How much is "sidefinding" worth?

[HillbillyGeek]

I found a great deal on a "Bottomline 1101 fishin buddy" @ cabelas for $49. This model is being blown out because it does not have "sidefinding" capability -- and humminbird recently bought Bottomline so the product is now rebranded. Sidefinding capability allows the fish finder locate fish and see bottom contours out to 120 feet on any side. This is pretty neat, especially for bass fishing because bass frequently hug shorelines and hang out under docks. These are areas where it's extremely difficult, if not impossible, to get an image with traditional vertical-imaging fish finders. The down-side is that I have not been able to find a portable fish finder with sidefinding capabilities for less that $157. WOW!!! Do you think sidefinding technology is worth that much more moolah? I'm tempted to buy the el-cheapo 1101 and use it until the sidefinding models come down in price. Next year they will probably be $100 or less...

Here are some links:
Bottomline 1101
Humminbird fishin buddy 120

[Coastfishin]

When I bought my boat in 2006 it came with a fishing buddy 1101.
I tried it once. It was slightly better than worthless.
I could see fish swimming around and under the boat and it never marked any.
It did show the bottom structure somewhat.
That is my personal experience with them. I am glad it was a freebie!

[produce2troutcat]

I bought one back when they first came out in the 90's.It was for me a great investment for I am interested more in depth,structure and bottom contour then whether there is fish.It came with the sidefinder and it was fun to see it register a fish out at the same distance my presentation was,especially when BAM FISH ON.A few years ago I had to replace it because the screen has lots of lines running through it.The new one is not as good as the old one and from what I hear that is a common problem.Hopefully Hummingbird will make it better because the old one was great for its portibility from boat to float tube.

[A9]

I'm under the belief that with fishfinders, you get what you pay for. I was looking for a portable unit for my 12' Lund and I thought about getting one of those fishing buddies when I was doing some research on the internet. However, when I actually saw it first hand, it looked and felt very, very cheap. I opted up for a unit just under $140 (the Fish Eagle 245 DS, suction cup transducer unit) and am glad I settled for no less.

I don't see how sidefinders could hurt. I just don't know how accurate the information would be.

[cavdad45]

I think the sidefinder is worthless. I do have a Bottom-of-the-Line fishfinder only for its portability. When I start trailering my boat, then I plan to step up to the plate for a quality Lowrance GPS/Fishfinder.

[HillbillyGeek]

I think the sidefinder is worthless. I do have a Bottom-of-the-Line fishfinder only for its portability. When I start trailering my boat, then I plan to step up to the plate for a quality Lowrance GPS/Fishfinder.

Why do you think a sidefinder is worthless? Do they not work as advertised?

[cavdad45]

They are undiscernable, I can't read them. The sidefinder feature should be an entire screen option instead of a few little pixels to the side. It should look like a horizontal depth finder! The idea is still in its infancy for recreational fishing use. It reminds me of the old football video games from the early 80's with just a series of dashes and a big imagination required to actually see a football game.