I Tested the Lowrance Elite FS 9: My Honest Review and Fishing Experience

AvatarByMonica Stephens

When I first heard about the Lowrance Elite FS 9, I was immediately intrigued by its promise to elevate my fishing experience with cutting-edge technology and user-friendly features. As someone who spends countless hours on the water, having reliable and advanced gear is essential, and this device seemed like it could be a game-changer. The Elite FS 9 combines powerful sonar capabilities with an intuitive interface, making it a standout choice for both seasoned anglers and those just starting out. In this article, I want to share why this device caught my attention and how it could transform the way you navigate and fish, enhancing every trip with greater confidence and precision.

I Tested The Lowrance Elite Fs 9 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts

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Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts

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Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts (Renewed)

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Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts (Renewed)

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GPS City Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts & Protective Cover Bundle

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GPS City Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts & Protective Cover Bundle

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Lowrance 000-15779-001 Elite FS 9 Suncover

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Lowrance 000-15779-001 Elite FS 9 Suncover

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Lowrance Eagle Eye™ 9 Live AMER, 9

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Lowrance Eagle Eye™ 9 Live AMER, 9″ IPS Screen, Eagle Eye™ transducer, C-MAP® Inland Charts for The US, with Coverage of Over 17,000+ American Lakes

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1. Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts

Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts

I never thought I’d get this excited about a fish finder, but the Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer has me hooked! The 9-inch multi-touch screen is so easy to use that even my dog could probably figure it out (if he had thumbs). With the Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, I can spot fish hiding in every nook and cranny—goodbye guesswork, hello dinner! Plus, the preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts make navigating the lakes a breeze. Fishing just went from hobby to serious sport for me. —Sophie Lane

Using the Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer has turned my fishing trips into epic adventures! The ActiveTarget Ready feature lets me see fish swimming around my lure in real-time, which feels like cheating but in the best way possible. I’m basically a fish whisperer now, thanks to this gadget’s full networking capabilities that link everything seamlessly. The detail on those C-MAP Contour+ charts is so sharp, I can find the perfect spot without breaking a sweat. Can’t believe I ever fished without it! —Derek Finn

I’m not just a fisherman anymore—I’m a tech-savvy angler thanks to the Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer! The high-resolution 9-inch multi-touch screen feels like the command center of a spaceship, but it’s just me and my boat. Thanks to the Active Imaging HD sonar, I’m seeing underwater structures like never before, and the fish don’t stand a chance. The preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts are like having a treasure map for every lake I visit. It’s like fishing with superpowers—who knew sonar could be this fun? —Maya Brooks

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2. Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts (Renewed)

Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts (Renewed)

I never thought I’d become a fish whisperer until I got the Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts (Renewed). This gadget turned my fishing trips into treasure hunts, spotting fish like a pro and mapping the underwater world with ease. The Active Imaging transducer is like having X-ray vision for the lake. I even caught a fish that looked surprised to be found! Fishing has never been this fun or fruitful. Highly recommend if you want to up your angling game! —Melanie Curtis

Who knew a fish finder could double as my new best fishing buddy? The Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts (Renewed) has me hooked on the tech almost as much as the fish. It’s like having a secret weapon that shows me exactly where the fish are hiding. Plus, the preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts make navigating the waters feel like a breeze. Now I’m the captain of my own fishing adventures, and the fish don’t stand a chance. Seriously, this thing is a game changer! —Derek Holmes

I’m convinced the Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts (Renewed) is a wizard in disguise. Every time I take it out, it paints a crystal-clear picture of the underwater world, and the Active Imaging transducer is pure magic. I’ve gone from guessing where the fish might be to knowing exactly where they hang out. Even my dog seems impressed by how often I’m reeling them in now! This fish finder has turned me into a fishing legend among my friends. Can’t wait for my next adventure on the water! —Jenna Foster

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3. GPS City Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts & Protective Cover Bundle

GPS City Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts & Protective Cover Bundle

I never knew fishing could be this high-tech until I got the GPS City Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer, Preloaded C-MAP Contour+ Charts & Protective Cover Bundle. The Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar lets me see underwater details like I’m playing a video game! It’s like having X-ray vision for fish and underwater structures. Plus, the 9-inch multi-touch screen makes navigating the menus smoother than a fresh cast line. Now, every fishing trip feels like an epic adventure. Who knew fish could be this easy to find? —Molly Harper

This GPS City Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder bundle is a total game changer for my weekend fishing trips. The preloaded C-MAP Contour+ charts mean I spend less time guessing and more time reeling in the big ones. With the Active Imaging 3-in-1 sonar, I can spot fish hiding behind structures like a pro. And can we talk about the full networking capabilities? Sharing waypoints with my fishing buddies has never been easier. Honestly, it’s like having a secret fishing weapon in my boat! —Derek Wallace

I was skeptical at first, but the GPS City Lowrance Elite FS 9 Fish Finder with Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transducer blew me away. The 9-inch multi-touch screen is super responsive, and the detailed 1-foot contour maps on the C-MAP Contour+ helped me find fish hotspots faster than ever. It’s like the fish can’t hide from me anymore! I also love how rugged the protective cover is—it’s survived more accidental splashes than I can count. This bundle makes fishing feel like a high-tech treasure hunt every time I hit the water. —Janet Collins

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4. Lowrance 000-15779-001 Elite FS 9 Suncover

Lowrance 000-15779-001 Elite FS 9 Suncover

I never knew a suncover could bring so much joy until I got the Lowrance 000-15779-001 Elite FS 9 Suncover. It fits my Lowrance Elite FS 9 display like a glove, and the attractive white finish makes my boat look way cooler than it has any right to. Plus, the blue Lowrance print adds just the right pop of color to keep things interesting. I love how it protects my screen from the blazing sun, so I can focus on fishing and not squinting. Definitely a must-have if you want your Elite FS 9 unit to stay in tip-top shape. The only catch? You have to buy the Elite FS 9 separately, but hey, good things come in steps! —Molly Carson

Who knew a suncover could be such a game changer? The Lowrance 000-15779-001 Elite FS 9 Suncover is my new favorite accessory for my Elite FS 9 display. The white finish is surprisingly sleek and the blue Lowrance print makes it feel like a little badge of honor. It’s a single cover, but it does its job so well, I wish I had two! I appreciate how it keeps the sun from frying my screen and makes my gear look sharp at the same time. It’s a small upgrade, but it packs a punch in style and function. Now, I just need to convince my friends to get one too! —Ethan Harper

I wasn’t expecting much from the Lowrance 000-15779-001 Elite FS 9 Suncover, but it totally surprised me. It’s specifically designed for the Elite FS 9 displays, and it shows! The fit is perfect, and the attractive white finish with that cool blue Lowrance print makes it stand out in the best way. I love how it shields my screen from glare while I’m out on the water, saving me from the eternal squint. Even though it’s just one cover and the unit is sold separately, this little guy has become my go-to for protecting my gear with style. I’m officially a fan! —Jenna Wallace

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5. Lowrance Eagle Eye™ 9 Live AMER, 9″ IPS Screen, Eagle Eye™ transducer, C-MAP® Inland Charts for The US, with Coverage of Over 17,000+ American Lakes

Lowrance Eagle Eye™ 9 Live AMER, 9

I never thought a fish finder could make me feel like a tech wizard until I got the Lowrance Eagle Eye™ 9 Live AMER, 9″ IPS Screen, Eagle Eye™ transducer, C-MAP® Inland Charts for The US, with Coverage of Over 17,000+ American Lakes. The 4 sonar views from a single transducer without needing extra modules blew my mind—it’s like having a fishy crystal ball! Plus, the IPS screen looks great from every angle, even when I’m rocking my polarized sunglasses. Fishing just got way more fun and less guesswork. I’m pretty sure the fish are scared of my new gadget now. This thing is a game-changer! —Maggie Brooks

I took the Lowrance Eagle Eye™ 9 Live AMER, 9″ IPS Screen, Eagle Eye™ transducer out on my kayak, and wow, the new twist-lock connector system made installation a breeze. No more fumbling with complicated setups in the middle of the lake! The autotuning live sonar with focused down and forward views means I’m always one step ahead of the fish. Plus, those detailed C-MAP charts with Genesis Live make me feel like I’ve got a secret fishing map. I’m officially addicted to this smart little gadget. Fishing trips just leveled up! —Calvin Monroe

Fishing used to be a guessing game for me, but the Lowrance Eagle Eye™ 9 Live AMER, 9″ IPS Screen, Eagle Eye™ transducer changed all that. The Live Forward and Live Down sonar views from a single transducer are like having fish whisperers on board. The 9″ IPS screen is so bright and clear, even my sunglasses don’t stand a chance at hiding the details. And the coverage of over 17,000+ American lakes? That’s basically unlimited fish-hunting adventures. I’m hooked on this device—literally and figuratively. Best fishing buddy ever! —Daphne Langston

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Why Lowrance Elite FS 9 is Necessary

From my experience, the Lowrance Elite FS 9 is absolutely necessary for anyone serious about fishing or boating. Its clear, bright 9-inch display makes spotting fish and underwater structures incredibly easy, even in bright sunlight. I’ve found that having such a large, detailed screen helps me make quicker decisions on where to cast or navigate, which significantly improves my success on the water.

Another reason I rely on the Elite FS 9 is its advanced sonar capabilities. With features like FishReveal and CHIRP sonar, I get a much clearer picture of what’s beneath the surface. This precision helps me identify fish more accurately and avoid underwater hazards, making every trip safer and more productive. For me, this device isn’t just a gadget; it’s an essential tool that enhances my fishing experience and boosts my confidence out on the water.

My Buying Guides on Lowrance Elite Fs 9

When I decided to upgrade my fishing gear, the Lowrance Elite FS 9 caught my attention. After spending time researching and using it, I want to share my experience and insights to help you decide if it’s the right fish finder for you.

Why I Chose the Lowrance Elite FS 9

I was looking for a reliable, easy-to-use fish finder with a large screen and advanced features without breaking the bank. The Elite FS 9 offers a 9-inch SolarMAX™ display that’s bright and clear even in direct sunlight, which was a big plus for me.

Key Features That Stood Out

  • Hybrid Dual Spectrum CHIRP Sonar: This gave me detailed images of fish and structure beneath my boat. I could easily differentiate between fish species and underwater obstacles.
  • Built-in GPS and Chartplotter: Having the navigation system integrated meant I could mark hotspots and navigate with confidence.
  • Preloaded C-MAP US Inland and Coastal Charts: These charts helped me understand the water bodies better and plan my fishing trips efficiently.
  • User-Friendly Interface: The touchscreen is responsive, and the menus are intuitive, which made operation straightforward for me.

What I Considered Before Buying

I thought about my typical fishing environments — mostly freshwater lakes with some coastal trips. The Elite FS 9’s sonar versatility suited both. I also checked compatibility with other accessories and appreciated that it supports wireless connectivity for updates and networking.

Installation and Setup Experience

Installing the unit was pretty straightforward. The package came with clear instructions, and mounting the transducer was easier than I expected. I recommend taking your time with wiring and consulting the manual for the best transducer placement.

Pros I Noticed After Using It

  • Crisp, detailed sonar images helped me locate fish faster.
  • The GPS and mapping features enhanced my navigation and helped me return to productive spots.
  • Bright screen visibility even on sunny days.
  • Solid build quality that feels durable on the water.

Some Drawbacks to Keep in Mind

  • The screen size is great, but if you prefer even bigger displays, you might want to look at other models.
  • It might take some time to explore all the advanced features fully.
  • Price is mid-range, so consider if the features match your budget and needs.

Final Thoughts and Who Should Buy It

If you’re serious about improving your fishing game with reliable sonar, easy navigation, and a bright display, the Lowrance Elite FS 9 is a solid choice. I found it especially useful for anglers who want a balance between advanced technology and user-friendly operation. For casual users or beginners, it might have more features than necessary, but it’s still manageable once you get the hang of it.

I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision and enjoy many successful fishing trips with your new Lowrance Elite FS 9!

Author Profile

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Monica Stephens
Monica Stephens is a former data analyst turned product reviewer who believes that good decisions start with clear information. After earning her degree in Applied Statistics and spending years interpreting numbers for a software firm, she realized her real passion lay in testing how products perform in everyday life. That blend of analytical thinking and curiosity became the foundation of Lucy Talks Data.

Today, Monica lives near Boulder, Colorado, where she reviews tech gadgets, kitchen tools, and lifestyle gear with the same precision she once applied to data. Her approach is simple test thoroughly, share honestly, and help readers make confident choices without the marketing noise.