XPLORE & MEGA Live 2 - Humminbird Newest Technologies Available Now

 

RACINE, Wis. (Jan. 7, 2025) – The all-new, recently announced Humminbird® XPLORE™ and MEGA Live™ 2 are officially shipping, delivering unparalleled performance and innovation to the world of fish-finding technology. Designed with the modern angler in mind, these cutting-edge tools combine unmatched power, control, and clarity to help anglers maximize every moment on the water. Whether you're targeting trophy bass, navigating challenging open waters, or uncovering hidden structures below the surface, XPLORE and MEGA Live 2 provide the ultimate edge. From seasoned tournament professionals to weekend enthusiasts, these advanced systems are built to elevate your fishing experience to new heights.
XPLORE sets a new benchmark in fish-finding with lightning-fast sonar capabilities, crystal-clear imaging, and seamless integration with the One-Boat Network™. Meanwhile, MEGA Live 2 redefines real-time sonar with ultra-responsive precision, offering anglers the ability to see fish and structure with incredible clarity. Together, these innovative tools simplify the angling experience, delivering a user-friendly system that means less time spent adjusting and more time spent fishing

Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour angler and 2023 REDCREST Champion Bryan Thrift was among the first to experience the new Humminbird® XPLORE™ and MEGA Live™ 2 units ahead of their official launch in late 2024. Known for his methodical approach during the tournament offseason, Thrift spends his free time refining techniques, breaking down unfamiliar waters, and leveraging cutting-edge technology to maintain a competitive edge.

“For me, boat position is everything; with the new software and user interface within the XPLORE units, it's so fast that it makes me even more efficient,” said Thrift. “Before I even look at MEGA Live 2, I can use Lakemaster® Maps, and all I need are two points to line up my cast.”

Accurate boat positioning and waypoint management are critical to Thrift’s success. Between proximity flags and range rings, XPLORE allows him to consistently hit his marks, often down to a single foot, ensuring his time is maximized on productive water.

Thrift’s long-standing reputation as an offshore specialist stems from years of identifying hidden sweet spots—often larger-than-average fish habitats—before the advent of Sonar and GPS as standard tools on boats. He dedicates significant time to idling with Humminbird MEGA Side Imaging, dropping waypoints on promising structures, and returning to those areas during tournaments.

“In the short time I have been able to use the new XPLORE fish finders, the waypoint management has stood out as a huge upgrade,” he explained. “The ability to edit icons, name waypoints, and transfer them seamlessly between units and my phone is something I don’t know how I lived without.”

For Thrift, the new Humminbird MEGA Live 2 offers game-changing real-time sonar precision. “The first thing that made me fall in love with it was how fast and clear it was,” he said. “I have never seen a cleaner image, especially with MEGA Live 2. I can easily see everything the fish are doing without delay. For stability and bottom separation—XPLORE is top of the line. Out of the box, there is no need to mess with settings; the combination is as turnkey as it gets—plug and play.”

Thrift also emphasized the unparalleled bait-tracking capabilities of MEGA Live 2. “This winter, I was throwing a spook and was able to watch it walk all the way back to the boat,” he shared. “Also, the ability to depict fish within brush and vegetation is huge and allows me to figure out where to put my bait and what cadence in my retrieve I need to get bites.”

Another standout feature for Thrift is XPLORE’s advanced GPS system. “With XPLORE GPS, it moves so smoothly and steadily—you’re never wondering if you’re moving or if the boat’s out of position relative to structure,” he noted. “When you’re trolling in open waters, MEGA Live 2 is much smoother, stable, and more real-time than ever before.”

Thrift’s success lies in his ability to consistently find those “hole-in-the-wall” spots that others overlook. Whether scouting a lake he’s never fished or revisiting familiar waters, Thrift remains committed to using the best tools to stay ahead. “The combination of XPLORE and MEGA Live 2 not only enhances my efficiency but ultimately gives me more time doing what matters most—fishing.”

Thrift often credits much of his success to the mega-clear imaging of MEGA 360 Imaging®. From fishing locally in North Carolina to traveling the country and competing professionally, the combination of 360 and MEGA Live helps him excel on the water. Whether fishing offshore brush, targeting specific structures, or working through dense vegetation, the new technology transforms how he approaches and breaks down water.

“The cool thing is, where they live in the grass, it’s not always the same height, and there are different holes within the grass beds,” he said. “I am going to be looking exactly where they are sitting and see them sitting there. With 360, especially around grass, you can see the layout of the cover around the boat, and then pan around with MEGA Live 2 to spot the specific holes they are sitting in.”

The new Humminbird XPLORE fish finders and MEGA Live 2 sonar are now available, offering anglers next-level precision and performance on the water. Whether you're targeting bass, walleye, or any species in between, these cutting-edge technologies are designed to help you locate and catch more fish. Upgrade your gear today and experience the difference firsthand!

To learn more about MEGA Live 2 and XPLORE, visit humminbird.johnsonoutdoors.com.