Hey guys. I was thinking about picking up a helix 7 for my first unit. I’ve never had one before but I want to start learning how to work them. But the helix 7 is the smallest unit and I was curious if you can actually use it to find fish effectively. Thanks.

I have an HDS live 7” and you can find fish just fine. Lots of the big screen sonar units people run split screen, which amounts to having 2-4 smaller screens. You may have to toggle between screens as opposed to running split screens, but you should be able to see the fish. 

Learning to interpret what your seeing is the key, youtube can help a lot when it comes to that. Some finders make that easier. You can still find fish with older or entry level units. There are lots of informative articles on this site.

Learning to interpret sonar returns is more important then the size of the units screen. 

Todays sonar have GPS map showing exactly where you are located and the lakes structure/depth. The sonar map feature allows you to mark way points where to see fish or interesting structure so you can return to that exact spot. You need you learn map reading features.

Types of sonar that “see” fish are traditional down looking color, HD high density down looking or scanning that show mono color contrasting dots for fish, side scanning and live scope. Study all 3 types before buying. 

Most weekend bass anglers have excellent sonar units that display all sizes of fish, bass don’t look any different from carp, both are fish with air bladders.

Good luck,

Tom

PS, hire a good guide to teach you how to use your unit, saves you years of trying on your own.