How To Read Side Imaging On Your Fish Finder

If you like to fish regularly, you will want to be able to read side imaging on your fish finder. This is because it allows you to see what is in front of your fish and better understand their movements.

Moreover, You will want to be able to see the viscosity of your water, as well as the shape and size of your fish.

By understanding the different Side Imaging Patterns, you can better identify which fish are in your area and cast more accurately. Through this article, I will guide you on How to read side imaging on your fish finder.

How To Read Side Imaging On Your Fish Finder

Important of Side Imaging on Your Fish Finder

Fish finders are an important part of any angler’s arsenal. Not only do they give you a great view of your fish, but they can also help you determine the course and size of your quarry.

However, there are a few things to keep in mind when using a fish finder.

First, side imaging is important because it can help you determine the depth of water at which your fish is submerged.

It allows you to determine where the fish is located, this will help you to better target your fishing efforts and ensure that you aren’t wasting your time and money on targets that may not be there.

Moreover it allows you to see the fish from multiple angles. You can also see which way the fish is moving and whether it’s swimming or moving around.

This information can help you decide where to place your bait, spot a hidden fish, or even determine the size of your fish.

How To Read Side Imaging on Your Fish Finder

Middle line

The middle line of the side imaging is your vessel . This is where the image from the side of your fish finder comes from.

The middle line of your fish finder can be seen by placing two fingers either side of the center of your fish finder.

The black area

The black  area between the middle line is the bottom of your vessel. In this area  the side scan cannot reach.

When  you  find the black  areas become larger, then you  have to  understand you are in deeper water.

Determine underwater objects

The number shown in feet listed on the top  of the screen helps to determine how far something is away from the finder.

One thing to remember when determine objects, how the finder reads bottom. Actually it reads from the top.

How objects looks like in the screen

When You’re using a finder for the first time it can be difficult for you to understand what you are looking at. You may see a light spot of solar reflection, also a dark shadow.

If your screen is small, then you try to watch from one side. It will help you to see more of the bottom.

All you have to do is move again and again to get a clear picture.So by this way you can identify objects clearly.

Adjusting Frequency to Identify Fish 

To see  fish on the screen you have to tweak sonar  frequency and adjust the  range. Basically side imaging push out sonar frequency up to 450-880 KHZ. The higher the sonar frequency, it will show you the objects in more detail. 

You will get a broad picture of the underwater structure, if you set the frequency 455khz in 200 feet.

When you want to hine into a fish set range 75ft and turn the sonar frequency to 800 Khz, you will get a crystal clear image on your screen.

Side imaging range

Side imaging range define how much distance you can see to the left and right side of the road on your fish finder screen.

The maximum range you are able to see is 300ft scanning to the right and left side and minimum 50ft.

Use of contrast 

After setting up the frequency and range, then you have to adjust the contrast and move the color to have a clear picture.

You can easily adjust the contrast, just turn up and down until you get a clear picture using the right color plate on the screen.

Why Does Side Imaging Need Slow Speed to Work?

Fish Finder technology is not only amazing, but it can be used in a number of ways to help you find lost or potential prey.

Side imaging is a type of imaging that uses motion to help the user see what is in front of them.

There are a few different reasons why side imaging needs slow speed to work.

  • The first reason is that the fish’s scales are so fine that they can’t be seen with a fast motion. 
  • Second, the fish’s scales are also so big that they can’t be seen with a slow motion.
  • Third, the water is moving so quickly around the finder that it’s difficult for the image to form.

One way is to use slow speed to help the machine collect more data and create a better image.

Dive your boat at 4knots speed in this way your image will not become distorted. This helps the machine identify small objects and determine their location.

Slow speed also helps the machine avoid getting overwhelmed with data and causes the machine to stay focused on what it is trying to do.

Pros and Cons of using Side Imaging on a Fish Finder

Pros

  • Fish finders are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to pick up a wide variety of objects in close range.
  • One great advantage of using a side imaging fish finder is the ability to watch underwater in a more clear way. For example, you can identify small details on a rock that you would never be able to see with your open eyes.
  • This makes finding fish much easier and allows you to get a better view of them without having them swim away.
  • This technology is especially helpful in finding small fish, which can be difficult to spot from close up.
  • Moreover it helps to avoid the need to move around a large body of water to look for your target fish, better visualization of small details in the water, and increased accuracy when identifying fish.
  • Additionally, side imaging helps you to save time and money on your fishing, as you can accurately pinpoint your fish’s location.

Cons

  • Basically side imaging is more expensive than general down imaging.
  • Side imaging doesn’t show you directly what is under your boat.
  • It will not work if your boat speed is not between 3-5 knots, because if your boat speed is higher the pictures given by side imaging are distired.
  • It’s not effective to use in deep water over 300ft
  • If you turn your boat, that may give you poor results.

FAQs

How do I get clear images from my side imaging fish finder?

If you are looking for clear images from your side imaging fish finder, there are a few things you can do to improve the visibility.

One method is to increase the brightness of the screen. Another is to change the angle at which you view the image.
Finally, you can also use a higher contrast setting to make the images more clear.

Is side imaging worth it?

Yes, side imaging is worth it. As you  are able to determine the size and shape of fish near you, a side-on fish finder is a great option.

It uses a light and camera to take images of the surroundings, which can help you determine the size and shape of fish.

How far does side imaging sonar scan?

Sonar scans are a type of imaging technology that can be used to determine the location and size of objects in water. side imaging sonar scan up to 360 feet each side of the boat.

Why does side imaging not work well in a depth of over 300 ft?

One potential reason why side imaging does not work well in a depth of over 300ft is that the image data is too noisy.

In order to create an accurate image, it is necessary to collect a large number of images. This can be difficult due to the fact that the arrival time of signals at different depths is unpredictable.

Does Side Imaging Work in Shallow Water?

Side imagining works in  shallow water, no worries how shallow it is. Even it works if the depth  of water is 2 feet.

Final Words

Side imaging on your fish finder can be a great way to see what is swimming in front of your boat. However, make sure you use the correct techniques to avoid getting lost in the data.

Understanding side Imaging is important when using a fish finder because it can help you find fish faster and better. Hope this article helps  you to get a proper idea on How To Read Side Imaging On Your Fish Finder.