Side Scan - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

fishingfiend · 08-07-2015, 09:07 PM

I've had my 798HD SI for a couple of years now and really enjoy side imaging when in less than 150' of water. Helps to see which side the bait is on and structure when moving from spot to spot. As TJones stated, the transducer has to be in the water to get good side imaging resolution. My work around was to cut the lowrance cover and lower the transducer below the cover. The Helix is still using the same XNT 9 SI 180 T tranducer, so this should work. I like the Helix, but wish it had 1 more memory slot for tracking trip data plus a navionics card. The one tradeoff with humminbird, the power pin connector is not ideal for saltwater and will require keeping the contacts clean. I use contact cleaner after every trip now to better manage the corrosion.

TJones · 08-07-2015, 09:08 PM

JohnMckroidJr · 08-08-2015, 12:04 AM

I have not used a humminbird sidescan, but have used the lowrence LSS2 and Raymarine CP200. I concur with everything that TJones and Fishingfiend mentioned in regards to mounting issues and usage capabilities of sidescan. So far, the reduced speed has out-weighed the benefit, but am still experimenting with different methods for mounting. I wish that hobie would make the newer PA's with a larger transducer area.

08-07-2015, 09:08 PM	#2
TJones Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2,526	Holy shit

08-07-2015, 09:07 PM	#1
fishingfiend Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: SoCal Posts: 196	I've had my 798HD SI for a couple of years now and really enjoy side imaging when in less than 150' of water. Helps to see which side the bait is on and structure when moving from spot to spot. As TJones stated, the transducer has to be in the water to get good side imaging resolution. My work around was to cut the lowrance cover and lower the transducer below the cover. The Helix is still using the same XNT 9 SI 180 T tranducer, so this should work. I like the Helix, but wish it had 1 more memory slot for tracking trip data plus a navionics card. The one tradeoff with humminbird, the power pin connector is not ideal for saltwater and will require keeping the contacts clean. I use contact cleaner after every trip now to better manage the corrosion.

08-08-2015, 12:04 AM	#3
JohnMckroidJr Senior Member Join Date: May 2014 Location: Fort Lauderdale Posts: 2,007	I have not used a humminbird sidescan, but have used the lowrence LSS2 and Raymarine CP200. I concur with everything that TJones and Fishingfiend mentioned in regards to mounting issues and usage capabilities of sidescan. So far, the reduced speed has out-weighed the benefit, but am still experimenting with different methods for mounting. I wish that hobie would make the newer PA's with a larger transducer area.