Garmin LiveScope Technology Guide


Garmin LiveScope fish finders on a boat

Garmin LiveScope is a cutting-edge technology that is revolutionizing the way anglers approach fishing. With its real-time scanning sonar, anglers can now see underwater features that give them more insight as to where fish are located. Our Experts walk you through the basics of Garmin Livescope technology and how utilizing the benefits can help the angler ultimately start catching more fish and maximize their time on the water.

What is Garmin LiveScope?

Garmin LiveScope on a boat

Garmin LiveScope is a state-of-the-art scanning sonar technology that provides anglers with a real-time, underwater view of fish, structures, and other underwater features. This technology is designed to help anglers make more informed decisions and increase their chances of a successful catch. With its powerful scanning sonar capabilities, Garmin LiveScope is changing the way anglers approach fishing and providing them with a new level of insight into their fishing environment.

Benefits of Garmin LiveScope

  • Live, real-time scanning sonar imaging: Provides an unparalleled view of what is below your boat.
  • Enhanced fish targeting: Makes it easier to locate and target fish. 
  • Improved fishing: LiveScope helps you save time and increase your chances of success by quickly locating fish.
  • Compatibility with multiple devices: Compatible with a range of Garmin devices, including chartplotters, sonar modules, and other accessories.
  • Versatile: LiveScope can be used in a variety of fishing environments, from freshwater lakes and rivers to saltwater bays and offshore waters.
  • Durable: LiveScope is built to withstand the rigors of fishing, with a rugged design that is built for the harsh conditions of the water.

How Does LiveScope Work?

Garmin LiveScope technology uses a highly sensitive transducer that emits high-frequency sound waves into the water. These sound waves are then received by the transducer as they bounce off underwater objects such as fish and structures, and are converted into detailed, real-time images on the angler's chartplotter screen.

Garmin LiveScope Features

Anglers are able to use the Garmin LiveScope transducers in three different modes offering different views of the underwater terrain.

Three different types of Garmin Sonar
  • LiveScope Down Mode: Provides a detailed, real-time view of what is happening directly beneath the boat down to 200ft.
  • LiveScope Forward Mode: Provides a detailed, real-time view of what is happening around your boat out to 200ft.
  • Perspective Mode: Provides an overhead angle view more used in shallow waters.


How Does Garmin LiveScope Enhance your Fishing Experience?

Garmin LiveScope includes a host of features that make it a must-have for serious anglers. Overall, Garmin Livescope enhances the angler's fishing experience by providing real-time, detailed information about the underwater environment. This allows anglers to fish with greater accuracy, efficiency, and success.


  • Accurate fish detection: Garmin LiveScope provides high-quality, detailed images of fish and underwater structures in real-time, which allows anglers to detect fish with greater accuracy.
  • Precise fish tracking: With LiveScope, anglers can track the movements of fish with incredible precision. This allows them to adjust their fishing techniques in real-time to match the behavior of the fish better and increase their chances of success.
  • Improved fish identification: LiveScope's high-quality images make it easier for anglers to identify the species of fish they are targeting. 
  • Better understanding of underwater structure: LiveScope's images provide a detailed view of underwater structures, such as rocks, weeds, and drop-offs. This helps anglers to identify areas where fish are likely to congregate
  • More efficient fishing: By providing anglers with real-time information about fish and underwater structures, LiveScope allows them to fish more efficiently. 

What You’ll Need:

To use Garmin LiveScope technology on your boat, you'll need a few accessories to get everything hooked up. Once you've acquired these accessories, you will have everything you need to get your Garmin LiveScope system up and running.


  • Transducer & Sonar Black Box: First, you'll need a compatible transducer and a black box. The transducer will create the scanning sonar and the blackbox processes the images and transmits the data live to a compatible display.
  • Chart Plotter: Next, you'll need to have a Garmin-compatible chartplotter, as this is what will display the images.
  • Ethernet cord: A high-quality, 20-foot Ethernet cord will be needed if you’re planning on running 2 fish finders and have them “talk” so you can view LiveScope on both units. 
  • Battery: Some anglers prefer to power their system through their traditional boat battery, or purchase a separate house battery just for their LiveScope tech.

Overall, Garmin LiveScope is an amazing and innovative technology that allows fishing enthusiasts to enjoy an enhanced fishing experience. From detailed mapping to real-time fishing information and activity tracking, Garmin LiveScope provides fishermen with the perfect technology to maximize their time on the water. If you have any more questions about Garmin LiveScope, feel free to head to your local SCHEELS and speak to a Fishing Expert today!