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Why isnt side image scanner too helpful for kayaker" #12667000 03/11/18 02:29 AM
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YakRider Offline OP
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I'm planning on getting a fish finder this spring, probably a Helix. I recall seeing someone says side imaging is not really helpful for a kayaker, an unit with DI would be just fine. Can you guys explain why or maybe I did not understand it correctly?

Thanks.

Re: Why isnt side image scanner too helpful for kayaker" [Re: YakRider] #12667051 03/11/18 02:55 AM
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I have side imaging on my kayak and its very helpful with finding structure and sometimes fish. It helped me find a group of spotted bass this weekend on Lake Palestine. To get the best readings and detail you have to be moving between 1-2 mph for my hds unit. I dont know anything about birds though. Hope that helps.

Re: Why isnt side image scanner too helpful for kayaker" [Re: YakRider] #12667079 03/11/18 03:10 AM
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I don't know why someone would say that.

Re: Why isnt side image scanner too helpful for kayaker" [Re: YakRider] #12667250 03/11/18 10:55 AM
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Shaun Russell Offline
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I dont know why someone would say that. I have a Helix 7 with SI and it works great. Heck Ive been using SI on kayaks for years.



And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.
Matthew 4:19
Re: Why isnt side image scanner too helpful for kayaker" [Re: YakRider] #12667269 03/11/18 11:39 AM
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For those with SI, how critical is it that the transducer is below all of the HDPE?
Lose maybe 10% image clarity if mounting it within the hull?

My Hobie has a recessed well with a shield , I know they sell an after market shield for SI ducers (ex Burley Pro). Im curious if I could get away without buying the after market transducer shield (dont want to side arm mount)


[Linked Image]
Re: Why isnt side image scanner too helpful for kayaker" [Re: YakRider] #12667512 03/11/18 04:03 PM
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Fisherman13 Offline
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Side image would work just fine on the kayak just need to be moving to get a good reading. And from what I know the transfucer needs to be clear on of anything on the sides to read. Needs to be below the kayak in the water, I dont think it was designed to see through the plastic hull even a little. I would bet the image would effected greatly if it had to shoot through anything.

Re: Why isnt side image scanner too helpful for kayaker" [Re: YakRider] #12667900 03/11/18 10:01 PM
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I have a Helix 5 with both down imaging and side imaging. The transducer is mounted in a well below the hull. I haven't found down or side imaging all that helpful. Maps and Autochart are helpful. I general run a view with maps and sonar. I troll running the contours and that keeps my lures where the fish are.




RealBigReel
I don't go too fast but I go pretty far.
Re: Why isnt side image scanner too helpful for kayaker" [Re: YakRider] #12667911 03/11/18 10:09 PM
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I am not a yakker, but SI is a wonderful thing on any type craft...DI is not very useful in shallow water.

Re: Why isnt side image scanner too helpful for kayaker" [Re: YakRider] #12668052 03/12/18 12:42 AM
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Neumie Offline
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Wouldn't make sense down at the coast in the bays where you're fishing in shallow waters all the time.


"Water is life's matter and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water." -Albert Szent-Gyorgyi

"No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man." - Heraclitus
Re: Why isnt side image scanner too helpful for kayaker" [Re: Neumie] #12668099 03/12/18 01:14 AM
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Originally Posted By: Neumie
Wouldn't make sense down at the coast in the bays where you're fishing in shallow waters all the time.


Here is the logical order...Di, Si, 360...figure it out for your application, and go for it...I just added 360 crazy stuff in shallow water...grooving out... cheers

Re: Why isnt side image scanner too helpful for kayaker" [Re: YakRider] #12668401 03/12/18 12:12 PM
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I can't think of many fishing situations where Side Image is not very useful. From rivers to lakes fishing for LMB, BIG Blue cats, crappie, sandies, stripers and Blue Gill, from shallow water to deep water a good side image unit is a game changer.
Down image and 2d Sonar provide limited information in shallow water compared to side image.
For best results the transducer does need to be in the water and have a unrestricted view left and right. There are many creative ways to do this, a lot depends on the kayak being used.
Keep in mind that a good Side Imag unit will also have 2d sonar, Down Image and GPS/maps and even 360 imaging
The big decisions in picking out a good unit will be:
A) budget
B) how good of a image do you want
C) how big of a display do you want
D) how many SD slots do you want ( I highly recommend 2 SD slots)
E) how much battery do you have room for
The way you want to fish will also play a part in your decisions, if you just want to beat the bank then you can do just fine learning to read the shore line and surrounding terrain.
If you want to get off the banks and learn to fish structure and cover and or find schools of fish the a good Side Image FF is worth every penny. Due to the limited area we can cover in a reasonable amount of time this makes the Side Image an even better reason to consider.
I've always been a Bird user and think the Helix 7 is a great unit for the kayak with its biggest limitation being only having 1 SD slot.



I've never been good, But I've been Lucky!
I don't Lie or Exaggerate, but sometimes I remember BIG!
Re: Why isnt side image scanner too helpful for kayaker" [Re: YakRider] #12668527 03/12/18 01:52 PM
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I wouldn't be without SI. What good would DI or 2D do you in shallow water? Not my screen shots but it might give you an idea of SI in shallow water.



Re: Why isnt side image scanner too helpful for kayaker" [Re: YakRider] #12668558 03/12/18 02:10 PM
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I've never been good, But I've been Lucky!
I don't Lie or Exaggerate, but sometimes I remember BIG!
Re: Why isnt side image scanner too helpful for kayaker" [Re: YakRider] #12691499 03/27/18 05:25 PM
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Take the advice on here and learn more about the capabilities of the technology available before you listen to all the professionals tell you what your opinion is. Find someone who has side imaging and go fish with them.
I understand the aversion to hanging the side scanning transducer off the side. It getting in the way and drag are the two big problems. I have seen a couple folks engineer mounts that flip the SI transducer straight off the bow. They leave it up until they're free of any shallow obstructions and then they lower the puck. This way it is fully in the water and has a clear shot to both sides.
I have not bought a SI unit yet but Down imaging is awesome for me. I split the screens so my graph shows me the fish while the DI shows me the structure.

Bottom line, try some units out and see what they can do for you and which features or brands/models you like best.

Phil



Mahalo,
Phil
Re: Why isnt side image scanner too helpful for kayaker" [Re: YakRider] #12691857 03/27/18 08:59 PM
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YakRider Offline OP
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Would it yield good SI image if I don't mind mounting it on the side using a side arm?

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