Humminbird side imaging sonar gives anglers an unprecedented view of what’s under and around their boat. By using multiple beams, side imaging creates near-photographic images of structure, vegetation, and fish holding targets up to 240 feet to each side of the boat.
How Does Side Imaging Work?
Humminbird side imaging utilizes two high-frequency beams that scan out to each side of your boat. The right transducer shoots a beam out to the right, while the left transducer shoots a beam out to the left side of the boat. Each transducer pulses out 300 beams per second, resulting in a razor sharp, real-time image.
The multiple beams paint cross-sectional, photographic-like images of what’s beneath the water rather than the traditional conical beam of a regular sonar. Structures like tree limbs, stumps, rocks, and weedlines are clearly defined on a Humminbird side imaging display.
Side Imaging Beams
The two side imaging beams are very focused, narrow beams. At the tightest angle, the beams are only 2.5 degrees wide, compared to the much wider 20 degree cone of a regular transducer. This focused beam gives side imaging its photographic-like quality.
The side imaging beams scan out to 240 feet on either side of the boat when using the highest 800kHz frequency. At lower frequencies of 455kHz or 800kHz, the beams reach out 150 feet.
Side Imaging Frequencies
Humminbird offers side imaging in three different frequencies:
| Frequency | Range |
|---|---|
| 455kHz | 150 feet |
| 800kHz | 150 feet |
| 1.2mHz | 240 feet |
Lower frequencies like 455kHz travel farther through the water, but provide less detail than higher 1.2mHz frequencies. The 800kHz splits the difference by providing better target separation than 455kHz while reaching farther than 1.2mHz.
Reading a Humminbird Side Imaging View
It takes some practice to learn how to interpret side imaging views. Since the beams are projecting out perpendicular to the boat, the images appear on their side compared to a downward looking sonar view. Here are some tips for understanding side imaging displays:
- Objects closer to the boat appear wider or thicker, while objects farther from the boat appear skinnier.
- Structure right beneath the boat won’t appear on side imaging since the beams shoot out to the sides.
- Hard returns like stumps and rocks appear black. Softer returns like mud or sand appear in lighter shades of grey.
- Fish can appear as light colored arches since you’re seeing them from the side.
Left vs Right View
Humminbird side imaging displays the left and right views beside each other on screen, giving the appearance of looking out both sides of the boat simultaneously. The left side always appears on the left, while the right side always appears on the right. An easy way to remember this is that the returns will match the side of the boat they are on.
Upper vs Lower Beams
Some Humminbird models actually have two sets of side imaging beams – upper and lower. This provides a fuller, almost 3D image of structure since you’re scanning from two angles. The upper and lower views will be layered on top of each other on screen.
Benefits of Side Imaging
Here are some of the key benefits that side imaging provides over a conventional cone sonar beam:
- See more structure – The focused side beams provide a near-photographic view of structure and bottom contours over a wide area.
- Find fish attractors – Clearly see submerged timber, rocks, vegetation that are holding fish.
- Pinpoint casting targets – Side imaging allows accurately casting to specific pieces of cover and structure where fish are hiding.
- Scout new water – Quickly map out drop-offs, points, and other productive areas when running a new lake.
- Vertical jigging – Clearly see fish arcs and target them for more precise vertical jigging.
Humminbird Models with Side Imaging
Many Humminbird units now come equipped with side imaging capabilities. Even their less expensive HELIX models offer side imaging. Here are some popular Humminbird models that feature side imaging:
MEGA Imaging Models
| Model | Max Depth | Transducer |
|---|---|---|
| SOLIX 15 | 1,500 ft | MEGA Imaging |
| SOLIX 12 | 1,500 ft | MEGA Imaging |
| SOLIX 10 | 1,500 ft | MEGA Imaging |
| SOLIX 7 | 1,500 ft | MEGA Imaging |
Humminbird’s MEGA Imaging incorporates their highest resolution 1.2mHz side imaging along with MEGA Down Imaging for a complete 360 degree view around the boat. These premium SOLIX models provide the best target separation and clarity.
Side Imaging Models
| Model | Max Depth | Transducer |
|---|---|---|
| ONIX 10 | 1,500 ft | DI/SI Combo |
| ONIX 9 | 1,500 ft | DI/SI Combo |
| HELX 9 | 1,500 ft | DI/SI Combo |
| HELX 7 | 1,000 ft | SI 180 T |
These models come with Side Imaging built-in. Most also include MEGA Down Imaging and GPS mapping capabilities. The HELIX 5 and 7 can be purchased either with or without Side Imaging.
Adding Side Imaging
Owners of older Humminbird models without Side Imaging have the ability to upgrade by simply adding an accessory side imaging transducer. This will require running a separate transducer cable to the fishfinder and pairing it from the menu. Accessory side scan transducers are available in various mounting configurations including trolling motor, hull, and transom mount options.
Things to Consider with Side Imaging
While side imaging opens up a whole new underwater view, there are some considerations to keep in mind to get the best performance:
- Boat speed – For the clearest views, it’s best to keep your speed under 5 mph when using side imaging. Faster speeds can distort and stretch the imaging.
- Depth – Side imaging works best in depths from 15 feet out to around 50 feet. Extremely shallow or very deep water provide less detail.
- Cover – Thick weeds, heavy timber, and extremely rough bottom can impede the imaging beams, resulting in poor returns.
- Transducer installation – The side imaging transducers must be mounted flush and parallel with the water’s surface for optimal performance.
Conclusion
Humminbird side imaging represents one of the most significant breakthroughs in sonar technology in recent years. The ability to see a near photographic view of structure, bottom contours, and fish holding areas provides anglers a powerful tool for fishing new water and identifying key spots that hold fish.
Side imaging does have a learning curve, but with some practical experience on the water dialing in your Humminbird settings, you’ll soon be adept at interpreting side scans and using them to consistently put more fish in the boat.
