Humminbird Down Image vs. Side Image

[FischerAngling]

Hello all,

I've taken a look at the site and didn't find the answer to this specific question. I have a Humminbird GPS unit and also a Humminbird fish finder. The finder is about 15 years old and on it's last leg so I'm looking to replace it.

A couple questions:
Has anyone used the Humminbird down-imaging or side-imaging technology here in the Galveston area? The reason I ask about this area is because Galveston doesn't always have the clearest water on the planet. The pictures on the Humminbird site are pretty but they may have been taken in a clear swimming pool.

If you have used these, which one do you prefer?

Thanks in advance for any help!

Chris

[D-I-A]

They are great in any water clarity. The system uses sonar to pick up the shape of the object like a bat finds bugs or a dolphin uses it clicks to find things out of eye site.

Side imaging is best but if you got the money go with the combo it has both.

The reason side imaging is the way to go is that it searches up to 240 feet on each side of your boat where as the down imaging is somewhere directly under you.

Side imaging lets you see multiple reefs, pillions, humps, ledges, and etc. down imaging is only what is under you.

[Lori77563]

I have a 570DI Humminbird and loved it, it is far superior to tradition "fish finders" in that it gives you a much clearer image of the structure under you. In shallow water (less than 7-8') it does not work as well. I am selling the unit (bought 7/11 with 3 yr extended warranty), bought new boat and put a Lowrance with sidescan on it, PM me if your interested in it.

[FischerAngling]

I have a 570DI Humminbird and loved it, it is far superior to tradition "fish finders" in that it gives you a much clearer image of the structure under you. In shallow water (less than 7-8') it does not work as well. I am selling the unit (bought 7/11 with 3 yr extended warranty), bought new boat and put a Lowrance with sidescan on it, PM me if your interested in it.

I'm normally fishing in water that is 4-8 feet or around ledges, etc. so I don't know if the 570 would work. How does your Lowrance work in that shallow water? Side scan or side imaging seems like the way for me to go.

[D-I-A]

I use my humminbird ci on my kayak and I used it this spring in 1 to 3 feet of water and it found everything i needed it to for the crappie spawn. Down trees stumps old reed beds etc.

[Lori77563]

It does work in 4' of water but you are looking at a small area (with 60 degree downlook about 5' radius) under your boat so the deeper the more area you cover. The side scan will give you a larger scan area but again it is looking at downward angles so in shallow you will not see true 180 degrees.