What’s the best fish finder for the Garmin Livescope? – 8600 or Echomap?

As technology advances, fishermen and anglers are always on the lookout for the best fish finder to help them catch more fish. One of the most popular fish finders on the market today is the Garmin Livescope. With its ability to provide detailed images of underwater structures and fish movements, it’s no surprise that many fishermen consider the Livescope a game-changer. However, with so many different sizes and models to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to buy.

At Karibou Marine & Boating Supplies, we are frequently asked which Garmin Livescope unit is the best. While the answer to this question ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget, we can confidently say that the Garmin 8600 series is the best option for those who want the ultimate fish-finding experience.

Garmin’s flagship chartplotter, the 8600 series, is packed with features that make it the best option for serious fishermen. The 8600 series comes in various different models, including the 12″ and 16″ displays, which are the most popular choices. Both of these models offer an “otherworldly” screen resolution of 1920 x 1080, which is far superior to the screen resolution of the other Livescope models. This high resolution ensures that the images on the screen are crystal clear, making it easier to spot fish and underwater structures.

Another advantage of the 8600 series is its extra-wide viewing angles. With other fish finders, the screen darkens as you move away from the center of the display. However, the 8600 series pushes the limits of those angles, ensuring that you have a clear view of the screen no matter where you’re standing on the boat. This is a particularly important feature for fishermen who are constantly moving around the boat to get a better view of the water.

In addition to its impressive display, the 8600 series also boasts a number of other features that make it the best option for serious anglers. One such feature is its compatibility with the Garmin ActiveCaptain app. This app allows you to download and update maps, access the Garmin Quickdraw Contours feature, and even remotely control your chartplotter from your smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for fishermen who need to make quick adjustments to their Livescope settings without having to constantly walk back to the chartplotter.

The 8600 series also comes equipped with the Garmin Panoptix LiveScope system, which uses sonar technology to provide real-time images of underwater structures and fish movements. This system is particularly useful for anglers who need to quickly identify schools of fish or underwater structures that could be hiding their prey. The LiveScope system is also incredibly accurate, allowing you to track fish movements in real-time and make more precise casts.

Of course, the Garmin 8600 series isn’t cheap. In fact, it’s one of the most expensive fish finders on the market today. However, if you’re serious about fishing and want the ultimate fish-finding experience, then the 8600 series is worth the investment. Not only does it offer the best display and features, but it also comes with Garmin’s excellent customer support and warranty.

If you’re not ready to invest in the Garmin 8600 series, there are other options to consider. The 10’s and 12’s of the Echomap Ultra family and the 1022’s and 1222’s of the GPSMAP family are more than sufficient for most Livescope applications. Which option you choose will depend on your specific needs and budget. The Ultra family is a more affordable option that still offers excellent features, including a clear display and compatibility with the Garmin ActiveCaptain app.