Lowrance Eagle Eye: The Affordable Forward-Facing Sonar Solution
Looking for an affordable entry into the world of forward-facing sonar? Matt Johnson from Omnia Fishing sits down with Matthew Alter, Director of Integrated Fishing Systems at Lowrance, to break down everything you need to know about the new Lowrance Eagle Eye system.
What is the Lowrance Eagle Eye?
The Lowrance Eagle Eye is a game-changing entry-level forward-facing sonar system priced at just $999. Unlike other live sonar options that typically start around $2,000, the Eagle Eye provides an affordable entry point for anglers wanting to experience this revolutionary fishing technology.
"We launched the Eagle Eye as an extension of the Eagle series, which is our Lowrance entry-level family of displays and sonars," explains Alter. "It's a 9-inch display with a version of Active Target 2 that doesn't need a module - the transducer plugs right into the back of the display."
How Does Lowrance Eagle Eye Compare to Active Target?
Active Target vs. Eagle Eye: Key Differences
| Feature | Active Target 2 | Eagle Eye |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~$2,000+ (with display) | $999 |
| Beams | 3 arrays (135° coverage) | 1 array (forward and down) |
| Module Required | Yes | No |
| Installation | Module + display | Single cord to display |
| Traditional Sonar | Separate transducer | Included |
Active Target 2 is Lowrance's premium live sonar offering, featuring three separate arrays that provide a full 135-degree coverage area. Eagle Eye, by comparison, uses just one array from the Active Target 2 technology.
"What we did for Eagle Eye is we took those three faces of Active Target 2 and we cut two of them off," Alter explains. "What that gives us is a forward-looking beam and a downward-looking beam of live sonar."
Eagle Eye Features and Benefits
All-in-One Transducer System
The Eagle Eye transducer provides:
- Live forward-facing sonar
- Live downward-facing sonar
- Traditional CHIRP sonar (fish arches)
- Down scan with Fish Reveal technology
Simple Installation
One of the biggest advantages of the Eagle Eye system is its simplicity:
- No separate module required
- Single cord connects directly to the display
- Designed as a fully integrated system
- Ready to view with minimal tuning needed
Built-in Charting
The Eagle Eye comes with embedded charts featuring:
- Three-foot contours on lakes across the country
- Optional C-MAP card available for one-foot contours, coastal areas, or Canadian waters
Is Lowrance Eagle Eye Right for Your Boat?
Perfect for:
- Anglers looking to enter the live sonar market without spending $2,000+
- Kayak anglers (with some DIY mounting required)
- Smaller aluminum boats
- Adding as a bow-mounted unit to complement console electronics
"We're seeing a lot of guys on kayaks," notes Alter. "We're also seeing a lot of people put them on smaller aluminum boats - put a regular Eagle at the console so you have your side scan and stuff back there, and then an Eagle Eye up on the front so you've got your live sonar up at the front."
Limitations to Consider:
- No Scout Mode (side-viewing capability)
- Fixed mounting angle (no adjustment in standard mount)
- Narrower coverage area than full Active Target 2
How to Use Lowrance Eagle Eye
The Eagle Eye system excels in several fishing scenarios:
- Forward-facing mode: Ideal for watching lures like jerkbaits, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and Alabama rigs from cast to boat
- Down-viewing mode: Perfect for vertical jigging, ice fishing, or fishing directly beneath the boat
- Traditional view: Classic fish arches and bottom tracking for conventional fishing approaches
Why Choose Lowrance Eagle Eye?
The Eagle Eye makes live sonar accessible to more anglers by addressing the high barrier to entry that has historically kept many fishermen from experiencing this technology.
"Live sonar, no matter how you slice it, where it comes from, who makes it - it's not the most affordable thing on the market," Alter acknowledges. "Eagle Eye is a great option if you're a customer looking at getting into live sonar and don't necessarily want to spend two-ish thousand."
Conclusion
The Lowrance Eagle Eye represents a significant breakthrough in making forward-facing sonar technology more accessible to everyday anglers. At $999 for a complete system with no additional modules required, it offers core live sonar functionality with the simplicity and value that many fishermen have been waiting for.
Whether you're mounting it on a kayak, small aluminum boat, or adding it to complement your existing electronics, the Eagle Eye delivers the essential features of live sonar at a price point that brings this game-changing technology within reach for more anglers than ever before.
