Gear Review: Garmin Panoptix LiveScope

What is it?

Garmin Panoptix Livescope

What sets it apart?

Building on its revolutionary Panoptix all-seeing sonar technology — the first to deliver live sonar images (forwards, backwards, sideways and below ) in real-time — Garmin’s newly released Panoptix LiveScope offers the only live scanning sonar for the recreational market. Providing higher resolution and easier-to-interpret images of structure, bait and fish swimming, this technology makes it possible to distinguish between fish species.

How do I use it?

LiveScope Down and LiveScope Forward function through one transducer, which can be installed on a trolling motor or the transom and changed for viewing angle, depending on fishing preferences. Either view provides incredibly sharp, real-time scanning sonar images up to 200 feet down or away from the boat, even when the boat is stationary. The Panoptix LiveScope scanning sonar system includes a compact GLS 10 sonar black box with an LVS32 transducer and a simple plug-and-play Garmin Marine Network connector for easy installation and integration with a compatible Garmin chartplotter. A trolling motor barrel and shaft mounting kit and a transom mounting kit are also included.

How much? 

$1,499.99

More Information:

garmin.com/panoptix

Angler’s insight:

The applications for this level of technological wizardry are boundless, but across the board, the real-time window into what’s below or around you will surely hasten time management. Fewer wasted casts, the ability to practically pick your targets and identify the time wasters (Asian carp, drum, stripers); the advantages are significant. Come fall, anglers targeting bait schools for gorging bass will have an easier time reading the scenario and dialing in the precise water column zone. An impressive feature, LiveScope includes an attitude heading reference system (AHRS) that constantly adjusts sonar beams to compensate for boat motion — a big help in rough water.