In a world where the heros of freshwater fishing (BASSMaster Elite Series competitors) are spending an average of $19,443 on electronics for their boats do not underestimate the importance of technology to bass fishing. While both BASS and MLF have put some restrictor plate like regulations in place to level the playing field among the anglers competition remains fierce to utilize forward facing sonar in order to win tourneys. And the race to the top of forward-facing technology just got tighter with Humminbird introducing its new MEGA Live 2 technology. The ultra-competitive trolling motor market is also heating up again with Lowrance introducing a new unit aimed at tournament anglers. Here’s a preview of the new items you’ll be seeing on boats around the region this season.
Garmin
Back in the summer Garmin did a smart thing and introduced a 48” shaft Force Kraken trolling motor. Prior to that anglers would purchase a 63” shaft version and have it cut down. This brushless trolling motor generates 100 pounds of thrust with a 36-volt system and 80 pounds with a 24-volt setup. It comes standard with a three-year warranty. The Force Kraken comes with both a wireless foot pedal and wireless remote. The unit comes standard with a built-in transducer offering CHIRP and ClearVu/SideVu imaging. It is compatible with Garmin’s LiveScope technology (LiveScope transducer and Kraken Mounting Bracket purchase required).
It’s not a question of if Garmin is going to introduce new forward facing sonar technology but when. With the head start they have enjoyed over Humminbird and Lowrance it will be interesting to see what Garmin has planned. The elimination of the black box requirement between the transducer and the depth finder is a probable upgrade since the other two have done that. There is some speculation there will be a fish tracker feature that permits the angler to keep the LiveScope beam pointed at a fish they spot.
Humminbird
This division of Johnson Outdoors (also includes Minn Kota and Cannon) has announced they will phase out their popular line of Helix electronics and has introduced its replacement – XPLORE.
The new XPLORE series features next gen, advanced technology that is lightning fast (thanks to a new processor) and higher resolution yet still in an easy-to-use menu format Humminbird users love. The XPLORER units will utilize a touch screen interphase Humminbird calls CrossTouch. The new boxes continue to incorporate MEGA Side Imaging, MEGA Down Imaging with Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar and will be compatible with the new MEGA Live 2 technology (as well as MEGA Live and MEGA 360). Another new feature worth noting is that the screens are no longer tough to see through polarized lenses.
Humminbird will offer 9, 10 and 12” units (1200×800 pixel resolution) – all come preloaded with LakeMaster and CoastMaster mapping. Waypoint management is said to be much easier with the XPLORE as folders can be created and easily sent to fishing buddies. SD cards can also be automatically configured in the units.
Sync your XPLORE with the OneBoat Network app and use your phone to organize waypoints and other data when off the water. With the OneBoat network you can also operate your Talons/Raptors or Minn Kota trolling motor from the depth finder.
All XPLORER come with a three-year warranty.
Humminbird has also addressed shortcomings with its first gen forward facing sonar. The Mega Live 2 gear upgrades resolution and target separation for Humminbird’s live sonar platform. Humminbird says Mega Live 2 offers better resolution out to 150’, superior picture stability and offers 15 different color patterns designs to enhance clarity.
MEGA Live 2 is compatible with It is compatible with all Humminbird APEX, SOLIX G3 and XPLORE models and Minn Kota trolling motors. The transducer offers down, landscape and forward-facing views. An addition feature called Open Water mode with Target Boost is said to offer advanced visibility up to 165 feet with much better target separation – an attempt to address Garmin’s standard-setting performance. No black box between trolling motor and depth finder is necessary.
Lowrance
There’s a brand-new trolling motor from Lowrance coming this spring known as Recon. There are freshwater and saltwater models to choose from in 48, 54, 60 (weighs just 46 pounds) and 72-inch versions.
The new units are said to offer best-in-class power, more precise GPS positioning, a color LCD display remote that features something dubbed the FreeSteer™ joystick, a wireless configurable foot pedal, HDI nosecone as well as an upgradable nosecone, multiple accessory mount points, a lifetime warranty on a carbon-fiber infused shaft and a three-year motor warranty that continue to incorporate near silent brushless 24/36 volt motors. These trolling motors are said to offer 115 pounds of thrust at 36 volts and 90 pounds at 24 volts.
The Recon differs from the Ghost significantly in weight (less) and consumer serviceability. Many repairs can be done with an Allen wrench and screwdriver. There’s even an LED light on the head of the unit. A three-foot depth contour lets you troll on a precise edge. The remote floats and runs on AA batteries.
The Lowrance Eagle Eye package will be popular this season. It includes a forward and down facing sonar transducer and an Eagle display with a $1,000 price point and no black box between the two needed! The Eagle Eye 9” unit is preloaded with C-Map US Inland Charts and incorporates CHIRP, DownScan Imaging with FishReveal in one transducer for $999.
The Eagle units have new IPS screens that are visible with polarized sunglasses and utilize an improved twist-locking connector system. The Eagle units are available in 4, 7 and the 9” screen options.
Lowrance’s top-of-the line HDS Pro units (available in nine, 10, 12 and 16” screens) now use Activetarget 2 Live Sonar technology and ultra-high def Active Imaging HD. This gives anglers a forward-facing view, a down view, a scout view, a forward + scout view, a scout wide view and a 180 view. Like the OneBoat network, Lowrance users can now control their Power Poles and Lowrance Ghost trolling motors.
Mini Thumper
Down in Texas and other places around the county where folks like to fish for striper, hybrid striper and white bass it’s known that tapping or thumping on the bottom of your boat will often attract fish. Don’t believe it? Check YouTube for plenty of videos of good ‘ol boys doing this and catching a bunch of fish. The Mini Thumper Pro is based on the experience and success these anglers have had with tapping the hull of their boats to bring fish in close and keep them there.
With a Mini Thumper Pro, area anglers can see for themselves if this is backwoods hooey or a long held secret fishing aid. Made in Georgia by anglers that fish Lake Lanier, the Mini Thumper Pro is a rechargeable battery-powered digital thumping device that you control with a remote to create the perfect cadence. The MTP operates in several modes including prospecting mode, predator mode, manual mode and custom mode.
The Mini Thumper has a control for thump rate, as well as a volume control to adjust the thump intensity. The thump rate and intensity can be seen in the illumination of the super bright LED on the front. The unit comes in an ammo style case with a folding handle and runs all day off an internal 12 VDC battery (not included) or off a standard 12 VDC accessory power plug.
The Mini Thumper Pro model offers remote control of all these features and more from a nine-function radio frequency four-button key fob. Remote operation allows for Mini Thumper Pro to be placed in an under-deck compartment to operate more quietly. No line of site to the unit is required. It’s also great for kayaks and canoes where mobility can be an issue.
www.minithumper.com
Minn Kota
Minn Kota will enter 2025 with three main trolling motor lines: Ultrex, Ulterra and Terrova. With such similar names, the models can be a little confused, but they are very different.
The Ultrex line does not stow and deploy automatically. Anglers must use a pull cord to do both. The Ultrex motor features brushless technology. Many bass anglers use the Ultrex with a foot control. Ulterra trolling motors stow and deploy automatically. They also employ brushless technology and come with a foot pedal connected by a thin cord and a remote. Terrova trolling motors are pulled up without a cord and are also brushless. They are controlled with a foot pedal connected by a thin cord or remote. The Minn Kota Riptide trolling motors are essentially saltwater hardened version of the Ulterra and Terrova.
