Garmin Striker +4 - difference between the 77 and 200 kHz returns?

[wasabi_VA]

Finally getting some use out of the Garmin Striker +4 unit in my kayak. I still can't wrap my head around the difference in the 77 and 200 kHz returns. I use the split screen mode where I can see both 77 and 200 returns side by side. At times both seem to mark fish and structure but they mark them differently, and sometimes doesn't seem consistent.

 

Is the 77 kHz return better at clarifying structure and the 200 kHz return better at showing fish?

 

Yesterday I was getting what looked like fish returns. The 77 showed big arches, bright red in the center. The 200 showed much smaller returns, more like lines and blobs. Wasn't sure how to interpret that.

 

If it matters I'm usually fishing 5' to 15'.

 

 

[GrumpyOlPhartte]

The way I learned the basics of the Striker 4 series was to watch the series of YouTube videos produced by “1 Cast 1 Fish”. Very decent theory and application descriptions.  My personal experience is that in shallow water either setting is really only useful for identifying structure or marking locations where you have caught fish. In shallow water with a kayak, even the disruption from paddling or casting can spook the fish before your Garmin marks them. Of course, YMMV. In murky water or areas of heavy vegetation you may be able to drift over an area and mark fish, particularly in deeper water.  For me, the Garmin is a great tool for learning the shallow lakes I fish, but not so much for actually “seeing” fish.  In shallow water the cone doesn’t really cover much area so if the fish are spooked they can move just a few feet and you will never see them.

 

Just for fun, sit very quietly in your stationary yak, and watch the arcs as fish and/or other critters swim up to investigate.  Very interesting.

[Team9nine]

1 hour ago, wasabi_VA said:

Is the 77 kHz return better at clarifying structure and the 200 kHz return better at showing fish?

 

The 77 showed big arches, bright red in the center. The 200 showed much smaller returns, more like lines and blobs. Wasn't sure how to interpret that.

 

If it matters I'm usually fishing 5' to 15'.

 

Its the reverse from what you posted - 200 for clarifying structure and 77 for showing fish. The 77 kHz has a wider cone angle, so it will cover more area (potentially see more fish), and will typically display them larger and better. The 200 kHz will have a smaller cone, but better target resolution to separate individual fish or fish from the bottom.

 

Probably best to just pick one or the other frequency and then maximize screen area (single pane) instead of splitting. Some units (like Humminbird) will  let you run a combined single screen (83/200 kHz), which usually gives you the best of both worlds.