Dual-frequency transducer only for the deep?

[Mantas]

I'm interested in picking up a Garmin 250(btw- can I get a user review?).<br /><br />I keep reading that the dual frequency is great for deep water. It seems to me that with the 10/40 degree cone angles that the dual frequency would also be better for shallow water too because of the larger coverage with 40 degree cone angle and a detailed bottom from the 10 degree cone angle when compared to the stock 14 degree standard transducer that comes with the single frequency. <br /><br />What am I missing here? I know I'm confused on something.

 

[tailfin10]

Re: Dual-frequency transducer only for the deep?

Mantas,<br /> I have a Humminbird 200DX dual frequency on my<br />jon boat . It shows fish in the narrow beam as a solid symbol and wide beam as a hollow symbol. This is a low end finder but this feature does work . I have found it effective from say 10' to<br />60'. Have used it on the Mississippi , Ohio , and some local lakes . If I pass a piece of structure and show hollow symbols , I can <br />reposition boat over the same structure and mark those same fish with the solid symbol ,and sometimes I even catch them HA!

 

[Boatist]

Re: Dual-frequency transducer only for the deep?

Mantas<br />I think you will find the single 200khz tranducer is 20 degree cone angle. The dual frequency is 14/45 for 200/50khz. It is a shame they do not make a dual that is 20/45 cone angle. <br /><br />200khz frequency is better as seperating targets so a school of fish looks like several fish instead of one big blob. The 50khz also not as good at seeing a fish right on the bottom, offten would would just look like a high spot on the bottom.<br /><br />Still fishing areas with very flat bottoms you will probably see more fish off the bottom with a 50khz 45 degree. Also if you use down riggers much eaiser to see on the 50khz. <br /><br />If the bottom is very uneven, lots of rocks, stumps, trees, drop off will likely see more fish with the 200Khz 20 degree.<br /><br />See link below and you will see transducer you can get. For the best of both worlds get the dual frequency transducer and a 200khz 20 degree tranducers and just hook up the one that will work best for your area. <br /><br />People fishing deep salt water need the 50khz as it will work much better in deep salt water. Also in deep salt water the 200khz 14 degree transducer will work much deeper than a 20 degree.<br /><br /> http://shop.garmin.com/accessories_for_product.jsp?sku=010-00343-00

 

[Mantas]

Re: Dual-frequency transducer only for the deep?

Hmmmmmm, on page 6 of the PDF manual that goes to the 250 found here: http://www.garmin.com/products/manual.jsp?product=010-00343-00 <br /><br />It says this:<br />

<br />So they are throwing in a 14 degree on the single(instead of the 20 that comes with the ff240) and a 10/40 for the dual(same as the 240 Blue).<br /><br />Now I know I could get the ff250 without a transducer and get my own but that would raise the price considerably over the $220 that I can get the 010-00343-01(dual)for.

 

[Mantas]

Re: Dual-frequency transducer only for the deep?

I should add that this unit would be used in primarly shallow waters from 5-110 feet deep (Lake Michigan). It seems that the 15/45 transducer would be the better option for my situation but would cost an extra $100.

 

[Boatist]

Re: Dual-frequency transducer only for the deep?

Mantas<br />Interesting as if you click on accessories on your link you will see the<br />same units I gave your the link to.<br /><br />I think I would call Garmin and who ever you are looking to buy from<br />and comfirm which transducers you can get.<br />I never had a Garmin depthfinder and also never paid over $50 for a transducer.<br />I think the prices they list are list price and you can get cheaper.<br />Also I would ask Garmin and your dealer if they would swapp for the transducer you want.<br />You may find a dealer that will swapp for no charge.<br />Never fished Lake Michigan is the bottom pretty flat<br />or does it have lots of rocks and drop off.<br />If it is very ruff bottom you may be better off with a narrower transducer.<br /><br /><br />Come back and let up know what you find out.