Minimum Depth for Effective Side imaging

[jayp]

Considering a Hummingbird Mega Chirp SI sonar for my bow with a trolling motor mount. What is the minimum depth for the side imaging to be effective? Has anyone found SI to be effective in 3-4' water?

[Wayne P.]

It works as long as the transducer is not buried in the bottom and the range is limited by the contour of the bottom. Humminbird's Side Imaging covers from the water's surface to past vertical under the transducer on both sides.

[jayp]

Should work then as most central FL lakes are flat.Thanks.

[D Johnson]

Should work then as most central FL lakes are flat.Thanks.

Even NE Florida lakes. It is around 2' coming out from one of my ramps I use and it is neat to see stuff in the channel and the lake till we get to 5' and put out our spider rig rods.

[bsn4785]

I am a newbie but seems to work pretty good in shallow water.S00017.PNG

[scrimmy]

question Since u have both livescope and 360 mega im in central florida as welll do u think i would get better reults with the mega 360 or the livescope?

[D Johnson]

question Since u have both livescope and 360 mega im in central florida as welll do u think i would get better reults with the mega 360 or the livescope?

That all depends what you are, and how you are going to be using it.

[cevans]

question Since u have both livescope and 360 mega im in central florida as welll do u think i would get better reults with the mega 360 or the livescope?

.

I have read and been also told, as the Livescope is used in very shallow water you loose the advantage of seeing what in in front of you. The distance decreases a lot compared to using it in 10 to 30’ ft or deeper water? Doesn’t happen with Mega 360 unless your in heavy weeds or cover. But the heavy weeds and cover would also hamper Livescope also. Chime In Livescope users and educate me as to how far in 3’ or less of water in front of the boat you can see if not obstructed by weeds and say, your fishing a clean flat.

[D Johnson]

.

I have read and been also told, as the Livescope is used in very shallow water you loose the advantage of seeing what in in front of you. The distance decreases a lot compared to using it in 10 to 30’ ft or deeper water? Doesn’t happen with Mega 360 unless your in heavy weeds or cover. But the heavy weeds and cover would also hamper Livescope also. Chime In Livescope users and educate me as to how far in 3’ or less of water in front of the boat you can see if not obstructed by weeds and say, your fishing a clean flat.

I have a crappie trip Monday and will try to get that info for you, but except for bass fishing I seldom venture into 3' of water. Not that sometimes the crappies don't go there but pushing jigs on 8 18 to 20' poles in 3' can become a mess.