Marine electronics giant Garmin has introduced a groundbreaking sonar system that promises to transform fishing with 360-degree underwater visibility and unprecedented control capabilities.
The company announced the new GT360UHD transducer paired with the innovative motorized Spy Pole on March 10, 2026, from its Olathe, Kansas headquarters. The system allows anglers to capture a bird's-eye view of fish and underwater structure in every direction around their boat, displaying the information in both 2D and 3D formats.
"Garmin's new 360 sonar solution will revolutionize how anglers fish once again. The added situational awareness of 360-degree imaging – coupled with the increased precision and convenience of the Spy Pole – makes it easier than ever to search for and target fish," said Susan Lyman, Garmin Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing.
The GT360UHD transducer comes bundled with either a 42-inch Spy Pole for $2,999.98 or a 49-inch version priced at $3,199.98. The motorized pole can also be purchased separately, with the 42-inch model retailing for $1,999.99 and the 49-inch version for $2,199.99.
One of the system's key innovations is its independence from trolling motor control. Anglers can operate the 360-degree sonar wirelessly through multiple methods, including a low-profile foot control, rod-mountable gesture remote, or dedicated control bar on compatible Garmin chartplotters.
The technology addresses a long-standing challenge in fishing electronics. "Since the introduction of LiveScope, anglers have been dreaming of a way to control their LiveScope independently of their trolling motor. With Spy Pole, that's now possible, and you can even control your LiveScope while in anchor lock – that's a true game changer for the way I fish," said Justin Hamner, Garmin Pro Angler and 2024 Bassmaster Classic Champion.
The system's capabilities extend beyond basic sonar imaging. When combined with LiveScope live sonar, the setup unlocks a new 3D view on a single display and provides beam overlay functionality to show where LiveScope is pointing in 2D mode. The technology can scan and store sonar imagery covering up to a football field-sized area with continuously updated buffering.
Garmin has integrated True Motion technology that works with GPS to maintain the sonar's accurate position, allowing anglers to move around underwater structures without losing track of fish locations. The OneVü sonar feature delivers crisp, clear 360-degree imagery of what's beneath the boat in both 2D and 3D views.
For users with Force Pro trolling motors, the SpyLink technology enables synchronized speed and direction control, allowing operators to control the Spy Pole from the trolling motor's foot pedal while maintaining functionality even in anchor lock mode. The system features SpyLock technology for locking LiveScope sonar on specific points and SpyScan mode for automatic sweeping to locate fish.
Installation flexibility comes through a quick-release mounting system compatible with Force or Force Pro trolling motors, as well as gunnel mounts sold separately. The design includes secure cable routing through the pole shaft for enhanced protection.
The new sonar system will make its public debut at the 2026 Bassmaster Classic, running March 13-15 on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tennessee. Garmin will showcase the technology in booth #9204, with products becoming available for purchase on garmin.com starting March 13.
This launch represents Garmin's latest effort to maintain its position as what the company describes as the world's largest marine electronics manufacturer, continuing its track record of introducing technologies that reshape fishing practices.