The evolution of technology in the fishing industry has been nothing but astounding in the last 50 years. Since the introduction of sonar technologies, it has been giving anglers the upper hand in their search for that new honey hole. One of the latest advancements in fishfinding gear, the Humminbird Apex Series, is designed to improve your chances. But does it make it easier to find fish? Here’s what you need to know.
What’s New with the Humminbird Apex?
Since its humble beginnings in 1971, Humminbird has been on the cutting edge of fishing technology. Anglers loved Humminbird’s simple depth finder. When they introduced the waterproof Humminbird “Super Sixty” in 1975, it became one of the most popular fishfinders ever sold.
Over the years, Humminbird has continued to give anglers the edge over the fish. Innovations like 360º sonar and side imaging technology have taken fishfinding equipment to a whole new level. Others have added to the market with high-tech gear of their own. But Humminbird has continued to lead the way.
In mid-November last year, they introduced the Hummingbird Apex Series as their most advanced fish finding tech yet. It promises the fastest processors and sharpest displays available.
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Humminbird Apex Series Innovations
The fundamental question to ask about any fishing equipment is simply, will it help me catch fish? When it comes to the Humminbird Apex, the short answer is yes.
One thing that makes the APEX Series stand out is the size of the monitors and the sharpness of the images. The series offers multi-function touchscreen displays in 13″, 16″, and 19″ models. Each has full HD at 1080p and 16-bit colour display, offering exceptionally clear sonar imaging.
Humminbird Apex displays allow you to see everything in crisp detail. Humminbird’s industry-leading MEGA Live Imaging is included at no extra charge. You can actually watch fish swim and react to your bait in real-time. So, if your lure’s not working, you’ll know in real-time. And when you find a productive fishing spot, you can mark and view waypoints to find your way back next time.
Humminbird’s Dual Spectrum CHIRP sonar also comes standard. This industry-leading “Compressed High-Intensity Radar Pulse” sonar gives you full-spectrum capability. It also enables you to select your own start and end frequencies.
The Apex series is also a communication and integration dynamo. These high-tech chart plotters give you near-limitless networking options. Humminbird Apex puts the information and control in your hands. That helps you find where the fish are hiding.
Apex Is Advanced Fishfinding Gear
The Humminbird Apex series takes fishing tech to a new level with advanced technical features. The dual-core processors and Apex’s Cross Touch interface offer lightning-fast, intuitive controls. Anglers will love the advanced connectivity and communication with integrated navigation and mapping.
Connect the Tech You Need
The Humminbird Apex series works well with Humminbird CHIRP radar and a whole lot more. It’s also compatible with Fusion audio, VHF radio systems, autopilot, and CZone Contact 6 and 6 Plus digital switches.
But the fun doesn’t stop there. Multiple ports give you advanced networking options unique to Humminbird. Those include:
- Dual HDMI In/Out ports that let you connect to video inputs and HDMI compatible displays
- NMEA 0183 port for GPS and NMEA 0183 accessories
- 2kW 2D transducer receptacle
- 2D/DI SI/360 transducer connection port
- NMEA 2000 port supports virtually all NMEA 2000 data and accessories
- Two ethernet ports let you network with multiple MFDs, CHIRP Radar, and Minn Kota i-Pilot Link trolling motors
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi communication offers Minn Kota accessory support and Navionics Plotter Sync functionality
Humminbird Apex fish finding equipment is also compatible with the One-Boat Network. That allows you to integrate your advanced fishing equipment, making it work together. Integrate and control Humminbird charts and maps, Minn Kota trolling motors and shallow water anchors, and Cannon Optimum downrigger controls.
Chart Your Course Wherever You Are
The Humminbird Apex series includes built-in GPS and Humminbird Basemap. That provides chart coverage for the entire coastline of the continental US plus 10,000 inland waters.
Anglers in Australia and other parts of the world can get complete chart coverage with Humminbird’s premium CoastMaster and LakeMaster charts. The Apex series is also compatible with Navionics products.
Map Your Favourite Fishing Spots
All GPS-equipped Humminbird fishfinding equipment, including the Apex series, come with AutoChart Live. It lets you create real-time maps of your favourite fishing spots. You can map depth contours, changing bottom hardness, and vegetation as you drive.
Eight hours of built-in recording time is standard. But you can extend that as much as you need with AutoChart Zero Line SD cards.
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Transducer Specifications
All transducer-equipped Humminbird products, including the Apex series, come standard with a transom-mounted transducer. Other mounting options are available, including Puck and Angled Puck. Both shoot through single-layer fibreglass hulls.
The Humminbird Apex series includes an XM 14 HW MSI T transducer with a one-year limited warranty. However, you can upgrade to an Airmar CHIRP SM3000 or opt for a control head only version (no transducer).
| CHIRP – Frequencies | Full: 150-220 kHz, Narrow: 180-240 kHz, Wide: 140-200 kHz |
| Sonar-Frequencies | 50/83/200/455/800 kHz & 1.2 MHz |
| Depth-Sonar | 1,200 ft (standard transducer), 3,500 ft (optional Airmar CHIRP) |
| CHIRP – Imaging-Frequencies | 455 kHz DI+ (435-535 kHz), 455 kHz SI+ (405-505 kHz), 800 kHz DI+ (800-860 kHz), 800 kHz SI+ (780-840 kHz). MEGA DI+ (1100-1200 kHz), MEGA SI+ (1050-1175 kHz) |
| Depth-Down Imaging | 125 ft (800 kHz), 250 ft (MEGA), 400 ft (455 kHz) |
| Range-Side Imaging (Side-To-Side) | 250 ft (800 kHz), 500 ft (MEGA), 800 ft (455 kHz) |
| Cable Length | 20 ft |
APEX’s second sonar channel provides an independent connection for accessory 2D CHIRP sonar transducers up to 2 kW. Integrated Airmar transducer ID makes optimizing configuration settings quick and simple.
Watch the Humminbird Apex Overview with HumminbirdTV below:
