I still have an old Heathkit flasher unit from the 60's and that center bar feature really takes me back. Learning to see fish on the flasher was a steep learning curve but once you had it, you'll never forget. I have this same Hook2 on my tracker and I really appreciate your video. Just upgraded with the Navionics charts for East coast and looking forward to how well it works on our tidal rivers and Chesapeake Bay.
Called an A scope, always got mine on. While I’m a bit younger (49) I remember my dad having a flasher unit when I was growing up! Even learned to see a fish rising to the bait. Good times Sir
So, something that's underrated on this unit is the "Record Sonar". No one brings it up because not a lot of people know how to use it. Look this feature up, this feature is amazing!!!!!
I have this unit on my tracker, as a primary and the more I get to understand how it works , I really like it. Great video, very informative , keep up the great work.
I appreciate this review. The boat I'm about to buy comes with this model and a lot of people have said it's a bad unit but I don't think they put the time into setting it up like you have. Thanks again
Just FYI all hook 2 units have updates on Lowrance.com. I updated my 7" triple shot . It has great updates and i feel like the performance is better then before.
@@Zackattack1232 if you go to the lowrance software page you download it to an SD or micro SD depending on your unit. While powered off plug in the SD card. When you turn it on it will begin to update
@@mnyre what type of unit are you using with a SD card to download the update? Computer/phone? Sorry if it's a dumb question. Just trying to figure this all out. Thanks
Well, you just made my mind up. I've waited for you to review this one before I buy a fish finder. Glad I waited. This one still be added to my yak. Great video as well brother!
Nice video + subscribed! I'm about to pull the trigger on the tripleshot Hook2 5 which is on clearance sale at my local shop. I keep reading horror stories about Lowrance though, that they just stop working after a short while, screen freezing, depth not updating.... after 2 years of use now, have you encountered any issue with it??
So here’s what I have noticed with these Lowrance units. The Hook2 5 hasn’t given me an of those issues but I have had the 7 the 10 and the big ole Hook2 12 on my bass boat. All three of those have given me every problem you mentioned. I think the problem comes from the bigger screens. They ( Lowrance) took the same PC that’s in the small 5’s , and put them in the big units and they can’t keep up with the bigger screen size. All that being said, I don’t think you will have any issues with the 5 on your kayak. Just remember if you want to go bigger in the future don’t go with the Hook2 series, go Elite or even Humminbird Helix. 👍🏼
Hey TJ, Great video. We're getting one of these as a gift for someone starting out and are looking at a $250 range. We don't need the maps or topo stuff. Any recommendations for that price range with a link (the link in your bio is no longer available)? Thank you!
Thanks for the video. Which transducer are you using, is that the bullet tranducer? I am thinking to buy the 4.3 inch hook 2 version does it has the same views as of the 5 inch version?
Hi TJ, really enjoy your UA-cam, quick question, I plan to use my Lowrance on my Kayak and my pontoon, what did you have to buy to hook on another boat, I have the same unit as you, with slipshot.
DJ, I used this unit for the first time and when I picked Gps with split,it showed the GPS, but on the other screen it said Stopped. What does that mean? Please let me know what I may have done wrong. Thanks, Can you tell me about the Us/Canada maps were included when you purchased the unit. We're they built right in or did it come with SD card. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
I am still looking for a fish finder...a good one. I assume you still love this one. Is your unit black? Not sure why but the ones I am finding online are grey in color. Is there a difference between the 5 and 5x?
Great questions!! Yes I still love mine, it is black. So, if you want to have Navigation on tour unit that actually shows the body of water and actually has a map, you DO NOT want the 5X! The 5X does not have any map system on it at all and you can’t add one. They say it has GPS “chart plotter” but all that means is you have a white screen and it draws a black line where ever you go. In my opinion that’s absolutely worthless. Go with the actual Hook2 5 so you can use maps and Add Navionics if you want to. Hope that helps.🤙🏼🎣
Kayak USA Yes I want to add Navionics on it....do I buy that straight from Naviotics website or buy the card somewhere else and activate it there? Ok thank you for pointing out not the 5X! Lol so here is where I’m stuck on....I think the low frequency is very good and clearer (70-83 ish) but I think the 5 only comes in 200hz and higher frequencies. What are your thoughts? I’m so stuck on that low frequency!
Kayak USA Yes I want to add Navionics on it....do I buy that straight from Naviotics website or buy the card somewhere else and activate it there? Ok thank you for pointing out not the 5X! Lol so here is where I’m stuck on....I think the low frequency is very good and clearer (70-83 ish) but I think the 5 only comes in 200hz and higher frequencies. Or am I mistaken? Does it come in low frequency like 50/77?
If the fish are right under you, would you have to paddle out, and come back to the area? I'm looking at getting a fish finder this spring for my kayak. Thanx!
Your information was awesome. However, it was out of focus while videoing your monitor screen. I would have really liked to have seen what you were describing. That is what is most exciting about these videos.
My question may seem silly, so please forgive me as im new to fish finders. I just ordered this same splitshot unit. If i decide later on that i want side imaging can i just replace the transducer? Or would i need a whole new unit?
I have the same hook unit on my yak but I’m pretty inexperienced using it. When you do mark fish with it are they directly in front of you or directly under the yak?
The transducer shoots a cone-shaped beam to the bottom. When you mark a fish or structure that means you drove over the fish or structure. the very right edge of the screen in the middle is what's going on under your boat at that second.
Does this fishfinder show the thermocline below the surface... such as lower temperatures where the fish may be holding in the cooler waters? Indicating how deep to troll?
Kayak USA awesome thanks for the reply. I appreciate it. You have some great videos. I’ve been watching your older DIY vibe videos for advice. You explain everything very well.
Good morning sir, I recently mounted my lowrance hook2 to my feel free lure 11.5 and placed the transducer through the scuffer hole. I couldn’t get the sonar or any other image to show anything. Any suggestions
How would you make a waypoint or a marker let's say you put jug lines out and want to go back at night or early morning but it can be hard to find those without guidance
That’s something I forgot to go over but it’s super easy to do, at the top of the screen there is a “ mark waypoint “ button and anytime you want to mark a spot , you just hit that button and name it what you want. Then it will be on your map. 🤙🏼🎣 Thanks for watching!
I just bought the hook2 5x after watching your videos. When I turn it on My front page does not show add page...it only has settings power off, brightness, night mode, data overlay edit overlay and stop sonar...i have had trouble trying to figure out how you can add pages
Send me some pics of what you mean and I’ll try to help you out. The page button is the top left button. You can email me at kayakusa311@gmail.com. Thanks for watching
I actually don’t stick to just one , I get on the water and change mine every time. If found that every where I go is different depths and bottoms and I like to dial it in every time for the lake I’m on 🤙🏼🎣🇺🇸
Did anyone ever figure out what setting at 8:25 ? Just got the hook2 5 tripleshot and wondering if that’s an option with that unit? Would like to put it on mine if possible.
How far does the fish finder scan in front of your kayak and back ? If that makes sense. Bc when a fish pops up on screen right away, does that mean it’s in front of your kayak or underneath? Please let me know thanks 👍
It really depends on the depth of water that you are in. The sonar shoots down under the transducer. The signal is shaped like a cone. Small up top at the boat and wider at the bottom. So if you are in deep water the cone is bigger on the bottom. Hope that makes sense. There’s a ton of videos on UA-cam that explain it way better than me though. Thanks for watching 🤙🏼
I still have an old Heathkit flasher unit from the 60's and that center bar feature really takes me back. Learning to see fish on the flasher was a steep learning curve but once you had it, you'll never forget. I have this same Hook2 on my tracker and I really appreciate your video. Just upgraded with the Navionics charts for East coast and looking forward to how well it works on our tidal rivers and Chesapeake Bay.
Called an A scope, always got mine on. While I’m a bit younger (49) I remember my dad having a flasher unit when I was growing up! Even learned to see a fish rising to the bait. Good times Sir
I got this unit after I watched the install video about 3 months ago and LOVE it! Very customizable..
So, something that's underrated on this unit is the "Record Sonar". No one brings it up because not a lot of people know how to use it. Look this feature up, this feature is amazing!!!!!
I have this unit on my tracker, as a primary and the more I get to understand how it works , I really like it. Great video, very informative , keep up the great work.
How is the turbulence interference while running the outboard? I'm about to get the hook7
I bought one and I think your overview was very helpful-even more so than the product reps-thank you!!!
Glad it was helpful! Thank you for watching!
Thanks TJ, just got this unit (well, the triple shot version) installed today. I’ll get to run it on Saturday so this was great timing.
Awesome! Hope I helped!! 🤙🏼🎣🚣🏼♀️
What a timely review.....thanks TJ.
Buying this for the boat. You really sealed the deal on this one
Getting the triple version of this. Going on my old town 120 pdl kayak.
I appreciate this review. The boat I'm about to buy comes with this model and a lot of people have said it's a bad unit but I don't think they put the time into setting it up like you have. Thanks again
Excellent review!!! Now I know which unit to buy for my kayak. Thanks
Best video I have seen demoing a fish finder. 4-stars (5 if you put on a PFD).
😂, thanks bud!🤙🏼
Great video. This unit has been on my short list for my kayak and after this video I think it will be my pick. Thanks.
Just FYI all hook 2 units have updates on Lowrance.com. I updated my 7" triple shot . It has great updates and i feel like the performance is better then before.
That’s great to know man! Thanks, I’ll install my update today!! 🤙🏼🎣
How do you update the unit? TIA
@@Zackattack1232 if you go to the lowrance software page you download it to an SD or micro SD depending on your unit. While powered off plug in the SD card. When you turn it on it will begin to update
@@mnyre what type of unit are you using with a SD card to download the update?
Computer/phone?
Sorry if it's a dumb question. Just trying to figure this all out. Thanks
Good overview. Amplitude scope is the name you were looking for.
Great video. I don’t know how you resisted casting with that ping lighting up with fish!!! Thanks
This is a very good review. You are good at explaining and my yak needs a TV! I'm off to Amazon.
this is a greattttt Video and i thank you so much and after watching i ordered it instantly
Your Video was very educational....Thank you for making it.......
Well, you just made my mind up. I've waited for you to review this one before I buy a fish finder. Glad I waited. This one still be added to my yak. Great video as well brother!
Thanks man! I’m glad I could help!🤙🏼🎣
Awesome video review. I'll be adding this to my Outback. Thanks
Love your videos! We are now into 2020 almost 2021, what fish finder would you recommend for Kayak Fishing?
Thanks T.J great video
Great vid, just subscribed to the channel. Looking for my first FF and this is a leading contender.
Start times may be dependent on gps 3D positioning. Maybe close the map view before shut down?
I'm wondering if the long boot up time is due to the auto calibration that this unit features
Got it, thanks!
Great video, much appreciated
Can you make a video showing how you you can tell what type of cover, or bottom your fishing? Thx in advance
Will do!! Thanks for watching , I have lots of good videos planned for 2020!! 🤙🏼🎣
Nice video + subscribed!
I'm about to pull the trigger on the tripleshot Hook2 5 which is on clearance sale at my local shop. I keep reading horror stories about Lowrance though, that they just stop working after a short while, screen freezing, depth not updating.... after 2 years of use now, have you encountered any issue with it??
So here’s what I have noticed with these Lowrance units. The Hook2 5 hasn’t given me an of those issues but I have had the 7 the 10 and the big ole Hook2 12 on my bass boat. All three of those have given me every problem you mentioned. I think the problem comes from the bigger screens. They ( Lowrance) took the same PC that’s in the small 5’s , and put them in the big units and they can’t keep up with the bigger screen size.
All that being said, I don’t think you will have any issues with the 5 on your kayak. Just remember if you want to go bigger in the future don’t go with the Hook2 series, go Elite or even Humminbird Helix. 👍🏼
@@KayakUSA1 awesome thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate this!
Merry Christmas. Great video on this fishfinder
I am new to your channel and liked the info on the Hook2.
Thanks been looking for this vid , got my 2020 PA 12 on order will consider the hook .
Congratulations for this video .
Merry Christmas ..!! Happy New Year..!!!
What kind of battery are you using to power the fish finder? Full size car battery, motorcycle battery, etc..?
Just excellent video explanation thanks so much
nice video! thanks for the review. ill pick the same probably :) Greetings from Greece!
A $40 12v battery will run about 12-14 hours non stop.
Hey TJ, Great video. We're getting one of these as a gift for someone starting out and are looking at a $250 range. We don't need the maps or topo stuff. Any recommendations for that price range with a link (the link in your bio is no longer available)? Thank you!
I jumped on the 9inch splitshot on sale to find out that that you can't upgrade to the tripleshot transducer
Merry Christmas TJ!!
Good instructional video, would have liked to hear you talk more about the GPS. Very helpful, thanks
I can't find the answer anywhere. Is the 5hook split shot waterproof?
Thanks for the video. Which transducer are you using, is that the bullet tranducer? I am thinking to buy the 4.3 inch hook 2 version does it has the same views as of the 5 inch version?
Bullet 🤙🏼
Hi TJ, really enjoy your UA-cam, quick question, I plan to use my Lowrance on my Kayak and my pontoon, what did you have to buy to hook on another boat, I have the same unit as you, with slipshot.
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas 🎁
Thanks TJ! Super helpful!!!!
Merry Christmas
Do I need to have my boat in the water to program my Lowrance hook2 5HDI?
DJ, I used this unit for the first time and when I picked Gps with split,it showed the GPS, but on the other screen it said Stopped. What does that mean? Please let me know what I may have done wrong. Thanks,
Can you tell me about the Us/Canada maps were included when you purchased the unit. We're they built right in or did it come with SD card. Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.
i think it looks good but i can't find one to buy from anywhere
TJ what battery do you use for your Set up. do you use one for the sonar and one for your trolling motor? what size and brand?
are you happy with down scan or do you wish you had side imaging
Side imaging is great but the transducer has to stick below the kayak for it to work .
Is this unit water prood or resisitant if the boat flips? Also. What happened to the sea ghost???
I dont have split screen option mine ?
Does this unit come with gps and lake maps installed? Is there any additional cost to get maps or use gps? Thanks
I am still looking for a fish finder...a good one. I assume you still love this one. Is your unit black? Not sure why but the ones I am finding online are grey in color. Is there a difference between the 5 and 5x?
Great questions!! Yes I still love mine, it is black. So, if you want to have Navigation on tour unit that actually shows the body of water and actually has a map, you DO NOT want the 5X! The 5X does not have any map system on it at all and you can’t add one. They say it has GPS “chart plotter” but all that means is you have a white screen and it draws a black line where ever you go. In my opinion that’s absolutely worthless. Go with the actual Hook2 5 so you can use maps and Add Navionics if you want to. Hope that helps.🤙🏼🎣
Kayak USA Yes I want to add Navionics on it....do I buy that straight from Naviotics website or buy the card somewhere else and activate it there? Ok thank you for pointing out not the 5X! Lol so here is where I’m stuck on....I think the low frequency is very good and clearer (70-83 ish) but I think the 5 only comes in 200hz and higher frequencies. What are your thoughts? I’m so stuck on that low frequency!
Kayak USA Yes I want to add Navionics on it....do I buy that straight from Naviotics website or buy the card somewhere else and activate it there? Ok thank you for pointing out not the 5X! Lol so here is where I’m stuck on....I think the low frequency is very good and clearer (70-83 ish) but I think the 5 only comes in 200hz and higher frequencies. Or am I mistaken? Does it come in low frequency like 50/77?
Q: Where did you mount the transducer?
If the fish are right under you, would you have to paddle out, and come back to the area? I'm looking at getting a fish finder this spring for my kayak.
Thanx!
If you are going slow and pass over them you can just turn around. And fish them.🤙🏼🎣
Thank you! I have a lot to learn
Thanks for the vid, At the start before he close of the finder....Whats that little screen to your back left. Looks like a phone on the side?
Thanks man! Yes it was my I phone, I was using it with the GoPro to line up the shot 🤙🏼🎣🇺🇸
@@KayakUSA1 Thanks, i have been thinking of doing something like that for my cams. Always wondering if the shot is still lined up.
Please make another video dedicated to the down scan feature.
I’d also like to see how you mounted your transducer as well.
That was a big help
I think downscan is more to see structure than fish. Chirp Sonar is for finding fish.
Go to the Lowarance and Garmin UA-cam sites to get more info on Chirp and DownScan/DownView/Clearview....
Fastrack is the scale in the middle
Your information was awesome. However, it was out of focus while videoing your monitor screen. I would have really liked to have seen what you were describing. That is what is most exciting about these videos.
Thanks I might get one. Just seen this for $99
A fish blew up behind you at :19
MERRY CHRISTMAS
My question may seem silly, so please forgive me as im new to fish finders. I just ordered this same splitshot unit. If i decide later on that i want side imaging can i just replace the transducer? Or would i need a whole new unit?
Does that unit take the navionics map cards?
Yes sir 🤙🏼
I have the same hook unit on my yak but I’m pretty inexperienced using it. When you do mark fish with it are they directly in front of you or directly under the yak?
The transducer shoots a cone-shaped beam to the bottom. When you mark a fish or structure that means you drove over the fish or structure. the very right edge of the screen in the middle is what's going on under your boat at that second.
Not_Reqd oh ok thanks a lot. I’ve only had a couple trips out with my fish finder so still trying to get better and reading mine. Thanks again
What’s exact model in this video ? Theres so many options for this one. Contours. Maps no maps. Plotter. Or not. I’d like to get this exact one
The gps model, Not the X 👍🏼
@@KayakUSA1 thanks. Thats what i needed to know.
Merry Christmas from Ohatchee al
I bought this unit based on your experience with it and for the life of me I can't get it to bring up the pages menu or go split screen. Any tips ?
You possibly bought the wrong one, there is a very cheap one that doesn’t have those options
@@KayakUSA1 I must have, I got the Hook2 5x.
Yeah , I think the 5X is just a base model, it’s only a fish finder with chart plotter.
Does this fishfinder show the thermocline below the surface... such as lower temperatures where the fish may be holding in the cooler waters? Indicating how deep to troll?
Where do you find the track mounts for the finder?
Summer almost here in Oz nice review!
Does this unit have side scan abilities if a triple shot transducer is used?
No , you have to have the triple shot unit for that to work.
put the downscan on
455
Does the fish finder come with GPS maps automatically? Or do you have to purchase navigation/gps for it
You can buy it with or without maps 👍🏼🎣
Kayak USA awesome thanks for the reply. I appreciate it.
You have some great videos. I’ve been watching your older DIY vibe videos for advice. You explain everything very well.
Do you need to purchase a C-Map SD Card to use this?
Which unit you buy for a kayak today?
The Hook2 5 is still the perfect size and works great for kayak fishing. 👍🏼
At 8:30 it's called Amplitude scope
Good morning sir, I recently mounted my lowrance hook2 to my feel free lure 11.5 and placed the transducer through the scuffer hole. I couldn’t get the sonar or any other image to show anything. Any suggestions
Are fish finders/gps good for shallow water fishing?
How would you make a waypoint or a marker let's say you put jug lines out and want to go back at night or early morning but it can be hard to find those without guidance
That’s something I forgot to go over but it’s super easy to do, at the top of the screen there is a “ mark waypoint “ button and anytime you want to mark a spot , you just hit that button and name it what you want. Then it will be on your map. 🤙🏼🎣 Thanks for watching!
Do i need a transducer for this product?
Thank you! How do I add the local map of my lake?
Awesome video brother, I have been on the fence about which unit I'm gonna go with , but it looks like you get alot for a good price with that one.
I just bought the hook2 5x after watching your videos. When I turn it on My front page does not show add page...it only has settings power off, brightness, night mode, data overlay edit overlay and stop sonar...i have had trouble trying to figure out how you can add pages
Send me some pics of what you mean and I’ll try to help you out. The page button is the top left button. You can email me at kayakusa311@gmail.com. Thanks for watching
Would a used one at $125-150 be a decent deal today?
Yep!
What sensitivity setting do you use?
I actually don’t stick to just one , I get on the water and change mine every time. If found that every where I go is different depths and bottoms and I like to dial it in every time for the lake I’m on 🤙🏼🎣🇺🇸
Can you and do you know how to set waypoints?
Good review!
Awesome video. Thanks for sharing.
Did anyone ever figure out what setting at 8:25 ? Just got the hook2 5 tripleshot and wondering if that’s an option with that unit? Would like to put it on mine if possible.
what about maping with a blank sd card
Works good!
So did you update it or buy a map chip?
I use it with Navionics now, still love it.👍🏼
@@KayakUSA1 is that the split or the triple shot?
Scott Tilley , this one is just the Double Shot
How did you get it to do all that
And where do the chips go, mine I can't find where it would go
How far does the fish finder scan in front of your kayak and back ? If that makes sense. Bc when a fish pops up on screen right away, does that mean it’s in front of your kayak or underneath? Please let me know thanks 👍
It really depends on the depth of water that you are in. The sonar shoots down under the transducer. The signal is shaped like a cone. Small up top at the boat and wider at the bottom. So if you are in deep water the cone is bigger on the bottom. Hope that makes sense. There’s a ton of videos on UA-cam that explain it way better than me though. Thanks for watching 🤙🏼