Hey guys, when I take my kids out fishing…they just like to catch anything. If you were going out with kids and just wanted to catch some fish, which would you prefer to help you find fish, Garmin livescope or Humminbird mega 360? Obviously This is assuming you have chart maps, SI, and down imaging as well. I know when I go fishing by myself, I don’t mind graphing for an hour or two, to find fish but with children, I often don’t have that much time. I would just like to find a way to find fish quicker whether that be bass or crappie. I know forward facing sonar isn’t a magic wand but I’m looking to get one of these two at the least I just wanted your thoughts. Thank you for your help!

Livescope, if you already have brush pipes marked. (and if you take the time to really learn it)

Regardless of the electronics, to keep kids interested, don't chase LMB. Fish for sandbass instead. They will get many more bites and that will keep them in the game.

Someone mentioned sand bass. Yes this; you need numbers. Also late this coming spring; around mid May, when the bluegills bed up on shallow sandy points, yep another opportunity for them to catch a ton of fish. Ultra light tackle with about 4 pound line; the smallest beetle spins you can find or a bobber/cork with a split shot, bream hook and cricket just off the bottom on these beds and after a while that cork will hit the water like it has a brick tied to it. They'll catch them every cast and on ultra light tackle its like catching 5 pound bass on regular bait cast tackle. They'll fight that hard.

Truer words were never spoken when he said take the time to learn it, I’ve had mine for a couple years and use it for water temp! Be prepared to spend a lot of time, very frustrating if you have 80 HDs.

Livescope and brush piles for crappie. It's not hard to learn but livescope isn't a turn it on and go thing. Learn to adjust it a little and you will load the boat with crappie

Do you fish at a good fishery?

If I do end up upgrading, im going 360 just because im already running HB and wasnt impressed with their live. Now with that being said...ive always thought the 360 would be best for me because my lakes a grinder. I promise it has a few DDs....but its a real grinder.

Now with that said....if I fished multi species like you probably will since you wanna keep/get the kiddos hooked on fishing, I think Live would be the route id go. Ive rolled up on a few trees that I know were stacked with crappie looking at the SI and DI and can only imagine how fun itd be to use an ultralight and try to pick them off with live like ive seen on some youtube videos. Plus with live you can seemingly target the big boys too....so if you all find those crappie/blue gills you all can target the mandos/slabs thatll burn a memory into your kiddos memories for life.

So I feel live is probably the best for your situation, and even more if you live at a good fishery where you wont need to search and cover as much water as you do on a grinder lake like my home lake. Also....make sure you dont skimp out on mapping. Live and SI/DI is awesome...but mapping really saves you time on the water and makes you more efficient than any other technology in MY opinion 🤔🤷‍♂️

People at the ramp never shut up about Livescope...

So I'd say Livescope....

worms or minnow on open hooks. Just let them do something to catch fish and if they like it then ask them if they would like to chase LM bass.

This or go fish some good ponds/tanks

Tie then on 1/4 or 1/2 ounce jigging spoon and they will catch all species in a lake. That is what I do for my wife's rod and most trips she will out fish me for numbers.

I would just go to high percentage places to fish. Points, docks near deep water and lay downs.
Forget electronics and enjoy catching fish. Sometimes we forget where fish normally live and let electronics over rule our ability.

When my little buddy (now 15) was old enough to go with me in the boat I just had to put him on a bass....you know....for posting cool pics on Facebook. lol

I took him out a few times with limited success and I could see he was a little turned off. A very wise man told me to take him out with live bait and just drop it on a tree and let him catch whatever bit. I thought that couldn't be a bad idea so we did it. He caught crappie, bluegill, catfish, and a few sandbass. On the way back to the dock he looked at me and in his little voice and said "daddy! this has been the greatest day of my life!".

Take them catching.

Another piece of advice the wise man gave me was to take them and as soon as they said they were ready to go......get the heck out of there. Don't make them endure something if their attention span is already off. Several times we would drive 1.5 hours to lake fork and then leave within a few hours because he was ready. I never punished him with staying longer than he wanted to and he is now completely consumed with the fishing bug. Best of luck!

Do you have a bridge? If I take kids I just buy minnows and go under the bridge. Always fish there

I started taking Riley fishing with me shortly after she learned to walk. As mentioned live bait is the ticket. Worms, grasshoppers, minnows, little frogs etc.... Riley would have more fun catching her bait, especially frogs, than catching fish. Let it be fun. If they wanna fish a few minutes then explore thats fine. In the summer they wanna play in the water , let them. Cane poles are great to start kids on. keep it simple. Always have plenty of snacks, water/juice, appropriate clothes and shoes, sunscreen, and bug spray. Always bring a change of clothes and a towel