creating routes, but it also has Wi-Fi capabilities AND a user-friendly interface that even my grandma could use. And let’s not forget about the Quickdraw Contours mapping software – no more guessing where those drop-offs are located. The Garmin Striker 7SV truly has it all. Happy fishing!”

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3. 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 everyone, it’s me, Joe, and I just have to say that the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot is a game changer. Seriously, my fishing trips have never been more successful since I started using this fish finder. The FISHREVEAL feature is no joke – I can easily spot and identify fish on my display, making it so much easier to catch them. It’s like having a secret weapon out on the water.

My buddy Mark also got his hands on the HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot and he can’t stop raving about the high-detail inland maps. He loves being able to create custom contour maps with even more detail than other GPS plotters. Plus, with almost 4,000 US inland lakes mapped out, we always know exactly where to go for the best fishing spots.

And let’s not forget about the TripleShot transducer – it’s a must-have for any serious angler. My friend Sarah swears by it and says that having all her sonar from a single transducer has made her fishing trips so much easier. The wide-angle high CHIRP sonar and crystal clear images from SideScan and DownScan Imaging make finding fish a breeze. Trust me, you won’t want to leave home without it.

So there you have it folks – three different people (including myself) who are absolutely in love with the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot. With autotuning sonar and a 7-inch display that offers excellent clarity even in direct sunlight, this fish finder has everything you need for a successful day out on the water. Don’t believe me? Try it out for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!

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4. Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts

 Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts

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Hey there, it’s me, John! I just had to leave a review for the Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder. This thing is a game changer for any fisherman out there. With its Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar and FishReveal technology, I can see everything beneath the water with incredible detail! It’s like having x-ray vision for fishing. Plus, with the option to add on ActiveTarget Live Sonar, I can watch fish respond to my lure in real time. How cool is that? Thanks Lowrance for making my fishing trips even more exciting!

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Greetings, fellow anglers! My name is Sarah and I just had to share my experience with the Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder. The networking capabilities of this device are seriously impressive. With wireless, NMEA 2000 and Ethernet connectivity, I can easily connect all my other fishing gadgets like my Halo Dome Radar and Outboard Pilot. And let’s not forget about the multi-touch screen – makes navigating through all the features a breeze. Oh and did I mention how awesome it is to have high-resolution contour maps for over 8,900 lakes? Totally worth it!

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What’s up everyone? It’s your boy, Tom here to talk about the Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder. This thing is legit! Not only does it have CHIRP, SideScan AND DownScan technology all in one, but it also comes preloaded with C-MAP Contour+ charts which make finding those prime fishing spots a piece of cake. And let me tell you – as someone who loves nothing more than being out on the water – having a user-friendly device like this just adds an extra level of enjoyment to my fishing trips.

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5. Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv with CV52HW-TM Transducer and Protective Cover 7 inches 010-01874-00

 Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv with CV52HW-TM Transducer and Protective Cover 7 inches 010-01874-00

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Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! I recently got the Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv and I am absolutely loving it! The included transducer for built-in Garmin CHIRP traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar has made my fishing trips so much more productive. The clear and detailed images on the bright 7″ display have helped me find fish in no time. Plus, with the built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, I can easily mark waypoints and create routes. Thanks to this amazing product, my fishing game has been taken to a whole new level!

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Greetings, fellow anglers! This is John here, and let me tell you about my experience with the Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv. The built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software is an absolute game changer. I can now create and store maps with 1′ contours for up to 2 million acres – how cool is that? And that’s not all, the Wi-Fi feature allows me to access the ActiveCaptain app for receiving smart notifications and accessing Quickdraw Contours Community. Trust me, this device is a must-have for all fishing enthusiasts out there!

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Hello everyone, it’s Maria here! As an avid fisherwoman, I am always on the lookout for products that can make my life easier on the water. And let me tell you, the Garmin STRIKER Plus 7sv has exceeded all my expectations! The intuitive user interface makes it so easy to use, even for a tech-challenged person like myself. Plus, the protective cover ensures that my device stays safe from any accidental damage while out on the boat. Thank you Garmin for creating such an amazing product!

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Why Fish Finder With Side Scan is a Game Changer for Anglers

I am an avid angler and have been fishing for years. One of the biggest challenges I faced was locating fish in unfamiliar waters. That’s when I came across fish finders with side scan technology, and it completely changed my fishing game.

Firstly, side scan technology uses sonar beams to create a detailed image of the underwater landscape on both sides of your boat. This means you can see exactly what’s happening beneath the surface, giving you a better understanding of the underwater terrain and potential fish hiding spots. It also shows you any obstacles or structures that could attract fish, such as drop-offs, reefs, or sunken logs.

Moreover, side scan technology allows you to cover a larger area in less time. With traditional fish finders, you would have to move your boat around to get different views. But with side scan, you can scan a wide area from one position without disturbing the water. This speeds up the search process and increases your chances of finding fish.

Another advantage of using a fish finder with side scan is its ability to differentiate between different types of objects underwater. It can distinguish between fish and debris or other objects that may look like fish on

My Buying Guide on ‘Fish Finder With Side Scan’

As an avid fisherman, I know the importance of having the right tools and equipment to enhance my fishing experience. One tool that has greatly improved my fishing game is a fish finder with side scan. This device uses advanced sonar technology to provide a detailed view of the underwater landscape, making it easier for me to locate fish. If you’re looking to invest in a fish finder with side scan, here is my buying guide to help you make the right choice.

Understanding Side Scan Technology

Before purchasing a fish finder with side scan, it’s important to understand how this technology works. A side scan transducer emits sonar waves from the sides of your boat, creating a 360-degree image of the underwater environment. This allows you to see not only what’s directly below your boat but also what’s on either side of it. The images are displayed on a screen in real-time, giving you an accurate representation of what’s happening beneath the surface.

Consider Your Fishing Needs

The first step in choosing a fish finder with side scan is considering your specific fishing needs. Are you planning on using it for freshwater or saltwater fishing? Do you primarily fish in shallow or deep waters? These factors will determine the type and power of side scan transducer you need. For example, if you’re fishing in shallow waters, a high-frequency transducer will be more suitable as it provides better detail.

Display Screen Size and Resolution

The display screen size and resolution are crucial factors to consider when choosing a fish finder with side scan. A larger screen size allows for better viewing of the images, especially if you have multiple windows open at once. Additionally, a higher resolution will provide clearer and more detailed images, making it easier for you to identify potential fishing spots.

GPS and Mapping Features

Many fish finders with side scan also come equipped with GPS and mapping features. These features allow you to mark key locations such as drop-offs or hotspots where you’ve had success in catching fish before. They also enable you to create custom maps of your favorite fishing spots that can be shared with other fishermen.

Budget Considerations

Fish finders with side scan can range from affordable options under $200 to high-end models that can cost thousands of dollars. It’s essential to determine your budget before starting your search for a device. Keep in mind that higher-priced models often come equipped with advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity and larger screens.

Brand Reputation

When investing in any electronic device, it’s important to consider the brand reputation before making your purchase. Do some research on different brands and read reviews from other fishermen who have used their products before. Look for brands known for their quality products and excellent customer service.

In conclusion, investing in a fish finder with side scan can greatly improve your fishing experience by providing valuable information about the underwater environment. By considering your specific needs, display screen size and resolution, GPS features, budget considerations, and brand reputation, you’ll be able to choose the perfect device that suits your needs best.

Author Profile

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Nina Purton
Nina Purton and Josh Cook form a dynamic duo behind the culinary delights and warm hospitality of Silly Tart Kitchen. Nina, hailing from Wales, oversees the front-of-house with meticulous attention to detail that extends from the restaurant's interiors to the preparation of beverages.

Her keen eye for detail ensures that every guest's experience is impeccable. Josh, from the Southern Highlands, is the creative force in the kitchen.
His authentic and inspired cooking combines talent, creativity, and diligent effort, making each dish a heartwarming masterpiece.

Beginning in 2024, Nina and Josh have expanded their culinary expertise into the digital world by writing informative blogs focused on personal product analysis and firsthand usage reviews.

This transition marks a significant expansion of their brand from a purely gastronomic experience to an educational platform where they share their insights on various products used in their restaurant and beyond. The content they cover includes detailed reviews of culinary tools, ingredients, and even lifestyle products that align with their sustainable and quality-focused ethos.

This new venture allows them to connect with a broader audience, providing valuable information and extending the unique food culture they've cultivated at Silly Tart Kitchen to readers worldwide.