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HDS Live with Lowrance Active Target - Catch of the Day

HDS Live with Lowrance Active Target - Catch of the Day

Posted by Shotgun Shelly on 28th Apr 2022

Lowrance Active Target in Action

Shotgun Marine set up a good mates boat with the new Active Target and paired it up with his HDS 16 Live.

After onboard training with our Navico Rep he went out to Copeton Dam with his young fella for the school holiday break and BINGO – it all paid off. Check out the results.

Heaps of Yellow belly and one prized Big Fat Cod. 40 kg 110 cm. Caught by Riley Berecry. So the legend goes….. It takes some guys up 20 years to land one of these beauties ! Congratulations Boys - Job well done!

HDS Live Active Target: The Ultimate Live Sonar Experience

Introduction

Fishing technology has come a long way, and modern anglers now have access to some of the most advanced sonar systems available. One of the standout innovations in marine electronics is the HDS Live Active Target by Lowrance. Designed to give anglers real-time, high-resolution views of fish movements and structures, Active Target revolutionizes the way fishing is approached.

In this in-depth blog, we’ll explore everything you need to know about HDS Live Active Target, including its features, benefits, and how it enhances your fishing experience.

What is HDS Live Active Target?

The HDS Live Active Target is an advanced live sonar system that provides real-time imaging of fish and underwater structures. Unlike traditional sonar, which offers historical data of what has already passed beneath the boat, Active Target allows anglers to see live fish movements, track their behavior, and adjust their strategy accordingly.

This system is designed to be used with Lowrance HDS Live, Elite FS, and Carbon series fishfinders, making it a versatile option for serious anglers who want to take their fishing to the next level.

Key Features of HDS Live Active Target

1. Real-Time High-Resolution Imaging

One of the main advantages of Active Target is its ability to deliver real-time sonar imaging. This feature allows anglers to:

  • See fish react to lures in real-time.

  • Monitor fish movements and adjust tactics accordingly.

  • Differentiate between fish species based on movement and shape.

Why It Matters: Traditional sonar shows fish locations, but Active Target shows how they behave, helping anglers refine their techniques.

2. Three Viewing Modes for Maximum Versatility

Active Target provides three primary sonar views to give anglers a complete underwater picture:

 Forward View

  • Provides a forward-facing perspective to scan for fish and structures ahead of the boat.

  • Helps anglers locate schools of fish before reaching them.

 Down View

  • Offers a detailed vertical perspective, making it easier to track fish that are directly below the boat.

  • Ideal for vertical jigging and drop-shot fishing.

Scout View

  • Displays a wide, forward-facing area, helping anglers quickly identify active fish schools and structures.

  • Perfect for covering larger areas and planning an approach.

Why It’s Useful: Different fishing conditions require different sonar views. With three customizable perspectives, anglers can maximize their efficiency on the water.

3. High-Definition Clarity

Active Target delivers exceptionally detailed sonar imaging, allowing anglers to see:

  • Individual fish movements with lifelike clarity.

  • Fish orientation relative to the structure.

  • Bait and lure presentations in real-time.

What This Means: You can fine-tune your approach by watching how fish respond to your bait in real-time.

4. Easy Integration with HDS Live and Other Lowrance Devices

HDS Live Active Target is designed to work seamlessly with Lowrance’s HDS Live, Elite FS, and Carbon series fishfinders.

  • Plug-and-play installation with compatible Lowrance units.

  • Intuitive user interface for seamless control.

  • Networking options for multiple displays.

? Benefit: If you’re already using a Lowrance system, adding Active Target is straightforward and enhances your existing setup.

5. Precision Targeting & Fish Tracking

With Active Target, you don’t just see where the fish are—you can follow their movement patterns and adapt your fishing strategy. This is particularly useful for:

  • Tracking trophy fish.

  • Observing schooling behavior.

  • Adjusting lure presentation for better results.

Advantage: Instead of guessing where the fish will be, Active Target lets you see and react in real time.

How Active Target Enhances Your Fishing Experience

For Bass Anglers:

  • Watch bass react to different lures in real-time.

  • Locate submerged structures and adjust casts accordingly.

  • Use Forward View to spot bass before reaching them.

For Crappie & Panfish Anglers:

  • Down View allows for precision vertical jigging.

  • Scout View helps locate fish schools in open water.

  • Track fish movement and feeding behavior.

For Saltwater Anglers:

  • Identify offshore structures where fish gather.

  • Spot predator fish chasing bait schools.

  • Monitor lure presentations in deeper waters.

Why Choose HDS Live Active Target Over Other Live Sonar Systems?

Superior Real-Time Imaging

Compared to traditional sonar and other live sonar systems, Active Target offers unparalleled real-time clarity and precision tracking.

Versatile Viewing Modes

Unlike some competitors that focus on only one viewing mode, Active Target provides Forward, Down, and Scout views for maximum flexibility.

Seamless Lowrance Integration

Designed specifically for HDS Live, Elite FS, and Carbon series, ensuring a smooth user experience with existing Lowrance devices.

Easy Installation & User-Friendly Interface

The plug-and-play system is straightforward to install, and the intuitive controls make it accessible even for beginners.

How to Get the Most Out of HDS Live Active Target

1. Adjust Your Sensitivity Settings

Fine-tune the sensitivity to enhance the clarity of your sonar images. Increase sensitivity in deeper waters and decrease it in shallower areas to reduce noise.

2. Experiment with Different Viewing Modes

Switch between Forward, Down, and Scout views depending on the fishing scenario. Try Forward View for scanning ahead, Down View for vertical jigging, and Scout View for searching wide areas.

3. Observe Fish Reactions

Use Active Target to see how fish respond to different lures and presentations. If they aren’t reacting, adjust lure speed, depth, or type.

4. Mark Waypoints for Future Trips

If you find a productive area, mark it on your Lowrance chartplotter so you can return in the future.

Final Thoughts: Is HDS Live Active Target Worth It?

If you’re a serious angler looking to take your fishing game to the next level, the HDS Live Active Target is a game-changer. Its real-time imaging, multiple viewing modes, and precision tracking make it one of the best live sonar systems available today.

Pros:

Real-time sonar imaging with exceptional clarity.
Three versatile viewing modes for different fishing scenarios.
Seamless integration with Lowrance HDS Live, Elite FS, and Carbon series.
Ideal for tracking fish behavior and adjusting lure presentations.
Easy to install and user-friendly interface.

Cons:

Higher price point compared to traditional sonar.
Requires a compatible Lowrance unit.

For anglers who want to see fish in action, react in real-time, and maximize their success on the water, HDS Live Active Target is an investment that pays off.

Ready to upgrade your fishing experience? Get the HDS Live Active Target today and see the underwater world like never before!

What do you think of Active Target? Let us know in the comments below!

Need one? Click here for product and pricing info.