Already some of the most accomplished pros in professional bass fishing this year, eight members of the Humminbird pro team are headed to the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk on Lake Ray Roberts equipped with the latest live sonar technology from fishing’s preeminent electronics maker.

Humminbird announced the launch of its MEGA Live technology this week, bringing to reality the pairing of live sonar with the unsurpassed clarity and detail of MEGA Imaging (Side, Down and 360 Imaging). Humminbird fans will have their chance to upgrade to the platform later this summer and, when they do, they’ll be able to turn to Humminbird’s pro team for tips, tricks and insights about how to get the most out of fishing’s most powerful live-imaging technology.

“The addition of MEGA Live to the One Boat Network is going to change the book on how we understand fish behavior,” said Humminbird Pro and Bassmaster Elite Series angler Brandon Palaniuk. “It’s adding one step to my process of finding and catching fish. First step is using my Lakemaster mapping to find areas. Second is launching the boat. Third is using my MEGA Side imaging and down imaging to find the fish. Fourth is using my MEGA 360 imaging to relocate that structure from the front of the boat. And now I have a fifth, MEGA Live, giving me a real-time shot of what the fish are doing and how they’re behaving.”

MEGA Live Imaging delivers on the Humminbird benchmark of the finest sonar available by providing MEGA Imaging-level images throughout the entire live sonar view. In addition, an optimized sonar cone angle provides ample coverage area to easily keep both fish and lure within view while maintaining precision and the ability to target individual fish. No matter the fishing scenario, the versatility and performance of MEGA Live makes it easy to see and catch fish in real time on the Humminbird display.

“My electronics setup is already extremely efficient at finding fish and structure by using MEGA Side, Down and 360 imaging,” said Humminbird pro Chris Zaldain. “But now, with MEGA Live, there’s a clear cut image of the fish that helps me focus on individual fish or schools of fish and catch them faster. I can see my giant flutter spoon and how fish behave toward it, allowing me to adjust my presentation and waste less time.”The launch of Humminbird’s MEGA Live combined with MEGA Side and Down Imaging Dual Spectrum CHIRP 2D sonar, MEGA 360 Imaging® and High-Definition LakeMaster® charts means that some of the best anglers in the world will be that much more effective thanks to the most complete set of fish-catching features available anywhere. In addition, Humminbird pros will have seamless from their HELIX and SOLIX units to their Minn Kota trolling motors and Raptor shallow water anchors via the One-Boat Network™.

Palaniuk is one of eight Humminbird pro staff members who will be vying for the most prestigious title in professional fishing when the Bassmaster Classic kicks off its three-day run June 11. Each Humminbird pro qualified for this year’s Bassmaster Classic by virtue of their Angler of the Year points total from the 2020 Bassmaster Elite Series and each is in search of their first Classic title.

Chris Zaldain with Mega Live
“Humminbird pros have already left their mark on the 2021 Bassmaster Elite Series schedule by winning four of the season’s seven tournaments so far and with Seth Feider leading in the Angler of the Year standings and multiple others in the Top 15. We’re incredibly proud of their on-the-water successes and wish them all the best in this year’s Classic,” said Humminbird Brand Manager Matt Cook.

“If initial pro reactions are any indication, the process of perfecting a live-sonar technology that delivers the exceptional detail and crystal-clear images for which MEGA Imaging is known has definitely been worth the effort. We can’t wait to see what these incredibly talented anglers can do with MEGA Live and all the tools Humminbird provides anglers at the Classic and the two remaining Elite Series events.”

Humminbird’s new MEGA Live Imaging retails for $1,499.99 and will begin shipping in September 2021. Humminbird MEGA Live Imaging transducers are compatible with all APEX and SOLIX models, as well as HELIX 8-15 G3N / G4N models with MEGA Imaging.
For more information on Humminbird’s new MEGA Live technology, visit www.humminbird.com/MEGALive.

Humminbird Pros Competing in the 2021 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk:

Seth Feider — New Market, Minnesota

Jeff Gustafson — Keewatin, Ontario, Canada

Matt Herren — Ashville, Alabama

Bill Lowen — Brookville, Indiana

Brandon Palaniuk — Rathdrum, Idaho

Chad Pipkens — Lansing, Michigan

Brad Whatley — Bivins, Texas

Chris Zaldain — Fort Worth, Texas