FishFinder location - left or right side?

Hey all, I'm getting ready to install my first fish finder this weekend (late Xmas gift - Lowrance HDS Live 7" with Active 3in1 Trans) and I'm wondering if there is a "standard" side to mount the unit.  From what I've been able to dig up in previous posts, we "should" mount it on the non-primary fishing side, meaning if I fish on the right side, mount it on the left? 

I ask for 2 reasons:
1) I am new to kayak fishing, so I want to get it "right" the first time with the understanding that there are a lot of other people who have done this before me and they may have figured out a better way to start out. I think I fish off the right side more often, but I've only been out a few times, so I'm still open to changing how I fish if there is a more "standard way"  in-order-to make my life a little easier down the road.
2) I see most installation videos on Youtube seem to default to installing on the right side, meaning people fish the left side of the boat.

I fish on a Outback, saltwater, and I'm right handed, if that makes any difference.

Jon M

The posts you dug up are sound advice. If you typically jig or mooch with the rod in your right hand, you'll want to place your depthfinder on the left side of the kayak.

There is also a Ram mount that will fit in the Hobie mast hole. While it’s a bit of a reach, it frees up both sides of the kayak for fishing.

https://www.headwatersadventure.com/search/Ram+wedge/

I am right handed, but use left handed reels on the right side of the kayak, with FF on the left. I have the entire right gunnel clear to make netting/landing fish easy.  I will occasionally troll with a rod on each side, but not typically for larger species.

I'm right-handed and usually fish from the starboard side. My FF is also on the starboard side, as I have a holder for my iPhone on the port side. I've never had an issue, but then I don't have anything close to a 7" screen either...

The buttons for my fishfinder are along its right edge, so I find it easiest to reach with my right hand and push buttons with my thumb while stabilizing my fingers against the edge of the fishfinder as I’m bouncing around in the chop. I also tend to do most of my fishing and netting on the left side, so for these reasons the fishfinder is mounted on my right.

Just throwing an alternative out there - after deciding the sides of my boat were too cluttered when configured for trolling I decided to mount my FF on my center hatch. I like and will continue doing this with future kayaks/FFs, but it's not without its drawbacks, namely:
- Makes the front hatch even more inaccessible on the water
- Accessing center hatch takes a little more effort

There is also a Ram mount that will fit in the Hobie mast hole. While it’s a bit of a reach, it frees up both sides of the kayak for fishing.

https://www.headwatersadventure.com/search/Ram+wedge/

Agree with PL - I’m right handed, usually bring fish in on left and have FF in the center

The buttons for my fishfinder are along its right edge, so I find it easiest to reach with my right hand and push buttons with my thumb while stabilizing my fingers against the edge of the fishfinder as I’m bouncing around in the chop. I also tend to do most of my fishing and netting on the left side, so for these reasons the fishfinder is mounted on my right.

I do the exact same way with my 2022 Hobie Outback.  Also, I like to keep my left side clear to get on and off the kayak from left side.

Paul

Just throwing an alternative out there - after deciding the sides of my boat were too cluttered when configured for trolling I decided to mount my FF on my center hatch. I like and will continue doing this with future kayaks/FFs, but it's not without its drawbacks, namely:
- Makes the front hatch even more inaccessible on the water
- Accessing center hatch takes a little more effort

How you can pedal with that huge thing between your legs?

The buttons for my fishfinder are along its right edge, so I find it easiest to reach with my right hand and push buttons with my thumb while stabilizing my fingers against the edge of the fishfinder as I’m bouncing around in the chop. I also tend to do most of my fishing and netting on the left side, so for these reasons the fishfinder is mounted on my right.

I do the exact same way with my 2022 Hobie Outback.  Also, I like to keep my left side clear to get on and off the kayak from left side.

Paul

I was just thinking about the same - but for my right/starboard side.  One of the reasons why I keep that side entirely clear - I like to wade out to about knee/thigh deep water and hop on from the side. Having no obstructions makes this a LOT easier.

The buttons for my fishfinder are along its right edge, so I find it easiest to reach with my right hand and push buttons with my thumb while stabilizing my fingers against the edge of the fishfinder as I’m bouncing around in the chop. I also tend to do most of my fishing and netting on the left side, so for these reasons the fishfinder is mounted on my right.

I do the exact same way with my 2022 Hobie Outback.  Also, I like to keep my left side clear to get on and off the kayak from left side.

Paul

I was just thinking about the same - but for my right/starboard side.  One of the reasons why I keep that side entirely clear - I like to wade out to about knee/thigh deep water and hop on from the side. Having no instructions makes this a LOT easier.

I think it is like snowboarding, regular and goofy.  You have to determine your preferred side.

Paul

I think it is like snowboarding, regular and goofy.  You have to determine your preferred side.

Paul

Very true, everybody does it a little different. Just gotta play with it and go with what feels right.

Just throwing an alternative out there - after deciding the sides of my boat were too cluttered when configured for trolling I decided to mount my FF on my center hatch. I like and will continue doing this with future kayaks/FFs, but it's not without its drawbacks, namely:
- Makes the front hatch even more inaccessible on the water
- Accessing center hatch takes a little more effort

How you can pedal with that huge thing between your legs?

That’s what she said! 


Also pick whichever side works better for you. It’s not too hard to move the FF from side to side on the Hobie since they already have the wiring holes from the factory.

For ease of landing fish, ease of entering the kayak, etc a lot of folks like to leave one side of the kayak clear.

I’m right handed, but fish left handed reels, mount all my crap on the right side of the kayak, and land fish/enter the kayak on the left.

Just throwing an alternative out there - after deciding the sides of my boat were too cluttered when configured for trolling I decided to mount my FF on my center hatch. I like and will continue doing this with future kayaks/FFs, but it's not without its drawbacks, namely:
- Makes the front hatch even more inaccessible on the water
- Accessing center hatch takes a little more effort

How you can pedal with that huge thing between your legs?

Uhhh... years of experience?

But for real, it doesn't impact peddling. Maybe due in large part to the hobie lawnchair seat?