When it comes to finding the best live imaging fish finder, there are a few key factors to consider. The imaging quality, ease of use, display size and resolution, sonar capabilities, and price point will all play a role in determining which fish finder is the best fit for your needs.
What is Live Imaging Sonar?
Live imaging sonar, also known as real time sonar, is a relatively new technology that provides a more detailed and accurate view of what’s under the water compared to traditional sonar. Regular sonar uses a narrow cone angle to project signals down and then wait for the return to create an image. This results in a wide but less defined image. Live sonar uses multiple sonar beams with wider angles to create a more complete image in real time.
With live sonar technology, you get a video-style streaming display that updates as quickly as 10 times per second. This enables you to see fish, structure, and bait swimming through the area in a higher resolution. Live imaging provides a clearer picture of what’s beneath you and makes it easier to identify fish targets. It’s especially useful for detecting subtle bites and seeing how fish react to your lure.
Key Factors to Consider
Imaging Quality
The key benefit of live sonar is the enhanced imaging it provides. When looking at fish finder imaging quality, you want a system that offers excellent target separation and high resolution views. This allows you to clearly identify fish from structure and get better insight on size. High frequency sonar generally offers better target separation while lower frequencies provide better depth penetration.
Leading live imaging sonar systems today use CHIRP technology. CHIRP maintains both high and low frequencies at the same time to deliver a wider spectrum of information. Some of the best live imaging models also incorporate wideband CHIRP which optimizes the frequency output based on depth for even better fish targeting across all ranges.
Display Size and Resolution
To get the most out of your live sonar imaging, you need a quality display. Larger display sizes help you see more detail and get a wider viewing angle. For the best visibility, look for a display of at least 7 inches. Resolution is also important – the higher the resolution, the crisper and more refined the imaging will be. A minimum of 480×480 resolution is recommended for excellent clarity.
Ease of Use
Live sonar fish finders come packed with features, so you also want to consider ease of use. Look for a system with an intuitive interface and responsive touchscreen or keypad controls. Preloaded transducer and fishing mode settings can make getting started simpler. Some models also offer wireless connectivity to help you quickly pair devices and share sonar views.
Sonar Capabilities
While live imaging is essential, you still want traditional sonar capabilities too. Good target separation at varying depths, SideScan and DownScan options, and proven signal processing are important. CHIRP, wideband CHIRP, and higher frequencies like 1 MW CHIRP can improve overall sonar performance. Networked sonar and support for add-on sensors are also useful features.
Price Point
Live sonar fish finders range widely in price from budget-friendly models under $500 to high-end options over $2,000. In general, less expensive units will provide good real time views at shallower depths while more advanced finders deliver excellent imaging across a wider range. Professional anglers and fishing guides may want to invest in premium models but budget-conscious buyers can still get very capable live imaging.
Top Live Imaging Fish Finders
Based on the key factors above, here are some top choices to consider for best live imaging sonar:
Garmin Echomap Plus Series
The Garmin Echomap Plus series offers excellent live ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonar and comes in a range of display sizes from 5 to 9 inches. The models provide very detailed imaging in shallow to deep water using high frequency CHIRP sonar and wideband CHIRP on select units. They also have proven target separation and Bottom Lock to keep the bottom in view. The touchscreen interface makes operation smooth and wireless connectivity allows easy device pairing.
Lowrance Elite FS Series
For a more budget-friendly option, the Lowrance Elite FS fish finders provide quality Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar using CHIRP technology. The 7 and 9 inch models offer good target separation and Bottom Tracking for a clear view in most conditions. They are also easy to install and use with the intuitive touchscreen display. The Elite FS packs great value into a small, versatile sonar package.
Humminbird HELIX Series
The Humminbird HELIX line features the high performing MEGA Imaging+ live sonar across a range of display sizes up to 10 inches. It uses a wide 150-degree beam angle and ultra high 500kHz frequency for excellent fish targeting and bait tracking. Dual Spectrum CHIRP also improves depth capability and target detail. Built-in Basemap charts add mapping convenience. The large screens, intuitive interface, and responsive controls make HELIX fish finders very user-friendly.
Raymarine Axiom Series
For advanced sonar performance, the Raymarine Axiom line features lifelike RealVision 3D and highest-in-class CHIRP DownVision and SideVision imaging. Across the 7 to 12 inch display models, it delivers ultra-sharp photo-like target detail and bottom structure imaging. The hybrid touchscreen and keypad controls are highly responsive. Axiom fish finders also integrate navigation, chart plotting, and networking for complete marine electronics.
Simrad GO Series
The high-end Simrad GO line offers premium sonar imaging with ultra-fast StructureScan HD, HyperVision 1.2 MHz CHIRP, and highly responsive touchscreen controls. Even at high speeds, the TripleShot transducer provides remarkable 3D views of structure, bait balls, and fish. From the compact 7-inch GO7 to the large 16-inch GO16, GO fish finders are designed for serious anglers wanting maximized underwater views.
| Fish Finder | Imaging | Display Size | Resolution | Sonar Frequency | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garmin Echomap Plus | ClearVü, SideVü | 5″ – 9″ | 480×480 | Traditional, CHIRP | $500 – $1200 |
| Lowrance Elite FS | Active Imaging | 7″ – 9″ | 480×480 | CHIRP | $500 – $900 |
| Humminbird HELIX | MEGA Imaging+ | 7″ – 10″ | 800×480 | CHIRP, DualSpectrum CHIRP | $600 – $1500 |
| Raymarine Axiom | RealVision 3D, DownVision, SideVision | 7″ – 12″ | 800×480 | CHIRP DownVision, CHIRP SideVision | $800 – $2500 |
| Simrad GO | StructureScan HD, HyperVision | 7″ – 16″ | 800×480 | CHIRP, TotalScan, StructureScan | $1300 – $3000 |
Key Considerations by Type of Fishing
Beyond the general factors, your specific fishing needs should also help guide your live sonar choice. Here are some top fish finder considerations for popular fishing styles:
Bass Fishing
For bass anglers, being able to clearly see structure, cover, and bottom composition are critical to finding productive spots. Quality images of hard and soft targets both shallow and deep are essential. Larger displays from 8-10 inches provide ample room to view sonar feeds and mapping. CHIRP, MEGA Imaging, and StructureScan are very useful technologies for bass fishing.
Crappie Fishing
When targeting crappie, excellent target separation and very high frequencies optimize your ability to distinguish smaller panfish. Seeing baitfish movement is also important to find congregating crappie. Lightning fast refresh rates help detect subtle bites. Units with CHIRP, digital signal processing, and frequencies up to 1 MHz provide excellent resolution for crappie anglers.
Ice Fishing
For winter ice fishing, clarity and target sensitivity are vital for seeing fish and structure directly below you. Higher resolution displays with 800×480 or higher pixels and ultra-fine sonar beams perform best. Smaller 5-7 inch screens allow good portability without compromising imaging. CHIRP frequencies from 83 kHz up provide optimized views and depth at clear ice depths.
Saltwater Fishing
In saltwater, being able to identify fish from the structure and bottom is critical for targeting productive areas. Wider sonar beams and lower CHIRP frequencies down to 28 kHz help provide quality views in deep, salty water. Larger 10 inch + displays enable scanning wide swaths efficiently. Mapping and navigation integration also aid offshore fishing.
Recommendation
For an excellent balance of premium imaging, intuitive interface, and versatile performance for most fishing needs, the Humminbird HELIX 10 would be my top overall recommendation. The large 10.1” display with 1024×600 resolution provides amazing target detail through the MEGA Imaging+ system. It also has proven fish finding capabilities with CHIRP, Dual Spectrum CHIRP, and 16 beam sonar. The HELIX 10 is reasonably priced under $1500 and pairs premium imaging quality with excellent usability.
Conclusion
Live imaging sonar delivers a major advantage for anglers by providing a highly detailed view of the underwater environment. When choosing the best live imaging fish finder, key factors include imaging quality, display size/resolution, ease of use, sonar capabilities, and price. Leading models from trusted brands like Garmin, Lowrance, Humminbird, Raymarine, and Simrad all offer quality options. Considering your specific fishing needs helps narrow down the ideal match. For an excellent all-around performer, the Humminbird HELIX 10 stands out as a top pick for premium live imaging that excels across a wide range of freshwater and saltwater fishing.
