By Emmett PorterA fish finder’s sonar view determines what you see beneath and around your boat. The Garmin STRIKER Plus owner’s manual describes traditional sonar, Garmin ClearVü down-looking scanning sonar, SideVü side-scanning sonar and a flasher view, and it lists four basic screen layouts: full-screen, split-screen, split-zoom and split-frequency. Understanding these fish finder sonar types helps you pick the right transducer and settings for the water you fish.
Traditional sonar view
According to the Garmin STRIKER Plus manual, the full-screen Traditional sonar view shows a large image of the sonar readings from a transducer. A range scale along the right side of the screen indicates the depth of detected objects as the image scrolls from right to left. The display marks suspended targets (fish) and the bottom of the body of water. This classic 2D view works with the included transducer or any compatible dual-beam or dual-frequency transducer. If you are learning to interpret sonar returns, our guide on how to read a fish finder screen walks through the basics.
Garmin ClearVü sonar view
The manual notes that to receive Garmin ClearVü scanning sonar, you need a compatible ClearVü transducer. ClearVü high-frequency sonar provides a detailed picture of the fishing environment around the boat, showing a clear representation of structures the boat passes over. Traditional transducers emit a conical beam, but ClearVü technology emits a beam similar to the shape of a copy machine’s beam. This produces a clearer, picture-like image of what is directly beneath the boat. Because the view relies on a specific transducer, it is not available with every fish finder setup. For a broader look at how different fish finder designs work, see our portable vs castable vs mounted fish finders article.
SideVü sonar view
Garmin’s manual states that to receive SideVü scanning sonar, you need a compatible SideVü transducer. SideVü technology shows a picture of what lies to the sides of the boat. The screen marks the left and right sides, the transducer location, and objects such as logs, old tires, and trees. A distance scale from the side of the boat helps you judge how far away structures and fish are. The manual suggests using it as a search tool to find structures and fish. If you fish from a small craft, our kayak fish finder setup guide covers transducer mounting and power.
CHIRP and frequency choices
The Garmin STRIKER Plus manual explains that the frequencies available depend on the transducer being used. Higher frequencies use narrow beam widths and are better for high-speed operation and rough sea conditions. They can also improve bottom definition and thermocline definition. Lower frequencies use wider beam widths, which let the fisherman see more targets but can generate more surface noise and reduce bottom signal continuity in rough seas. Wider beams produce larger arches for fish target returns, making them ideal for locating fish, and they perform better in deep water because lower frequencies have better deep water penetration.
CHIRP sonar sweeps each pulse through a range of frequencies. According to the manual, this results in better target separation in deep water and can distinctly identify individual fish in a school. CHIRP generally performs better than single-frequency applications. Some transducers also let you customize preset frequencies for each transducer element, so you can change the frequency quickly as conditions and goals change. Viewing two frequencies concurrently on the split-frequency screen allows you to see deeper with the lower frequency return while still seeing more detail from the higher frequency return. The manual also reminds users to always follow local regulations on sonar frequencies; for example, to protect orca whale pods, you might be prohibited from using frequencies between 50 to 80 kHz within half a mile of a pod.
Split-screen and flasher views
The split-frequency screen, as described in the manual, lets you view two frequencies side by side. The flasher view shows sonar information on a circular depth scale that indicates what is beneath your boat. The ring starts at the top and progresses clockwise, with depth shown by the scale inside the ring. Sonar information flashes on the ring when it is received at the indicated depth, and the colors represent different strengths of the sonar return. Some models require you to add the flasher page to the home screen before you can use it. A split-zoom view is also available: a full-view graph of sonar readings appears on the right, and a magnified portion of that graph appears on the left. Ice anglers often compare this kind of display with a dedicated flasher; our ice fishing flasher vs fish finder comparison covers the differences.
How to choose the right sonar view
The table below summarizes the main sonar views, what they show, and the transducer each one needs, based on the Garmin STRIKER Plus owner’s manual.
| Sonar view | What it shows | Transducer needed |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional | Scrolling 2D image of sonar returns, suspended fish, and bottom contour | Any compatible transducer (dual beam or dual frequency) |
| Garmin ClearVü | Detailed, picture-like image of structures directly below the boat | Compatible Garmin ClearVü transducer |
| SideVü | Picture of structures and fish to the left and right of the boat | Compatible SideVü transducer |
| Flasher | Real-time circular depth display with color-coded return strength | The connected transducer; on some models you add the Flasher page to the Home screen first |
| Split-frequency | Two frequencies side by side for comparing deep and shallow detail | Transducer that supports multiple frequencies |
| CHIRP | Not a view but a sonar technology that sweeps a range of frequencies for better target separation | CHIRP-capable transducer |
Setup and care tips
The Garmin manual outlines several settings that affect how each sonar view performs. You can select the transducer type under Settings > My Vessel > Transducer Type; options include Dual Beam (200/77 kHz) and Dual Frequency (200/50 kHz). Gain controls the sensitivity of the sonar receiver. You can set it automatically (Auto High, Auto Med, or Auto Low) or manually to reduce screen clutter. Adjusting the range of the depth scale, setting the scroll speed, and turning on the depth line all help you focus on the water column you care about. For noisy environments, the noise rejection settings (Interference, Surface Noise, and TVG) can clean up the display. Appearance options let you change the color scheme, highlight the bottom edge, turn on the A-Scope vertical flasher, and configure how suspended targets appear as fish symbols.
Before connecting a transducer, the manual says to select the transducer type; the name is printed on the label on the transducer cable near the connector. It also covers software updates through the ActiveCaptain app, a keel offset that measures depth from the bottom of the keel instead of the transducer location, a temperature offset for a temperature-capable transducer, and sonar alarms. Remember that fishing rules (licenses, gear, size and bag limits) vary by state and water; always check your state wildlife agency’s regulations before heading out. For more on choosing and using fish finders, browse our fish finder guides.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between traditional and ClearVü sonar?
The Garmin STRIKER Plus manual describes traditional sonar as a full-screen view that shows a scrolling image of sonar returns with a depth scale. ClearVü uses a beam shaped like a copy machine’s beam to produce a clearer, picture-like image of structures directly beneath the boat. Traditional sonar works with a standard transducer, while ClearVü requires a compatible Garmin ClearVü transducer.
Do I need a special transducer for SideVü?
Yes. According to the manual, to receive SideVü scanning sonar you need a compatible SideVü transducer. The view shows what lies to the left and right of the boat, and it will not appear without the correct transducer connected.
Can I use CHIRP with any fish finder?
CHIRP is a sonar technology that sweeps each pulse through a range of frequencies for better target separation. The manual states that the frequencies available depend on the transducer being used, so you need a CHIRP-capable transducer to take advantage of CHIRP. Not all transducers support it.
For more help picking the right sonar setup, visit our fish finder category page.
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About Emmett Porter
Emmett covers beginner & family fishing, comparing specs, features and long-term owner feedback to help readers choose with confidence.
