How To Adjust Planer Boards
Planer boards are essential tools for anglers looking to cover a larger area and increase their chances of catching fish. These boards are attached to fishing lines and are designed to spread the lines out to the side of the boat, creating a wider fishing zone. However, simply attaching planer boards to your lines is not enough to ensure success. Proper adjustment of the boards is crucial to achieving optimal performance.
One of the most important aspects of adjusting planer boards is their distance from the boat. The boards should be positioned far enough away from the boat to avoid spooking the fish, yet close enough to maintain control and visibility. This distance can vary depending on factors such as water conditions and the target species. It is generally recommended to start with a distance of around 50 to 100 feet and make adjustments based on the results.
Another key adjustment to consider is the angle of the boards in relation to the direction of the boat. The angle determines the direction in which the lines will be pulled by the boards. Angling the boards too far away from the boat can cause the lines to tangle, while angling them too close can limit their effectiveness in spreading out the lines. Finding the right angle requires experimentation and observation of the lines’ behavior.
In addition to distance and angle, the depth at which the boards run can also be adjusted. This is especially important when targeting specific species that inhabit certain water depths. Adjusting the depth can be done by adding weight to the lines or using different types of planer boards that are designed to run at different depths. It is important to note that adjusting the depth may require additional modifications to the rigging.
Overall, adjusting planer boards properly is a skill that comes with experience and understanding of the fishing conditions and target species. Taking the time to adjust the boards correctly can greatly increase the chances of success and make the fishing experience more enjoyable. So, next time you head out with your planer boards, take the time to fine-tune their settings and get ready for a productive day on the water.
What Are Planer Boards
Planer boards are devices used by anglers to spread out fishing lines horizontally when trolling from a boat. They are especially popular in freshwater fishing, particularly for species like walleye, salmon, and trout. Planer boards are especially effective when fishing in situations where multiple lines need to be spread apart to cover a wider area.
How do planer boards work?
A planer board consists of a mast, which is attached to the boat, and a planer board that is connected to the mast. The fishing line is attached to the planer board, which is then deployed sideways from the boat. As the boat moves forward, the planer board is pulled outward, spreading the fishing line away from the boat.
One end of the planer board is attached to the mast, while the other end is attached to a line release mechanism. When a fish strikes and pulls on the fishing line, the line release mechanism releases the planer board, allowing the angler to fight the fish without the drag of the planer board.
Why use planer boards?
Planer boards allow anglers to present their bait or lures over a wider area, increasing the chances of attracting fish. By spreading out the fishing lines, planer boards help prevent tangles, allowing multiple lines to be fished simultaneously. This is especially useful when trolling with multiple rods or when fishing in a group.
Using planer boards also allows for better coverage of the water column. By varying the depth at which the planer board and fishing line are set, anglers can target fish at different depths simultaneously, increasing the chances of success.
Types of planer boards
There are several types of planer boards available on the market, including in-line planer boards, fixed planer boards, and mast-style planer boards. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, but they all serve the same purpose of spreading out fishing lines.
In-line planer boards are attached directly to the fishing line. They are lightweight and easy to use, but they can sometimes create additional drag on the line, affecting the presentation of the bait or lure.
Fixed planer boards are attached to a separate line or planer board line and can be adjusted for depth and distance from the boat. They are generally more stable and offer better control, but they require additional setup and may take some practice to use effectively.
Mast-style planer boards are mounted on a mast attached to the boat. They provide the most stability and control, allowing for precise adjustments of both depth and distance. However, they can be more cumbersome to set up and may require additional equipment.
Overall, planer boards are a valuable tool for anglers looking to cover more water and increase their chances of success. By spreading out fishing lines and presenting baits or lures at different depths, planer boards can help attract more fish and improve overall fishing efficiency.
Benefits of Using Planer Boards
Planer boards are essential tools for anglers looking to target fish in various water conditions. Designed to be attached to fishing lines, planer boards provide several benefits that enhance a fishing experience. Here are some advantages of using planer boards:
1. Increased Coverage
One of the main benefits of using planer boards is the ability to cover a larger area of water. By deploying planer boards, anglers can spread their lines out wide, allowing them to fish multiple lines simultaneously. This increased coverage significantly enhances the chances of catching more fish, as it creates a wider fishing zone.
2. Reduced Tangles
Tangled lines can be a nightmare for any angler. However, planer boards help mitigate the risk of tangles. By utilizing planer boards, anglers can keep their lines separated and prevent them from crossing over each other, reducing the chances of tangles. This allows for a smoother fishing experience and more time spent fishing rather than dealing with line tangles.
3. Precise Depth Control
Another advantage of planer boards is their ability to provide precise depth control when fishing. By adjusting the placement of the planer boards, anglers can determine at what depth their baits or lures will run. This level of control enables anglers to target specific species of fish that may be holding at different depths.
4. Stealthy Approach
Planer boards also provide a stealthy approach when fishing. As the boards carry the fishing lines away from the boat, it reduces the chance of spooking fish with the presence of the boat or its motor. This stealthy approach gives anglers an advantage by allowing them to get closer to the fish without causing any disturbances.
5. Better Line Spread
Using planer boards helps create a better line spread, especially when fishing with multiple lines. The boards keep the lines extended from the boat, preventing them from tangling and increasing the separation between each line. This improved line spread allows for better lure presentation and increases the chances of attracting fish to multiple lines at once.
| Benefits of Using Planer Boards |
|---|
| Increased Coverage |
| Reduced Tangles |
| Precise Depth Control |
| Stealthy Approach |
| Better Line Spread |
Adjusting Planer Boards
Planer boards are an essential tool for anglers who want to cover more water and increase their chances of catching fish. However, simply attaching the boards to your fishing line is not enough to ensure success. Properly adjusting the planer boards is crucial for achieving optimal performance.
Step 1: Board Positioning
Start by positioning the planer boards correctly. Attach them to your fishing line, making sure they are evenly spaced on both sides of the boat. The boards should be far enough away from the boat to prevent spooking the fish but close enough that they can be easily controlled.
Step 2: Adjusting Tension
The next step is to adjust the tension of the planer boards. The tension should be set based on the size of your lures, the depth at which you want to fish, and the speed at which you are trolling. Generally, a higher tension setting is needed for larger lures and when fishing deeper depths.
Start by releasing the board and allowing it to move away from the boat. Then, tighten the tension nut until the board pulls back slightly when in the water. You want the board to run straight without diving too deep or popping out of the water. Experiment with different tension settings until you find the one that works best for your fishing conditions.
Step 3: Balancing the Boards
It is important to ensure that the planer boards are balanced correctly. If one side of the board is heavier than the other, it will cause the board to tilt to one side or stay submerged. This can affect the performance and make it difficult to control the boards.
To balance the boards, use small weights or adjust the position of the line clips. Add weights to the lighter side or move the line clips closer or farther away from the board to find the right balance. The boards should run parallel to the water’s surface with only a slight tilt.
Remember, adjusting planer boards may require some trial and error. Different fishing conditions, such as wind speed, current, and water depth, can affect the performance of the boards. Experiment with different adjustments until you find the setup that works best for you and maximizes your chances of catching fish.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Positioning the planer boards on the fishing line. |
| Step 2 | Adjusting the tension based on lure size, depth, and trolling speed. |
| Step 3 | Balance the boards to ensure proper performance. |
Tips and Best Practices
When it comes to adjusting planer boards, there are several tips and best practices to keep in mind to ensure optimal performance and success. Here are some guidelines to follow:
1. Positioning
Properly positioning your planer boards is crucial for effective use. Place the boards far out to the sides of your boat, ideally at a 45-degree angle. This will create a wider spread of your fishing lines and reduce the chance of tangles.
2. Board Separation
Ensure that your planer boards are spread out at an even distance from each other. This will help maintain balance and prevent one board from overpowering the other, especially when dealing with strong currents or winds.
3. Tension and Depth
Adjusting the tension of the planer board’s release clip is essential. Too much tension can cause the clip to not release properly, while too little tension can cause unintentional releases. Experiment with different tensions until you find the right one for your fishing conditions.
In terms of depth, consider adjusting the position of your planer boards based on the depth at which you want to fish. This can be done by using adjustable keel weights or by changing the length of the line between the board and your fishing lure.
4. Speed and Direction
The speed at which you troll can affect the performance of your planer boards. Faster speeds may require additional adjustments to maintain control and keep the boards from flipping or diving. Additionally, pay attention to the direction of your boat’s movement and adjust the boards accordingly to maintain a consistent spread.
5. Checking and Maintenance
Regularly check the condition of your planer boards, release clips, and lines for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any worn out or damaged components to ensure reliable performance. Clean and lubricate all moving parts to keep them in good working order.
Furthermore, it’s important to practice using planer boards and experiment with different setups to find what works best for your fishing style and conditions. Don’t be afraid to make adjustments and try new techniques!
Questions and answers
What is a planer board?
A planer board is a device used in fishing to spread fishing lines out to the side of the boat, allowing for a wider spread of lures and increasing the chances of catching fish.
Why should I use planer boards when fishing?
Using planer boards when fishing allows you to cover a larger area of water and increases your chances of catching fish. It also helps to reduce tangles and allows you to fish multiple lines at different depths.
How do I adjust planer boards?
To adjust planer boards, you first need to attach them to your fishing line and let out the desired amount of line. You can then adjust the angle of the board by moving the attachment point on the planer mast. You can also adjust the depth of the board by adding or removing weight.
What are some tips for adjusting planer boards?
Some tips for adjusting planer boards include experimenting with different depths and distances from the boat, using different size planer boards for different conditions, and adjusting the angle of the board to match the current and wind conditions. It is also important to regularly check and adjust the position of the planer boards while fishing.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when adjusting planer boards?
Some common mistakes to avoid when adjusting planer boards include using too much or too little line, not adjusting the angle of the board to match the current and wind conditions, not regularly checking and adjusting the position of the boards while fishing, and not using enough weight to keep the boards at the desired depth.
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