Best Forward-Facing Sonar for Bass Fishing
It’s no question, forward-facing sonar (FFS) has revolutionized bass fishing. Giving anglers the ability to see fish and structure in real time, this technology allows you to pinpoint bass, track their every move, and make casts count like never before. Whether you’re a tournament angler looking for an edge or a weekend warrior trying to catch more fish, the right FFS setup can make a huge difference.
In this guide, we’ll cover the best forward-facing sonar systems on the market, the accessories you need, and expert tips to maximize your success.
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Top Forward-Facing Sonar Systems (With Pros & Cons)
Garmin Livescope PLus LVS34
Best Overall for Clarity & Target Separation
Pros: Industry-leading clarity, excellent target separation, reliable updates.
Cons: Expensive, requires a strong battery setup.
Best For: Anglers who want the best image quality and tracking ability.
Lowrance Active Target 2
Best for Lowrance Users & Easy Integration
Pros: Seamless integration with Lowrance units, strong real-time imaging.
Cons: Slightly less detail than LiveScope.
Best For: Anglers already using Lowrance graphs who want an easy plug-and-play setup.
Humminbird MEGA Live 2
Best for Humminbird users, with Upgraded Clarity
Pros: Enhanced image quality over the original MEGA Live, improved target separation, and seamless integration with Humminbird units.
Cons: Still catching up to Garmin and Lowrance in terms of detail.
Best For: Anglers with Humminbird units looking for the most advanced Humminbird FFS option.
Best Accessories & Setup for Forward-Facing Sonar
Transducer Mounts
Rite-Hite Turret – Great for independent transducer control.
DD26 Fishing Mounts – High-quality, durable mounting solutions.
Battery Setup
Dakota Lithium 100Ah – Reliable power for long days on the the scope.
Dakota Lithium 60Ah – A strong balance of power and weight.
FFS Screens & Graphs
Garmin 126sv – Large, high-resolution display for LiveScope.
Lowrance HDS PRO – Best for ActiveTarget users, made in multiple size options.
Humminbird Apex 13 – Ideal for Humminbird MEGA Live 2.
How to Get the Most Out of Forward-Facing Sonar
Settings & Tuning Tips
Adjust gain, range, and depth for optimal clarity.
Experiment with color palettes to highlight fish and structure.
Fishing Techniques with FFS
Swimbaits & Jerkbaits: Use FFS to track fish reactions in real time.
Drop Shot & Finesse: Pinpoint bass and drop directly on them.
Common Mistakes & Fixes
Avoid chasing “ghost fish” – learn to interpret real targets vs. interference.
Fine-tune settings regularly to adapt to different conditions.
Is Forward-Facing Sonar Worth It? (Cost vs. Performance Analysis)
For Tournament Anglers
Almost a necessity in competitive fishing as most tournament anglers in the modern age will be utilizing the technology.
For Weekend Anglers
Great for improving your catch rates but requires an initial investment that will reach into the range of $4k at minimum.
Alternative Options
Traditional 2d sonar, down imaging and side imaging can still be effective for those on a budget, but be aware, FFS is an advantage.
Buying Forward-Facing Sonar On a Budget
Forward-facing sonar sonar setups can reach tens of thousands of dollars, but not all of us can afford that. If you’re looking to add forward-facing sonar without breaking the bank, there are solid budget-friendly options from each major manufacturer. Garmin’s LiveScope XR with an ECHOMAP UHD2 93sv provides excellent clarity at a lower price than the Plus version. Lowrance’s ActiveTarget 1 with an Elite FS 9 offers reliable real-time imaging without the premium cost of ActiveTarget 2. Humminbird’s MEGA Live paired with a Helix 9 MSI+ GPS G4N delivers strong performance at a more affordable price compared to MEGA Live 2. While these setups might lack the latest tech, they still provide a powerful experience at a fraction of the cost. For a deeper breakdown on budget setups, check the article linked below.
Conclusion & Product Recommendations
The right forward-facing sonar can completely change how you approach bass fishing. Whether you go with Garmin LiveScope Plus, Lowrance ActiveTarget 2, or Humminbird MEGA Live 2, choosing the best system for your needs is key. Don’t forget essential accessories like a lithium battery, transducer mount, and a high-quality display to get the best performance.
Ready to upgrade your sonar setup? Check out our top picks here:
Kyle M.
Bass Fisherman / Tournament Angler
The Kurrent 