Is Side Imaging worth it? Ready to buy. Need opinions.

[zanzibarro]

I have a 597HD no DI or Side on this model. I am inches away from picking up a H-Bird 898 SI.

Tell me is it worth it? Is it a game changer? From time on the water standpoint I am out a lot. 3-4 trips per year Rainy, a couple Mille Lacs, boat on lift at metro lake. Walleye primary target Muskie secondary.

Ive appreciated your thoughts on some of my previous posts this site is a wonderful resource. Please let me know what you think, ready to buy...

[arcticm1000]

I bought a 1198 this spring. I had a $100 one before I bought the 1198. I was really on the fence about spending the money. I am very happy I spent the money. I am still learning what I am seeing on it, but I can't believe how cool it is. I thought the lake I fish a lot only had some cribs and not much more, I was wrong, it has stuff all over: rocks, bottom transitions, logs, trees, super old cribs, new cribs, little flat areas. All of which hold fish at different times. I say buy it and you won't regret it. I know I don't.

[thatoneguy]

I bought an 898c SI last spring, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. Great learning tool, great spot-on-the-spot finding tool, great for learning new lakes...it's just plain great

[TruthWalleyes]

Not worth the money at all

Here's a quote from Johnny P, Guide on Red Lake who just installed an 898.

Ya the Side Image is dooms day machine for shallow water walleye. Now I'm like a cat chasing a laser pointer. Walleyes port side 50 feet CAST! Walleyes starboard 75 feet turn hard and cast! Walleyes 93 feet port, circle and flank them!

I think he's happy with it...I love it!

[eyebjim]

Yes it is worth it. I have a 797c2 SI. It is the smallest of them but I still love it. i would like a bigger screen. That is my only complaint.

[Random guy]

Even though I had a bit of trouble with side imagining right away it is now working great and I love it. My family has been guiding on Upper Red for four generations or a touch over 100 years now. We are glued to the screen as it unlocks secrets of the lake we never even thought possible. Side imaging is a VERY powerful tool and well worth the money. Many things may help anglers catch fish but side imaging truly finds fish and does make you a better angler.

[zanzibarro]

Excellent comments, thanks a lot guys.

[reddog]

Ill never be without it.. ever. It is effective from the dash, and the bow.. Given a choice, if it was a fully rigged Ranger without ever having the chance at SI, or a 16 foot tiller with a 25 horse, and my 1197 and my 997 onboard, Id take the tiller boat...

Ive always said... figure out what you can afford for screen size, then go one size larger. Make it hurt... You will never... and I say never regret buying more screen. It doesnt cost 2K to get the larger screen... unless you buy a smaller screen first..

[JohnMickish]

Just like everyone else has said, it's a no brainer. I have been using Humminbird side imaging units for 3 years now and can't imagine fishing without it. The first time I ran over the mudflats on Mille Lacs I couldn't believe what they really looked like, and now I know why certain flats hold more fish than others.

Before you buy, make sure you check out http://profishingsupply.com/ for pricing. Dave is a site sponsor and has unbelievable pricing! One word of advice, get the next bigger screen than what you think you want. It will be worth the extra money.

[JohnMickish]

One thing to keep in mind is with great technology comes great responsibility. Respect the resource and put some back.

[UKCM]

I have down imaging and sidescan. Down imaging is extremly easy to interpet. Side imaging is more challenging, especially doing it live on the water. I find if I know what is under the water, that yes side imaging reflects that. However when I am not sure I sometimes struggle. I have bought the Dr Sonar DVD and it helps but I still have a lot to learn. One thing I was hoping to be able to do is see bass position next to reeds as I fish that a lot. I have not been able to do nor have I ever seen anyone else do that on you tube or DVD or via screen shot. Given how much more detail I see with Down scan I can not wait till I am more comfortable with sidescan but I have used it for over a year and I am still learning.

[MN Mike]

I have down imaging and sidescan. Down imaging is extremly easy to interpet. Side imaging is more challenging, especially doing it live on the water. I find if I know what is under the water, that yes side imaging reflects that. However when I am not sure I sometimes struggle. I have bought the Dr Sonar DVD and it helps but I still have a lot to learn. One thing I was hoping to be able to do is see bass position next to reeds as I fish that a lot. I have not been able to do nor have I ever seen anyone else do that on you tube or DVD or via screen shot. Given how much more detail I see with Down scan I can not wait till I am more comfortable with sidescan but I have used it for over a year and I am still learning.

I've had my 798c SI since April of '09 and I'm still learning! it is an awesome tool and for anyone on the fence wondering if it's worth it..... absolutley! Don't hesitate spending the extra money, you won't regret it.

Mike