Thread: Down Imaging vs Side imaging vs neither

Anybody who has seen side imaging on the water and doesn't have it yet wants it.

Originally Posted by CatFan

Anybody who has seen side imaging on the water and doesn't have it yet wants it.

I'm one of them.

I will say that I would never give up the 2D sonar. I'm sure there's people out there that have them so finely tuned that they can see a crawfish from 100', but it wouldn't be me.

It all has it's place. If you have the means SI/DI/2d/sonar are all good options to have if you like fishing off shore. I have it and I like it so much I added a 2nd unit. It's just another toy in the toy box to play with.

If all you like to do is fish fallen trees along the shoreline I guess you don't need any of it.

Originally Posted by archer66

How many of you have Down imaging, side imaging or neither? I'm exploring my options....anything new should be an upgrade over my Eagle Ultra Classic.

Those of you who have Down imaging sonar...how many of you wish you had side imaging??

that unit that you have is a very good unit.ive owned one and really liked it.imo. idont believe that di would help you catch any more fish but you would really enjoy the imaging that you would see with it. now si is another story,combined with gps this is the way to go.i dont no were you fish,but i fish kentucky lake/Barkley lake i can go to any bay or ledge out in the middle of lake and make a few passes using si and find a lot of fishing spots. just mark them on the scree o go back later and fish or i can use the record function and go to several places and then review my recording to plan the spots that i want to fish. you will be able to see fish,structure,ledges,dropoffs,creeks,bbait balls,bottom hardness.you can scan under boat docks for fish/structure .go out there and get you one you'll be glad you did

Originally Posted by kosmo

i fish kentucky lake/Barkley lake i can go to any bay or ledge out in the middle of lake and make a few passes using si and find a lot of fishing spots.

Another thing that the SI is great for is finding shad. In the spring or fall, you can idle through a bay and quickly see if the shad are in there yet. Saves a lot of time.

Does anyone know where to buy one at a good price? I have heard of a place that did factory refurbs??? I am thinking of buying a Hummingbird, but really like the look of the Lowrance Down scan... What do you guys suggest

Not really a pick in the poll for me or anyone with HB / SI my 1198 has all 3. And I'm a happy camper.

I fish Mark Twain Lake.....I'm pretty good at the standard patterns.....spring spawn, summer, early winter, etc. It's late winter and the transitional periods when the fish are following the schools of shad that I need to figure out. I was thinking better sonar would help me stay on the right structure and stay on shad schools better.