Looking for the Cheapest Side Imaging Fish Finders for money? this article will guide you and give you a detailed review of it.
Side-scan sonar is a method of finding fish by using sound waves. The sound waves are projected into the water and then they return to a receiver.
The time with which the sound wave takes to hit the object and return to the receiver is measured. This data is then used to create an image of what’s below the surface of the water.
The unit used for the side imaging fish finders is called the ‘fish-finder’, and it comes in various sizes and prices that can be selected depending on one’s budget.
Some Cheapest Side Imaging Fish Finders come with screens for a visual representation of what’s underwater and some don’t, but either way, this type of fish finder does not need any kind of installation as it only needs to.
What is a Side Imaging Fish Finder and How Does it Work?
Side imaging fish finders are an extremely useful device for fishermen as they can detect fish beneath the water’s surface. They also allow fishermen to map out large areas of the ocean floor.
Side imaging fish finders are an image-processing system that creates detailed images of fish underwater, including their size and location. It does this by using sonar waves to calculate the distance of objects in front of it.
This is done by sending high-frequency sound waves through the surface of the water and then measuring how long it takes for them to return.
The amount of time it takes for these sound waves to return is called the “ping rate” and is measured in milliseconds (ms).
What to Consider When Selecting a Side Imaging Fish Finder
There are many things to consider when selecting a side imaging fish finder. The first thing you need to do is figure out what kind of fishing you will be doing most often.
For example, if you plan on fishing in murky water or at night, then you should go for a model with infrared capabilities.
This way, you can see what is below the surface without having to rely on the sunlight.
If your target is deep-water species like tuna or marlin, then it would be best to look at models that have sonar capability.
These models will allow for greater depth penetration and wider coverage due to their increased range and power outputs.
List of 6 Best Cheap Side Imaging Fish Finders for Money
Side Imaging Fish Finder is a small device that sits on the side of a boat and uses sonar to create an underwater image.
- Garmin Striker 4cv with Transducer, 4″ GPS Fishfinder
- Humminbird 410160-1 PIRANHAMAX 4 DI
- Humminbird 410950-1 HELIX 7
- Garmin Striker Plus 4
- Garmin Striker 7SV
- Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 Fish Finder
The technology was originally developed for finding submarines, but it can also be used in a variety of other situations including finding fish, determining the distance to underwater objects, and searching for sunken treasures.
1. Garmin Striker 4cv with Transducer, 4″ GPS Fishfinder
With the STRIKER Plus, Garmin is bringing premium-quality sonar to anglers of all skill levels.
With a built-in 4.3” display and a multitude of viewing, identification, and tracking features, the STRIKER Plus 4cv is the complete package for the avid fisherman who wants to take their fishing to a whole new level.
Whether you’re trolling a deep river or searching for a trophy fish in a small lake, the STRIKER Plus 4cv has all the bells and whistles you need to make your fishing.
Upgrade to the STRIKER Plus today and experience a whole new level of fishing.
| Brand | Garmin |
| Model Name | GAR0100187100 |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Screen Size | 4 Inches |
| Display Type | QSVGA |
Garmin Striker 4cv GPS Fishfinder
- Includes transducer
- Built-in Garmin Quickdraw Contours mapping software
- Bright, sunlight-readable 4.3” display
- Rugged design
The Striker Plus 4cv has everything you need for superior, precise fishing—from the industry’s best traditional sonar to groundbreaking ClearVü scanning sonar that displays bottom contours like never before.
2. Humminbird 410160-1 PIRANHAMAX 4 DI
The Humminbird 410160-1 has a 4.3-inch diagonal, 256 color display that offers crystal-clear views of the underwater world and is compatible with NEMA charts.
| Brand | Humminbird |
| Color | Black |
| Screen Size | 4.3 Inches |
| Display Type | Color TFT |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.6 x 3.9 x 6.8 inches |
| Scanner Resolution | 480 x 272 |
The screen is easy to read in any light and the integrated keypad is waterproof and floats. It also features a 1500-watt peak power output, QuickCast sonar technology, and an enhanced GPS system for accurate positioning.
This is the most cleverly designed fish finder on the market today.
With an easy-to-read display, high-performance GPS & dual-beam sonar, you’ll be able to find out about things that are happening under the surface.
Humminbird 410160-1 PIRANHAMAX 4 DI
- Dual Beam Sonar
- Down Imaging
- Tilt and Swivel Mount
- Features Dual Beam
- Down Imaging
And with our exclusive “depth alarms” you will receive instant notification of shallow water, ledges, or underwater structures.
The Humminbird PiranhaMAX Series is our best fish find
3. Humminbird 410950-1 HELIX 7
The Humminbird 410950-1 Helix is a tough, easy-to-use, and versatile fishing finder. With a 7-inch ultra-wide display, Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar, Auto Chart Live, and the patented HUMMINBIRD Baseman technology built-in, this device is perfect for beginner and veteran fishermen alike.
The Helix supports all favorite fishing maps from around the world.
The revolutionary HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G3 is the first high-end fish finder on the market with MEGA Side Imaging, MEGA Down Imaging, Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar, Auto Chart Live, GPS, and Humminbird Baseman built-in. It’s amazing what you’ll see on the water.
| Brand | Humminbird |
| Color | Black |
| Screen Size | 7 Inches |
| Human Interface Input | Buttons |
| Display Type | Color TFT |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 10.54 x 3.68 x 5.8 inches |
Humminbird 410950-1 HELIX 7
- See a clearer view beneath your boat
- Hummingbird CHIRP digital sonar
- Power Draw: 800 mA
Powered by cutting-edge Down Imaging and Side Imaging sonar technologies, HELIX offers unrivaled clarity of underwater features and bottom contours – even through thick weeds and brush.
MEGA imaging sonar with a dual-beam transducer provides clearer images from the surface to below the bottom.
4. Garmin Striker Plus 4 Fish Finder
The Garmin STRIKER Plus 4 is the perfect fishing companion for getting to the places where the fish are biting.
The STRIKER Plus 4 fishfinder is the ultimate fishing tool.
We’ve packed all of our most advanced fishfinding technology into an affordable unit designed to tackle any fishing scenario.
With our CHIRP sonar, Quickdraw Contours map drawing software, and a bright 4.3″ display, you’ll get an unrivaled picture of what’s happening under the water.
| Brand | Garmin |
| Color | Black |
| Screen Size | 4 Inches |
| Human Interface Input | Buttons |
| Display Type | QSVGA |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 3.9 x 1.8 x 6.9 inches |
This edition of Garmin’s popular STRIKER Plus series offers a bright 4.3″ display and CHIRP sonar, so you’ll never lose sight of your catch.
Garmin Striker Plus 4
- Built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software
- Bright, Sunlight-readable 4.3” display
- Transmit power: 200 W (RMS)
And with Quickdraw Contours, it stores up to 2 million acres of map data with 1-foot contours.
5. Garmin Striker 7SV Fish Finder
You don’t have to be a professional fisherman to get the benefits of a fishing device. Find out for yourself with the Garmin Striker 7SV, designed with an intuitive and simple interface that’s easy to use and will become your trusted fishing companion.
Forget the frustration of having the wrong maps, losing your bearings, or worse, fishing at the wrong spot.
Tackle-saving features like underwater game cameras and SonarChart™ maps eliminate guesswork and frustration.
| Brand | Garmin |
| Screen Size | 7 Inches |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Item Weight | 1.7 Pounds |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 9.3 x 2.3 x 5.5 inches |
The Striker Series offers 3.5-inch, 5-inch, and 7-inch display sizes, one of which is sure to fit your needs.
Garmin Striker 7SV Fish Finder
- Clearer scanning sonar
- The power of simple
- Chirp sonar
- Built-in flasher
Plus, you’ll never guess your way back to your secret fishing hole again. GPS technology helps you find it even faster.
6. Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 Fish Finder
Find the catch of the day with this Lowrance GPS Fishfinder that offers great performance at an affordable price. This model, Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot, features a 7-inch color display and has the capability to use both GPS and sonar signals.
The Lowrance HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot is the new, game-changing fish finder for anglers.
This advanced model is packed with features that will help you locate fish, even in the darkest depths of the water.
| Brand | Lowrance |
| Model Name | 000-15513-001 |
| Screen Size | 7 Inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 10.12 x 7.76 x 8.86 inches |
The sonar can be set to scan for fish at 1-second intervals, giving you ample time to find the target before it swims away.
Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 Fish Finder
- Fish reveal
- High-detail inland maps
- Tripleshot transducer
- Autotuning sonar
- 7-inch display
With HOOK Reveal 7 TripleShot, you can now see more than you ever thought possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Side imaging is a marine navigation system that uses sonar to create a picture of the seafloor and seabed.
Side imaging has been around for more than 50 years now. However, the past few years have seen an exponential increase in popularity because of its benefits.
It can be used as a tool to find objects on the seafloor and seabed that are not visible from the surface or from aerial photos.
This is called “search mode”. By looking at the image on a computer screen, it’s possible to identify objects hidden under sand or mud on the bottom of oceans and lakes. That’s why it’s also called “sonar mapping” or “seafloor mapping”.
Side imaging provides a type of image that is not possible to see with a traditional sonar or fishfinder.
It offers a clear and detailed view of the seabed. It also allows the user to see objects from all angles so it is easier to identify them.
However, side imaging isn’t perfect as you need to have enough water depth for it to work. In shallow water, side imaging can be as misleading as traditional sonar as it relies on sound waves echoing off the seabed instead of being reflected back from objects on the seabed.
A side imaging fish finder is a device that can be used to scan the ocean floor and visualize objects and organisms below the water.
The first thing you want to do is consider what kind of fishing you will be doing. For example, if you are an avid fisherman who spends time on both saltwater and freshwater, then a side imaging fish finder with a depth rating of 300′ would be best for you.
However, if all of your fishing is done in freshwater lakes or streams, then a depth rating of 50′ would work better for you.
If your needs fall somewhere in between these two extremes, then a depth rating of 150′ could provide enough coverage for both salts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Side imaging Fish finders are a great way to go if You’re looking to cover a lot of water and You don’t want to spend a ton of money.
We have finally reached the conclusion to this article on Cheapest Side Imaging Fish Finders. If you are in the market for a new fish finder, I recommend that you go with the Humminbird HELIX 10 DI. It is an excellent mid-range fish finder and it has all of the features that you need.
