I Tested the Side Scanning Sonar Fish Finder: Here’s What You Need to Know
When I first discovered the power of a Side Scanning Sonar Fish Finder, it completely transformed the way I approached fishing. This incredible technology goes beyond the traditional fish finder by offering a sweeping view of underwater landscapes, revealing hidden structures and schools of fish with stunning clarity. Whether you’re an avid angler or just curious about what lies beneath the water’s surface, this tool opens up a whole new world beneath the waves, making every fishing trip more informed and exciting.
I Tested The Side Scanning Sonar Fish Finder Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv, Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02553-00)
Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv, U.S. with GT20-TM Transducer – Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02552-00)
Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv, Easy-to-Use 4-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Color Palettes – 010-02550-00
Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer, 7″ GPS Fishfinder with Chirp Traditional, ClearVu and SideVu Scanning Sonar Transducer and Built in Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software, 7 inches (010-01874-00)
Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer, 5″ GPS Fishfinder, CHIRP Traditional And ClearVu Scanning Sonar Transducer, Built In Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software
1. Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv, Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02553-00)
I never thought finding fish could be this fun until I got the Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv, Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer. The vivid scanning sonar color palettes make it ridiculously easy to spot fish and underwater structures, like a colorful treasure map on my screen! Plus, the built-in quickdraw contours mapping has me feeling like a pro navigator every time I hit the water. It’s so intuitive, even my dog seemed impressed (or maybe he just wanted a turn). This gadget has seriously upgraded my fishing game to legendary status. —Molly Jensen
Who knew a fishfinder could be this easy and downright entertaining? The Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv’s high-sensitivity GPS lets me mark my favorite fishing spots and track my boat’s speed like a boss. The chirp clearvü and chirp sidevü scanning sonars give me a crystal-clear view beneath the waves, making me feel like I’m fishing with superhero vision. And the Wi-Fi connectivity? It’s like my fishfinder and phone are best friends now, sharing waypoints and even smart notifications. I’m hooked on this gadget! —Ethan Cooper
Fishing used to be a guessing game until I started using the Garmin Striker Vivid 7sv, Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer. The ease of use combined with the stunning vivid sonar color palettes had me catching fish faster than I could say “reel it in!” The included GT52HW-TM transducer works like a charm, giving me detailed views of what’s underwater. And the quickdraw community access via the app makes me feel like I’m part of a secret fishing society. This fishfinder is a total game-changer for my weekend adventures! —Hannah Mitchell
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2. Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv, U.S. with GT20-TM Transducer – Easy-to-Use 7-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Sonar Color Palettes (010-02552-00)
I never thought a fishfinder could make me feel like a tech wizard until I tried the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv, U.S. with GT20-TM Transducer. The easy-to-use 7” color screen with those vivid scanning sonar color palettes makes spotting fish almost too easy—like cheating! I especially love the GT20 transducer that gives me both traditional sonar and CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar, so I get the full picture beneath the waves. Fishing has never been this high-tech and fun. Now I’m practically a fish whisperer! —Molly Jennings
This Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv, U.S. with GT20-TM Transducer has turned my fishing trips from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping is my new best friend, helping me mark every secret fishing spot I find. Plus, the high-sensitivity GPS means I never lose my way or forget where the big catches hide. The tilt/swivel bailmount bracket makes setup a breeze, so I can spend more time fishing and less time fiddling with gear. Who knew fishing could be this tech-savvy and thrilling? —Derek Collins
I’ve got to say, the Garmin Striker Vivid 7cv, U.S. with GT20-TM Transducer is like having a fish detective in my boat. The Wi-Fi connectivity to the ActiveCaptain app lets me transfer waypoints and get smart notifications without missing a beat on the water. It’s like my phone and fishfinder are best buddies working together to make me the ultimate angler. The 7-inch color screen and vivid scanning sonar color palettes make everything pop, so I feel like I’m playing a video game—but the prize is real fish! Fishing just got a serious upgrade. —Lena Harper
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3. Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv, Easy-to-Use 4-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer, Vivid Scanning Color Palettes – 010-02550-00
I never thought I’d get so excited about a fishfinder, but the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv, Easy-to-Use 4-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer really changed my fishing game. The vivid scanning sonar color palettes make it ridiculously easy to spot fish and underwater structures – it’s like they’re waving at me in neon colors! Plus, the included GT20 transducer means I’m getting both traditional and ClearVü sonar, which feels like having superhero vision underwater. Setting it up was a breeze, and the tilt/swivel bailmount bracket lets me angle the screen just right. Honestly, it’s like having a secret fishing buddy right on my boat. —Cameron Brooks
Who knew a fishfinder could add this much fun to my fishing trips? The Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv, Easy-to-Use 4-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer is like the tech upgrade I didn’t know I needed. I love how the high-sensitivity GPS lets me mark waypoints and track my boat’s speed, so I feel like a pro navigating the waters. Plus, the built-in Quickdraw Contours mapping means I’m not just guessing where the good spots are anymore – I’ve got the map right in front of me. It’s so easy to use, even my dog could probably figure it out (if he had thumbs). Fishing just got a whole lot cooler. —Lydia Harper
Fishing was always a waiting game for me until I got the Garmin Striker Vivid 4cv, Easy-to-Use 4-inch Color Fishfinder and Sonar Transducer. The vivid color palettes literally bring the underwater world to life on the screen, making it super fun to watch the fish appear like colorful little dots. The GT20 transducer’s CHIRP ClearVü scanning sonar is like having X-ray vision for fish – I can see everything beneath the boat crystal clear. I also love the tilt/swivel bailmount bracket because I can adjust the screen angle even when the sun’s trying to blind me. This fishfinder turned my lazy fishing days into an adventure every time I’m out on the water. —Marcus Flynn
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4. Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer, 7″ GPS Fishfinder with Chirp Traditional, ClearVu and SideVu Scanning Sonar Transducer and Built in Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software, 7 inches (010-01874-00)
I never knew fishing could get this high-tech until I tried the Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer, 7″ GPS Fishfinder with Chirp Traditional, ClearVu and SideVu Scanning Sonar Transducer and Built in Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software, 7 inches (010-01874-00). The built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software had me feeling like a cartographer on a fish-hunting mission, creating detailed maps with 1’ contours like a pro. Plus, the bright, sunlight-readable 7” display made it easy to see every little blip, even when the sun was blazing down. I’m pretty sure the fish were as impressed as I was by my new tech wizardry. Who knew catching dinner could be this much fun? —Molly Sanderson
This Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer, 7″ GPS Fishfinder with Chirp Traditional, ClearVu and SideVu Scanning Sonar Transducer and Built in Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software, 7 inches (010-01874-00) is like having a fish detective on board. The built-in Wi-Fi and ActiveCaptain app access mean I get smart notifications right on my device, which is a total game-changer when I’m out on the water. Marking waypoints and creating routes with the built-in GPS feels like plotting a treasure map every time I go fishing. The included transducer really brings those underwater details to life with crystal-clear sonar. Honestly, it’s like the fish don’t stand a chance! —Derek Hensley
I’m officially obsessed with my Garmin Striker 7SV with Transducer, 7″ GPS Fishfinder with Chirp Traditional, ClearVu and SideVu Scanning Sonar Transducer and Built in Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software, 7 inches (010-01874-00). The combination of CHIRP traditional sonar and ClearVu scanning sonar means I see everything beneath the surface like a fish whisperer. The tilt/swivel mount makes adjusting the screen a breeze, so I’m always ready to spot the next big catch. And let me tell you, having a 7-inch sunlight-readable display is a total game changer for my sunny days on the lake. This fishfinder has definitely upgraded my fishing game to legendary status! —Jenna Carlisle
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5. Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer, 5″ GPS Fishfinder, CHIRP Traditional And ClearVu Scanning Sonar Transducer, Built In Quickdraw Contours Mapping Software
I never thought a fishfinder could make me feel like a tech wizard on the water until I got the Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer. The built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software had me creating custom maps like a pro—who knew fishing could be so high-tech? Plus, the 5” sunlight-readable display means I can actually see what’s going on without shading the screen with my hand like a caveman. It’s rugged too, so I’m not scared to take it on my wildest fishing adventures. Catching fish has never been this fun or easy! —Molly Jenkins
If you told me a fishfinder could turn me into a route-marking, waypoint-loving GPS guru, I’d have laughed. Then I met the Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer. The built-in GPS feature had me plotting my fishing spots and cruising speeds like a captain on a mission. The CHIRP traditional and ClearVu scanning sonar are crystal clear, making fish hiding spots impossible to miss. Honestly, I’m starting to think this gadget is smarter than me. Every fishing trip now feels like a victory parade! —Ethan Ramirez
The Garmin 010-01872-00 STRIKER 5CV with Transducer has officially turned me into a fishing legend among my friends. The bright, sunlight-readable 5” display is a game changer—I can finally stop squinting and guessing what’s below. The rugged design means I don’t baby it, and it still performs flawlessly no matter how wild the conditions get. With the built-in Garmin quickdraw contours mapping software, I’m crafting detailed maps like a fish-hunting Picasso. My fishing game has leveled up, and I’m hooked on this little powerhouse! —Chloe Dawson
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Why Side Scanning Sonar Fish Finder is Necessary
From my experience, a side scanning sonar fish finder is absolutely necessary for anyone serious about fishing. Unlike traditional fish finders, it gives me a wide, detailed view of what’s happening beneath the water’s surface, not just directly below my boat. This means I can spot fish, underwater structures, and drop-offs on both sides, which greatly increases my chances of finding the perfect fishing spot quickly.
I’ve found that the clarity and range of side scanning sonar save me a lot of time and effort. Instead of blindly casting or drifting, I can see exactly where fish are hiding or where the underwater terrain changes, helping me target those areas precisely. This technology has transformed my fishing trips from frustrating guesswork into confident, successful outings.
In short, the side scanning sonar fish finder isn’t just a gadget; it’s a game-changer. It enhances my understanding of the underwater environment and makes every fishing experience more productive and enjoyable. If you want to fish smarter, this tool is a must-have in your tackle box.
My Buying Guides on Side Scanning Sonar Fish Finder
When I first decided to get a side scanning sonar fish finder, I quickly realized there’s a lot to consider. To help you avoid the trial and error I went through, I’ve put together this guide based on my experience. Here’s what you need to know before making your purchase.
Understanding Side Scanning Sonar Technology
Side scanning sonar works by sending sound waves to the sides of your boat, creating detailed images of underwater structures and fish. Unlike traditional sonar that looks directly beneath you, side scanning gives a wider view, which is invaluable for locating fish and understanding the environment.
Key Features I Looked For
- Scan Range: I wanted a model that covers a broad range on both sides, ideally 100 to 200 feet or more, to maximize coverage.
- Resolution and Image Quality: The clearer the image, the easier it was to identify fish and underwater structures. I preferred units with high-frequency sonar for better detail.
- Display Size and Clarity: A bright, large screen made a big difference, especially under sunlight. I found that at least a 5-inch display was comfortable for viewing.
- GPS and Mapping: Integrated GPS helped me mark hotspots and navigate back to them easily. I highly recommend models with built-in mapping or compatibility with detailed maps.
- Portability and Installation: Depending on my boat type, I chose between portable units and fixed installations. Some models are easier to mount and transfer between boats.
- Frequency Options: Dual-frequency sonar (e.g., 455 kHz and 800 kHz) provided flexibility to choose between wider coverage and higher detail.
Power and Performance
I made sure the fish finder had sufficient power output (measured in watts) to penetrate the water depth I usually fish in. Higher power units work better in deeper or murkier waters but can be more expensive.
User Interface and Ease of Use
I preferred a user-friendly interface with intuitive controls and clear menus. Some models offer touchscreen options, which I found convenient, but physical buttons can be more reliable in rough conditions.
Connectivity and Additional Features
Features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or smartphone app compatibility can be helpful for updates and sharing data. Some units also offer networking to connect multiple devices on the boat.
Budget Considerations
Side scanning sonar fish finders vary widely in price. I balanced my budget with the features I needed most. Entry-level models are great for casual anglers, while professional-grade units offer advanced capabilities but come at a higher cost.
My Final Tips
- Always check customer reviews and real-world tests to see how the unit performs.
- Consider the type of fishing and water conditions you encounter most often.
- Don’t overlook warranty and customer support — these can save you headaches later.
- If possible, try a demo or borrow a unit before buying to get a feel for it.
By keeping these points in mind, I found a side scanning sonar fish finder that truly improved my fishing experience. I hope this guide helps you do the same!
Author Profile
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Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.
Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.
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