Best side scan fish finders

Top pick: Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv with GT56 transducer. It's the sweet spot for side imaging — a 9-inch touchscreen, Garmin's sharpest SideVü/ClearVü transducer, and quick-release mounting, so you get big-screen detail without a flagship price. Works with Minn Kota and MotorGuide trolling motors.

Who the others suit:

• Humminbird HELIX 7 MEGA SI G4 — the budget route into true MEGA side imaging; keypad controls, small screen.
• Lowrance Elite FS 7 — if you prefer Lowrance's Active Imaging look and a compact dash footprint.
• Humminbird XPLORE 9 CMSI+ — Humminbird fans wanting a bigger, newer screen and MEGA SI+ detail.
• Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 106sv — the step up: 10-inch screen, premium mapping, LiveScope-ready.
• Garmin GPSMAP 1543xsv — for offshore/console boats where a 15-inch display is the point.

Rule of thumb: side imaging is only as good as the transducer and the screen you read it on — buy the biggest screen your dash and budget allow.