Lowrance Hook 7 Review

UPDATED Mar. 2024
Brand: Lowrance
Model: Hook 7
Our Score: 8.5/10
Table Of Contents+
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Lowrance Hook 7 is very similar to Elite-7 CHIRP Base Combo since they both come with a CHIRP sonar, BaseMaps, and DownScan imaging. Having said that, the price of Lowrance Hook 7 is somewhat lower and it is also a newer model, which makes it a more desirable solution within the shared category.  

Since fish finders usually come as parts of different bundles with non-matching sets of accessories, it is important to note that this Lowrance Hook 7 review will be talking about the 000-12664-001 model that comes with GPS, BaseMaps, and an HDI Skimmer transducer. 

Lowrance Hook 7 on white background

Pros & Cons

Pros
    • 2D CHIRP + DownScan 
    • HDI transducer 
    • Numerous sonar functions 
    • Accurate and quick GPS 
    • Compatibility with premium chart packages 
    • Insight Genesis support 
Cons
    • Not beginner-friendly 
    • No unit cover 
    • Basic charts 

Specifications

SpecificationsLowrance Hook 7
TypeDown Imaging
Sonar2D CHIRP and DownScan
TransducerTransom, number 000-10976-001
Display (size, resolution, backlit, color)7″ diagonal, 16:9, 800H x 480V pixel matrix, 16-bit color TFT, with adjustable backlight
Dimensions10.9''x 8.1''x 9.2''
Weight5.8 lb
BatteriesLi ion (12V)
Depth Capability1,000 ft (305 m) for the CHIRP sonar 300 ft. (91 m) for DownScan
Frequency200 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 Output500 Watts (RMS)
Power Input10-17 VDC
GPS16-channels, Internal
MapsBaseMap
Routes, Waypoints, Tracks100, 3,000, 100 (10,000 points each)
WaterproofYes
Wi-Fi ConnectivityNo
MicroSD card slotYes

Display/Screen

Lowrance Hook 7 comes with a 7” 16-bit TFT display with a pixel matrix of 800 x 480. This provides plenty of room for observing different imaging panels in a split-screen view (up to 3 panels at the same time). Moreover, the Split-Zoom function will allow you to zoom in any particular panel of interest. The screen features adjustable LED backlighting, which means you will be able to use the unit at night and even in direct sunlight.  

Lowrance Hook 7 with off display

The device is IP-x7 waterproof, so it can handle water splashes and heavy rain without any difficulties. It can even be completely immersed in 3.3ft of water for up to 30 minutes. However, the manufacturer did not test it against solid objects like dust or dirt.  

Sonar & Transducer

Lowrance Hook 7 comes with a regular CHIRP sonar as well as DownScan. The provided transducer is capable of 83/200/455/800 kHz, which means you can utilize two sonar beams for CHIRP scanning and two for DownScan. Note that the unit is not capable of SideScan imaging. 

For the CHIRP sonar, the transducer utilizes two conical beams at 20° for 200 kHz and 60° for 83 kHz. In other words, you will have med and high CHIRP at your disposal, but you can also upgrade the unit with a 50/200 kHz transducer and use low CHIRP.  

Lowrance Hook 7 with sonar on display

The provided transducer comes with a temperature sensor, transom mount, and 20ft of power cable.  

While the 2D CHIRP sonar is excellent at locating and separating individual fish targets, DownScan is much better at determining the shapes of underwater structures and the overall bottom constitution. It will provide you with photo-like quality images and give you a proper understanding of all the structures and potential targets under your vessel.  

Finally, Lowrance Hook 7 also comes with numerous sonar functions, including Advanced Singal Processing (also works with DownScan), Sonar Recording and TrackBack, DownScan Overlay to combine your 2D and DownScan views, Bottom Lock, A-Scope, Split-Flasher, and Fish ID with several depth and fish alarms.  

Navigation

Lowrance Hook 7 comes with a built-in 16-channel GPS antenna, which ensures fast and accurate positioning and locks. It refreshes every single second and it can also measure the speed of your vessel. 

The model we are talking about in this review comes with preloaded BaseMap charts, which are pretty rudimentary, as the name suggests. They will not provide you with any contour data or other useful information like lighthouses or marine services. However, the unit WILL be able to indicate your current location and serve as a plotter. Still, it is important to note that the detail level is truly low. 

Lowrance Hook 7 can store up to 3,000 waypoints, 100 routes (100 waypoints per route), and 100 trails (10,000 points per trail). Of course, you can share your saved data with other units using the available networking options.  

When it comes to potential upgrades, the unit is compatible with a multitude of chart packages, including Navionix Plus/HotMaps Premium, Lake Insight, C-MAP MAX-N by Jeppesen, Fishing Hotspots PRO, and others. Since it does feature the NMEA 0183 port, you can also boost the GPS with an external antenna.  

Networking

When it comes to networking options, Lowrance Hook 7 comes equipped with the NMEA 0183 port as well as a microSD card reader with one slot. The device does not offer Ethernet connectivity, but it is compatible with Insight Genesis. In other words, you can use the app to make your own maps or load existing ones and modify them to your personal taste.  

What's In The Box

    • Lowrance Hook 7 with suncover
    • Quick Release Bracket
    • Power Only Cable
    • Transducer
    • SD Card with Adapter
    • 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.

Model
Type
Sonar
Transducer
Display
Price
Lowrance Hook-3x reviewLowrance Hook-3x Read Review
Type
Down Imaging
Sonar
DownScan
Transducer
9-pin High-Speed Skimmer
Display
3" 256-color TFT display with 11-level LED backlight and 320 x 240 pixel matrix
Price
Lowrance Hook-5 ReviewLowrance Hook-5 Read Review
Type
Down Imaging
Sonar
2D CHIRP and DownScan
Transducer
Transom, number 000-10976-001
Display
5″ diagonal, 480 x 480 pixel matrix, 16-color TFT, with adjustable LED backlight
Price
Lowrance Hook 7 ReviewLowrance Hook 7 Read Review
Type
Down Imaging
Sonar
2D CHIRP and DownScan
Transducer
Transom, number 000-10976-001
Display
7″ diagonal, 16:9, 800H x 480V pixel matrix, 16-bit color TFT, with adjustable backlight
Price

Verdict

First of all, Lowrance Hook 7 is an advanced unit and not very suitable for beginners with fish-finding technologies. In other words, this is definitely not the device you want to use as your learning medium.  

With that out of the way, it is a unit with CHIRP 2D and DownScan sonars paired with a decent transducer as well as a built-in precision GPS system. The preloaded charts are extremely basic and should definitely be upgraded for better navigational awareness.  

As we already mentioned in this Lowrance Hook 7 review, the unit shares numerous similarities with ELITE-7 CHIRP. On the other hand, it does not have the NMEA 2000 port, but it is cheaper than the older unit.

Bottom line, it is a very good choice for experienced inland fishers who already have premium charting packages and are only looking for a high-performing fish finder.  

Our score: 8.5/10