Thread: Upgrade to side imaging?

Originally Posted by Slow Retrieve

Do most of you really like SI much better than DI?

slow retrieve SI is another great tool. Yes I use it every time on the water. It allows me to see 40-50-60' on each side of my boat and mark structure that I would of missed otherwise. Once I mark it while scanning I can place a wp on it and run right back over it with di to see if there is fish on it. Is SI a must, yes it is for me and wouldn't get on the water without it....Ranger

I like the side imaging capability. I like downvu better but together they work good. At Grizzly jig most of the nationwide pros gave their opinions about all aspects of fishing. We also got to take a look at current state of the art H'bird stuff. It is truly amazing! You can even identify species sometimes. But they (like trolling motors) change almost as quickly as cell phones or autos. My Garmins now are a generation or so old but I'll stick with them for awhile. They work well. It was interesting to hear Todd Huckabee's answer when asked what is the biggest mistake most crappie fishermen make. He walked over to a large Humminbird unit that was on display at the seminar and said "paying too much attention to these and not enough attention to what's going on around you in the water."

when using the SI function how deep does it see while looking to the sides? If I were in 40' of water would the SI see a brush pile on the bottom?

Originally Posted by crappie wrangler

when using the SI function how deep does it see while looking to the sides? If I were in 40' of water would the SI see a brush pile on the bottom?

to answer the question is yes. Thumb of rule is adjust the scale to twice the distance as the depth. When fishing in 40' or scanning in 40' I always have mine set at 80' or just a bit more. When scanning I usually have a split screen running with 3/4 screen Structure Scan and 1/4 Down Scan that way I don't miss anything.......Ranger

Thanks for the advice. I do fine with the depth finders I have but more information is always desirable. A friend of mine that fishes Eufaula has a down imaging unit and tells me he can see fish around rocks or brush clearly but I have never seen one in use. I have several HDS5's on 2 boats boats and can interperate them pretty well but I can't see individual fish on structure. Being gainfully retired I will have to price shop carefully for a new sonar to stay within budget.

Maybe some one that has a down view and side view could offer to take me fishing and let me see one actually in use before I buy.

Be more than happy to take you and get you aquatinted with my units. Be sure to check out the Ft Gibson Thread cause there are several good pictures on there of my SS and DS plus a few more from others. They are amazing photos and you tell us if you can see those fish on there and in a few you can even tell which way they are facing.......Ranger

Oops. I just found out that there is a problem finding an oil cooler replacement line for my truck and my mechanic told me that it would be risky to drive that far. As soon as I can get that repair done I will be ready to go.