How to Choose a Fishfinder: CHIRP, Down/Side Imaging & Live Sonar
The right fishfinder turns guesswork into a clear picture of what’s under the boat — depth, structure, bait and fish. Here’s how to choose one that matches how and where you fish.
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Sonar types
- CHIRP 2D sonar: the foundation — excellent target separation and the truest read of fish and bottom hardness.
- Down imaging (DownVü/DownScan/ClearVü): photo-like detail directly beneath the boat for structure.
- Side imaging (SideVü/SideScan): scans wide to each side to cover water fast and find structure.
- Live sonar (LiveScope, ActiveTarget): real-time, moving images of fish reacting to your bait — the modern game-changer.
Standalone vs combo
A combo unit bundles GPS/chartplotting with the fishfinder on one screen — usually the better value and what most anglers want. Pure standalone finders suit a dedicated bow or secondary display.
Transducer & mounting
The transducer makes or breaks performance. Transom-mount is easy and great for most outboards; thru-hull suits inboards and bigger hulls; trolling-motor transducers feed live sonar at the bow. Match the transducer to the unit’s supported frequencies.
Screen, power & depth
Bigger, higher-resolution screens read better in sun and split cleaner. Higher transmit power and the right frequency reach deeper — high frequency for detail in shallow water, lower frequency for depth offshore.
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Browse our fishing & sonar gear and chartplotter combos. Need it mounted with the right transducer? We offer professional marine electronics installation — talk to our team in Pompano Beach, FL.