Side scanning (art.Side Imaging or SideScan) It revolutionized underwater exploration for anglers, transforming the sonar from a simple depth meter into a powerful tool for mapping the bottom. If you fish from a boat — whether it's PVC, aluminum or boat — it allows you to see the relief, driftwood, grass and even individual fish within a radius of 100 meters on the sides of a boat. Humminbird, Lowrance, Garmin And other brands?

In this article, we analyzed specification, testimonials from experienced anglers and 2026 test results to rank the best side-scan echoers for different budgets and tasks, learn which parameters are critical for boat fishing, how to avoid typical purchase mistakes and which ones are used for the purpose of fishing. lip-service Some models are indispensable for trolling or searching for deep-sea predator sites.

Why Side Scanning Changes the Game of Fishing

Traditional cone beam sonars (Down Imaging) only show what's directly under the boat, and side scans can create a real-time panoramic view of the bottom, as if you were looking at it from a bird's eye view, and this has three key benefits:

  • 🎯 Accurate detection of fishing points: You see the snags, the eyebrows, the pits and the grass that a conventional sonar will miss.
  • 🐟 Behavioral analysis of fish: distinguish an active flock from a passive character markings on the screen.
  • 🗺️ Creation of high resolution maps: Save data for repeated exits to promising places.

However, not all echoers with SideScan The screen resolution, the sonar frequency, the angle of coverage and the compatibility with the cartplotters are what separates the top models from the budget fakes. Humminbird Helix 7 frequent 455/800 kHz It gives detail up to 2.5 cm, while cheap Chinese analogues blur the image at a distance of 20 meters.

📊 What type of boat do you use for fishing?
PVC
aluminum
Boat/motorboat
Inflatable without motor
other

Key parameters when choosing a sonar from SideScan

Before buying, decide on the priority: you want a device to find pike in the grass, map unfamiliar water bodies or troll deep?

1. Sonar frequency and resolution

Side scanning works at high frequencies:

  • 455 kHz - Optimal for depths up to 60 m, gives a wide view (up to 120 m to the side).
  • 800 kHz High detail (small objects are visible), but a shorter range (up to 40 m on the sides).
  • 1200 kHz - used in top models for ultra-clear images at shallow depths.

Advice: For fishing at depths of 10–30 m, choose sonars with support for both frequencies (see below).455/800 kHz), for example, Lowrance HDS Live 9.

2. Coverage angle and scanning range

The width of the beam determines the area of view:

  • 180° (90° each way) is the standard for most models.
  • 240° - extended review of flagships (Garmin Panoptix Livescope).

The range depends on the power of the transmitter: budget sonars "see" side beams at 30-50 m, professional - up to 150 m.

💡

If you are fishing on the current, choose models with a function. Stabilization (e.g., the Humminbird) - it compensates for the drift of the boat and prevents blurring of the image.

Screen size and type

Minimum comfortable size 7 inchesOn smaller screens, side-scan details are lost.

  • 📺 TFT Budget option, poor visibility in the sun.
  • 🌞 Sunlight-readable Anti-reflective coating, ideal for open boats.
  • 🎨 CHIRP-compatible Support a color palette for better readability of the relief.

4. Compatibility with maps and GPS

Top models (Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv, Lowrance Elite FS 9) permit:

  • Impose data SideScan map Navionics or C-MAP.
  • Create your own maps of the bottom with reference to coordinates.
  • Use the function AutoChart Live for automatic mapping.
What is the difference between SideScan and DownScan?

SideScan scans the bottom on the sides of the boat (up to 100+ m), while DownScan shows a vertical slice directly under the boat. Modern sonars often combine both technologies for maximum information.

Top 7 Side Scanning Sounds for Boats in 2026

We selected models based on price/quality ratio, fisherman's feedback and test results on water bodies in Russia, and in the table, the key specifications for quick comparison.

Model SideScan frequency Max. Depth. Coverage angle Screen. Price, RUB
Humminbird Helix 7 CHIRP SI GPS G4 455/800 kHz 150 m m m m 180° 7", sunlight-readable 85 000
Lowrance HDS Live 9 455/800/1200 kHz 100 m m m 180° 9”, CHIRP-compatible 120 000
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 93sv 455/800 kHz 120 m m m m m m 180° 9" sensory 98 000
Raymarine Axiom+ 9 RV 455/800 kHz 90 m m m m m 180° 9", IPS display 135 000
Deeper PRO+ 2 290/475 kHz 80 m m m m 160° No screen (annex) 45 000

Leader of the rating: Lowrance HDS Live 9 Best choice for professionals with three frequencies SideScanbuilt-in ActiveTarget (real time without delay) and support for maps C-MAP GenesisIt's optimal for the budget segment. Deeper PRO+ 2 It can be thrown from the shore or mounted on the trunk of a boat.

💡

1200 kHz echo sounders (e.g., Lowrance HDS Live) show fish of 5 cm in size but have a scanning range limited to 30-40 metres on the sides.

How to properly install a sonar with side scanning on the boat

Incorrect installation of the sensor (transducer) negates all benefits SideScanFollow these rules:

  1. Selection of location:
    • 🛥️ On the transom - for boats with a motor (the sensor is attached to a special bracket).
    • 🚣 At the bottom of the boat - for PVC or rowing vessels (you need to drill a hole and use a sealant).
    • 🧲 On a magnetic holder - a temporary option for rented boats.
  • Depth of immersion: The sensor should be below the water level by 1-2 cm, but not touch the bottom when moving.
  • Inclination angle: for SideScan Level horizontal installation (use level) is critical.

    • Sensor submerged in water for 1-2 cm|

    The angle of inclination does not exceed 2°|

    No air bubbles near the transducer.

    The cable is securely secured and not tightened |

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    Typical error: The vibrations and turbulence from the screw distort the signal. SideScanIt's a noise-producing device, and the optimal distance is at least 30 cm from the blades.

    ⚠️ Attention: When you install a sensor on the bottom of an aluminum boat, avoid welded seams, which can interfere with sonar. Use epoxy to seal the holes.

    Secrets of effective use of SideScan on fishing

    Even a top-end sonar is useless if you can't read its data. Here's a practical trick from experienced anglers:

    Sensitivity adjustment

    Too high sensitivity clogs the screen with junk, too low it hides small fish.

    • For clean water: 85–90%.
    • For muddy bodies of water: 70–75%.
    • For deep-sea fishing (30+ m): 95%.

    2. Colour palettes

    Use modes:

    • 🟢 Green: Best contrast for grass and snags.
    • 🔵 Blue: It is suitable for finding fish on a dark bottom.
    • 🟤 Sepia: It reduces eye fatigue during long-term work.

    3. Boat speed

    For quality SideScan Keep up with the speed.

    • 🐢 1-3 km/h - search for fish and relief details.
    • 🏃 5-7 km/h mapping of large areas.

    Higher speed 10 km/h The image begins to "break."

    💡

    Save screenshots of promising places with coordinates in format .sl2 for Lowranceor .hwr for HumminbirdThese files can be downloaded to a PC for detailed analysis.

    Frequent mistakes in buying and operating

    Even experienced fishermen sometimes make mistakes that lead to disappointment in the field of fishing. SideScanAvoid these traps:

    ⚠️ Attention: Don't buy side-scan sonars without built-in GPS if you're planning to fish in unfamiliar waters. Without a coordinate link, you can't go back to a promising location -- side-scanning only gives you a "here and now."
    • 💰 Savings on the sensor: Cheap Transducers (for example, for Deeper) often have a plastic case that cracks when hit by a snag. Invest in models with aluminum protection.
    • 🔋 Ignoring energy consumption: Echo-shooters SideScan They consume 2-3 times more energy than normal fishing, and for 8 hours of fishing, you need a battery with a capacity of at least 12 Ahhh.
    • 📱 Full dependence on the smartphone: Wireless sonars (Deeper, FishHunter) convenient but their screen is too small for analysis SideScanUse them only as a backup option.

    Another common mistake is neglecting to update the firmware. Manufacturers regularly improve signal processing algorithms. Garmin ECHOMAP UHD 2026 After the upgrade, the function was added ClearVü Scanning SonarIt automatically filters out interference from algae.

    Alternatives to SideScan: When SideScan is Not Needed

    Side scans are not always warranted, and in some scenarios, conventional technologies are sufficient.

    • 🎣 Fishing from the shore: It's more efficient here. caste-echoler (Deeper Startor Down Imaging.
    • 🐠 Fishing at shallow depths (up to 5 m): Side rays are "blind" in shallow water - use wide-cone sonar ("Second sonar")200 kHz).
    • ❄️ Ice fishing: In winter fishing, side scanning is useless - flash sonars are needed (see below).Marcum, Vexilar).

    If your budget is limited, consider combo devices with DownScan + CHIRPFor example, Lowrance Hook Reveal 7They're 30 to 40 percent cheaper, but they cover 80 percent of boat fishing.

    FAQ: Answers to frequent questions

    Can a side-scanned sonar be used on a PVC inflatable boat?

    Yeah, but there's a nuance:

    • For boats without a hard bottom (for example, Wings-320) only the transom mounting of the sensor on the bracket is suitable.
    • Avoid mounting to the bottom – vibrations from the movement distort the signal.
    • Use sensors with shock protection (e.g., Humminbird XNT 9 SI 180 T).

    How to distinguish fish from garbage on the SideScan screen?

    The fish on the side scan looks like arch-mark (due to fin movement), whereas snags and rocks are static spots.

    • 🟡 Color: Fish are usually brighter than the bottom (yellow / red in the palette) Fish ID).
    • 🔄 Dynamics: Active fish leave a "tail" of points when the boat moves.
    • 📏 Size: Single large arcs (20+ cm) is a predator (pike, perch).

    What is the best SideScan frequency for trolling?

    For trolling at depths of 10-20 m, the optimal frequency is 800 kHz It gives enough detail to track the bait and the reaction of the fish. 30+mswitch to the 455 kHz for a longer viewing range. Garmin and Lowrance can be used Dual FrequencyIt combines both frequencies.

    How much does a good sonar with a side scan cost?

    Price categories in 2026:

    • 💰 Budget (30 000-60,000 ): Deeper PRO+ 2, Humminbird PiranhaMAX 4 DI - suitable for beginners.
    • 💵 Middle class (60 000-100 000 RUB): Garmin Striker 7sv, Lowrance Hook Reveal 7 It is optimal for most tasks.
    • 💎 Premium (100 000+ ): Humminbird Helix 10, Raymarine Axiom+ 12 - for professionals and competitions.

    The cost depends on the screen size, resolution and availability of additional features (for example, the screen size). LiveScope bal Garmin Adds ~50,000 ). to the price.

    Can I do a side scan myself from a regular sonar?

    Side scanning requires a specialized transducer with horizontal beams and a processor capable of processing a panoramic image. expand - A common sonar:

    • Add a GPS module to link to coordinates.
    • Use sonar. CHIRP To better separate the goals.
    • Connect an external display to increase the screen size.