Side imaging sonar

[quick]

What's the latest word on wether or not to use side imaging or down scan tech,quite expensive so I need much feedback pros and cons HELP!!!

[Outlaw1&2]

It's nice to have, play with and see whats under the water in clear vision instead deciphering a regular sonar, but it is not necessary by any means to find and catch fish. I say if you have the extra cash laying around, get it and if you have a lot of cash laying around get the biggest screen they have. They have come out with a 596 hd di, I think it is that has down image only for a about $500.00 if you don't want all the other bells and whistles.

[thankfull]

I have had a 997 h/bird for three years and love it. if you are computer savy it won't be hard for you as it has been for us old folks.

[Shine Runner]

Been looking into the SI/DI really hard the last few months myself. I think the for me the DI will be more useful, that is until I learn how to read the SI. I got a chance at Talquin to view it and try to understand what it is showing. Pretty useful info. I know alot of folks are using DI/SI to scout water before even wetting the hook and making it payoff. It is expensive, but when I can I will most likely end up with and 898 HD on the console and a 788 ci HD DI on the bow. The 500 series is available with HD DI but has limits on software and linking to other units. The 700/800 or higher series allow the linking from what I have found so far.

[FalconSmitty]

SI is not a must but I love it. you can eliminate so much water that holds no fish. Takes a while to learn how to set and use it. I never drop a hook now unless I can see what I want to see on the hbird.

[TnT]

I have really enjoyed my 798...Although I don't use my SI as often as the DI, it is a great tool to have sitting there waiting on you.

[foul hook]

You can run all three on 900 series split screen. SI down shot and sonar on the same screen. Most people try to over complicate the SI . When you understand that the dark section on the center of the screen is the water directly under the boat the rest is all academic . I have had the Si sense 06 . I had it set on the set and forget mode for a couple of years . I didn't understand it and I didn't want to interrupt my fishing long enough to learn . Well I have overcome that dilemma. With the new 1100 series you can ride down the middle of the river and see 475 ft on both sides . On the Hooch that is bank to bank. Fishing without Si is worse than haven Dial Up internet service and VD at the same time. The US navy swears by the SI. I like it TOO !

[rawdog]

You will not believe what you see don't know how we fished without it

[ykkapslabhunter]

Love my 998. Haven't used it a lot but its amazing what you can see on it. Definitely worth every penny.

[papasage]

Bill Dance did a show on the si .had it save but lost it when i had my computer repaired . does anyone have it or where to find it.
Found the artickle it was not Bill Dance it was Hank Parker http://www.myoutdoortv.com/fishing/h...tdoor-magazine