The Need for a Livescope Pole Mount
There is no hiding the fact that forward-facing sonar (FFS) has cemented its place among anglers nationwide. from touring pros and guides to weekend anglers of all ages, this new technology is changing how people fish.
That is why finding the best Livescope pole mount for your situation is necessary. A poorly mounted transducer can negatively affect the ability to use this sonar system.
Pole mounts have flooded the market in recent years, and this guide will give you everything you need to make the best buying decision for your situation. We also break down each model's features and capabilities to take the guesswork out of our best Livescope pole mounts.
How to Choose the Right Livescope Pole Mount
Understanding Livescope Pole Mounts
Utilizing a Livescope pole mount has many advantages over directly mounting the transducer to the trolling motor. First, you can maintain boat control while panning and searching with your transducer. This gives the angler the ability to Spot-Lock without taking his FFS out of commission while losing the ability to pan freely.
Another key advantage of a Livescope pole mount is the ability to utilize this technology at the console or anywhere you can quickly access it. This is ideal if you plan on using FFS to scout areas and need to cover water quickly. Mounting it to the trolling motor requires you to get to the front of the boat every time you want to look around.
The investment in Forward-Facing Sonar is not cheap, and you want to have a mounting option that will allow you to get the most out of it.
Mounting Options
With a Livescope pole mount, the mounting options are virtually limitless. This allows the angler to mount it where they plan to use it the most.
A common place for it to be mounted is on the front deck, where most of the fishing happens. Mounting it next to the trolling motor gives you a full range of motion while maintaining complete boat control.
Another common area where the Livescope pole mount can be placed is right next to the driver's seat. This area is perfect for scouting and covering lots of water. Quick adjustments can be made without ever shutting the big motor down!
The options are endless when it comes to mounts. We even have a track system version of our most popular model that fits seamlessly into various boat manufacturers gunnel track systems.
Length and Adjustability
One of the most important qualities of any Livescope pole mount is the ability and ease of making quick adjustments. Fishing conditions and situations change. Adapting your pole mount will give you flexibility in your setup, allowing you to catch more fish.
Pole height is one of the most important aspects for you to adjust. Every boat is different, including how it sits in the water. If a pole is not long enough, you can run into an issue where the transducer comes out of the water during rough conditions or doesn't reach the water level at all.
On the other hand, if the pole is too long, you can risk hitting objects like rocks and stumps with your transducer in shallow water.
Adjusting the Livescope pole mount height gives you the ultimate flexibility on mounting locations and even allows you to adjust the placement in the future.
Durability and Material Quality
When it comes to adding equipment to your boat, durability should be a main consideration in your purchasing decision. Livescope pole mounts are susceptible to harsh conditions, especially since they hang over the side of the boat to properly position the FFS transducer.
The use of quality materials ensures the longevity of the pole mount and keeps you fishing for years to come. Look for mounts that use materials that can take an impact and won't corrode over time.
Another component of the Livescope pole mount you want to be durable is the fittings. Swivel points and clamps can wear down over time because of constant stress. Look for mounts that include sturdy clasps and knobs that won’t break down over time.
Ease of Installation and Use
Flexibility is your friend when it comes to Livescope pole mounts. It creates unlimited possibilities and allows you to adjust to your current fishing conditions to get the most out of your FFS. This includes the installation process as well. With a simple installation, you can easily adjust if needed.
Another important feature is how easy it is to remove when not used. Pole mounts take up a lot of room and can get in the way if they are not currently being used. Find a system that allows you to easily take the pole on and off with a few clamps or screws.
A day on the water often requires adjustments and moving to new locations. Whether you are making a long morning run or moving from spot to spot with the big motor, you will need a Livescope pole mount that can easily be stowed and deployed.
Additional Features to Consider
Don’t underestimate the extra features that can be designed into a Livescope pole mount. Several components can be enhanced to increase the overall performance.
The first is the handle. Scanning with a pole mount is accomplished by swiveling the transducer with a handle that sticks back toward the angler. Some handles have adjustable lengths or a grip for added comfort.
Swivel tension is another added feature that can help performance. Tighten the tension in rough conditions so the transducer stays locked in on your target, or loosen it up to easily pan from side to side when in search mode.
Another key feature that can be overlooked when looking for a Livescope pole mount is the feature that protects your FFS investment. Some poles are designed to flex or move if the transducer bumps into something below the water's surface. This feature could save you valuable time and money, especially if you are in windy conditions.
Livescope Pole Mount Highlights from Beatdown Outdoors
BeatDown Outdoors BreakAway Transducer Pole
Shop here for the BreakAway Transducer Pole
The BeatDown Outdoors BreakAway Transducer Pole is designed for anglers who are always on the move. It features a flexible mount that easily pivots and locks at 90 degrees or tilts downwards for quick removal from water. This makes switching fishing spots fast and easy.
This pole is built to last and protect your sonar equipment. Its "breakaway" feature prevents damage when hitting underwater obstacles like rocks or stumps. The pole itself is made from sturdy aluminum, ensuring durability and reliability.
The BreakAway Transducer Pole is a must-have for advanced anglers using forward-facing sonar. It offers adjustable lengths and a solid handle for easy control. Made in the USA, this pole is a dependable addition to any fishing gear.
Key Features:
- Pole length adjusts from 36 inches to 48 inches.
- Extended handle measures 15 inches.
- Pole arm is 10 1/2 inches square.
- Base measures 3 inches by 4 inches.
- Made in the USA.
Beatdown Outdoors also has a version compatible with track systems for boats that are equipped with them. For more information, check out our complete product breakdown for the BreakAway Transducer Pole.
Beatdown Outdoors Fixed Transducer Pole
Shop here for the Fixed Transducer Pole
The BeatDown Outdoors Fixed Transducer Pole is an essential tool for anglers using forward-facing sonar. It locks at a stable 90 degrees and positions the sonar transducer away from your trolling motor's shaft. This setup maximizes the efficiency of the trolling motor's spot lock and your sonar.
The pole features a top section with an adjustable aluminum handle and a second section made of durable aluminum that extends up to 48 inches. This design ensures both quality and durability, maintaining BeatDown Outdoors' high standards of mounts.
Ideal for serious anglers, the Fixed Transducer Pole enhances sonar performance without compromising on the functionality of other equipment. It is robust, adjustable, and designed to withstand the rigors of active fishing.
Key Features:
- Adjustable pole length from 36 inches to 66 inches.
- Extended handle measures 15 inches.
- Pole arm is 10 1/2 inches square.
- Base measures 3 inches by 4 inches.
- Made in the USA.
For more information, check out our full product breakdown of the Fixed Transducer Pole.
Final Thoughts on Selecting the Right Livescope Pole Mount
Choosing the right Livescope pole mount is crucial for optimizing the performance of forward-facing sonar (FFS) systems in various fishing situations. The right mount allows for effective use of the sonar without interfering with the trolling motor's operations, offering stability and the freedom to pan and tilt as needed.
Beatdown Outdoors offers specialized pole mounts like the BreakAway and Fixed Transducer Poles, which are tailored to meet these needs. These poles feature adjustable lengths, sturdy aluminum construction, and are designed to withstand the rigors of active fishing.
To see all of our transducer poles, check out our full collection of Livescope Pole Mounts.
