How To Make Planer Boards For Trolling
If you’re an avid angler who enjoys trolling, you know that planer boards can be a game-changer. These simple devices allow you to spread out your lines and cover a larger area of water, increasing your chances of hooking that big catch. While you can buy planer boards from a store, making your own can be a fun and rewarding DIY project.
To make your own planer boards, you’ll need a few materials and some basic tools. Start with a sturdy, lightweight material like marine plywood or high-density polyethylene. Cut the material into rectangular shapes, making sure to round the corners to reduce drag. Next, attach clips or releases to one edge of each board, which will hold your fishing line securely.
Once you’ve prepared the boards, it’s time to attach the planer board releases. These releases will allow you to adjust the tension on your fishing line and control the distance the board travels from your boat. Attach the releases to the boards using stainless steel screws, making sure they are securely attached.
Finally, you’ll need to add a mast and tow line to your planer boards. The mast should be made from a sturdy material like aluminum or fiberglass, with a length that allows your planer boards to ride high above the water. Attach the mast to your boat using mounting brackets or clamps, making sure it is securely fastened. Then, attach the tow line to the mast and connect it to the releases on your planer boards. Adjust the tension on the tow line to ensure that the planer boards are riding at the desired distance from the boat.
Once you’ve assembled your planer boards, it’s time to hit the water and start trolling. Experiment with different setups and techniques to find what works best for you. With your homemade planer boards, you’ll be able to cover more water, target different depths, and increase your chances of catching more fish. Don’t be surprised if you start reeling in trophy-sized catches with your newly crafted planer boards!
What are Planer boards?
Planer boards are a crucial tool for any avid angler who wants to enhance their trolling game. These devices are specially designed to help the angler spread out their fishing lines and cover a wider area, increasing their chances of catching fish.
A planer board consists of a flat board that is typically made of wood, foam, or plastic. The main purpose of the board is to plane through the water, dragging the fishing line behind it. By attaching a planer board to your fishing line, you can position your bait or lure away from the boat, avoiding scaring away the fish with your presence.
How do planer boards work?
When using planer boards, you attach them to a separate line, known as a “planer board line,” which is connected to your fishing rod. The planer board line is longer than your main line and allows the planer board to move outwards from the boat. As the boat moves forward, the planer board planes through the water and takes your bait or lure away from the boat.
Planer boards are meant to be used in pairs, one on each side of the boat. This helps create separation between the fishing lines and prevents tangles. By utilizing multiple planer boards, you can cover a larger area of water, increasing your chances of finding active fish.
Benefits of using planer boards
There are several benefits to using planer boards for trolling. Firstly, they allow you to cover a wider area of water, which can be especially useful when fishing in large bodies of water. Additionally, planer boards help keep your fishing lines separated, minimizing tangles and allowing you to fish more efficiently. They also help position your bait or lure away from the boat, reducing the chances of scaring away fish.
Moreover, planer boards are particularly helpful when targeting fish that are suspended at a specific depth. By adjusting the position of your planer board, you can control the depth at which your bait or lure is presented. This flexibility increases your chances of enticing fish that may be holding at a certain depth.
In conclusion, planer boards are an essential tool for anglers looking to improve their trolling technique. By utilizing planer boards, you can cover more water, keep your lines separated, and target specific depths, all of which greatly enhance your chances of catching more fish.
Benefits of Using Planer Boards for Trolling
Planer boards are an essential tool for trolling, providing several benefits that can enhance your fishing experience. Here are some of the key advantages of using planer boards:
1. Increased Coverage
One of the main benefits of planer boards is that they allow you to cover a larger area of water while trolling. By attaching planer boards to your fishing line, you can spread out your lures and cover a wider path. This increases your chances of encountering fish and improves your overall fishing success.
2. Reduced Tangles
Trolling without planer boards often leads to tangled lines and frustration. However, using planer boards effectively eliminates this problem. The boards divert your fishing lines away from each other, keeping them separate and reducing the risk of tangling. This allows you to fish with multiple lines without the hassle of constant line tangles.
Additionally, planer boards help keep your lines at different depths, reducing the risk of crossed lines or lures getting tangled together. This makes trolling with planer boards a much smoother and hassle-free experience.
3. Precision Depth Control
When trolling with planer boards, you have better control over the depth at which your lures are running. By adjusting the position of the boards and the length of your line, you can target different depths and effectively present your lures at the desired level. This precision depth control allows you to adapt to changing conditions and increases your chances of catching fish.
4. Better Fish Attraction
Using planer boards can help attract more fish to your lures. With planer boards, you can spread out your baits, creating a wider and more realistic presentation. This mimics a school of baitfish, which can entice predatory fish to strike as they are drawn to the commotion and the abundance of potential prey.
Furthermore, planer boards allow you to position your lures farther away from your boat, reducing the noise and disturbance caused by the boat’s presence. This can make a significant difference in attracting fish that are more cautious or easily spooked.
In conclusion, planer boards offer numerous advantages when trolling. From increased coverage to reduced tangles, precise depth control, and improved fish attraction, planer boards can greatly enhance your fishing success and overall experience.
Increased Coverage Area
Trolling with planer boards can greatly increase the coverage area of your fishing efforts. Traditional trolling methods typically involve trailing lines directly behind the boat, limiting the area that can be effectively covered. By using planer boards, you can spread your lines out to the sides of the boat, covering a wider swath of water.
This increased coverage area allows you to target more fish and increases your chances of hooking into a trophy catch. It also reduces the likelihood of spooking fish, as the noise and presence of the boat is spread out over a larger area.
Planer boards work by pulling your fishing lines out to the side of the boat and holding them at a specific distance from the boat’s path. This allows you to present your baits or lures in a wider spread, mimicking a school of fish or a larger feeding area.
With planer boards, you can cover multiple depths and distances from the boat, effectively targeting fish that are holding at different levels in the water column. This versatility is particularly useful in situations where fish are scattered or holding in specific areas.
By covering a larger area with your planer boards, you increase your chances of finding fish and improve your overall success rate. Whether you’re trolling for walleye, salmon, or other gamefish, planer boards are a valuable tool for expanding your fishing horizons.
Reduced Tangles
Tired of dealing with tangled fishing lines while trolling? Planer boards can help reduce those frustrating tangles by providing a separate line for each setup. This allows you to spread out your lures and create distance between them, minimizing the chances of lines crossing over or tangling.
Using planer boards effectively can significantly reduce the time spent untangling lines and maximize your time on the water actually fishing. Additionally, less tangled lines mean less frustration and more enjoyable fishing experiences.
When setting up your planer boards, make sure to use quality lines that will resist tangling. Braided lines are often a good choice for this purpose as they have a smoother surface and are less likely to form knots and tangles. Additionally, properly storing your planer boards when not in use can also help prevent tangles. Consider using a dedicated storage system to keep your lines organized and tangle-free.
Pro tip: Regularly inspect and maintain your planer boards to ensure they are in good working condition. Replace any worn or damaged components such as clips or release pins to prevent lines from becoming tangled or snagged.
In conclusion, planer boards are a useful tool for trolling that can help reduce tangles and make your fishing trips more enjoyable. By using quality lines, proper storage, and regular maintenance, you can minimize the frustration of tangled lines and focus on what you love most – catching fish!
Improved Depth Control
When trolling with planer boards, one of the challenges is maintaining a consistent depth. However, there are several techniques you can use to improve depth control and increase your chances of a successful fishing excursion.
1. Weighted Snap-on Releases
One effective method to achieve better depth control is by using weighted snap-on releases. These releases can be clipped onto your planer board line to help keep your bait or lure at the desired depth. The added weight will help the line sink, allowing your bait to reach greater depths.
2. Adjustable Line Clips
Another option is to use planer boards with adjustable line clips. These clips allow you to position your fishing line at different depths, allowing for more precise depth control. By adjusting the position of the line clip, you can ensure your bait is running at the desired depth.
Table: Comparison of Weighted Snap-on Releases and Adjustable Line Clips
| Features | Weighted Snap-on Releases | Adjustable Line Clips |
|---|---|---|
| Depth Control | Helps maintain a consistent depth | Allows for precise depth control |
| Flexibility | Can be easily added or removed | Can be adjusted while trolling |
| Versatility | Can be used with different bait/lure types | Compatible with various line types |
By utilizing these techniques, you’ll have greater control over the depth at which your bait or lure is running. This increased control can significantly improve your chances of attracting and catching fish while trolling with planer boards.
How to Make Your Own Planer Boards
Planer boards are a great tool for trolling in the water. They help to spread out your fishing lines and cover a larger area, increasing your chances of catching fish. Buying planer boards can be expensive, but you can easily make your own with a few materials and some basic woodworking skills.
Materials Needed:
- Wooden board (e.g., plywood or pine board)
- Measuring tape
- Saw
- Sandpaper
- Drill
- Twine or fishing line
- Weight (e.g., fishing sinker)
- Clamps
- Paint or sealant (optional)
Step 1: Measurements
Start by measuring and marking the dimensions of your planer board on the wooden board. The size of the board will depend on your preference and the type of fish you are targeting. A typical size is around 8 inches wide and 18 inches long.
Step 2: Cutting
Using a saw, carefully cut along the marked lines to shape the board according to your measurements. Take your time to ensure clean and straight cuts.
Step 3: Sanding
After cutting, sand the edges and surfaces of the board to remove any roughness and splinters. Smooth out the board using sandpaper until it feels comfortable to handle.
Step 4: Drilling
Measure and mark the positions for the twine or fishing line attachment. These should be near the front and back edges of the board. Use a drill to make the holes, making sure they are large enough to fit the twine or fishing line through.
Step 5: Attaching the Twine
Cut two pieces of twine or fishing line, each about 3 times the length of the board. Thread one end of each piece through the front hole, pulling it all the way through until only a small loop remains. Tie a secure knot to hold the twine in place. Repeat this process for the back hole.
Step 6: Attaching the Weight
Attach a weight, such as a fishing sinker, to the bottom of the board. This will help keep the planer board stable in the water. Use clamps to secure the weight to the board, ensuring it is centered and secure.
Step 7: Finishing Touches
If desired, you can paint or seal the board to protect it from water damage. Choose a color that is highly visible in the water to make it easier to spot. Let the paint or sealant dry completely before using the planer board.
Now you’re ready to hit the water with your homemade planer boards. Experiment with different setups and techniques to find what works best for you and the fish you’re targeting. Happy trolling!
Questions and answers
What materials do I need to make planer boards for trolling?
To make planer boards for trolling, you will need the following materials: strong wood or plastic boards, metal screws or bolts, metal eyelets or rings, fishing line, clip-on releases, and optional accessories like flags or lights.
How do planer boards work for trolling?
Planer boards work by increasing your fishing spread and keeping your lures away from the boat. When properly attached to fishing lines, planer boards will carry your lines away from the boat, allowing you to cover a larger area and increase your chances of catching fish.
Is it difficult to make your own planer boards for trolling?
Making your own planer boards for trolling can be a fun and rewarding DIY project. It requires some basic woodworking or crafting skills, but with the right materials and instructions, it can be relatively easy to create custom planer boards that suit your fishing needs.
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