HUMMINBIRD MEGA LIVE - Full Review - What You Need To Know About Live Sonar
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 10 фев 2025
- Live sonar is here to stay! Forward facing sonar technology is incredible and its benefits are endless. However, like any sonar, there is a learning curve. Understanding how to set up your unit, what adjustments to make, and how to interpret what you're seeing, are all critical to your experience with Live electronics. Come along as Tim shows what he's done to dial in his Humminbird Live.
This is the first video in a series on Live sonar. We want to help anglers fully understand the technology and how to use it to their advantage. With all new concepts in fishing, there are some anglers who are aggressively opposed to forward facing sonar. We recognize those concerns but are also aware that many stem from a lack of understanding about the equipment. As you can see in the video, forward facing sonar is not a sure thing. Yes, it helps you locate fish but you still have to get them to bite.
Below you'll find links to Tim's equipment. We've included links to his MEGA Live, his Solix and Apex units, 360 Imaging, mapping, and more. We've also included the forward facing sonar technologies from Garmin and Lowrance so you can compare the brands. All the links go directly to Tackle Warehouse where you can see detailed photos and descriptions of each item.
OUR SYSTEM...
HUMMINBIRD MEGA LIVE...
-Humminbird Mega Live Imaging: bit.ly/2VXoaC7
(BackOrder Available)
TIM'S SOLIX AND APEX...
-Humminbird Solix 15 Gen 3: bit.ly/2Hazsej
(MSI+G3, BackOrder Available)
-Humminbird Apex 13: bit.ly/3pdaK1q
(BackOrder Available)
360 IMAGING...
-Humminbird MEGA 360 (For Ultrex): bit.ly/3oUt7oO
-Humminbird MEGA 360 (Universal Mount): bit.ly/3Q9CYF4
MAP CARDS...
-LakeMaster Plus Digital Charts: bit.ly/2Dk5Erc
GARMIN LIVESCOPE...
-Garmin Livescope Plus System Bundle: bit.ly/3qBFA3F
LOWRANCE ACTIVE TARGET...
-Lowrance Active Target Live Sonar: bit.ly/37Lcox8
WANT TACTICALBASSIN GEAR??
We have a variety of apparel items and custom lure designs available! Everything from hats, to hoodies, to crankbaits! Its all available direct through Tackle Warehouse with fast shipping. See it here...
TacticalBassin Apparel and Lure Designs: bit.ly/38YpPIz
_________________________________________________________________
MAJOR EQUIPMENT WE USE DAILY...
Trolling Motor- Minn Kota Ultrex 112: bit.ly/2vFQypW
Electronics- Humminbird Solix 15: bit.ly/35HuPRY
Anchors- Minn Kota Talons: bit.ly/2F0QBSP
Net- Frabill Conservation PLD 2612: bit.ly/3kdZ3kA
Camera- GoPro Hero 9: bit.ly/2KQ0VEI
FAVORITE TOOLS AND GEAR…
Favorite Storage Box: bit.ly/3kngvEG
Favorite sunglasses: bit.ly/3cLH0kl
Favorite Pliers: bit.ly/2MpUBEr
Favorite life jacket: bit.ly/2odXXIP
Favorite Scale: bit.ly/2f7QgQ9
Favorite Lure Retriever: bit.ly/2TLTJc6
Favorite Braid Cutters: bit.ly/35KSp3O
Favorite Split Ring Pliers: bit.ly/2fT4Qw0
________________________________________________________________
If you plan to do any shopping, using our links before doing your shopping at Tackle Warehouse is the single greatest way to support us! You won't be able to even see a difference but they'll know you're one of us!
#fishing #boating #sonar
These vids are my favourite. Showing the screens, explaining what you see, how you use this info. Would be cool to see more casting and how it works out. Props 👏🏻
Thank you so very much for the real time experience. This is so cool to me. I often see you guys watching your screen and as you cast and always have been curious. This is great 👍
Great video Matt, I enjoy the time you’re talking to explain everything especially when you’re talking about a product that’s relatively new when it comes to Humminbird. Too many negative comments out there about MegaLive compared to the other forwarded facing products. It’s really more about taking the time to learn and understand what you have vs. thinking it’s going to work perfect out of the box without putting some effort into using the product. Thanks and keep these coming!
That's tim not matt
About dang time TIM!!!! Thanks for the vids and keep 'em coming.
I noticed you had your transducer angle set at 40 degrees. In your next video, please go in to more detail about when you might set your transducer angle at maybe 50 or 60 degrees, one or two clicks up from the standard 40 degree setting. What factors determine which one is best when in the forward mode. Im looking forward to the next in this series. I just got my ML a couple of months ago and really enjoying it.
Now if someone could actually get it in stock, that would be nice.
Glad you made the point about batteries. I have a starter, 2 for the trolling motor, and a LiFePo4 for the Helix units. While it's virtually impossible to draw the lithium all the way to nothing even after a couple of days, it sure is nice to be able to without worrying about killing it.
Yet another great video from you guys!! I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Great information, am looking forward to adding this sonar to my 360.
Great video. I like the birds eventually I will get a forward facing unit. Hope to learn how to use it with you. Thanks for your content
Agree with everything you are saying. It’s such a game changer.
Hey Matt and Tim, curious to know what the screen recording device you are using in this video? It would greatly be appreciated. Thank you!
The one we’ve been waiting for
TIM: the Humminbird live image has a ways to go, and I'm sure they will improve it. You have to realize that we, the anglers, have become spoiled: the Chirp 2D, the Mega SI and DI have incredible almost photographic quality screens for us to interpret: then , we see this live imaging with flashing blobs of almost not definition, that come and go on the screen and require intense concentration in order to interpret....there is no comparison! Again, I have confidence that just as Humminbird has improved the clarity and resolution of the other methods they will be doing that with live view in the near future.
Great intro! Can't wait for more!
that was dope to see.
I'm a kayak angler, have been yak fishing for 7 yrs now. I'm finally about to buy electronics for my new yak later this year. I'm stuck trying to decide between Echomap Ultra 10" with LVS34. Or Solix10 gn3 with mega 360 then add mega live later. I definitely think Garmin & Lowrance live sonars look better but hummingbird will catch up & they have 360!
Loved your video
I have mixed feelings about this incredible technology. It undoubtedly allows anglers to maximize their time on the water and could also be a great teaching tool if used properly. The Crabby Old Guy in me, though, finds it easy to imagine a future generation of bass anglers who can't find a guppy in a department store fish tank without 360 sonar. The technology is amazing, no doubt; I just hope that our future anglers don't become so dependent on it that they lose their ability to read water, interpret weather changes, etc. If that were to happen, I think fishing would lose much of its mystique and allure. That being said, this was an outstanding presentation. Thanks Tim!
how is his screen showing a yellow colour pallette but the zoomed up one for the video is blue? So glad you guys are finally talking forward facing sonar!!!
👏👏 thank you Tim🔥🔥🔥
Great video.... what are you using to connect your graphs to the video capture camera? Is the smaller graph an Apex?
Curious about the use of Dynamic contrast with your settings.
My only concern before spending $1500 is the issue with spot lock. I am assuming that your Mega Live transducer must be pointing at the fish. But, spot lock tends to require the tolling motor to turn often depending on the wind and, especially the direction the wind comes from. I have found that spot lock works best in the wind when it locks into the wind. Matter of fact, it will always eventually point itself to the wind. But, if you turn the trolling motor to view the fish, you lose spot lock. Most often when I see guys catching fish with these front pointing sonars, the water is always calm. I can't see how it can be used in even moderately low winds, waves or in current. This is what is really holding me back. I have experienced this same issue with Mega 360 as well.
After using your mega live for a few more years was wondering if you had setting that where dialed In even more like angles of transducer angle setting on graph and noise settings
pretty cool brother. Kinda wish I hadn't bought a Garmin 93SV as a first step with plans to add livescope.
Love the videos. Just wondering what model HDMI recorder you guys are using. Thanks.
Hey Matt, just put the Ultrex on my boat and called the dealer who handles Hummingbird and bought the mega live which has side and down image on the set up. I got so tired of throwing at a target I couldn't see. Did I make a good purchase? I have no idea if it has the 360 on it or not but the mega live and side image should give me an enjoyable time fishing now. I'm sure the learning curve is going to be somewhat challenging just want to know if I made the right choice as you are the expert. Thanks
Does it make a difference if its mounted to a Fortex? Show how adjusting the transducer makes a difference from down to forward right/left and landscape.
Great video Tim, thanks. But when you're using SpotLock, Mega Live is rendered useless, correct?
Have you considered using a separate mounting/aiming device?
Thanks for the advice.
Hey! Could I ask what is your setup to be able to share your MegaLive screen ?
11:40, yeah I did an update on my Solix untits and lost my 360 screens and even though I have the one boat network with the hub, my units still won't communicate.
Does it matter which unit you have with hummingbird? I see some guys have apexes some have helix's and some have solixes... Or is it just a matter of you getting the right settings to see your jig or lure with the transducer in forward setting?.. I see my lure all the time when I'm doing it in the down mold but I'm having trouble in forward when I get out with a small quarter oz jig and 30 ft of water and throwing it 40 ft out seeing it., that's why I asked about the units
Do you have the mask installed on the transducer?
I have not been able to get that clear a picture so far with my Mega Live. What setting do you set your dynamic contrast to?
Do you have it hooked up to it own battery
@@scottsmith1906 No it shares the starter battery. I installed the choke and ran 10 gauge wire to a fuse box and to the front of the boat so I can get all the power I need. I just installed the newest update from HB and my picture is much clearer. I can see the fish and my lure after doing some adjustments. Thanks for getting back to me.
Is mega worth buying now?? Or is something new coming out within the next 6-12 months?
It is definitely a great tool for the toolbox I would imagine. What I don't like are the people who can't fish without it. Or when you watch say Bassmaster and everybody's just standing there staring at a screen, such a turn-off.
There definitely should be limit for instance using it a practice and maybe the last 3 hours of a day in the tournament
They don't have a choice. Either use it and adapt or get beat by everyone else. Why not embrace the technology given to us. Those who don't get left behind.
I think for tournaments, it's a must-have, and I do not fault any of them for using it. I think today's pros are still very skilled, even without the electronics. What the future holds, who knows?
I couldn't agree with you more.. If I wanted to use all this stuff instead of what I have learned over the years I could just find the best video game out there and not even have to go out.. Tim and Matt always worked hard to bring us the best in gear and Baite and techniques. Unfortunately if you are a tournament angler and they're fishing against guys that have this and you don't you will be out of luck. I prefer to use what I have learned about bass , seasonal movements and structure over using something like this . The outlawed the a rig in bass masters and MLF And this seems to be 10 times worse. Yes you still have to catch him But you really have an advantage. Not to mention the cost of the boat motor motor and just what you've got on the front of that boat. Not for me me me, but great for those who need it
if the tech is too advanced it should be banned from tourneys in my opinion. Even this, a forward facing sonar kind of pisses me off. At least with other fish finders, you have to be on top of the fish/pretty close to detect them
Dang just looking at those grid lines is driving me nuts lol so much better without the grid in my opinion.
Do you have your talons down? Wondering if it would be a disadvantage if I mount one on my trolling motor while using spot lock due to the head always turning to keep me in one spot. Your TM doesn't seem to be making adjustments much automatically.
What software are you using to capture and display the mega live recording?
Do you connect the noise filter I have sea clear harness in my boat.
Would be cool to see deep cranking while on the Mega Live!
I can see my crank 110 foot out on my livescope… doubt it with the bird
How do you fish millfoil weeds and what type of lures would you use ?
Was the display on your Apex or Solix?
Tack!
So im confused if i go with mega live do i get the 360 or is it two seperate units
I've got a 15 for the console and a 15 for the bow. Don't know what to get for second bow Humminbird but what mount do you use?
How did you get both on one screen ? Am I able to do that with my Helix 15 ?
Matt, please explain to me what is exactly needed to make this work? All 3 companies Hummingbird, Lowrance, and Garmin doesn't have a clear explanation of what is needed. I'm just confused, because they have a bundle sometimes but then they have a hub or central computer system sold separately, I think.
Which mount did you use to have both the 15 and 13 graphs? Everything I see is for 12s and down
What is the small screen machine on the right?
Ok- I just grabbed the last one TW had on their surprise shipment.
I couldn't see far enough into you settings to see if you have your dynamic contrast on or off...?
I have been waiting for Humminbird to improve the forward range to 40 yards +. I would like to believe up and coming software updates will do the trick. If not then maybe waiting for the next generation of Mega Live is the way to go. What do you think?
Do you have trouble with live & 2d sonar interference? If not what would you recommend to fix it ?
If you are fishing on a windy day and using your spot lock could you put your forward facing transducer on a separate holding device and move it around manually?
Ya I use it on a separate mount
Tim, did you ever consider mounting this on something other than the Ultrexx? Seems like it could be a little difficult if you are spot-locked and want to look in a different direction.
It’s not worth it. I’ve dealt with soooooo many other anglers boats helping set them up and teach them. Once you learn with it being on your trolling motor you it’s way easier than having another thing to control.
Keep it on the trolling motor and give it time.
@barefoot_fishing3187 that's good to hear. I'm buying Mega Live and was worried about that. I see all of these other poles and additional motors you can put it on but I don't like the looks of the pole and don't want another motor to have to worry about breaking down. I'll give it some time. Thanks
maybe do a side by side with the traditional fishfinders along with the hummingbird
Is your unit with Mega Live a Solix unit? How are you doing Video out? From what I have been told only the Apex units have the HDMI for video out. We have a Helix unit so no option for video out. I thought of maybe a camera by the unit and video screen back of boat so if trolling or anchored can still view what is going on with Mega Live. Otherwise I have to spend a bunch of money on second Helix and ethernet hub.
What angle is your transducer set at & setting for it
What's on the tripod Tim? Is that your phone?
It looks like your graph is a little more clear than the blue overlay images..?
How are your units in the Heat? I'm in AZ and everything overheats here. We tend to go night fishing more in summer. But year round it stays fairly warm. Any issues while traveling around with heat or cold issues?
Heh, you nailed it. In TX, I don't fish past 10am this time of year. Mid-day? Forget it! I've never had one shut down, but I tend to fish more at night this time of year, not only because of the hellish heat, but because there is so much less traffic on the lakes.
How did you get 360 and live on the same screen
Targeting fish 40 feet down, are they not going to die later from barotrauma/oxygen related internal injury or stress? Some anglers won't even target walleye/pike/muskie below 20ft because of the mortality risk.
As you say, finding deep suspended fish is a new powerful tool and I don't think we have enough of an understanding of the potential consequences. I'd rather target shallow if C&R until we have more definitive research on what/when is high risk.
Is your angle on auto or on 60*
That's the only reason to have it is for the networking capability because it's definitely not as good as Livescope or Active Target got alot of work to do but it is a newer product
Had it all networked and still switched to LS. Not a day goes by I regret that decision. Still love my birds for everything else and having them connected to link system TM
@@savvysavage1857 Hey Savvy, sorry so dense. But, you are so glad you switched to LS.....or you regret that decision.
Thanks, I appreciate your experience. Have you had a chance to use active target?
Thanks Jim
.
@@jimknowles5483 very very happy! Much better
I have a garmin 😁
I have a solix and a helix do I need an adapter plug
First! (sorry, never done that before. Lol)
No full moon in June video?!?!
Yes, it is a really cool technology. And your graph is so clean. But my problem is that it cost so much money. Thousands of dollars. And when you just retired on a fixed income it puts it out of my game. It seems like more fishing equipment is for a rich man’s game anymore. Bummer. I love your set up.
You should look up a video by pro angler Randy Blaukat on just that very idea that it's a rich man's game now, at least as it pertains to a lot of pros.
I see alot of dislike against forward facing sonar. If you don't like it then don't pay for it. It is another tool for us as anglers to use just like any other professional sport whenever a new innovation comes along to potienally increase the sports revenue and outreach to those who want to get into the sport. Sonar technology is not new neither is it slowing down in the processing stage to get better every year. If you prefer to ride a horse and buggy verse a car then so be it.
And here I am trying to guess how deep the pond is from the bank 😂
Backpack-mounted 360 sonar incoming? :-) .
it is hard to think of where technology could take the sport of fishing.... sure, it helps "people" catch fish, but only if you are willing to shell out thousands of dollars to do so. takes me to the theme of Top Gun, maybe we should be focusing more of our efforts on "dog fighting" or fish to fish combat, as fishing seems to be leaving the "every man" sport and is rapidly becoming the "exclusive man's" sport.... And I say that as someone who has invested thousands of dollars of graphs at the bow and console, so I have made the leap, but I am just not sure how far we should take it before it becomes unaffordable as a recreational activity. Just thinking out loud, no criticism intended...
live scope seems to have allot more detail
Funny I go fishing to not look at screens, good for guides or taking kids out though.
Garmin is just on top when it comes to clarity. No comparison. But I am a hummingbird fan and can see losing clarity for being able to use with 360.
If you could only have 1 mega live or mega 360. Which one would you choose??
360 for sure
@@mattchapman3221 y
So you have had plenty of time on water with both 360 & love. Do you fish shallow or deep most of the time? I fish shallow probably over half time but I do like to fish out deeper as well. I think 360 be better for shallow & live would be better for deep water. But I don't have time on water with either so I really don't know
I have mega 360 and livescope plus on my ultrex. If I had to choose one there would be no hesitation in choosing the livescope plus.
@@maxcole3930 mostly for locating structure and getting the perfect cast angle even in spot lock. 15' + or - is about the deepest I fish 90% of the time and it works well for that.
@@mattchapman3221 so you prefer mega 360 over mega live, am I understanding that correct? You said 15' deep what's deepest mega 360 will work in & still see structure & bottom with decent range ??
Wish I would have just bought Garmin to begin with. Instead put money into hummingbirds and they are far far behind. Garmin owns it, looking back in 10 years reminiscing about forward facing sonar we will all see it for what it is.
So for a average fisher men. No tournaments just the average Joe going fishing with a lot of different bait from you all and some different rods you show. I have to 7 Helix
Help
So you have to have two screens
Geez I think HB went out of business they can’t get any products out anymore meanwhile Garmin is bringing out better and better technology the bird is way behind.
Good review but I don't think I'll get forward facing sonar any time soon or ever, I've watched great fisherman become mediocre to crappy because their face is buried in that screen, to me it's cool but being a Kayak guy it's way to much gear etc and just really takes away from intuition and your ability to just fish. My humble opinion is that professional bass tournaments should not allow ANY electronics, that would truly show who knows how to fish!
targetlock,it is too heavy. can not get in the water
I'm sorry butt garmin looks 100 times better.. and I'm a hummingbird guy