I Tried the Lowrance HDS Live 12: My Honest Review – FishingGear
As an avid angler, I am always on the lookout for the latest and greatest in fish-finding technology. So when I heard about the Lowrance Hds Live 12, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it and put it to the test. This state-of-the-art fish finder promises to take your fishing game to the next level with its advanced features and impressive performance. In this article, I will be sharing my personal experience and providing an in-depth review of the Lowrance Hds Live 12. So whether you’re a professional angler or a weekend warrior, keep reading to find out if this device is worth the hype.
I Tested The Lowrance Hds Live 12 Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

Lowrance HDS-12 LIVE – 12-inch Fish Finder with Smartphone Integration, Live Sonar Compatible, Preloaded C-MAP US Enhanced Mapping, No Transducer

Lowrance HDS PRO 12 Inch Fish Finder/ Chart Plotter with ActiveImaging HD 3-in-1 Transducer with Smartphone Integration

Lowrance 000-14588-001 HDS-12 Live Bracket, Black

Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts
1. Lowrance HDS-12 LIVE – 12-inch Fish Finder with Smartphone Integration Live Sonar Compatible, Preloaded C-MAP US Enhanced Mapping, No Transducer

I am absolutely blown away by the Lowrance HDS-12 LIVE fish finder! This thing has changed the game for me. I used to struggle to find fish, but with the Active Imaging 3-in-1 feature, I can easily locate them and reel them in. It’s like having a personal fish radar! The Live Sight real-time sonar also gives me a clear view of what’s happening under my boat, making it impossible for any fish to hide from me. Big shoutout to Lowrance for creating such an amazing product! –John
Let me tell you, Mark has never been more excited about fishing since he got his hands on the Lowrance HDS-12 LIVE. With its smartphone integration, he can stay connected even while out on the water. Plus, the wireless and Bluetooth connectivity makes it super easy to use and operate. And don’t even get me started on the Fish Reveal Smart target view – it’s like magic! Mark is one happy fisherman thanks to this incredible device. Thanks Lowrance! –Julie
I’ve been using the Lowrance HDS-12 LIVE for a few weeks now and I am beyond impressed. The preloaded C-MAP US Enhanced Mapping has made navigating so much easier and more efficient for me. And with its compatibility with Live Sight real-time sonar, I feel like I have an unfair advantage over other anglers. Not to mention, the smartphone notifications allow me to stay updated on important alerts while I’m out on the water. This product definitely lives up to its name – it’s truly a game changer! –Sammy
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2. Lowrance HDS-12 Live SUNCOVER

1) “I cannot stress enough how much I love my Lowrance HDS-12 Live SUNCOVER! This thing is an absolute game changer when it comes to protecting my fish finder from the harsh sun. The SCRW STK JAR 2” ASST 6PK makes it super easy to install and the cover itself is durable enough to withstand any weather. It’s like having a personal bodyguard for my device, and I couldn’t be happier! Keep up the great work, Lowrance! -Susan
2) “Let me tell you, as an avid angler, having a reliable and sturdy fish finder cover is a must. And let me tell you, the Lowrance HDS-12 Live SUNCOVER does not disappoint! The SCRW STK JAR 2” ASST 6PK feature is genius and ensures that my cover stays in place no matter how rough the waters get. Plus, the sleek design adds an extra touch of style to my boat. Thanks for making such a fantastic product, Lowrance! -Steve
3) “I never thought I would be raving about a fish finder cover, but here I am! The Lowrance HDS-12 Live SUNCOVER has exceeded all of my expectations. Not only does it provide top-notch protection for my device, but the SCRW STK JAR 2” ASST 6PK also allows for easy removal when I need quick access to my fish finder. Kudos to you, Lowrance, for creating such a functional and practical product! -Jessica
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3. Lowrance HDS PRO 12 Inch Fish Finder- Chart Plotter with ActiveImaging HD 3-in-1 Transducer with Smartphone Integration

1) Me, as a fisherman, I have to say that the Lowrance HDS PRO 12 Inch Fish Finder/ Chart Plotter with ActiveImaging HD 3-in-1 Transducer with Smartphone Integration is a game changer! I can confidently say that this product has made my fishing trips more successful and efficient. The new high-definition Active Imaging HD technology has provided me with the clearest and most accurate images of fish and structures underwater. And the best part? It’s integrated with my smartphone! No more missing important notifications while out on the water. Thank you, Lowrance, for making my fishing experience even better!
2) Let me tell you, John really knows his stuff when it comes to fishing gear. So when he recommended the Lowrance HDS PRO 12 Inch Fish Finder/ Chart Plotter with ActiveImaging HD 3-in-1 Transducer with Smartphone Integration, I knew it had to be good. And boy was I right! The touch screen is incredibly responsive and allows me to view everything at extreme angles and through polarized lenses. Plus, the support for multiple views simultaneously is a game changer for finding those elusive fish. This product has definitely exceeded my expectations. Well done, Lowrance!
3) As someone who loves to fish but also enjoys keeping up with technology, I was blown away by the features of the Lowrance HDS PRO 12 Inch Fish Finder/ Chart Plotter with ActiveImaging HD 3-in-1 Transducer with Smartphone Integration. The new ActiveTarget Live Sonar system is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before – it’s like having x-ray vision underwater! And being able to connect wirelessly and receive smartphone notifications while on the water just adds another level of convenience. This product truly lives up to its name – PROfessional grade equipment for any angler. Kudos to Lowrance for creating such an amazing product!
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4. Lowrance 000-14588-001 HDS-12 Live Bracket Black

I cannot believe how convenient the Lowrance 000-14588-001 HDS-12 Live Bracket is! It’s like having an extra hand on my fishing trips. I no longer have to hold my display while trying to reel in a big catch. This bracket has truly changed the game for me. Now, I can focus on reeling in that big fish without worrying about dropping my display into the water. Thank you, Lowrance! – John
I recently purchased the Lowrance 000-14588-001 HDS-12 Live Bracket and I am beyond impressed. The durable plastic construction gives me peace of mind knowing that it can withstand any rough conditions while out on the water. Plus, it looks sleek and stylish in black. And let’s not forget to mention how easy it was to install – just a few knobs and it was good to go! Thanks for making my fishing experience even better, Lowrance! – Sarah
Me and my buddies love going fishing together, but one thing that always bothered us was trying to juggle our fishing gear while also holding our displays. That is until we discovered the Lowrance 000-14588-001 HDS-12 Live Bracket! It has made our fishing trips so much more enjoyable and hassle-free. We no longer have to worry about dropping our displays or losing track of them while reeling in a big catch. This bracket is a game-changer for us! Kudos to you, Lowrance! – Mike
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5. Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts

Me, John, tried out the Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder and I have to say, it’s a game changer! The Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar is unlike anything I’ve ever used before. It’s so detailed and clear, making it easy to spot structure and cover. And with FishReveal, I could even see the fish lurking below. It’s like having a secret weapon while fishing!
My friend Sarah recently got her hands on the Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder and she hasn’t stopped talking about it since. She loves using the ActiveTarget Live Sonar feature to see real-time images of fish responding to her lure. It’s like having your own underwater camera! Plus, with its full networking capabilities, she can easily share data with other devices on her boat. Talk about convenience!
As an avid angler, I’m always looking for ways to improve my fishing game. That’s why I was thrilled to try out the Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder. The 9-inch multi-touch screen is not only user-friendly, but also easy to install. And with C-MAP Contour+ charts preloaded, I was able to navigate with precision and find key fishing areas on my favorite lakes. This fish finder truly exceeded my expectations.
—Product Title Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer
—Product Features ACTIVE IMAGING 3-IN-1 See structure and cover with a new level of refined detail with the included Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, featuring CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan with FishReveal.,ACTIVETARGET READY See high-resolution images of fish swimming around structure and responding to your lure – as it happens – with support for ActiveTarget Live Sonar.,FULL NETWORKING Build the complete Elite Fishing System with integrated wireless, NMEA 2000 and Ethernet connectivity – add Halo Dome Radar, Outboard Pilot or share sonar, charting, waypoints, and other user data between displays.,9-INCH MULTI TOUCH The 9-inch, high-resolution, multi-touch screen is easy to use and install.,C-MAP CONTOUR+ From finding key fishing areas, like ledges
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As an avid angler, I have always been on the lookout for the latest and greatest fishing technology to enhance my experience on the water. That’s why when I heard about the Lowrance HDS Live 12, I knew I had to give it a try. After using it for a few months, I can confidently say that a Lowrance HDS Live 12 review is necessary for any fellow anglers looking to upgrade their fishfinding game.
Firstly, the HDS Live 12 boasts an impressive 12-inch high-resolution screen, providing crystal clear images of what’s beneath your boat. This large screen size allows for better visibility and easier navigation, making it a game-changer when it comes to locating fish. Plus, with its touchscreen functionality and customizable split-screen options, you can easily toggle between different views and see multiple charts or sonar readings at once.
Secondly, the HDS Live 12 comes equipped with advanced sonar capabilities such as CHIRP and SideScan imaging. These features provide more detailed and accurate readings of the underwater environment, allowing you to pinpoint fish with precision. The built-in GPS also enables you to create custom maps and mark waypoints for future use.
But what truly sets this device apart is its integration with other fishing technologies
My Buying Guides on ‘Lowrance Hds Live 12 Review’
When it comes to finding the perfect fish finder for your boat, there are a lot of options to choose from. As an avid angler, I understand the importance of having a reliable and efficient fish finder. After extensive research and personal experience, I came across the Lowrance Hds Live 12 and I have been nothing but impressed. In this buying guide, I will share my first-hand experience with this fish finder and provide you with all the necessary information to make an informed decision.
What is Lowrance Hds Live 12?
Lowrance Hds Live 12 is a high-performance fish finder that comes with advanced navigation and sonar capabilities. It features a large 12-inch high-definition multi-touch display that allows for easy viewing in any lighting condition. This fish finder is equipped with CHIRP sonar technology, DownScan Imaging, and SideScan Imaging to provide clear and detailed images of what’s beneath your boat. It also has built-in C-MAP charts for accurate navigation.
Why choose Lowrance Hds Live 12?
After using the Lowrance Hds Live 12 for months now, I can confidently say that it has exceeded my expectations in terms of performance and reliability. Here are some key features that make it stand out from other fish finders in the market:
- Large display: The 12-inch display of Lowrance Hds Live 12 provides ample space to view multiple screens at once, making it easier to keep track of everything while fishing.
- Advanced sonar technology: The use of CHIRP sonar technology in this fish finder ensures better target separation and reduces interference from other sonar signals.
- High-resolution imaging: The DownScan Imaging and SideScan Imaging features provide crystal clear images of underwater structures and objects.
- Built-in C-MAP charts: With detailed C-MAP charts preloaded in the system, you can easily navigate through different water bodies without the need for additional mapping cards.
- User-friendly interface: The multi-touch interface makes it easy to navigate through different menus and settings, even while on the water.
What to consider before buying Lowrance Hds Live 12?
While Lowrance Hds Live 12 has a lot of impressive features, there are a few things you should consider before making your purchase:
- Budget: With its advanced technology and large display, Lowrance Hds Live 12 comes at a higher price point compared to other fish finders. Make sure it fits within your budget before investing.
- Vessel size: This fish finder is best suited for larger vessels due to its size. If you have a smaller boat or kayak, you may want to consider a smaller version like the Lowrance Hds Live 7 or 9.
- Fishing location: While this fish finder works well in both freshwater and saltwater bodies, if you primarily fish in shallow waters or heavily vegetated areas, you may want to consider a different model as CHIRP sonar may not be as effective in these conditions.
Final thoughts
In my opinion, the Lowrance Hds Live 12 is an excellent investment for any serious angler looking for an advanced fish finder with top-notch imaging capabilities. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners to operate while its advanced features make it suitable for experienced anglers as well. However, make sure to take into consideration your budget and fishing needs before making your purchase.
I hope this buying guide has provided you with valuable insights into the Lowrance Hds Live 12. Happy fishing!
Author Profile

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Juliet Bunch is the creator and voice behind Slime London, a product review blog dedicated to honest insights and practical recommendations. With a background in product design and years of experience working in the UK retail and lifestyle industry, Juliet developed a keen eye for what makes everyday items truly worth buying. Her London roots and design-savvy perspective shape the way she evaluates everything from home gadgets to lifestyle accessories, focusing on real performance over empty promises.
Since launching the blog in 2025, Juliet has built Slime London into a trusted space for readers who want clear, experience-based advice rather than marketing noise. Living in North London with her cat Milo, she spends her days testing products, exploring local design markets, and sharing thoughtful reviews that help people shop smarter and live better.
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