Side imaging sonar is one of the technologies invented to increase accuracy for fishermen. It helps show you which parts of the water to move towards for a more bountiful catch. Does it work for ice fishing?
You can’t use side imaging for ice fishing because the technology relies heavily on a transducer’s movement – which is harder in frozen water. However, some fishing experts have managed to generate ice readings using side imaging, but this requires the ability to manipulate the sonar system.
The rest of the article will take a closer look at side imaging, how it works, and why it’s not a good option during ice fishing.
What Is Side Imaging?
It is a unique sonar technology designed to improve productivity while you’re out fishing. The tech relies on a beam that’s projected into the water. It then scans to the left and to the right of the drop point to provide you with a wide coverage of the water.
A side imaging shot results look like what you get from photos, but it isn’t reliant on lighting like a conventional image. The technology is such that you can see fish, wreckage, and other structures in the water easily. It’s able to provide a clear reading even in the presence of mud or silt.
Side imaging technology providers like HumminBird have solutions that can let you deploy side imaging when fishing in fresh or saltwater, providing total coverage of up to 800 feet (400 feet to the left and the right of your boat). While traditional sonar moves up to down, side imaging sonar moves from left to right.
How Is Side Imaging Used to Find Fish?
Side imaging will highlight schools of fish as a gathering of white spots. Larger fish moving alone will typically appear as tiny white lines on the device screen. If you’re using the Humminbird side imaging technology referenced above, you should watch out for a streak linked to a shadow. That’s your cue that there’s fish in the area.
Why Is Side Imaging Difficult in Ice Fishing?
The best side imaging results require the transducer to move through the water, either when tied to a moving boat or as a part of a robust 360 imaging device like those provided by Humminbird. However, in frozen water, the transducer will be unable to move as freely as required to deliver consistent results. The images generated will also be distorted by the ice, making it harder to read for everyday users.
Secondly, the imaging device is not built to withstand the pressures of ice. The lubricant in the device’s moving parts does not contain any antifreeze properties, which means that there’s a high chance of damage with prolonged exposure to the water.
What Is the Alternative?
Fishing enthusiasts worldwide have provided opinions and tutorials on how they successfully used side imaging in ice fishing. Posts on forums like this one and the discussion here have offered some pointers that may help, but the steps enumerated and the overall processes recommended are not for everyone.
If you’re looking for a way to find fish while ice fishing, the best option is to use a conventional ice-fishing fish finder. They don’t provide as much in-depth look when compared to standard side imaging sonar setups, but they effectively reduce the time you’d spend out on the water.
What Are the Top Ice Fishing Fish Finders to Go With?
Below are some of the top fish finders in the market today:
1) Garmin Striker 4
This is an affordable ice fishing finder packed with tons of features. It’s a great option that can be used by both experienced and new fishermen. Its integrated flasher makes it a reliable option for when you’re static fishing on ice as well as vertical jigging.
You’ll also be able to mark favorite spots easily, thanks to the integrated GPS on it. This Garmin Striker 4 also has a portable kit that ensures safe and easy transport while out on the ice. It’s widely regarded as one of the most user-friendly and accessible fish finders in existence today.
Check its price here: Garmin Striker 4.
PROS
- It comes with a CHIRP sonar transducer, delivering a high level of detail in the display.
- You can see fish passing through the sonar when you switch to the real-time display.
- It comes with a built-in flasher meant for ice fishers and any others using vertical jigging.
- You can upgrade the CHIRP sonar with a GT15 or GT8 transducer.
- A portable carry-case is included to make location change easier.
CONS
- Cartography is not integrated.
- The instructions for using it can be confusing for first-timers.
2) Marcum LX-7 Ice Fishing Sonar System
This ice-fishing sonar system encapsulates the latest advancements in digital ice fish finders of today. Few ice fishing sonar systems can match the accuracy of the Marcum LX-7 when it comes to unearthing the perfect spot for ice fishing. It’s pricey, but most users agree that the sonar system delivers value for money.
Check its price here: Marcum LX-7 Ice Fishing Sonar System.
PROS
- A customizable color palette allows you to choose the perfect display ideal for the best conditions.
- It comes with a flexible user interface that allows you to create your own dashboard.
- The fish finding technology is one of the best in the industry today.
- The interference rejection technology reduces error readings a great deal.
- It has excellent battery life.
CONS
- The unit may be bulky for long ice-fishing expeditions.
- The efficacy takes a hit in very shallow waters.
- It’s pricey.
3) Humminbird ICE-35 Three Color Flasher
This is a cheap ice fishing flasher loved by most fishing purists. It offers a no-frills experience by only including the basic features, without any of the hi-tech elements. This is why it’s affordable. However, even with the modest pricing, it still delivers some of the most impressive results for ice fishing.
Check its price here: Humminbird ICE-35 Three Color Flasher.
PROS
- It is made from highly durable material.
- You can easily view your sonar history to go back to spots where you had good results in the past.
- The transducer can be upgraded to make the finder useful for summer fishing.
- There’s a wide selection of viewing options to choose from.
- The demo mode allows newbies to understand how to use the tech quickly.
CONS
- Experienced users may find the lack of certain features and functions limiting.
4) Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder
This is one of the most affordable and most portable fish finders in the market today. However, like the Humminbird option above, the Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder is useful and can deliver quality results when you’re out on the ice.
Check its price here: Venterior VT-FF001 Portable Fish Finder.
PROS
- It is very affordable.
- The backlight mode means you can use it for nighttime ice-fishing expeditions.
- It provides all the details you need while ice fishing.
- The versatility of the device means it can be used during the summer.
CONS
- It may not have enough functions if you’re looking for more advanced ice fishing assistance.
Conclusion
It’s not impossible to use side imaging for ice fishing, but the technological requirements for the process mean it’s very difficult. Expert fishermen have to improvise to get any sort of readings from side imaging in the ice.
If you don’t have the level of experience nor the tools required to set up a side imaging rig for ice fishing, you should consider using some of the famous ice fishing fish finders in the market today. They are not as powerful as side imaging tech, but they are useful enough to help you avoid a failed fishing expedition.
