Bass Fish Finders
A fish finder, also known as a depth finder or boat graph, is an electronic sonar device that helps anglers locate fish, underwater structure, and the bottom of the lake. These units use a transducer to send sound waves into the water and interpret the echoes that return, creating a visual representation on a display screen. Modern units are far more advanced than early models and offer several imaging technologies to give anglers a detailed view of the underwater world.
Quick Take: For bass boats in US freshwater, pair a 9–12″ SI unit for mapping/side-imaging with a forward-facing live sonar. Best-in-class mix today: Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2/Ultra + LiveScope Plus, or Lowrance HDS Pro + ActiveTarget 2; Humminbird HELIX + MEGA Live 2 is viable but still catching up in live clarity. Humminbird+5The GPS Store+5Garmin+5
On Sale Now
Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv + GT56
$1,299.99
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Garmin – United States + others
Garmin LiveScope Plus System (GLS10+LVS34)
$1,799.99
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Garmin – United States + others
Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 Live Sonar
$1,699.00
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Bass Pro Shops + others
Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G4N
$949.99
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Bass Pro Shops + others
Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA DI GPS G4N
$749.99
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Humminbird + others
Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 + LiveScope Plus bundle
$3,799.99
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Bass Pro Shops + others
Manufacturer Overview
- Garmin: Broad ecosystem. LiveScope Plus leads live sonar adoption. Garmin
- Lowrance: Strong networking. HDS Pro + ActiveTarget 2 = stable live images. Lowrance USA+1
- Humminbird: MEGA Imaging is proven; MEGA Live 2 is newest live rev. Humminbird+1
Brand Strength Summary
- Garmin: LiveScope Plus image quality, large accessory base; street pricing stable around MSRP. HD Innovations
- Lowrance: AT2 widely stocked at $1,699; HDS Pro premium integration. Bass Pro Shops+1
- Humminbird: HELIX offers best SI value; MEGA Live 2 improves clarity vs prior gen. Humminbird+1
Top Categories Comparison
- Category: Forward Facing (Live Sonar)
- Best pick (model): Garmin LiveScope Plus System (GLS10 + LVS34)
- Key spec: Real-time Forward/Down/Perspective, improved target separation vs prior gen.
- Review consensus: Sharp returns and strong separation; needs tuning in stained water.
- Street price & where: $1,799.99 [Garmin], as of 2025-09-18. Garmin
- Availability: In stock at multiple retailers today. HD Innovations
- Alternative 1: Lowrance ActiveTarget 2
- Alternative 2: Humminbird MEGA Live 2. The GPS Store+1
- Category: 9″ Side-Imaging Combo (value)
- Best pick (model): Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv + GT56
- Key spec: SI/DI + Navionics+ Inland maps; keyed-assist touchscreen.
- Review consensus: Strong SI for the money; easy networking between units.
- Street price & where: $1,299.99 [Garmin], as of 2025-09-18. Garmin+1
- Availability: Broad retail stock. GPS City
- Alternative 1: Humminbird HELIX 7/9 MSI G4N
- Alternative 2: Lowrance Elite FS 9 w/ 3-in-1. Humminbird+2Fisherman’s Warehouse+2
- Category: Premium Networking MFD (bow)
- Best pick (model): Lowrance HDS Pro 10 + Active Imaging HD
- Key spec: HDS Pro networking, AT2 support, C-MAP onboard.
- Review consensus: Excellent system control and clarity; higher cost.
- Street price & where: $2,299–$2,499 no-XDCR [varies by retailer], as of 2025-09-18. Russell Marine Products+1
- Availability: Regular stock across specialty retailers. Russell Marine Products
- Alternative 1: Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 106sv
- Alternative 2: Humminbird SOLIX/APEX (availability varies). Garmin
Price & Availability Snapshot (as of 2025-09-18, US)
- Garmin LiveScope Plus System: $1,799.99 [HD Innovations, Garmin]. HD Innovations+1
- Lowrance ActiveTarget 2: $1,699.00 [Bass Pro]; $1,699.00 [The GPS Store]. Bass Pro Shops+1
- Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv + GT56: $1,299.99 [GPSCity], $1,299.99 [Garmin]. GPS City+1
- Humminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G4N: $949.99 MSRP range at major retailers.
- Humminbird MEGA Live 2: $1,499.99 [Humminbird]. Humminbird
- Lowrance HDS Pro 10 (no transducer): ~$2,299 [RMP], variable. Russell Marine Products
Pros/Cons
- Garmin LiveScope Plus
- Pros: Best target separation, Perspective mode, wide compatibility.
- Cons: Requires GLS10 box; cable/rigging complexity. Garmin
- Lowrance ActiveTarget 2
- Pros: Smooth motion and stabilization, clear live views.
- Cons: Similar cost to LiveScope; requires compatible display. The GPS Store
- Humminbird MEGA Live 2
- Pros: Improved clarity vs prior; integrates with HELIX/SOLIX/APEX.
- Cons: Smaller installed base; fewer third-party mounts. Humminbird
- ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv
- Pros: Strong SI/DI for price; Navionics+ maps included.
- Cons: Limits vs Ultra in networking and processing. Garmin
- HDS Pro 10
- Pros: Deep network features; Active Imaging HD.
- Cons: High price; added cost for AT2. Lowrance USA
Tactics-Specific Recommendations
- Shallow power fishing, docks/grass: LiveScope Plus or AT2 on the bow to track followers and line up casts. Pair with a 9″ SI unit at console. Garmin+1
- Offshore structure, ledges: 9–12″ SI/DI at console (ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv or HELIX 9) plus live sonar at bow for waypoint-to-fish confirmation. The GPS Store+1
- Budget rig: HELIX 7 MSI G4N for side-imaging and mapping now; add MEGA Live 2 later if budget allows. Humminbird
- Tournament network: HDS Pro networked bow/console with AT2 for shared waypoints and control. Lowrance USA
Tips & Tricks
- Calibrate heading sensor and set color palettes for water color.
- Mount live sonar on independent pole for precise aiming if you fish in heavy grass or current.
- Save SI screenshots of key structure to review at home; keep SD backups of waypoints.
- Terms: SI/DI = side/down imaging; CHO = control-head only; FFS = forward-facing sonar.
Manufacturer Guides
- Garmin LiveScope Plus product page (specs, manuals). Garmin
- Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 overview. Lowrance USA
- Humminbird MEGA Live 2 page. Humminbird
- Garmin ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv page. Garmin
- Lowrance HDS Pro page. Lowrance USA
- Humminbird HELIX 7 MSI G4N page. Humminbird
Maintenance Guide
- Update unit firmware and transducer modules quarterly via app/SD.
- Inspect trolling-motor cables and strain reliefs every trip; re-tape as needed.
- Remove units before trailering; store dry, indoors; avoid lithium batteries sitting fully charged for long storage.
Final Picks
- Best overall system: Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra/UHD2 + LiveScope Plus. Strong mix of price, imaging, and live sonar performance. Garmin+1
- Best Lowrance build: HDS Pro 10 + ActiveTarget 2. Stable live view and full-boat control. Lowrance USA+1
- Best value SI unit: ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv with GT56. The GPS Store
- Best sub-$1,000 SI: Humminbird HELIX 7 MSI G4N.