A fish finder can be a good option if you want to improve your fishing escapades. This device can help you with finding where fish are located and make them easier to catch. The devices have two options: side and down imaging. They can help you find a fish in a bit of a different way. In this article, we look at how both types of imaging work and inform which option is better.
What Is Down Imaging?
With down imaging, you can see all that happens below your boat. Thanks to sonar, you can see what and where objects are situated. The objects that are displayed on the screen can be located behind, in front, or under your vessel. This type of imaging uses high frequency and thin waves. In effect, they can produce very detailed pictures of what is under your boat.
What Is Side Imaging?
With side imaging you can scan much larger areas. A side imaging transducer can send two sonar cones, each to a different side. Because of that you can also see what is happening on the sides of your boat. Depending on a model you choose, you can use different frequencies, and thanks to that the area that you scan is much larger than the one with down imaging.
Advantages of Side Imaging
Getting a device with side imaging can be a good decision, especially if you have some extra money to invest. You can scan much larger areas, which means you can notice more schools of fish and structures that can attract them. Side imaging is not an essential feature in your fish finder, but it can improve your fishing results as it speeds up the process of finding fish. Remember that to get a good picture of the underwater, your vessel needs to move at a low speed. Unfortunately, side imaging fish finders are more expensive than down imaging devices. So, if you are on a budget, this option might not be the best for you.
Is Side Imaging Better than Down Imaging?
If the price of a fish finder is not an issue for you, buying a side imaging device is a better option. All devices with side imaging can also be used for down imaging. That means if you decide on a side imaging device, you are getting a two-in-one device.
While side imaging covers a larger area, down imaging can come more in handy in various situations. For example, down imaging is a better option when you need to scan deep waters, while side imaging is better on shallow-waters or ice fishing. With a fish finder that has side and down imaging, you don’t have to choose, and you can explore without any interruptions. However, if you are not ready yet to get a side imaging device, a down imaging fish finder is still a good option. Be sure to invest in a device like this, as it is much better than sonar alone.