Adjusting the frequency helps adapt the sonar for your particular goals and the present depth of the water.

Higher frequencies use narrow beam widths, and are better for high-speed operation and rough sea conditions. Bottom definition and thermocline definition can be better when using a higher frequency.

Lower frequencies use wider beam widths, which can let the fisherman see more targets, but could also generate more surface noise and reduce bottom signal continuity during rough sea conditions. Wider beam widths generate larger arches for fish target returns, making them ideal for locating fish. Wider beam widths also perform better in deep water, because the lower frequency has better deep water penetration.

CHIRP frequencies allow you to sweep each pulse through a range of frequencies, resulting in better target separation in deep water. CHIRP can be used to distinctly identify targets, like individual fish in a school, and for deep water applications. CHIRP generally performs better than single frequency applications. Because some fish targets may show up better using a fixed frequency, you should consider your goals and water conditions when using CHIRP frequencies.

Some sonar black boxes and transducers also provide the ability to customize preset frequencies for each transducer element, which enables you to change the frequency quickly using the presets as the water and your goals change.

Viewing two frequencies concurrently using the split-frequency view allows you to see deeper with the lower frequency return and, at the same time, see more detail from the higher frequency return.