I Switched from Lowrance to Garmin LiveScope This Year — Here’s the Truth

Why I Switched from Lowrance to Garmin LiveScope

Ran Lowrance for 7 years. Loved it. Sold the whole rig in March 2026 and went all-Garmin.

What Pushed Me

Tournament weights kept getting smaller. I’d watch other anglers boat 8-12 fish at a spot I’d already worked. They were using LiveScope and seeing fish I wasn’t.

My New Setup

• Garmin LiveScope Plus System
• Garmin GPSMAP 1243xsv
• Force Kraken trolling motor

What Actually Changed

✅ +37% Tournament Weight

Last 4 tournaments vs same 4 tournaments last year: +37% in total weight.

✅ I Watch Fish Reactions to Lures

I now know when to slow my retrieve, when to change colors, when to leave.

✅ Spot-Lock + LiveScope = Cheat Code

Find a brushpile, spot-lock, surgically pick apart from 30 ft away.

What I Miss About Lowrance

ActiveTarget 2 is 90% of LiveScope at 70% of the price. If budget is tight, Lowrance still works.

Would I Recommend the Switch?

Only if: (1) tournament-serious, (2) can afford $4,000+, (3) willing to learn new UI.

I got mine from Smart Buy Gadgets. Free US shipping, 60-day returns.