In this guide, you will learn how Mark Zona uses side imaging on Humminbird units to locate rock, road beds, and hard bottom without driving over fish.

Why This Technique Matters Right Now

Offshore fish often group around structure like rock piles, ridges, and old road beds. These areas hold bait and create feeding zones.

Side imaging helps you:

• Cover water faster than traditional sonar
• Avoid spooking fish by staying off the structure
• Identify subtle changes in bottom composition
• Find multiple spots in a single pass

This makes it one of the most efficient tools for locating offshore fish.

Pro Staff Tips from Mark Zona

According to Zona, success with side imaging comes down to a few key adjustments:

• Keep your range around 75 feet per side for the best balance of detail and coverage
• Look for hard returns like rock ridges and road beds
• Scan instead of driving over fish to avoid spooking them
• Mark waypoints instantly when you see something valuable

These small adjustments help you turn searching time into fishing time.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

Step 1: Set Your Side Imaging Range

Set your unit to about 75 feet on each side.

This gives you a clear image while still covering enough water to find structure quickly.

Step 2: Idle and Scan

Drive slowly over likely offshore areas.

Focus on points, flats, and transitions where fish tend to group.

Step 3: Identify Key Structure

Watch for:

• Bright returns that indicate hard bottom
• Defined shapes like rock ridges
• Straight lines that may be old road beds

These are high percentage areas that often hold fish.

Step 4: Mark Waypoints Instantly

When you see something promising:

• Move your cursor over the target
• Hit “mark” on your unit
• Save the waypoint for precise casting

This allows you to return and fish the exact spot without guessing.

Recommended Gear for This Approach

To get the most out of side imaging, your setup matters.

• Electronics: Humminbird APEX or XPLORE with MEGA Side Imaging
• Transducer: High quality SI transducer for clear returns
• Boat Control: Trolling motor with GPS anchoring helps hold position
• Mapping: Updated mapping chips for better navigation

Shop fish finders at Bass Pro Shops
Browse marine electronics at Cabela’s

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Running your range too wide
  This reduces detail and makes structure harder to identify
• Driving too fast while scanning
  You will miss key details and subtle structure
• Not marking waypoints immediately
  You may lose track of the exact location
• Fishing before scanning thoroughly
  Spend time finding the best spots first

When and Where This Works Best

Side imaging is most effective in:

• Summer and winter offshore patterns
• Lakes with defined structure like rock and ledges
• Clear to moderately stained water
• Large flats, points, and channel swings

It is less effective in very shallow or heavy vegetation.