Revolutionizing the Angling Experience: The Lowrance ActiveTarget 2

For decades, sonar technology has been an indispensable tool for anglers, transforming how we locate fish and understand underwater environments. From traditional 2D sonar to side and down imaging, each innovation has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible. However, the advent of live sonar has truly revolutionized the game, and at the forefront of this evolution stands the Lowrance ActiveTarget 2.

Building upon the groundbreaking success of its predecessor, ActiveTarget 2 offers an unparalleled real-time view of the underwater world, allowing anglers to see fish reacting to their lures, dissect structure, and adapt their presentations on the fly. This detailed article for ReelSchematic.com will delve into the features, benefits, optimal usage, and expert tips for maximizing your success with this incredible piece of technology.

The Evolution of Vision: What Makes ActiveTarget 2 Stand Out?

ActiveTarget 2 isn’t just an incremental upgrade; it’s a significant leap forward in live sonar performance. Lowrance has refined its core technology to deliver a clearer, smoother, and more detailed image across a wider range. Here’s what sets it apart:

Highest Resolution and Clarity: The most striking improvement in ActiveTarget 2 is its enhanced image quality. Anglers report a significantly clearer picture of fish and structure, allowing for easier identification of species, precise understanding of their movements, and the ability to distinguish individual fish even within dense schools. This means less guesswork and more confidence in your casts.
Smoother, More Consistent Imaging: Gone are the days of choppy, inconsistent live feeds. ActiveTarget 2 boasts a smoother, more fluid presentation across its entire operational range. This improved consistency translates to a more natural and continuous view of the underwater environment, making it easier to track fish and observe their behavior in real-time.
Increased Detail at Greater Distances: Thanks to advancements in its beam broadcasting, ActiveTarget 2 provides more detailed images further from your boat than ever before. This expanded range is a game-changer for covering vast areas, scouting for offshore schools, or simply extending your reach in open water. Being able to spot fish at 80-100 feet allows for stealthier approaches and more strategic planning.
Versatile Viewing Modes: ActiveTarget 2 offers three primary viewing modes, each designed for specific fishing scenarios:
- Forward View: Provides a crystal-clear image of what’s directly in front of your boat, perfect for targeting individual fish or specific pieces of structure.
- Down View: Gives you a detailed look at what’s directly beneath your boat, ideal for vertical jigging or pinpointing fish holding tight to bottom structure.
- Scout View: Offers an ultra-wide, overhead view of the water column in front of your boat. This mode is exceptional for quickly scanning large areas, locating bait balls, or identifying widespread schools of fish.
Multi-View Capabilities (with HDS PRO): For the ultimate angler, pairing ActiveTarget 2 with a Lowrance HDS PRO unit unlocks the ability to display multiple ActiveTarget 2 views simultaneously. This can include Forward + Scout, 180-degree view (Forward + Back with an optional second transducer), or Scout Wide (dual Scout mode for double the coverage). This comprehensive view provides an unparalleled understanding of the underwater landscape around your boat.
Robust Construction and Compatibility: Built to withstand the rigors of the marine environment, ActiveTarget 2 is waterproof (IP67 rated) and designed for reliable performance. It’s compatible with a wide range of Lowrance displays, including HDS PRO, HDS LIVE, HDS Carbon, and Elite FS units, ensuring seamless integration into your existing Lowrance ecosystem.

Mastering ActiveTarget 2: Settings, Strategies, and Success

While ActiveTarget 2 is lauded for its “auto-tuning” capabilities and ease of use, a deeper understanding of its settings and optimal strategies will unlock its full potential.

Transducer Placement: Your Eyes Underwater

The placement and orientation of your ActiveTarget 2 transducer are paramount to getting the best image.

Trolling Motor Shaft Mount: This is the most common and versatile mounting option. The transducer can be oriented for Forward, Down, or Scout views by rotating it on the shaft. Many anglers recommend mounting the transducer 6-10 inches above the foot of the trolling motor for optimal viewing of subsurface and topwater baits. This also helps keep the transducer safer from impacts.
Motor Mount: Less common, but still an option. It can be used for Forward, Down, or Scout views, but may offer less protection than a shaft mount.
Transom Mount (Accessory): For boats without a trolling motor, or for those who prefer it, an optional transom bracket allows for Down or Forward views.

Key Transducer Considerations:

Cable Management: Ensure enough slack in the transducer cable to allow for full rotation of the trolling motor shaft and easy adjustment between views.
Alignment: Properly aligning your transducer with the centerline of your trolling motor or the direction of your casts is crucial for accurate target acquisition. Use visual cues like bridge pilings or stationary objects to fine-tune your alignment.
Protection: While robust, the transducer is still susceptible to damage. Be mindful of shallow water or underwater obstacles when deploying your trolling motor.

Optimal Settings: Dialing in Your Vision

While ActiveTarget 2 is designed to be user-friendly, a few tweaks to the settings can significantly enhance your experience.

Range: This is perhaps the most critical setting. Don’t be afraid to extend your range, especially in open water or when scouting. Many pro anglers will run their range out to 80-100 feet in 20 feet of water to quickly locate fish. However, once you identify fish, work your way in closer to make that precise cast. The resolution can diminish past 30 feet, so getting closer maximizes your clarity for the final approach.
Gain/Sensitivity: This controls the strength of the sonar return. Start with the “Auto” setting, but don’t hesitate to experiment. In clear water, you might be able to reduce the gain for a cleaner image, while in murky water, increasing it slightly can help pick up fainter returns. Avoid excessive gain, as it can introduce clutter.
Contrast and Color Palettes: These settings influence how fish and structure appear on your screen. Experiment with different color palettes to find one that makes fish “glow” and stand out against the background, regardless of water clarity. Adjusting contrast can further refine the distinction between targets and surrounding environment.
Noise Rejection/Interference: In areas with heavy boat traffic or other sonar units, you might encounter interference. ActiveTarget 2 has settings to help mitigate this. Explore the noise rejection options to clean up your screen.
TVG (Time Varied Gain): This setting helps compensate for signal attenuation in deeper water. While often handled automatically, understanding its function can be useful for advanced users.
Surface Clarity: Reduces surface clutter caused by aeration or debris. Adjust this as needed, especially in choppy conditions.
Depth Range: Don’t always feel the need to show the bottom. If you’re targeting suspended fish or those in the upper water column, shorten your bottom depth to focus on the area of interest. This can provide a clearer, more magnified view of the target zone.
Overlay Data: Customize the data displayed on your screen, such as depth, temperature, and boat speed, to keep all relevant information readily accessible.
Grids: Turning on the grid pattern can be incredibly helpful for judging the size of fish and their distance from the boat, especially when using longer ranges.

Fishing with ActiveTarget 2: Strategies for Success

ActiveTarget 2 is a tool for strategic angling, not just finding fish. Here’s how to integrate it into your fishing approach:

Targeting Individual Fish: Once you spot a fish on ActiveTarget 2, observe its behavior. Is it active, or holding tight to structure? Make your cast, and watch how the fish reacts to your lure. This real-time feedback is invaluable for adjusting lure choice, retrieve speed, and presentation angles. If the fish doesn’t react, make a subtle change.
Working Structure: ActiveTarget 2 allows you to dissect brush piles, rock formations, and other submerged cover with unprecedented clarity. Identify where fish are holding within the structure and pinpoint your casts for maximum effectiveness.
Locating Schools and Bait: Use Scout mode to quickly scan vast areas for bait balls or schools of fish. Once located, switch to Forward or Down view for a more detailed assessment and precise targeting.
Following Fish: ActiveTarget 2 enables you to track fish as they move. If a fish swims away from your initial cast, you can often re-position your boat or make a follow-up cast to intercept it.
Understanding Fish Behavior: Observe how fish react to different lures, retrieves, and even boat movements. This real-time learning is one of the most powerful aspects of live sonar, helping you develop a deeper understanding of fish behavior.
Practice, Practice, Practice: Like any advanced tool, mastering ActiveTarget 2 takes time on the water. Experiment with different settings, angles, and fishing scenarios to develop your own system and maximize its effectiveness. The “game-changer” aspect often takes a few trips to truly understand and appreciate.

ActiveTarget 2 in the Broader Ecosystem

ActiveTarget 2 integrates seamlessly with the Lowrance “Ultimate Fishing System,” which includes:

HDS PRO Displays: The flagship displays that unlock the full potential of ActiveTarget 2, including multi-view capabilities and advanced networking.
Ghost Trolling Motor: Designed for stealth and precision, the Ghost trolling motor often serves as the ideal platform for mounting the ActiveTarget 2 transducer, allowing for quiet approaches and precise positioning.
Active Imaging HD: Complementary sonar technology that provides incredibly detailed views of structure and bottom composition.

The Debate: ActiveTarget 2 vs. the Competition

In the world of live sonar, Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 faces strong competition, particularly from Garmin LiveScope. While both technologies offer similar core functionalities, there are some key distinctions often debated among anglers:

Image Clarity vs. Cone Angle: Some users report that ActiveTarget 2 offers a slightly clearer image, particularly at longer ranges, while Garmin LiveScope may have a slightly wider cone angle. The “best” image often comes down to personal preference and the specific fishing conditions.
Ease of Use: Lowrance is often praised for its “auto-tuning” sonar, which can make it easier to get a good image right out of the box without extensive manual adjustments. Garmin’s systems may offer more customizable settings for those who prefer to fine-tune every parameter.
Interference: Interference can sometimes be a factor when multiple live sonar units are in close proximity. Both brands have developed technologies to combat this, but anecdotal evidence suggests some differences in how effectively each handles it.
Ecosystem Integration: For anglers already invested in a particular brand’s electronics, sticking with that brand for live sonar often makes the most sense due to seamless integration and shared user interfaces.

Ultimately, both ActiveTarget 2 and LiveScope are exceptional technologies that have transformed fishing. The choice often comes down to individual preference, existing equipment, and specific fishing needs.

Conclusion

Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 represents a significant leap forward in live sonar technology, offering anglers an unprecedented real-time view of the underwater world. Its high-resolution, clear, and smooth imaging, combined with versatile viewing modes and multi-view capabilities, empowers anglers to make more informed decisions, refine their presentations, and ultimately catch more fish.

While an investment, the ability to see fish react to your lure in real-time provides an invaluable learning experience that traditional sonar simply cannot replicate. By understanding its features, optimizing your settings, and embracing the strategic advantages it offers, the Lowrance ActiveTarget 2 will undoubtedly become an indispensable tool in your angling arsenal, helping you unlock a whole new level of fishing success.