Best Kayak Fish Finder in 2020 | Full Install | DIY | Lowrance Hook2 5 GPS | EASY to use

[@martinreid4828]

Great Video! Just wish you would have shown the mounting of the transducer.

[@aaronhenderson8564]

Bud I love the video and the detail of your methods only complaint is no PFD!! I know you probably can swim but safety 1st especially if your son is with you kids learn from example just don’t want anything to happen to you so we can keep enjoying these videos!

[@RoundeyeSamurai]

Great video, TJ. Probably one of the better install vids I have seen. I'm upgrading to a new yak in the next month or so and will have to do an install on it. My old yak was rigged when I bought it (used) so I haven't done one yet. Bravo Zulu on a great step by step without over complicating it. Cheers.

[@KayakUSA1]

Andrew Burtt , Thanks man! I appreciate the support!👍🏼

[@BenFourman]

Ordered mine about an hour ago. THANKS for the review! Had my Sea Ghost 130 for two weeks and you can bet your channel will be where I go for ideas. Keep up the great work!

[@KayakUSA1]

That's great man! Glad i could help you out, congrats on the Sea Ghost and the Hook2, your gonna love em!!

[@BenFourman]

THANKS for the reply! One question...I couldn't find the power meter you installed with the 12V and USB jacks. Not even sure what to call it and you said you got it on Amazon. What is it called and who makes it? I want one! THANKS again!

[@KayakUSA1]

Ben's Reel World Fishing , I put links to it in the description for my battery install video. 👍🏼

[@CaptainColor]

Just bought a Vibe Sea Ghost 130. Was shopping for a fish finder for it. Thank you. This was really helpful

[@anthonyvespia6662]

T.J. great DIY vids you put out. I've changed some thing's on my kayak with the ideas, and materials you've used. I'm extremely a fanatic, with my kayak as well. Great job bro! 😎 🎣 🙏

[@paulbugnacki7107]

Thanks for describing how you mounted the transducer in one of your responses. I think I’m going for a Hook2 for my new sea ghost 130. I’ll have to check out your battery video.

[@michaelprevost1229]

I wish i saw this a month ago.I bought a garmin striker 4 for mine and it works well.It doesnt have down scan but it has a flasher on it that i can use for jigging.Another great video and you are a hell of a fabracator.Keep up the great videos im a big fan

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks so much man!!

[@nathaneve1813]

Michael Prevost does the transducer still work well with it being located in the hull surrounded by plastic?

[@Texarican1]

It’s great that you are doing this for us viewers. Can’t wait for the golf cart videos. Merry Christmas and happy new year to you And the family.

[@richardpeebles8492]

I would love to see a follow-up video after you have used the Lowrance for a few months. What do you like? What do you wish was different or better? How well can you see the screen in bright sunlight? Great video, thanks for sharing your thoughts.

[@KayakUSA1]

Richard Peebles , Im adding that to my notes now and I'll talk about it in the next vlog👍🏼 Thanks first watching and for the support!

[@ronniekotler9265]

Hi, just wanted to say you have the best diy videos on Kayak out there. I don’t know about the rest of you but I cringe ever time I start to drill in my kayak lol. What battery and how many are you using to power your electronic? Thank you for sharing, 100 % helpfull.

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks man! I do too! Lol, I actually have a battery build video on my channel, that’s the one I use, also I love my battery from ice hole power!🤙🏼🎣🇺🇸

[@DocJay0406]

Thanks for the tutorial! Just wanted to know if you could post pics or a vid showing how you mounted the transducer. I have a Perception Outlaw and it has a pocket underneath the yak and I think it’s for the transducer.

[@FishingAv8r]

Im looking to get the Sea Ghost as well. wish you would have shown mounting the transducer in the pocket. Otherwise very helpful video. Subscribed!

[@KayakUSA1]

Corban Technologies , Yeah sorry about that my memory card filled up on me right in the middle of that part. Bust honestly it was just me installing two bolts through the transducer bracket and into the threaded holes in the kayak. Thanks for the sub! 👍🏼

[@michaelturner253]

Just a few hopefully helpful comments for the grp the transducer screws are the same size as the one on the tie down beside the transducer hole. Also if you plug into your 5 way splitter and your gauges don't work or your hook doesn't work first check them directly hooked up to the battery if they work that way change the wires on one of them and try that seems the 5 way is not always correct some of the plugs are backwards. So adjust your plugins accordinly

[@xj-off-roadjeep3852]

Just bought the same Lowrance. You make great easy to understand and simple videos!

[@kevinbech8545]

Brother that video was very helpful. thanks for taking the time to make and sway me to buy the lowrance

[@SargesAdventures]

I would like to hear more about this Hook2 5 model versus the Dragonfly 5 GPD and the Helix GPS models....

[@JJGray21]

How did you install the transducer? Can you maybe do a video showing us that?

[@SlimboJimbo]

Thanks for the video man, this has given me some ideas on how I want to mount my own Garmin on my kayak. Keep up the great work 👍

[@MrSkeyxc]

T.J., Thanks for a really great video; I also subscribed to your channel. I'm a life-long (71 years) Fisherman and Boater; I just got my 1st Kayak (Vibe Sea Ghost 110). I'm getting the same Lowrance Hook2 5 inch with GPS so this video helped a lot. I do have a question. Did your transducer mount right up to the pre-drilled holes in the transducer cavity (on the bottom of the boat) or did you have to get a separate mount for it and were you able to put the screen back on (the bottom of the Kayak) without a problem. Thanks for your time and effort in making this video and for your answers to my questions.

[@KayakUSA1]

That's awesome buddy! Congrats on the new Sea Ghost! Yes i was able to use the taped holes that are already under the screen, you will need to get you some screws that are the correct thread, i just happened to have 2 in my junk draw on my toolbox. Yes, the screen went back on with no issues and it works great! Thanks for watching my videos and for the support, make sure you subscribe, i plan to have several more kayak mod/DIY videos for my sea ghost. thanks again

[@gwlane5509]

Subscriber here from East TN. Love the review! I’m a vibe owner too. Love mine and wanting FF this yr so this video helped me immensely! Thank you sharing and for making an honest review. Looking forward to your followup review.

[@jwrhynejr.6689]

Great job! I am a fan of this little item and the vessel! At 69, I am trying to decide whether to get out on one of these vessels!

[@KayakUSA1]

That’s awesome, I hope I’m still kayaking at 69! I love it👍🏼

[@michaelturner253]

JW go for it i.m 66 and just got my sea ghost and am loving it. you wont regret it and always wear your pdf. Stay safe and enjoy life

[@tezzaskayakfishing]

Merry Christmas TJ.

[@louisgarcia114]

Merry Christmas!

[@OvGraphics]

Ran across you yesterday at the sister watershed to the one you're on in this vid...Hillabee Reservoir. Very impressed with your attitude. You and your crew are the real deals! Enjoyed meeting you. Unfortunately when I went to eat my luncheon ham biscuit it had icicles on it. I fled early and on the way out I saw ya'll out there paddling happily along shooting video near the dam. I would have waved but I think my hand was frostbitten. Ouch! Ha! God bless and keep up your GREAT work!

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks so much for the kind words! It was very nice meeting you! We froze out there too lol, but we did catch a couple out by the damn. I'll definitely be going back to Hillabee very soon! I'm editing yesterday's video as we speak. Thanks again and God bless 👍🏼

[@paddleandhook]

Nice video sir! I’m in the r and d process to find the fish finder for my set up this was helpful 👍🏻 Im thinking of something i can interchange between the kayak and jon boat 🤔

[@jameskent1754]

New to the channel and old video but loved the video very helpful I’ll be subscribing

[@johnstrand2247]

I have two of these hook2 on my Bass boat and an Elite Chirp on my Native kayak. The Elite is just as good. What I have found on the Hook2 is that a lot of the arches that folks claim are fish, might not be. The Hook transducer near the motor shows a whole lot more arches with the motor running. Lowrance claims motor interference yet I have a factory mounted system on a brand new Tournament Tracker boat, where Tracker mounts all of them for the least noise. If interference looks just like fish, I'd call that a design problem.

[@dustinroberts8487]

Merry Christmas! You the man!

[@lousadventures2111]

❤ It TJ Question if I may ask on the sonar how far down you have it from the top of the boat to the bottom of the keel? I've seen other video that the use the entire length of the wire. Again, thank you and keep the videos coming. god bless

[@mikepevine3389]

Any update on how you're liking the fish finder? Getting my first kayak tomorrow and lookin for a good easy to read finder 👍

[@KayakUSA1]

I love it! I do kinda wish I would have went with the 9” screen though lol

[@richpawlak8432]

How about a follow up vid on this unit after using it for a while

[@WallyOutdoors]

I agree how does it work today?? I am in the market but I have heard that guys are having issues with these units..

[@KayakUSA1]

I love it! The Hook2 series is very easy to use and very customizable. I am not sponsored by them in any way at all. I just like the ease of use and how well dialed in I can get them. I just added the Hook2 12 to the bow of my bass boat. Great Finder!! Thanks for watching guys and I hope this helps! 🤙🏼🎣🇺🇸

[@Mightymetalworx]

Man I am learning so much from you, my first kayak maybe eagle talon sot second hand, but by the time I am done learning from you its gonna be mean fishing machine lol 😆

[@SuperGonzalesj]

Hey TJ do you have a video or a link on the wiring portion of the fish finder install. Great video too!

[@timothymiller2402]

Merry Christmas

[@Wes-nk1dm]

I would like to see how you specifically mounted the transducer. Great video as always.

[@jjohn8989]

Hopefully once you get it dialed in and set up, you could post a video to help show what works for you?

[@KayakUSA1]

J John , Will do man! Thanks!

[@nicholashroch9400]

hey I just did a little bit of skimming through ur channel and it looks like u have a lot of amazing content. Keep it going man!!!

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks bud!!🤙🏼

[@jelly_fishing]

Merry Christmas and awesome video

[@a.j.mockaitisii8458]

Nice video. Love to have one of those. And don't forget your PFD!

[@JohnVHRC]

My biggest question, can you do a gps on one side, and down scan on another? I like to see my tracks, and then have a fishfinder on at the same time....

[@KayakUSA1]

JohnVHRC , Yes Sir! It has a split screen option that you can setup any way you want!👍🏼

[@thomastwigg8366]

You're coming up on two years with the Hook2. How did it perform that first summer? Are you still using it? Would you still recommend this finder or recommend another? I'm Looking at fish finders for my kayak. Great vid.

[@KayakUSA1]

I still love it man! As a matter of fact I just put the Hook2 12 on my bass boat. The Hook2 series is so easy to use and you can really customize it. Definitely go with the Hook2, you will love it. Thanks for watching! 🤙🏼🎣🇺🇸

[@JasonOF39]

Thank you for this comment, I hear alot of mixed reviews on the hook2 series. I just purchased the hook2 9

[@Mrjmhill]

Love your videos... Suggest turning down your intro tune by at least 1/2. It's way too loud compared to your speaking voice. Thanks.

[@KayakUSA1]

Jay Hill Thanks, this is actually one of my older videos. Watch my newest one on the Tacoma build I just uploaded and let me know what you think. I’ve been working on my mic and audio, trying to get it better.

[@xxshooterxxdm]

I tried to put mine there but it got in way of paddle and constantly got drip on and hit. So now it's in center console

[@BackyardRambo]

Thanks again, TJ. You rock. Cheers from Texas. Lee

[@sticks29pgm29]

How did you install the transducer? Would like to see that.

[@atxlowrider]

Merry Christmas kayak usa

[@MrDbro94]

Would you still recommend this fish finder for a kayak or has a new one came out that you prefer?

[@tegan6167]

Merry christmas

[@cartergrant9478]

WWJD!! I’ve always worn one too, thank you for the awesome review!

[@bbsbbsairsoft4841]

this video sold me on this finder. i was stuck between the hook2 5 split and the garmin striker 4 and the hook2 seems to be well worth the price difference.

[@KayakUSA1]

+Blake Brown , It really is a great one!! Thanks for watching!👍🏼

[@bbsbbsairsoft4841]

would you recommend getting a bigger display version? like the hook2 7 or 9? or do you think the 5 is plenty?

[@KayakUSA1]

+Blake Brown , I think the 5 is perfect, not to small and not to big. I still love mine!👍🏼

[@mannysalazar1124]

Are you going to do a follow up video I’m sure you’ve had a chance to tweek it out by now I’m really interested in getting one for my yak

[@aliceliu991]

Very professional!

[@SuperGonzalesj]

Great video!! I just picked up my sea ghost 130 last weekend and can’t wait to get it on the water. I do have a question though, what do you do with your fish finder when transporting your kayak? Do you unplug your wiring and remove it? Thanks for your help! And keep them great videos coming.

[@KayakUSA1]

joe gonzales , Thanks Joe! Yes I just unplug my two wires from the back of the Lowrance and slide it right out of the gear track. I have a small padded box I transport the fish finder in. I also reach into the front hatch and pull the two wires that are going through the Hobie plug. Just pull them until they are against the boat, that way they are not flipping around outside the Yak when you are hauling it. 👍🏼

[@rayludkevicz4350]

Merry Christmas!!

[@killywaugh360]

Doses it work just as well if i put transducer inside kayak insted o water

[@tomwilkinson2883]

Good vid I'm getting one of them it's on order carnt wait thx mate

[@OfficeofthePacific]

TJ, how did you arrive at placing the fish finder where you did? When you are in the water at the end, it seems like you had to hold back your normal paddle stroke? I have a fish finder but I have no clue where to put it. I'm thinking inside my hatch between my legs so it's off the deck. Great video! Thanks

[@KayakUSA1]

It’s just more comfortable to me there, but it’s all up to where you like it best 🤙🏼🎣

[@G-pops-adventures]

Merry Christmas 🎄

[@michaelblencowe4241]

Merry Christmas!!!

[@aidencameron1701]

Merry Christmas 🎁

[@gonefishinsmitty2164]

subscribed. very well thought out installation

[@KayakUSA1]

gone fishin smitty , Thanks bud!👍🏼 Thanks for the support!

[@martinlarkin9624]

Tj: I just finishing watching the USB socket, and power display. How did you attach the fish finder to that power back. Unfortubately, it was not shown in this video. Please advise. I love watching you Diy videos. Quite informative.

[@valindor]

Hey TJ great vid. Just wanted to know how you like the Hook2 5? I've heard a few people on KZbin say it's causing lots of problems losing the bottom of the lake. Any problems with this with yours? I hope this isn't too common since it has many great reviews. I just bought a Hook2 5 TS for my Feelfree Lure tandem . Thanks man

[@KayakUSA1]

I love it man, no problems at all with it so far! I’ll be doing an on the water setup and review of it soon!

[@valindor]

Kayak USA I used mine for the first time last Sunday. It worked great. Still trying to figure it out.

[@goatman702]

Lost between this and the ibobber one, don't really understand the benefits of one over the other, I actually like seeing pictures of animated fish lol and can they tell how big the fish are?

[@robbiesharp311]

Sweet video. just got my hook2 5.

[@KayakUSA1]

robbie Sharp , Awesome! You'll love it! Thanks for watching!👍🏼

[@jeffreyhodge3088]

Great video again. Same set up for my Catch 120. I'm using the Garmin 43dv Echomap. How many amp hours is your battery?

[@KayakUSA1]

Jeffrey Hodge , I’m not really sure but I have used it for three days straight without charging it and never had an issue...👍🏼

[@kidman2505]

Some of the other Hook2 reviews I've come across mention the Auto Depth will switch between scales in shallower water, and put vertical lines across the screen. I'm in the market to pick up a unit before the season hits up here, and was wondering if that was an issue you saw with it as well, or was this really just a matter of setting sensitivity? Thanks man love your videos!

[@gbrivas]

Hi have the same kayak was just about to research what gps/fish finder to get and Bam!! this comes up!!! Do you have a video detailing the transducer instalation?

[@KayakUSA1]

thanks bud! I don’t have the footage of installing the transducer but it’s very straight forward. It just bolts to the tapped bolt holes . 🤙🏼

[@theupstateangler]

Merry Christmas bud…

[@matthewantel8821]

Got my SG130 last Friday! And got the fish finder for fathers day!! Just ordered the rest of the parts to do the install this weekend!! Hate the video didn't record the actual install of the transducer but I think it's pretty cut and dry. Did you use the pre-drilled holes to mount transducer? And if so, do you remember what thread pitch they are? One other question.... on the rod mounts behind the seat, do you have e a way to secure them for trolling? I took mine out Monday and just set the drag real loose and it worked but having to adjust drag while fighting fish is aggravating LOL

[@KayakUSA1]

Matthew Antel , Congrats man!! You'll love the new Yak, I F you message me on my Facebook page Kayak USA , I will open the message this afternoon and take a few pics of my transducer setup just for you!👍🏼 thanks for the support!

[@mrsewell2610]

Good ole 256 😂 love the videos and gotta support a bama man

[@KayakUSA1]

Channing Sewell , 2 5 6 !! 😂 Thanks bro!🤙🏼

[@WillemLuntungan]

Thanks

[@robertdunlap8234]

Awesome video. It's helped me a lot.

[@KayakUSA1]

Thanks bud! Glad I could help!

[@johnodea8121]

Looks very good ,...will it work if you mount the transducer inside the hull at the front.

[@KayakUSA1]

It should if it’s done correctly 🤙🏼

[@laureecunningham]

How do you increase the light on the screen display? Mine is dark and I can barely see it with my polarized sun glasses on.

[@adrianquinn6822]

Merry Christmas from Ohatchee al

[@BASSHOG8]

thx for posting this video brother. How are you liking the unit now? I mean after using it for a little longer now.

[@KayakUSA1]

I love it man! I’m planning to do a video of exactly how I set mine up and use it on the water very soon for y’all. Just waiting on the weather to warm up.🤙🏼 Thanks for the support 👍🏼

[@martinlarkin9624]

TJ: Love your videos. Quite informative. In your power bank video, an inline fuse was not installed. If an inline fuse is installed, prior to the 4 way connector leading out of the battery box, would you still need the inline fuse for the fishfinder installed. Please advise, Martin

[@andrewmoe1192]

This may seem like a dumb question... if i have this unit and later want to upgrade to a tripleshot, can i just buy the transducer? Or do i have to upgrade the whole unit?

[@CabinOutdoors]

Ive been looking into this fish finder might get it soon

[@KayakUSA1]

You wont be disappointed. Thanks for watching!

[@brianwehrstedt6712]

Been looking at that vibe hard. Is it the 110 or the 130? Great install vid

[@KayakUSA1]

Brian Wehrstedt , Thanks bud!! Mine is the 130..🤙🏼🎣🇺🇸

[@osvaldogonzalez5154]

Where did you get you paddle? It's nice and thanks for your videos I have done same thing on my thanks for the tutorial

[@KayakUSA1]

Bass Pro, 🤙🏼

[@rustyrobinson8009]

hey TJ...you are my go-to guy when I'm pimping out my Vibe...you do a great job and keep 'em coming!...question though: with the exception of using a Garmin Striker 4, I have pretty much an identical set-up as you. Did I understand you to say that your Lowrance is wired straight into your battery? I would've assumed that you went straight into one of your 5-way ports (from a previous video). Can you clarify this? For just general aesthetics and ease of removal/installation, I initially wired mine to go into my 5-way--and of course it won't even power up even though my multi-meter is telling me that the voltage at the 5-way is there to support it...if I hook straight to the battery, my Garmin powers right up...so obviously, I know now how to make the Garmin work, but I rather do so utilizing the quick connect 5-way. Did you run into this problem?

[@KayakUSA1]

Rusty Robinson , yes mine is wired directly to the five way splitter. It sounds like you may have a bad splitter?

[@rustyrobinson8009]

Thanks TJ...the 5 way is just fine...the electrician sucks though. After I commented on the above, I went back out there and flipped my wires around, hence reminding me my purpose in life for making others feel good about themselves.

[@KayakUSA1]

Rusty , 😂🤙🏼 It happens to me all of the time!

[@pikdiesel]

Does this unit offer a split screen display? Great vids! Thanks

[@KayakUSA1]

pikdiesel , Yes it does👍🏼

[@JustBankOnIt]

Nice video helped me a lot, thanks man! Just hit that 👍

[@lauragoodrich5538]

What angle did you put your transducer at? I'm new to this and not sure how to put my transducer in the area on the bottom with the holes in the cover.

[@KayakUSA1]

It should be flat, perpendicular with the ground. Thanks for watching! Be sure to subscribe 🤙🏼🎣

[@hanoitripper1809]

Curious what kind of electrical signals are being sent down from the battery? as a gal in Australia last week got her kayak chomped by a great white as she had a radio on board

[@danmidkiff5416]

I'm thinking of adding a fish finder to my Vibe during this winter. I've never used a finder and this is the first boat (of any type) I've ever owned, so I'm looking for knowledge from you fishing wizards! Here's my question.....if a fish finder looks DOWN under the boat, then would you have to back up (reverse the kayak) or pull up and do a 180 to actually fish the area the finder looked at? Thanx!

[@KayakUSA1]

Technically yes, but the transducer shoots out a “cone” reading for the bottom so depending on the depth and the size of the cone, the length of the kayak is not a problem. 👍🏼

[@danmidkiff5416]

@@KayakUSA1 thanx!

[@allenherinckx4474]

Merry Christmas! Lol it stopped me from posting Merry Christmas after about 20 posts. I wonder if KZbin will discuss or change algorithm to those that base giveaways on posting on all other videos?

[@joshsummey2872]

Is there a video on installing the transducer?

[@ryanhenry21]

Are the transducers interchangeable with the head units? In other words, can I buy the hook2 4x with bullet transducer and then later upgrade my transducer with a split shot? Thanks

[@danmidkiff5416]

When you installed the transducer in the space on the bottom of the boat, did you use the thick plastic cover (with holes through it) to hold the transducer in place? And, did it work well for you? Or, did it interfere with the operation? Thank you, Sir!

[@KayakUSA1]

Yes , after you mount the transducer in the pocket you’ll put the plate back on. It doesn’t interfere at all. 👍🏼🎣

[@danmidkiff5416]

@@KayakUSA1 thank you! I'm still shopping for a fish finder and your videos help!!!👍👍👍

[@Ray-pr6km]

Do you have any problem with the transducer on your vibe sea ghost? My depth doesn't read right. Tried two different transducers with two different brand fish finders.

[@prospectvic]

Fantastic mate, cheers

[@jahabean]

vids from 2018 lol prob just a re title

[@luphinus]

I very much appreciate the install and review of the Hook2. Been looking at one for a week now to replace the Hook4 I've had for 2 years. Especially the cable management portion! BUT WHERE'S YOUR PFD???

[@KayakUSA1]

RedTheRabbit , Thanks bud! Lol, I keep it under my seat...😁🤙🏼

[@sjfishing7331]

Did you stop making videos? Nice video man thanks

[@KayakUSA1]

Nope, I’ve actually uploaded two this week. You may need to turn your notifications on for my channel 🤙🏼🎣 thanks for the support!!

[@sjfishing7331]

Yea I saw that lol my bad Luke the videos brother

[@TheGoatMumbler]

So 11 months later, does it work or do you recommend something else?

[@KayakUSA1]

TheGoatMumbler , I love it so far bud! I’ll be doing a full on the water review and how I set mine up soon🤙🏼

[@jisterKIS]

@@KayakUSA1 set up is cool. But how about real life performance of this unit

[@KayakUSA1]

jisterKIS , Thanks bud! I’ll have that video coming very soon. Just waiting on the weather to warm up here in Bama. I didn’t want to a video of how it functions the day I installed it, but now that I’ve learned everything about it , I’m ready! Video will be here soon🤙🏼 hit that sub button 👊🏼

[@CodinMothes]

How can i mount it were i dont hit it or anything with my paddle

[@toddschroeder561]

Sorry this comment is rather late ,but Im getting a seaghost 130 do you have any video or pics of mounting the transducer??