Best For Small Fishing Boats
Lowrance Hook-5 Review
Lowrance Hook-5 is very similar to Elite-5 CHIRP, but with two major differences. Namely, Hook-5 features a wider color palette, which ensures better observations of your imaging results, and it also comes with a lower price tag than its predecessor.
Before we continue with our Lowrance Hook-5 review, we need to clarify that we are talking about the unit with the model number 000-12656-001, which also comes with a transducer.
Pros & Cons
- 2D CHIRP + DownScan with Ds Overlay
- HDI transducer
- 5” 16-bit color display
- Adjustable LED backlighting with 11 levels
- Sonar Recording + TrackBack
- Numerous sonar functions
- Compatibility with many chart packages
- Insight Genesis
- Basic chart package
- No cover
- Not beginner-friendly
Specifications
| Specifications | Lowrance Hook-5 |
|---|---|
| Type | Down Imaging |
| Sonar | 2D CHIRP and DownScan |
| Transducer | Transom, number 000-10976-001 |
| Display (size, resolution, backlit, color) | 5″ diagonal, 480 x 480 pixel matrix, 16-color TFT, with adjustable LED backlight |
| Dimensions | 9.5''x7.4''x7.9'' |
| Weight | 3 lb |
| Batteries | Li ion (12V) |
| Depth Capability | 1,000 ft (305 m) for the CHIRP sonar 300 ft. (91 m) for DownScan |
| Frequency | 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° |
| Power Output | 500 Watts (RMS) |
| Power Input | 10-17 VDC |
| GPS | 16-channels, Internal |
| Maps | BaseMaps |
| Routes, Waypoints, Tracks | 100, 3,000, 100 (10,000 points each) |
| Waterproof | yes |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | No |
| MicroSD card slot | yes |
Display/Screen
Lowrance Hook-5 features a square 5” TFT display with a pixel matrix of 480 x 480 and a 16-bit color palette. It is a significant improvement over the Hook-4 model since it gives you more space, which is especially important if you are an avid user of the split-screen function. Speaking of split-screen, the unit allows you to observe up to 3 applications at the same time. The screen comes with an adjustable LED backlight (11 levels), so you should not have any problems using the device in direct sunlight or at night.
Lowrance Hook-5 is IP-X7 waterproof, which means it is built to withstand accidental water splashes as well as heavy rain. It can even survive immersion in 3.3ft of water for up to 30 minutes. On the other hand, the “X” in its rating means that it has not been tested against dirt, dust, and other solid objects.
Sonar & Transducer
Lowrance Hook-5 is capable of 50/83/200 kHz frequencies for 2D and 455/800 kHz for DownScan sonar. However, the provided transducer (HDI Skimmer 000-10976-001) can only cover 83/200/455/800 kHz. This means you will have to upgrade the unit with the 50/200 kHz capable transducer in order to use the lowest frequency. The transducer comes with a transom mount, 20ft of cable, and a temperature sensor.
With all this in mind, you will be able to hit Med and High CHIRP with the 2D sonar but also Low CHIRP if you decide to go for the said upgrade. The provided transducer utilizes two conical beams for 83/200 kHz (60° for 83 kHz and 20° for 200 kHz), which you can observe simultaneously in the split-screen mode.
Lowrance Hook-5 comes with a wide variety of standard sonar functions, including Fish ID (replaces fish arches with symbols), Bottom Lock, Circular Flasher, A-Scope, and Advanced Signal Processing.
When it comes to DownScan, Hook-5 utilizes thin, fan-shaped beams (57° for 455 kHz and 38° for 800 kHz). As always, 2D CHIRP is much better at scanning and locating fish arches while DownScan performs better at outlining underwater structures or contouring the bottom. Hook-5 will be able to provide you with decent imaging at speeds up to 70 MPH, but you should not go over 20 MPH if you want clear, reliable results. The provided transducer can reach up to 1,000ft with 2D and 300ft with DownScan.
Finally, Hook-5 also offers sonar recording with TrackBack and DownScan Overlay that allows you to blend 2D CHIRP imaging with DownScan.
Navigation
Lowrance Hook-5 comes with a built-in 16-channel GPS antenna, but the preloaded charts leave much to be desired. Namely, the unit features the Basemap charts package that covers over 3,000 rivers and lakes as well as coastal contours. The maps will allow you to determine your location at all times and plot your trail, but they will not provide you with much contouring detail or information regarding marine services, tidal stations or lighthouses.
Speaking of chartplotting, Lowrance Hook-5 can record up to 3,000 waypoints, 100 routes, and 100 trails with 10,000 points per trail. It can also use the Insight Genesis app. Having said that, the unit is compatible with numerous chart packages, including, Navionics Plus/HotMaps Premium, C-MAP MAX-N by Jeppesen, Lake Insight/Nautic Insight PRO, Fishing Hotspots PRO, and others.
Networking
In terms of networking, Lowrance Hook-5 comes with NMEA 0183 connectivity as well as a microSD card reader with one slot. The implemented software is upgradeable and you can always download the latest updates absolutely free of charge and install them using the SD card.
What's In The Box
- Lowrance Hook 5
- Bracket
- Power Only Cable
- Transducer
- Tilt mount
- Documentation
Lowrance Hook Series Overview
In this Lowrance Hook series overview, you can check out some of the most important features of other models from the series to determine if any of them is a better fit for your needs.
Lowrance Hook-3x Read Review
Lowrance Hook-5 Read Review
Lowrance Hook 7 Read ReviewVerdict
This Lowrance Hook-5 review revealed a compact but very powerful fish finder/chartplotter packed with different features and technologies. It comes with 2D CHIRP and DownScan sonars and features a compatible transducer. Thanks to its compact size, it is an ideal unit for smaller fishing boats as well as kayaks and canoes.
In other words, it is a perfect choice if you are looking for a reliable and precise fish finder with GPS capabilities and do not mind preloaded charts with not too many details. The unit does support all the major chart packages, but we recommended buying it only if you already have them at the ready.