Garmin has launched a 360-degree scanning sonar system that delivers a complete bird's-eye view of fish and underwater structure in every direction, rendered in both 2D and 3D. Two products form the core of the announcement: the GT360UHD transducer and the motorised Spy Pole, a device unlike anything previously available that puts independent sonar control in the angler's hands, wholly separate from the trolling motor.
Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing, described the significance of the release: "Garmin's new 360 sonar solution will revolutionize how anglers fish once again. The added situational awareness of 360-degree imaging – coupled with the increased precision and convenience of the Spy Pole – makes it easier than ever to search for and target fish. Layer in LiveScope™ live sonar and you have an enhanced sonar system that's second-to-none."
Mounted to the Spy Pole, the GT360UHD transducer delivers OneVü™ sonar, producing crisp 360-degree underwater imagery across both 2D and 3D views. Built-in True Motion technology works alongside GPS to maintain the sonar's true position as anglers move around structure, so fish located during a scan stay tracked without the need to constantly rescan. The system stores up to a football-field's worth of sonar imagery in a continuously updated buffer. Adding LiveScope™ live sonar unlocks an all-new 3D view on a single display, along with a beam overlay showing where LiveScope is pointed in 2D mode. Colour settings, scan mode selection, whether auto, manual, or constant, and other adjustments are all handled through on-screen controls on compatible Garmin chartplotters.
The Spy Pole sets this system apart from anything that has come before. Anglers can steer a LiveScope transducer with precision, lock it onto any chosen point using SpyLock™ technology, or activate SpyScan™ mode to have it automatically sweep back and forth in search of fish. Control is fully wireless and delivered through three options: a low-profile wireless foot control included with the pole, a rod-mountable gesture remote, or a dedicated control bar on a compatible Garmin chartplotter. Transducer cables route securely through the pole shaft for protection, and a quick-release system makes mounting and dismounting from a Force® or Force Pro trolling motor, or a separately sold gunnel mount, straightforward.
Anglers running a Force Pro trolling motor gain an additional capability through SpyLink™ technology, which synchronises the motor's speed and direction with the Spy Pole so both can be managed from the trolling motor's foot pedal. That control is maintained even when the trolling motor is in anchor lock.
Garmin Pro Angler and 2024 Bassmaster Classic Champion Justin Hamner explained what that capability means on the water: "Since the introduction of LiveScope, anglers have been dreaming of a way to control their LiveScope independently of their trolling motor. With Spy Pole, that's now possible, and you can even control your LiveScope while in anchor lock – that's a true game changer for the way I fish."
The Spy Pole works with any LiveScope transducer and comes in 42-inch and 49-inch lengths, priced at US$2,799.99 and US$3,079.99 respectively. The GT360UHD transducer is available bundled with either the 42-inch Spy Pole at US$4,199.98, or the 49-inch Spy Pole at US$4,479.98.
Both products make their public debut at the 2026 Bassmaster Classic, running from 13 to 15 March on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tennessee, with Garmin exhibiting at booth 9204. They go on sale from 13 March.
