Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 Fish Finder Review: Worth It? (October 2026)
The Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot suits anglers who want CHIRP and DownScan views, FishReveal and inland lake maps on a 5-inch display. Check whether its sonar and mapping features match your water and whether a compact screen works for your boat.
On this page (6 sections)
The Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot is a compact fish finder for anglers who want CHIRP, DownScan Imaging, FishReveal and inland lake mapping. Its 5-inch display keeps the unit small, while the combined sonar and map features cover several common needs in one device.
The key decision is whether you want SplitShot’s views below the boat or a TripleShot configuration with SideScan as well. Also consider if a 5-inch screen gives you enough room to read sonar and map details from your normal fishing position.
What does the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 offer?
The HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot pairs high CHIRP sonar with DownScan Imaging and adds FishReveal, autotuning and inland maps. It is aimed at anglers who want fish targets and structure details on the same unit, without stepping up to a larger display.
Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot: Best for FishReveal and inland maps
- 5-inch SolarMAX display
- SplitShot CHIRP and DownScan
- FishReveal
- Preloaded C-MAP US inland mapping
A compact fish finder that combines FishReveal, SplitShot sonar, autotuning and maps for almost 4,000 US inland lakes. Its 5-inch display keeps the unit compact, but gives you less viewing area than a larger screen.
Pros
- FishReveal combines CHIRP target separation with DownScan structure images
- Preloaded maps cover almost 4,000 US inland lakes
- Autotuning adjusts sonar settings as conditions change
- Genesis Live can create custom contour maps
Cons
- 5-inch display may feel small if you want a larger view
- The SplitShot configuration does not include SideScan
FishReveal combines CHIRP sonar’s target separation with DownScan’s high-resolution structure images on one screen. That combination can make it easier to compare fish-like returns with the structure below, though reading sonar still takes practice and depends on conditions.
Lowrance says autotuning adjusts settings as fishing conditions change. That can reduce how often you need to rework settings, but it does not replace learning what different sonar views show.
The best Lowrance fish finder options can help if you are comparing this unit with larger displays or other sonar configurations.
What does a 5-inch screen mean on the water?
A 5-inch display favors a compact installation, but you have less screen area for maps and sonar views than you would with a larger unit. Think about how far you sit or stand from the display, and whether you expect to watch the map and sonar at the same time.
The included SolarMAX display is described as clear and visible in direct sunlight. Even so, screen placement matters: choose a position you can see without leaning across the boat or blocking other controls.
How do FishReveal and SplitShot sonar differ?
FishReveal combines CHIRP and DownScan on one screen, while the SplitShot transducer provides the two underlying views. CHIRP helps separate targets, and DownScan gives high-resolution images of structure.
This separate transducer is described as fitting HOOK² 5, 7, 9 and 12 models. Since the HOOK Reveal 5 has a different product name, check compatibility with Lowrance before buying it as a replacement or spare.
The HOOK Reveal range also includes a TripleShot configuration with High CHIRP, SideScan and DownScan Imaging. SideScan adds views beside the boat, while the SplitShot package focuses on sonar views below it.
The Lowrance HOOK fish finder size and sonar guide can help you compare screen sizes and sonar types. If you are deciding between another HOOK model and this one, see how to use a Lowrance HOOK 7 for a different screen size.
Are the built-in maps useful for your fishing?
The HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot includes C-MAP US inland mapping for almost 4,000 lakes. Coverage can help you plan around mapped contours, but check whether the lakes you fish are included and whether map detail meets your needs.
Genesis Live can create custom contour maps as you fish. That feature is useful if you want to build additional detail for local water, but it depends on recording the areas you care about rather than providing every contour in advance.
A map is one input, not a guarantee of a productive spot. Pair it with what you observe on the water and use sonar to inspect areas of interest.
For a general overview of what sonar can and cannot show, read do fish finders really work?.
Anglers who fish from shore or a small craft may also be comparing boat-mounted units with portable options. A guide to how castable fish finders work explains that different setup.
What should you check before installation?
Before installing the HOOK Reveal 5, check the display position, transducer location and power route. The included package has a mounting bracket, power cable, fuse and fuse holder, but your boat layout still determines what installation will work.
The included SplitShot transducer is designed for views below the boat. Follow Lowrance’s installation instructions for your hull and mounting position, and avoid choosing a location that could interfere with other equipment.
If you are buying a separate transducer, match it to the exact HOOK Reveal version. The Lowrance transducer guide can help compare options, but confirm compatibility before ordering.
A mounting bracket can make the display easier to position and reach. For a separate Lowrance display and mount comparison, see mounts for the Lowrance Eagle 7.
How does the HOOK Reveal 5 compare with the alternatives?
The HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot is the most complete fit here for someone choosing a whole fish finder with mapping. The other two entries are transducers, so they make sense when you are matching a replacement or considering a sonar configuration.
The SplitShot Skimmer offers CHIRP and DownScan views, with a built-in temperature sensor. Its compatibility details name HOOK² displays, so confirm fit with the specific unit you own.
The TripleShot Skimmer adds SideScan to High CHIRP and DownScan, and its details name HOOK Reveal and HOOK² fish finders. It is the more relevant comparison if you want views beside the boat, but check installation and model fit before buying.
Our scores weigh listed features and fit for the review’s search intent. The fish finder scores highly for bringing sonar, FishReveal and mapping together, while the transducers score for their specific sonar roles; compatibility remains a key check.
Who should choose the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5?
Choose the HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot if you want a compact display with FishReveal, SplitShot sonar and preloaded inland maps. It suits anglers who value seeing fish and structure together and are comfortable with a 5-inch screen.
Consider a TripleShot setup if SideScan is important to your fishing. Choose a larger display if you want more room to read maps and sonar, and verify the exact package and transducer before deciding.
If you are ready to compare current options, check Lowrance fish finder deals alongside the full model details. Pick the SplitShot HOOK Reveal 5 for its combination of sonar and maps, or choose a compatible TripleShot configuration when beside-boat views matter more.
Frequently asked questions
What comes with the Lowrance HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot?
The HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot package includes the fish finder, SplitShot Skimmer Transducer, mounting bracket, power cable, fuse and fuse holder, and corner clips. Check that your boat’s mounting location and power setup suit the unit before installation, and follow Lowrance’s instructions for placement and wiring.
Does the HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot have SideScan?
The SplitShot configuration described here provides high CHIRP and DownScan Imaging, not SideScan. Lowrance describes HOOK Reveal as available with TripleShot, which adds SideScan, so compare the included transducer and exact configuration if seeing structure beside the boat is a priority.
What maps are included with this HOOK Reveal 5?
This model comes with preloaded C-MAP US inland mapping for almost 4,000 lakes. It also supports Genesis Live custom contour mapping, which can help you record detail on a lake as you fish; check coverage for the waters you visit before relying on any map.
Can I use a SplitShot transducer with a HOOK Reveal 5?
The HOOK Reveal 5 SplitShot package includes a SplitShot transducer. If you are replacing or buying one separately, confirm the exact display compatibility first: the SplitShot Skimmer Transducer details name HOOK² models, while the TripleShot transducer details name both HOOK² and HOOK Reveal.
