"Humminbird's Side Imaging covers from the water's surface to past vertical under the transducer on both sides. I know because I use it."

I admit I did not specifically investigate HB for angle, so I should have stated so. HB doesn't state side view combined beam angle specs on their website that I could find. Physics holds that oblique angles are extremely challenging to sonar signaling, regardless of electronics brand.

I'm not trying to bash any brand of side imaging. The point is that they are ALL more functional in deeper water vs. shallow water because more targets are at a less oblique angle and can be more effectively "painted" for image generation.

In one of your images, there are multiple shadows that could be fish painted less effectively than one target in particular you called out as a bass. You imply there was one fish present, that is was a bass, and that you caught that particular fish. The sonar can't confirm any of the detail stated - you've taken the major anecdotal evidence route. Here's an equally plausible scenario: There were ten fish present though the sonar couldn't see them, the target noted was actually a turtle - and then you caught a bass! There's a lot less certainty to some aspects of sonar imagery than you are comprehending in visions of grandeur. Absolute species identification isn't something sonar does. A viewer may analyze and predict based on circumstances, but that is ALL it is. Sonar also can't tell you about fish out of view of the sonar beam, so you certainly can't be sure of a head count for fish present. There are countless circumstances that "hide" fish from being shown as targets. Lastly, how can you tell that the bass you caught was actually responsible for the target in that image?

Happy New Year everyone.

I have a (probably stupid) question but gonna ask anyway.

I have a small bass tracker I use exclusively on Caddo Lake. Has a real cheap piranhamax FF on it. I do not need any down image capabilities really as the lake is 4-6 foot deep everywhere you go outside of the river channel.

I am seeing more abut side imaging and wonder if that might be useful for peeking around cypress trees or across the grass flats I fish in shallow water. Thoughts from the group?

Also, are side image units pretty straight forward on installs? I really don't want to start getting too technical here. I have done fine fishing without it but I like fishing toys as much as the next guy on this forum.

Thanks for any advice.