Interactive Fish Finder Guide

Tap image thumbnails and explanation buttons to learn what each sonar screen is showing.

CHIRP Sonar (Traditional)

Traditional sonar is best for seeing fish arches, bait schools, and bottom hardness while you move or drift.

Fish ArchesBait BallsHard BottomSoft Bottom

Arches = fish

Fish often appear as arches. A thicker or stronger arch can suggest a larger fish or a fish passing clearly through the cone.

Best for: Searching new water and finding fish while underway or drifting.

DownScan Imaging (Structure Detail)

DownScan is better for separating fish from structure and showing timber, weed, rock, and bottom detail more clearly.

FishTimberRocksStructure Fishing

Fish = bright dots or marks

Fish on DownScan often appear as bright dots or small marks, sometimes with separation from nearby structure.

Best for: Confirming whether marks are fish, timber, reef, or bottom structure.

SideScan Imaging (Finding Fish Left and Right)

SideScan helps you cover more water by looking left and right of the boat instead of only directly underneath.

Left / Right ViewShadowsCovering Water

Left and right = away from the boat

The sonar is showing what lies to either side of your boat. This lets you search a much wider area quickly.

Best for: Scanning wide areas, finding reef edges, and locating new spots quickly.

Standard Sonar Without CHIRP

Older non-CHIRP sonar can still work, but detail and fish separation are often less clear.

Lower Detail

Less separation and clarity

Fish, bait, and bottom detail can blend together more on older sonar. CHIRP usually provides cleaner separation.

Best for: Understanding the difference between older sonar and newer CHIRP displays.