I’m having a debate with a buddy of mine regarding fish finders as he is in the market for one, and we have differing opinions, and it triggered my curiosity. I wondered how everyone else felt about the subject, so here I am to ask. Please leave brands aside as everyone has their preference.

Let’s say you have a bass boat, and you’re in the market for a new fish finder. You may find yourself offshore, shallow, in creeks, etc; Your range is unlimited. BrandA has two fish finders. A larger 12” screen with standard features such as downscan and sonar. BrandA also offers a 7” or 9” fishfinder with all of the most up-to-date features - the pinnacle of fish finders. I’ll leave positioning up to you; this could be mounted at the trolling motor or the console etc. If you believe that the position of the fish finder matters, please tell me why and which fish finder you’d choose. Price is not included because the cost is not the area of debate.

TL;DR Would you rather have a big fishfinder 12”-15” with standard features (DS + Sonar) or a 7-9” fishfinder with the best capability.

Thank you for your input!

So many ways you could slice it. For me, I can do everything on the bow with just a Livescope. You really have to mention, your style of fishing though, if you pull up on the bank and never fish offshore, you don’t really need anything up there. A 7” screen is pretty challenging to use though, if you start adding SI/mapping & 2d.

Thank you for your input! I’ll make an edit stating style of fishing.

I would go with the 12" screen (BrandX) and shoot for a good side imaging option (Back of the boat). I use this way more looking around than the DI option. I actually use the standard sonar more than the DI. 12" screen is a good meet in the middle, any smaller you will be nose to screen for some items. As for mounting, I am currently keeping it down in cost by only using one unit. I mounted the unit on a RAM mount (Size-D), picked up a spare (Ram Base d-size and power cable/coupler) and I can move it from console to the trolling motor in about 30 seconds. Have a built in transducer on the TM , so all I have to do is change the setup for the transducers and I am back online. Saves me some cash for the moment. Finding a 12" model might be tough for some brands, they are few and far between. Bigger on the front of the boat, and smaller on the dash. I spend way more time at the front of the boat.. I personally switched to a manuf that links up to the MK to automate the system. I like the follow the contour, and goto waypoint feature. If you are only going to have one unit, it's pretty cheap to setup another base/cable to use it both front or back IMO. But is cost is not an option, go big..

Thank you for your input!

I chose 2 12” at my console and duel 9” at the bow.
Those were my choices for many reasons. From mapping, side and down imaging to split screen capacity.
Of course for the larger screen viewing for my eye sight.

I have three Lowrence Gen 3's. And then I got a 12" Helix with Mega 360. And now I have Mega Live Imaging on order. If I had to do it again, I'd go all Humminbird. But I'm sure Lowrance and Garmin get the job done fine. And Gamin invented the Live Imaging stuff.

Screen size is more important than added features first. If you have the added features and try to see more than just a single screen on the 7 or 9" models, disappointment in the features will abound. Be advised there is usually a resolution/clarity improvement when you bump up screen size as well.

I put two 12" screens at my console (originally was a 12 and a 9) and a single 12 up front. I may move things around or add another graph at some point, but I'm happy with the direction I took when upgrading. I just need to make it pay off and find some fish!