I have been searching the interwebs feverishly in search of a high quality depthfnder for my smartphone and tablet.  I have found a couple but their technology seems to be far behind the stand alone units from major brands like Humminbird and Lowrance that offer down scan and side scan capability.    

 

Just to be sure I have not missed anything in my search .... Is there a setup available with side scan and down scan that uses smartphones and tablets?

 

If available, I would prefer this type of unit for my boat.  I have an iPad and feel it would be an awesome way to fish a fishfinder screen from anywhere in the boat.   

There aren't any available with the whole side scan/3D imaging/etc. They're much more basic but still super useful. I have tried both a Fish Hound and a Deeper. The Fish Hound never once managed to connect to my phone, even at distances under 6', so I really have no idea how well it works, all I know is that it never did. The Deeper on the other hand has worked nearly flawlessly in every situation for me, including a lot of towing behind a kayak, even in choppy water. I really love the Deeper and if you are in the market it is worth every penny (even though it's the most expensive one out there).

The best is the sonarphone fishfinder

I use it works great for finding isolated structure that never sees a lure

100 bucks

Worth every penny when you see that ten pounder jump

The best is the sonarphone fishfinder

I use it works great for finding isolated structure that never sees a lure

100 bucks

Worth every penny when you see that ten pounder jump

X2.  I'll be using the castable unit to locate said stucture mentioned above.

I have such a hard time seeing the screen on my iPad in direct sunlight I don't think it would be the best choice for a depth finder. That, plus you'd have to get a case that was 100% waterproof for those days when it rains or the water gets a little rough.

Alright. I guess I gotta go with the more traditional looking unit for the scanning capabilities.

While the mobile app sonar devices only do traditional 2D sonar, the best benefit of the Vexilar Sonarphone is the capability to do Navionics Sonar Charts Live to create HD contour mapping where there is none.

I have a deeper castable unit that I could part with if your interested

You can try the Raymarine WiFish it sets up like a traditional fishfinder on your vessel. Instead of a display unit, it's the WiFi antenna. And it uses DI or whatever Raymarine calls it.

The best is the sonarphone fishfinder

I use it works great for finding isolated structure that never sees a lure

100 bucks

Worth every penny when you see that ten pounder jump

is this what youre referring to?

 

http://www.amazon.com/VEXILAR-SP1OO-SONARPHONE-TRANSDUCER-Prod/dp/B00V3VEA74/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1446221388&sr=8-4&keywords=sonarphone+fishfinder

i also see this.  in a jon boat either of these look like they'd be the ticket, especially in farm ponds.

 

http://www.amazon.com/VEXILAR-SP200-SONARPHONE-PERMANENT-INSTALLATION/dp/B016GAX6EY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1446221388&sr=8-3&keywords=sonarphone+fishfinder

i also see this.  in a jon boat either of these look like they'd be the ticket, especially in farm ponds.

 

http://www.amazon.com/VEXILAR-SP200-SONARPHONE-PERMANENT-INSTALLATION/dp/B016GAX6EY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1446221388&sr=8-3&keywords=sonarphone+fishfinder

I use the SP-200 version since I can do Navionics Sonar Charts Live with it.

 

I have the app on several mobile devices.