subject: Garmin 400C Dual Beam Fish Finder Features and Tips [print this page] The Garmin 400C Fish Finder is a great fish finder for freshwater fishing. It can also be used for salt water fishing, but an upgrade to a separate dual frequency transducer will be necessary. With its bright, high resolution, color display this Garmin fishfinder will help you to easily spot the fish even in bright sunlight. The display also has a backlight feature which allows for easy operation during your night fishing trips.
The Garmin 400 C fishfinder comes standard with a dual beam 80/200 kHz transducer that allows for depth penetration of up to 900 feet. (Keep in mind that murky or cloudy water can diminish the exact depth the fish finder can reach.) This transducer is best suited for freshwater fishing due to its depth penetration.
The dual beam transducer offers a 45 degree cone angle on the 80 kHz setting and a 14 degree cone angle on the 200 kHz setting. This feature will allow you to see a wide area at more shallow depths and will help you zone in on those hard to see fish at the deeper depths.
If saltwater fishing is in your future it is recommended to upgrade to a separate dual frequency transducer. The dual frequency model will penetrate up to 1500 feet and has cone angles of 45 degrees and 10 degrees depending on the setting. As with the dual beam transducer you will see a wider area at more shallow depths, but with this transducer you will be able to spot those hard to see fish up to depths approaching 1500 feet.
Whether you choose to catch fish in freshwater or saltwater this Garmin fishfinder can be a great tool for you.
Remember that this model comes standard with a dual beam transducer, but that you can buy a dual frequency transducer if desired.
FishFinder Tips
There are a few things to keep in mind when cleaning your fish finder's display. First, you should make it a habit to gently clean the fish finder display after every fishing trip. This best practice, along with the tips below, will keep it in good condition the longest.
When cleaning the unit's casing (except the display screen) use a damp cloth and mild detergent solution. Then wipe dry. Do NOT use chemical cleaners or solvents as these may damage any plastic components. To clean the display screen use an eye glass lens cleaner and a dry cloth. The reason for using this type of cleaner is because fish finder displays generally have an anti-reflective coating. Cleaners containing ammonia, anti-grease detergents, alcohol or abrasives can damage this coating so use an eye glass cleaner that specifically states it is for use on anti-reflective surfaces.
Most fish finders are also waterproof and withstand being submerged for short periods of time. (Check your model's owner's manual to be sure.) Be aware though that submersion for an extended period of time (generally over 30 minutes) may cause irreparable damage to the unit. If you fish finder is submerged, dry it with a clean cloth and then allow it to air dry completely before your next fishing trip.
Garmin 400C Dual Beam Fish Finder Features and Tips
