Lowrance HOOK-9 CHIRP DownScan With BaseMap

The Lowrance HOOK-9 model is not much different from the HOOK-7, basically the main difference is the bigger, 9-inch display. But even though it’s a bigger unit, it does not support SideScan imaging. Also, in case you’re wondering about the differences between the HOOK-9 model, and the previous, Elite-9 CHIRP model, there’s basically only one difference: The Elite model features both NMEA 0183 and NMEA 2000 outs, while the HOOK unit has only NMEA 0183.

Before we proceed with the presentation of each one of the features and functions of this unit, there’s one, more important aspect to be mentioned. The HOOK-9 model that we present here is the part number 000-12670-001, the one that comes with the HDI Skimmer transducer.

Key Features and Specifications

• Display: 9″ diagonal, 800H x 480V pixel matrix, 16-bit color TFT, with adjustable backlight
• Sonar: 2D CHIRP and DownScan
• Depth Capability:
  • 1,000 ft (305 m) for the CHIRP sonar
  • 300 ft. (91 m) for DownScan
• Frequency and Coverage:
  • 200 kHz (20°) / 83 kHz (60°) for standard CHIRP
  • 455 kHz for DownScan, fore to aft. 4°, port to starboard 57°
  • 800 kHz for DownScan fore to aft 2°, port to starboard 38°
• Transducer: Transom, number 000-10976-001
• Power Output: Max 500 Watts (RMS)
• Power Input: 10-17 VDC
• GPS: 16-channels, Internal
• Maps: BaseMap
• Routes, Waypoints, Tracks: 100, 3,000, 100 (10,000 points each)

Sonar and transducer

This Lowrance fish finder offers dual-frequency 2D sonar which uses CHIRP technology, and DownScan imaging sonar, which also can operate at two frequencies. The DownScan sonar does not use CHIRP though. As we’ve mentioned above, the HDI Skimmer transducer model is supplied with this HOOK-9 unit. This transducer is capable of 83/200 kHz for 2D broadband sonar, and of 455/800 kHz for DownScan. The unit itself is also capable of 50 kHz frequencies. But in order to use this mode, you will have to use a more powerful, 50/200 kHz transducer.

The transducer supplied with the unit comes with a transom mount. It has a built-in temperature sensor and comes with 20 ft (approx. 6m of cable). This is actually the 000-10976-001 transducer, the model supplied with the older units which didn’t have CHIRP. So, in case you’re wondering, 2D standard and 2D CHIRP can be accomplished with the same transducer. The only difference is how the signal from the transducer is processed by the sonar module.

Differently put, with the supplied transducer, the unit will be able to use the Med CHIRP and High CHIRP modes, with the 2D broadband sonar. Since it uses CHIRP, each pulse is modulated over a range of frequencies, rather than only one frequency. Thus, the images formed on screen have less clutter, and fish arches are defined better, easier to distinguish if there’s a lot of vegetation under the boat, for example.

On the other hand, DownScan doesn’t use CHIRP, but the images offered are quite clear, similar to the clarity of photos. Due to this clarity, via DownScan you will be able to understand shapes better and make a better idea of the bottom structure. Also, via DownScan Overlay function, you can actually blend the DownScan imaging with the 2D sonar, in order to make a better distinction between fish arches and structure.

The beams used by the transducer supplied with this unit are conical for 2D, and very thin, fan-shaped beams for DownScan. For 83/200 kHz frequencies or Med / High CHIRP, the transducer uses 60° / 20° beams, while for 455/800 kHz (DownScan) the beam angles are approx. 57° / 38° side-to-side, and 2° / 1.4° fore to aft. The fish finder depth capability can reach 1,000 ft (305 m) with 2D CHIRP, and up to 300 ft (91 m) in DownScan.

Last but not least, this unit offers various other sonar functions. These are Fish ID, TrackBack, A-Scope, Bottom Lock, Flasher for ice fishing, Fish Alarms, and others.

GPS and navigation functions

The HOOK-9 features a precise internal GPS antenna, with 16-channels, with WAAS and EGNOS augmentation, providing pretty quick and accurate locks and positioning. It actually refreshes every second. The boat’s speed is also measured by the GPS system.

Since this is the HOOK-9 000-12670-001 model, it comes with the U.S. basemaps, which cover more than 3,000 lakes and coastal depth contours. But as a general idea, the maps are rather basic and don’t offer much detail. They serve their purpose though, indicating your geographic location, and for plotting, waypoints, and tracks. This unit can actually save up to 3,000 waypoints, 100 routes, and 100 trails, with 10,000 points each. Evidently, waypoints, routes, and trails can be shared between units connected via NMEA 0183 and backed up on a microSD card.

On the other hand, the unit is compatible with various chart packages, the list including C-MAP MAX-N by Jeppesen, Navionics HotMaps Premium, Navionics Plus, Fishing Hotspots PRO, Lake Insight and Nautic Insight PRO. These are optional though; as mentioned, the unit itself comes with the basemaps package.

This unit is also Insight Genesis capable. Via this app, you can combine sonar with maps, for superior awareness. In other words, you can create your own maps, or modify existing ones via the Insight Genesis app, and use them with your unit.

Control unit features and functions

As we’ve mentioned above, as opposed to the Lowrance Elite-9 CHIRP, the HOOK-9 unit doesn’t have NMEA 2000, only NMEA 0183. It does, however, feature a microSD card reader with one card slot, for map upgrades, waypoints and trails backups, and sonar recording backup.

As the name of the unit suggests, it has a 9-inch display, 16-bit color TFT, with a pixel resolution of 800H x 480V. The display is also backlit, featuring 11-levels of adjustable LED backlight.

The unit is IPX7 waterproof. This means it built to withstand rain or splashes without any problem. According to this waterproof rating, it should also withstand immersions up to 1 meter in freshwater, and up to 30 min.

As opposed to the HOOK-7 unit, the Lowrance HOOK-9 offers a 4-panel view, along with various other combinations. In other words, you can view the chars, the returns from both 2D sonar channels, and the DownScan view simultaneously.

Swivel mount, with bracket and knobs, plus power cable are supplied with the unit. A battery is not included though.

The Pros

• Powerful 2D CHIRP sonar;
• DownScan imaging for a crystal-clear view;
• Possibility to combine both DownScan and 2D;
• HDI transducer included;
• 16-bit color display;
• Adjustable backlight for superior readability;
• Split-screen view up to 3 panels per view;
• Sonar recording;
• Automatic noise filtering;
• Various functions included, such as Fish ID, A-Scope,
  Bottom Lock etc.
• Fast and accurate GPS;
• Compatible with superior maps, such as Lake Insight and Nautic Insight PRO,
• Navionics +, C-MAP MAX-N, Fishing Hot Spots PRO, Insight Genesis capable;
• NMEA 0183 support;
• Fairly easy to install;
• One year warranty.

The Cons

• The Basemap charts offer minimal detail;
• Advanced unit; may take some time to master completely.

Summary

Although the Lowrance HOOK-9 doesn’t feature SideScan imaging, it still has a lot to offer in terms of sonar. On top of that, it can serve as a powerful navigation unit, offering an accurate GPS, and numerous possibilities in terms of superior maps. Considering that it’s a CHIRP, 9-inch unit with a the transducer included, it comes with an excellent price/quality ratio. It’s a great unit for inland fishing, and stationary fishing, but can also perform well for off-shore fishing if you also opt for a deep water transducer.