Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Is anyone useing a side scan fish finder. Is it worth the extra money ? Im only lake fishing.

YES! The sidescan is awesome. We're on KY lake & fish are on the move to new places all the time. Amazing what's not underneath the boat but instead "over there."

landlockedsailor wrote:YES! The sidescan is awesome. We're on KY lake & fish are on the move to new places all the time. Amazing what's not underneath the boat but instead "over there."

What unit are you using? There are so many out there it tough to decide what to buy.

I am using a 798 and an 898 Humminbird, great units.

Lowrance HDS-8 Insight, Gen 2.

I have the HDS 8 also with down and side scan,
I do use it, it is great for seeing more structure/fish than is just under your boat.

I was watching a fishing show the other day and he was showing his sidescan at work. You could see the barrel swivel then the splitshot then jig. He showed one where the crappie could be seen taking the jig

I have an 898
cover more water, especially when looking and dont know the area, and are looking for structure,
I keep mine at 75 feet out at each side when doing that, which means I am "looking" at 150ft feet of water at a time, If I see something interesting, you can get in closer

I am rigging a kayak as well now, and I am putting the same fishfinder on, I just bought at second ram mount ball and transducer, should kick booty in the backwaters on the river


-bb

Blackberg, we have fishing kayak too- Hobie Outback. What are you using?

I have a new-to-me, tandem Hobie Mirage Oasis, so I definitely have space for a big fishfinder, and accessories

Have not mounted my transducer yet on it, debating if I should put it in the front by the first seat or by my seat in the back...
-bb