Thank you guys for the photos and the video. That really helps. It’s good to know that the MEGA side-imaging can show fish.

One factor for me is that I can get a 40% discount on Garmin products via a friend. So I think I’m going to get the EchoMap Ultra 10″ (hi-def) and the panoptix livescope. That’ll run me about $2100 if I’m doing the math right.

My main concern is that the EchoMap hi-def isn’t as good as the Hummingbird. But seems worth the risk.

For me it’s not about cool, it’s about knowing fish are actually in the area. With Garmin you an use side-imaging to get the big picture, then switch to Livescope to gain confidence that there are really fish there.

I’m trying to understand what’s wrong with that idea because I’d like to decide by this weekend. Other than cost, what’s not to like about Garmin’s side imaging / Livescope combination?

Wouldn’t the Garmin side-imaging be adequate enough to also allow you to scan the area before / while using the Panoptix?

Thanks for posting the picture reddog, that’s helpful. My problem (probably a user issue) is that if there aren’t a ton of fish like that I have a tough time telling with side imaging what really is a fish and what isn’t. With Panoptix since the image is more like video I can tell what’s moving.

It seems like with the Garmin I should be able to come into an area with side-imaging turned on to get some initial information, then switch to panoptix and scan for a while to try to find fish moving. If nothing on either just move along. What’s wrong with that strategy?

I’m trying to decide between a Helix and a Garmin Echomap/Panoptix.

I don’t understand why some are saying that Livescope won’t be useful when fishing for walleye. Why would that be? It’ll show actual fish moving while fishing in real time. That seems incredibly useful. What am I missing?

Also, I’ve never seen an side-imaging picture online that shows fish. It looks great for seeing structure, but I’m worried that I won’t be able to see if fish are in the area.