Humminbird 598ci HD SI Review

This is by far the best fishfinder I’ve ever used and it’s also the most complicated. It takes time to learn all the features but once you do learn them, it’ll take your fishing and boating to the next level. Side imaging works fine but you have be at slower and steady speed. I’m using GPS with Lakemaster maps, no complaints there either.

My only problem was low quality mount they supply with the unit. I broke a few screws during installation and the transducer pivot cracked the first time I took the boat out on the water. Humminbird sent me a new mount no questions asked, very good service. The fishfinder is awesome. The transducer with 4000 watts of power can pick up a school of fish in 65 feet of water. The display is clear and crisp even in direct sunlight.

Installation and startup of Humminbird 598si is not easy but doable even if you’re not a computer geek. When you start using it on the water it gives you so much information that it can be confusing at times. It is a great feeling once you learn to read the output. This device is well worth the money, can’t beat side imaging for under $800!

This unit has so many features, you will be overwhelmed at first. What I did is I watched every video about this fishfinder I could find on the internet. That gave me a much better understanding of what’s going on. I cannot believe I was able to fish without this device before. The side imaging and down imaging are great, locating fish and structure is couldn’t be easier now that I have this fishfinder.

After a lot of research I decided to purchase Humminbird 798si and I have no regrets whatsoever. Now have no problems finding fish, it feels like cheating. The side and down imaging display is easily readable at all speepds. I simply love this sonar after using for only about 1 month.

Humminbird 598Si is a great fishfinder if you’re looking for basic side-imager. The system is easy to use and it produces great sonar output. The only drawback is the default cartography, not much detail in the Unimap. Also, be prepared to charge your battery – it uses a lot of power.

I do not recommend this fishfinder. The 5 inch screen is too small for side-imaging. 7 inch is the minimum, don’t be fooled by the in-store display – using it out on the water is a completely different ballgame.

After buying this unit and and using it for a few months I’ve come to a conclusion that the purchase was a waste of money. The fishfinder basically works but there a few things that absolutely drive me nuts. The preloaded maps are rubbish, you will have to spend another $150 – $200 on a good chart. Secondly, there is only one card slot, so I have to take out the maps if I want to store my data which really annoys me. Finally, the unit has very slow processor. It’s so slow it’s impossible to match your boat speed to the sonar scroll speed. Don’t buy this fishfinder.

I catfish alot and I love it. Shows bottom structure well and can even find fish. Good price. Now im kepping up with the ones that was catching all the fish..

I use this model for crappie fishing mostly and also bass. The first time out I found 2 groups of fish I would not have found without the side imaging. You will catch more fish after learning how to interpret the side imaging and using it with the down imaging at the same time. It’s a great technology for people that have limited time on the water.

This unit was a breeze to install. It took longer for the sealant to dry than the entire set up. Coming from having used mainly low end depth finders this unit has made an impression as my first mid-range purchase. I am loving my upgrade to modern technology. I went ahead and bought the Navtronics map card to get better soundings on my lake.
As soon as I got on the water I could tell the difference. The bottom readings showed me why I kept missing so many fish. I quickly found the structures I had been overlooking and all the fish hanging out around them as well. The fish finder easily spots baitfish and game fish. I am still figuring out the side imaging thing so I cant comment on how effective it is.
The split screen display is fantastic since I can keep contour and bottom readings up when I am fishing and use the gps tracks with contour for moving form spot to spot. The GPS is especially useful when I begin to drift away form a structure and need to get back on the spot. The controls are easy to learn and there are enough options to satisfy most anglers. It meets every need I can conceive but I am not a professional by any means. This is a great buy if you are looking for full functionality without breaking your bank.
So for a rundown of the pros:
Great display
Good imaging
Accurate readings
Excellent map upgrades available.
User friendly interface
Lots of options

Pretty good unit overall. I do understand why the newer models come with quick launch buttons. The nested menus can get frustrating. The only problem I have had is the unit freezing up and having to be reset when the voltage drops a bit. I think this will resolve itself once I get a second battery for my boat though.