How To Run Planer Boards
If you’re an angler looking to maximize your chances of catching fish, planer boards can be a game-changer. These simple yet effective tools allow you to spread out your fishing lines and cover a larger area, increasing your chances of attracting and hooking fish. Whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater, using planer boards can help you become a more successful angler.
So, how do you run planer boards? The process is relatively straightforward, but it’s essential to follow a few key steps to ensure optimal results. First, you’ll need to attach the planer board to your fishing line, making sure to choose the appropriate size for your fishing conditions. Then, deploy the planer board by casting it into the water and allowing it to move away from the boat. Once the planer board is in position, attach your baited hook or lure to the fishing line and send it out to the desired distance.
As the fishing line is deployed, the planer board will be pulled away from the boat, creating a wider spread of your fishing lines. This spread allows you to cover a larger area of water, increasing your chances of finding fish. To maintain control and prevent tangles, it’s important to adjust the tension on the planer board as needed. Additionally, keeping an eye on the position and movement of the planer board is crucial for detecting strikes and potential fish activity.
Using planer boards adds another dimension to your fishing strategy, enabling you to target different depths and areas simultaneously. This technique is particularly useful when trolling for species such as walleye, musky, salmon, or trout. By running multiple planer boards at varying distances and depths, you can effectively “spread out” your offerings and increase your chances of catching fish. So, if you’re looking to take your fishing game to the next level, give planer boards a try and see the difference they can make.
What are Planer Boards?
A planer board is a fishing accessory that is used to help spread out fishing lines and increase the chances of catching more fish. It is commonly used in trolling techniques, especially in situations where multiple fishing lines need to be deployed at different depths and distances from the boat.
A planer board consists of a mast or mast system, a planer body, and a line release mechanism. The mast is usually attached to the side of the boat, either by clamps or with specialized mounting brackets. The planer body is connected to the mast and is designed to float on the water’s surface while carrying the fishing line away from the boat. The line release mechanism is used to attach and release the fishing line from the planer board.
The primary purpose of a planer board is to help separate the fishing lines, allowing anglers to cover a larger area of water. By spreading out the lines, planer boards help reduce the chance of lines getting tangled or crossed. This is especially important when trolling with multiple lines, as it allows for more lines to be deployed without interfering with each other.
Planer boards also allow anglers to fish at different depths and distances from the boat. By adjusting the position of the planer board along the mast and the length of line released, anglers can effectively target fish that are swimming at different depths. This versatility increases the chances of attracting and catching fish.
There are different types of planer boards available, including in-line planer boards and mast-style planer boards. In-line planer boards are attached directly to the fishing line, while mast-style planer boards are connected to a mast system and are used for trolling with multiple lines. Each type has its own advantages and is suited for different fishing situations.
In-line Planer Boards
In-line planer boards are smaller and more compact compared to mast-style planer boards. They are designed to be attached directly to the fishing line and are effective for trolling with one or two lines. In-line planer boards are commonly used in situations where a boat does not have a dedicated planer board mast system.
Mast-Style Planer Boards
Mast-style planer boards are larger and more versatile compared to in-line planer boards. They are designed to be used with multiple lines, allowing anglers to cover a larger area of water. Mast-style planer boards require a dedicated mast system that is attached to the boat. They are commonly used in professional or tournament fishing where multiple lines need to be deployed.
How to Set Up Planer Boards
If you are an avid angler looking to maximize your chances of catching fish, using planer boards can be a game-changer. Planer boards enable you to spread your fishing lines out to the sides of your boat, covering a larger area and increasing your chances of attracting fish. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up planer boards for a successful fishing trip:
1. Gather the necessary equipment
Before you can set up planer boards, make sure you have all the necessary equipment. You will need planer boards, planer board line, planer board clips, release clips, fishing lines, fishing rods, lures or bait, and a boat with rod holders.
2. Attach the planer boards to your boat
Start by attaching the planer boards to your boat. Secure them to the boat’s gunwale or attach them using a planer board mast or planer board tree. Make sure the planer boards are securely fastened to prevent them from coming loose during use.
3. Rig the planer board lines
Next, rig the planer board lines on each side of the boat. Tie the planer board line to the tow arm or trailing flag of the planer board. Make sure the line is securely tied using a reliable knot. Then feed the planer board line through the line clip or release clip on the planer board.
4. Attach the fishing lines
After rigging the planer board lines, attach the fishing lines to the planer boards using release clips. Open the release clips on the planer board and insert the fishing line. Close the release clip securely to hold the fishing line in place, but ensure it can release when a fish strikes.
5. Deploy the planer boards
Once the planer boards are rigged and the fishing lines are attached, it’s time to deploy them into the water. Slowly release the planer boards away from the boat, allowing them to move to the sides while carrying the fishing lines with them. Make sure the planer boards are positioned at a distance from the boat, spreading out the lines effectively. You can use planer board releases or rubber bands to set the desired distance between the boat and the planer boards.
6. Monitor and adjust
Keep a close eye on the planer boards while fishing. Watch for any signs of fish strikes or unusual behavior of the planer boards. If a fish strikes, the planer board will go under water or change direction, indicating a potential catch. Additionally, monitor the tension on the planer board lines to ensure they are not tangled or twisted.
By following these steps and using planer boards effectively, you can significantly increase your chances of catching fish while fishing from a boat. Planer boards are a valuable tool that can help you cover more water and attract fish in a wider area, improving your overall fishing success.
Tips for Running Planer Boards
Planer boards are a useful tool for trolling, allowing you to cover more water and present multiple lines without tangling. However, they can take some skill to use effectively. Here are some tips to help you run planer boards like a pro:
1. Choose the right board: There are different types of planer boards available, so make sure to choose the one that suits your needs. Consider factors like board size, material, and weight capacity.
2. Rigging: Proper rigging is crucial for successful planer board fishing. Use quality clips, releases, and leaders to ensure secure connections that won’t fail when a fish strikes.
3. Plan your spread: Before deploying your planer boards, consider the spread you want to present. Place your boards at different distances from your boat and stagger the lines to cover a wider area.
4. Adjustments: Monitor the position of your planer boards and make adjustments as needed. If one board is running too far back or too close to the boat, adjust your line length or move the board accordingly.
5. Speed control: The speed at which you troll can affect the performance of your planer boards. Experiment with different speeds to find the optimal trolling speed for the conditions and the depth you want to target.
6. Be patient: Planer board fishing requires patience. It may take some time to get the hang of running boards effectively and to start getting bites. Stick with it and stay persistent.
7. Safety: Always prioritize safety when using planer boards. Be aware of other boaters and maintain a safe distance. Also, keep a close eye on your lines to avoid tangles or snags.
8. Practice: Practice makes perfect when it comes to running planer boards. The more you use them, the better you’ll become at controlling their movement and maximizing their effectiveness.
Following these tips will help you become a more proficient angler when using planer boards. Remember to experiment, adapt to conditions, and stay patient, and you’ll be reeling in fish in no time!
Questions and answers
What are planer boards used for?
Planer boards are used in fishing to spread out multiple lines and create a wider fishing area.
How do planer boards work?
Planer boards are attached to fishing lines and are designed to plane off to the side of the boat. They are then controlled by a combination of the boat’s forward movement and a tow line. The boards hold the fishing line away from the boat, allowing for a wider spread of lines.
What kind of fish can be caught using planer boards?
Planer boards are commonly used to catch walleye, salmon, trout, and other species that are found in open water.
Can planer boards be used in any body of water?
Planer boards can be used in both freshwater and saltwater bodies of water. However, they are typically more commonly used in larger bodies of water such as lakes, rivers, and the Great Lakes.
Are there different types of planer boards?
Yes, there are different types of planer boards available on the market. Some common types include inline planer boards, side planer boards, and mast planer boards. Each type has its own advantages and may be better suited for different fishing situations.
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