Side Imaging Explained: How to Read Your Screen & Find More Fish
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
- Found In: Fishing Tips, Boating, Electronics
In this video, Captain Peter Deeks and I break down side imaging from different perspectives to help you finally make sense of what you’re seeing on your screen.
Most anglers fire up their side imaging, glance at the display, and assume they know what’s going on. But the truth? You’re probably missing the most important clues.
- That black strip down the middle? It doesn’t mean what you think.
- Fish and structure actually cast shadows (just like a flashlight).
- Boat speed can completely change the size and shape of what shows up.
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Between Peter’s on-the-water examples and my tips, you’ll see:
- The folded-paper trick that makes your screen instantly “click”
- A sunken boat and a massive school of drum revealed on side imaging
- Why adjusting your range is the difference between confusion and clarity.
Conclusion:
Once you know how to interpret what side imaging is really showing you, it becomes one of the most powerful tools on your boat. Check out the video to see how Peter and I use it to unlock spots and fish most people just drive right past.
Tight lines,
Tony
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STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
When “guesstimating” how far off to the side of your own boat the sunken boat was from your transducer beam, you also need to remember to subtract that dark area showing on your screen to guess how far it is off to the side. In your screenshot, the boat’s sonar return starts at about 15′ when it starts showing on your screen however about 12′ of that 15′ also includes the black (depth area) under your boat. With SI your beam is not shooting exactly straight down so you should probably add a foot per 20′ of depth to include for the added distance due to the angle of the beam. Am I worng in thinking this sunken boat begins within a foot or two of being directly under your boat?
Hey David! Yes that is correct. You would subtract the depth from the distance and that would be an accurate distance of how far out to the side the structure or fish would be. You also have to factor in that what it is showing is something you already passed by, so it will also be behind you.
Thank you, Tony, reviewing this again.
You’re welcome!
Great demonstration Tony!
Thanks Dennis!
Thanks Tony I can never have to much info when it comes to how to use my scanner
You’re welcome Louis!
great insight! i dont use side imaging that much but loved the way u describes using it to locate strucure and shift back to 2d for hunting. thx
You’re welcome Tim!
Thanks Tony that was cool very much information greatly appreciated
You’re welcome James!
Great video Tony always need a refresher course. Saw knocker rig, but didnt exolain weight or size of the hook, for half blue crab
Thanks Brian!
Great video
Thanks Jim!
I’ve seen a lot of different side scan videos. This is one of the best I have seen. Outstanding job.
Thank you for the great feedback Forrest!
Best video I have seen yet on how to use the side scan. Can’t believe how much I have been missing out on. Keep on keeping on. Thanks.
Thank you John and you’re welcome!