Side Imaging from the bow with your trolling motor?

[gpbfishman]

Hey guys...making some changes to my setup and I am looking for some thoughts/opinions out there about the use of side-imaging (all brands) that's built into or externally attached to your trolling motor. Are you using SI from the trolling motor? If not, why not? If yes, how are you using it? Are there specific techniques you use it for versus other options like 2D, down-imaging, or even live? Appreciate any feedback.

-Tight lines.

[cubswin]

I have mine setup that way, really don't use it much. Normally have it on graph and down image, or down image and 2d.

The side image doesn't refresh fast enough on quick turns of the motor. Mine is a helix 9 on a ghost trolling motor. I'm thinking of moving to a lowrance graph with the 3n1 nose cone.

[Mcjenson]

I have it hooked up, but with FFS I never use it.

[NoCAL]

Go to the Search function and type in “side image trolling motor”. You will have enough reading to keep you busy for a couple hours. I’ve actually been using my Ghost 360 quite a bit lately. That requires a 3in1 nosecone on a Ghost trolling motor

[MichAngler]

I’ve used SI on the trolling motor for a decade now
You may not get a perfect image but at least it lets you know there’s something there you need to look at
Or if you know the structure is there you can at least judge the distance and angle for your next cast
If you want a good image just take the time to run a straight line alongside it with the trolling motor
These days as soon as I see something I spin the Livescope on it to get a better look

[Bass Cat Boats]

With the regulations coming from Bassmaster, we do see a reason for SI on the front troller. Panning gives a visual on the bottom texture and you do have to pan slowly for the screen to populate properly. And you can GPS the area for exact locations.

[jjue1979]

I do not Side Image from my trolling motor--I only 2D, DI, 360, and Livescope from the trolling motor. Side imaging (as well as 2D and DI) tells me what I just passed with the transducer while 360 and LS tells me what is all around me. However, since I don't have a rear facing FFS yet, I do use SI at the console when pulling crankbaits since this tells me what structure and fish that I'm passing over and about to pass with the crankbaits.

[Mahomee]

360 works better so long as your not on high speed at the tm.

360 has side if you wanted it, but if your making a long enough "run" on the tm to use high and use the side imaging, I would think you would start your big engine and sit back there.

[ECobb91]

I have mine on the bow. Too poor and I don’t fish enough to justify having 360 or ffs.

honestly it works well. You can make out quite a bit of detail even at slow speeds. It’s not as clear as if idling around but it’s good enough

[T Top Slim]

I have it, and before I got FFS, along with DI and Sonar. Now I switch back and forth while using FFS. SI allows you to see what's to the side if you keep your FFS pretty much straight forward. I have it on a separate graph. Probably not needed, but just another option.

[skeeterprop]

When you have it on does it interfer with FFS ?

[NoCAL]

When you have it on does it interfer with FFS ?

When using FFS, it's best to turn off all other sonar on the bow. Unless you can live with the pulsing, interference wave. I got used to it and don't mind it now but some users can't stand anything but the clearest image available. In that case, you will want to turn off 2D and side image sonars on the bow. IMO.

[TomM]

I use it quite a bit since I fish electric only lakes. I just adjust the chart speed to my trolling speed. Works fine...

Tom

[wmitch2]

I'll use it to run a bank by setting my Ultrex on about 1.5 continuous and the SI on what ever side the bank is on, then move out a little and then just guide it down the bank. I also have FFS set on forward. Gives me a pretty good look at what's in front of and between me and the bank.

[Runsome]

I have mine on the bow. Too poor and I don’t fish enough to justify having 360 or ffs.

honestly it works well. You can make out quite a bit of detail even at slow speeds. It’s not as clear as if idling around but it’s good enough

I use it on the bow as well and find it to be valuable. I can see rockpiles, etc. from farther away than with LiveScope. I can also have my LiveScope pointed one way, while still looking for rockpiles off to either side. I do get some interference on FFS, but it’s totally manageable.