Maximize Your Fishing Success: How to Use Fishing Planer Boards

If you’re looking to increase your chances of catching fish, using fishing planer boards can be a game changer. Planer boards are essential tools for anglers who want to cover more water, present their baits in a precise manner and catch more fish.

For those who are new to fishing or just getting started with planer boards, it can be a bit overwhelming. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you learn how to use fishing planer boards and maximize your fishing success.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about fishing planer boards, including what they are, why you should use them, different types of planer boards, setting them up, rigging techniques, fishing techniques, tips for using them in different conditions, and much more. So, let’s get started and take your fishing game to the next level!

Keep reading to learn how you can use fishing planer boards to your advantage and become a more successful angler.

What are Fishing Planer Boards?

Fishing planer boards are a popular tool used by anglers to increase their chances of catching fish. Planer boards are flat boards that are attached to fishing lines, causing the baited hook or lure to be trolled away from the boat in a specific direction. This technique allows fishermen to cover more water, and target fish that are less likely to be spooked by the boat’s presence.

Planer boards can be used in a variety of fishing scenarios, including freshwater and saltwater fishing. They are particularly useful for targeting species such as walleye, salmon, trout, striped bass, and musky, which often stay close to the surface of the water or in a specific depth range. By using a planer board, you can keep your bait at the desired depth and away from the boat’s wake, increasing your chances of getting a bite.

There are a variety of fishing planer board types available, ranging from simple and inexpensive models to more advanced versions with features such as adjustable keels and release mechanisms. Some anglers even make their own custom planer boards, using materials such as foam, wood, or plastic. Whatever type of planer board you choose, mastering its use can greatly increase your fishing success.

Definition of Fishing Planer Boards

Column 1	Column 2	Column 3
What are they?	A fishing tool used to increase the amount of lines that can be trolled behind a boat or kayak.
How do they work?	Planer boards are designed to plane out to the sides of the boat, taking the fishing line along with them.
What are the benefits?	Planer boards allow anglers to cover more water and present their baits or lures in a wider swath than fishing with lines directly behind the boat.
What are the types?	There are different types of planer boards available, including inline planer boards, large planer boards, and mini planer boards.
What are they made of?	Planer boards are typically made of lightweight materials, such as foam or plastic, which makes them easy to transport and store.
How to use them?	Attaching a fishing line to a planer board requires a few simple steps that any angler can easily learn.

Planer boards are an effective tool for anglers who want to catch more fish. Whether you’re trolling for walleye, salmon, or other species, planer boards can help you cover more water and increase your chances of success. By using these simple devices, you can present your baits or lures in a wider swath and target more fish.

History of Fishing Planer Boards

Planer boards have been used by fishermen for decades to increase their chances of catching fish. The first planer boards were developed in the 1940s and were made of wood. These early boards were heavy and difficult to use, but they did the job. Over the years, improvements were made and planer boards became more efficient and easier to use.

In the 1980s, inline planer boards were introduced. These boards were lighter and more versatile than traditional planer boards. Inline planer boards could be used in a variety of water conditions, including choppy water and fast currents.

Today, planer boards are available in a wide range of sizes and styles. They are made from a variety of materials, including plastic, wood, and metal. Some planer boards are designed to be used with specific types of fishing lines, while others are designed to be used with any type of fishing line.

Despite the many advances in technology and materials, the basic concept of the planer board has remained the same. Planer boards are still used by fishermen all over the world to increase their chances of catching fish.

Why Use Fishing Planer Boards?

If you’re wondering why fishing planer boards are a must-have tool for fishing enthusiasts, here are some reasons:

Cover More Water: Planer boards can help you cover a larger area of water, increasing your chances of catching fish.

Reduce Tangles: Planer boards keep your lines separated, reducing the risk of tangles and saving you time and frustration.

Target Specific Depths: With planer boards, you can fish at specific depths by adjusting the placement of the board and the line attached to it.

Increase Stealth: Planer boards allow you to present your bait or lure away from the boat, reducing the likelihood of spooking fish with the noise and shadow of the boat.

Versatile: Planer boards can be used for a variety of fishing techniques, including trolling, drifting, and still fishing.

Increase Your Catch

Using fishing planer boards can greatly increase your catch. Planer boards allow you to cover a wider area and run more lines without spooking fish. They keep your bait at the desired depth and can help you target specific fish species.

Planer boards are especially useful when trolling for fish, as they allow you to fish multiple lines at different depths and distances from your boat. This increases your chances of attracting fish and getting more bites.

With planer boards, you can also fish in shallower waters without spooking the fish, as your boat stays farther away from the target area. This is particularly beneficial when targeting fish in clear water or in areas with heavy boat traffic.

In summary, using fishing planer boards can help you cover more water, target specific fish species, and increase your catch rate.

Fishing in Deep Waters

One of the biggest challenges for anglers when fishing in deep waters is that it can be difficult to keep track of where their lures are in the water. With fishing planer boards, however, this is no longer an issue. The boards allow for lures to be placed at a specific depth and distance from the boat, which is ideal for fishing in deep waters.

When trolling for fish in deep waters, the use of planer boards allows anglers to cover a larger area and increase their chances of finding fish. The boards enable the lures to be placed further out from the boat, covering more ground and increasing the likelihood of a strike.

In addition, fishing planer boards can also help in identifying areas of the water that are more likely to hold fish. By using boards to cover different depths and distances from the boat, anglers can quickly determine where the fish are biting and adjust their strategy accordingly.

Overall, the use of fishing planer boards in deep waters can significantly increase an angler’s chances of success. With their ability to cover more ground and place lures at specific depths, these boards are a valuable tool for any angler looking to catch more fish.

Types of Fishing Planer Boards

Inline Planer Boards: These planer boards attach directly to the fishing line, creating a more natural presentation and allowing the angler to cover more water.

Trolling Planer Boards: These boards are designed for trolling, and are typically larger and more buoyant than inline boards, making them better suited for rougher waters.

Church Tackle Planer Boards: These boards feature an adjustable keel weight that allows them to dive deeper, making them ideal for targeting fish that are holding deeper in the water column.

Electric Planer Boards: These boards use an electric motor to control the depth and direction of the board, making them ideal for anglers who want precise control over their presentation.

Jet Planer Boards: These boards feature a built-in water jet that allows them to plane out to the side and create a wide spread of lures behind the boat.

Choosing the right type of planer board will depend on the type of fishing you plan to do, the species of fish you are targeting, and the conditions you will be fishing in. Understanding the different types of planer boards and their unique features will help you make an informed decision and ultimately lead to more fishing success.

Inline Planer Boards

What are Inline Planer Boards? Inline planer boards are long and slender planer boards that are attached to the fishing line with a clip. They run parallel to the fishing line and stay underwater while the lure or bait is being trolled.

How do they work? The inline planer boards are designed to create a lateral tension on the fishing line, which causes the board to plane out to the side of the boat. This results in the lure or bait being pulled away from the boat at a 90-degree angle, increasing the area of water being covered.

Outrigger Planer Boards

Outrigger Planer Boards are a popular choice among offshore fishermen, especially when trolling for big game fish. They are designed to be attached to the outriggers on a fishing boat, which allows for the line to be spread out and away from the boat. This provides a wider coverage area and helps prevent tangles between multiple lines.

The outrigger planer boards are typically larger than inline planer boards and have a keel weight that helps them stay in the water even in rough conditions. They also have clips to attach the fishing lines, and some models even come with adjustable weights to allow for different depths of fishing.

Outrigger planer boards can be used with a variety of baits and lures, including live bait and artificial lures. They are particularly effective for catching larger fish such as marlin, sailfish, and tuna. The use of outrigger planer boards can significantly increase your chances of a successful catch on your next offshore fishing trip.

However, outrigger planer boards do require more setup and maintenance than inline planer boards. They require a specialized outrigger system on your boat, and you must make sure they are properly balanced and adjusted for the conditions you are fishing in. Additionally, outrigger planer boards can be more expensive than inline planer boards.

Despite these challenges, many offshore anglers swear by outrigger planer boards and consider them an essential piece of fishing equipment for their big game fishing adventures.

Setting Up Fishing Planer Boards

Setting up fishing planer boards is a simple process that can be done in a few easy steps. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Choose the Right Size Planer Boards: Depending on the size of your boat and the weight of your lures, you’ll need to choose the right size planer boards. The larger the board, the more weight it can handle.

Attach the Boards: Attach the planer boards to your fishing line using the clips provided. Make sure the boards are attached securely so they don’t come loose while you’re fishing.

Adjust the Depth: Adjust the depth of your planer boards by moving the clips up or down the line. This will determine how deep your lures will be in the water.

Deploy the Boards: Deploy your planer boards by casting them out into the water. As you reel in your line, the boards will take your lures away from your boat and into the fishing zone.

Monitor Your Boards: Keep an eye on your planer boards to make sure they’re running smoothly. If they start to spin or dive, adjust the clips to keep them on course.

Proper Rod and Reel Setup

Choosing the right rod and reel for fishing with planer boards is crucial. Opt for a medium to heavy power rod with a fast action tip. A 7 to 8-foot rod is ideal. Match the rod with a reel that has a high line capacity and smooth drag system.

Attach the planer board to the line using a release clip. Make sure the line is long enough to allow the board to move away from the boat. Keep the board at a 45-degree angle to the boat, and adjust the distance according to the target depth.

Use a planer board mast to hold the board in place and prevent tangling. This will help to keep the board in the correct position and prevent it from diving or popping up.

Using the Right Line

Consider the weight and thickness: When using fishing planer boards, it’s important to choose the right line. The line should be strong enough to handle the weight of the board, but thin enough to avoid drag. Monofilament line is a popular choice for planer board fishing as it is strong, durable, and has low visibility in the water.

Choose the right length: The length of the line will depend on the depth of the water you’re fishing in. For shallow water, a shorter line is ideal to keep the board close to the boat. In deeper waters, a longer line will allow the board to go deeper and cover more ground.

Opt for braided lines: Braided lines are an excellent choice for planer board fishing as they are strong and have a small diameter, allowing them to cut through the water with ease. They also have little to no stretch, allowing for better sensitivity and hook-setting.

Use fluorocarbon leaders: Fluorocarbon leaders are an excellent addition to your planer board setup as they are virtually invisible in the water. They are also abrasion-resistant, which is important when fishing in areas with rocks, logs, and other debris.

Don’t forget about backing: When using braided line, it’s important to have a backing of monofilament or fluorocarbon. This helps prevent the braid from slipping on the reel, which can cause tangles and knots.

How to Rig Fishing Planer Boards

Step 1: Attach the planer board to the line using a release clip. The clip should be set at the desired distance from the board.

Step 2: Connect a leader to the board using a snap swivel. The length of the leader should be long enough to keep the bait away from the board.

Step 3: Attach the bait to the leader and lower it into the water. Once the bait is at the desired depth, reel in the slack and set the hook.

Step-by-Step Rigging Process

First, attach the planer board release clip to the fishing line, making sure it is secure but not too tight to avoid damaging the line.

Next, slide the planer board onto the line and let it move freely until it reaches the release clip.

Tie a snap swivel onto the end of the line and attach the planer board to it.

Attach a leader line to the snap swivel and tie on the lure, making sure it is secure and properly placed.

Slowly let the line out into the water while holding onto the planer board with one hand.

Once the desired length of line is out, release the planer board and allow it to move away from the boat.

Common Fishing Rigs for Planer Boards

If you are new to fishing with planer boards, it can be overwhelming to decide on the right rig to use. Here are some common fishing rigs for planer boards:

1. In-line Planer Board Rigs: These rigs typically use a leader line that connects to a planer board and a weight or lure. They are commonly used for trolling.
2. Offshore Tackle OR16 Pro Weight System: This system uses a release clip that connects to the weight, allowing you to easily attach and detach the weight from the planer board. It is popular for deep water fishing.
3. Church Tackle Walleye Board: This board is designed to run quietly through the water and can be used for a variety of species. It has an adjustable keel weight to keep it from tipping over.
4. Downrigger Release: This is a simple rig that attaches the planer board to the downrigger cable. It is commonly used for salmon fishing.
5. Planer Bobber: This is a type of planer board that is used for suspended fish. It can be set to dive or float depending on the depth of the fish.

Experiment with different rigs and see what works best for you and the species you are targeting. Don’t be afraid to try new things!

Troubleshooting Your Rig

If you’re having issues with your fishing planer board rig, don’t worry – there are several common problems that can be easily fixed. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you get back on track:

• Tangled Lines: Make sure that your lines are not tangled or crossed, as this can cause the planer board to drag and not perform properly. Check your lines frequently and untangle them as needed.
• Planer Board Drifting: If your planer board is drifting off course, you may need to adjust the placement of your weight or the length of your leader line. Try experimenting with different weights and leader lengths until you find the right balance.
• Planer Board Not Diving: If your planer board is not diving properly, you may need to adjust the angle of your line or the size of your weight. Make sure that your line is at the proper angle and that your weight is the appropriate size for your setup.
• Line Breaks: If you’re experiencing frequent line breaks, you may need to check the quality of your line or adjust the tension on your reel. Make sure that your line is strong enough to handle the weight of your bait and adjust your reel tension as needed.

By following these troubleshooting tips and making any necessary adjustments to your rig, you’ll be back to fishing with your planer boards in no time.

Techniques for Fishing with Planer Boards

Spread out your lines: Using planer boards allows you to cover more water, so make sure to spread out your lines to cover a larger area. This will increase your chances of catching fish.

Adjust your board’s depth: Depending on the depth of the fish you’re targeting, adjust the depth of your planer board. This will allow you to reach fish at different depths and increase your chances of catching a variety of species.

Vary your speed: Experiment with your boat’s speed to find what works best for the fish you’re targeting. Some species prefer a slower trolling speed, while others will bite at a faster pace.

Watch your board: Keep a close eye on your planer board for any changes in direction or movement. This can indicate a fish on the line or a snag, and you’ll need to adjust your line accordingly.

Use light tackle: Planer board fishing requires a lighter tackle setup to prevent too much resistance from the planer board. Use light rods and reels, and adjust your drag settings for the best results.

Flatline Trolling

Definition: Flatline trolling involves attaching a lure to the end of a fishing line and trailing it behind a boat as it moves forward. The line is not attached to a planer board, but instead is allowed to trail freely behind the boat.

Benefits: Flatline trolling is a simple and effective way to fish for species such as striped bass and bluefish, which tend to stay near the surface. It is also a great way to cover a large area of water quickly, increasing the chances of finding fish.

Equipment: To flatline troll, you’ll need a sturdy fishing rod and reel, a fishing line with a high pound test, and a variety of lures in different colors and shapes. You’ll also need a boat with a trolling motor or an outboard motor that can move the boat slowly and steadily.

Leadcore Trolling

Leadcore Trolling is a technique that involves using a special type of fishing line that has a lead core, which allows you to get your bait or lure to a desired depth. Here are some tips for using leadcore while trolling:

• Choose the right leadcore line: Look for a leadcore line that has the correct pound test for the species of fish you are targeting and the type of water you are fishing in.
• Use a long rod: A longer rod will help you detect bites and set the hook more easily.
• Use the right lure: A lure with a diving lip or a heavy weight will help get the leadcore line down to the desired depth.
• Watch your depth finder: Use your depth finder to determine the depth at which the fish are holding and adjust your leadcore line accordingly.
• Slow down your trolling speed: Leadcore is heavier than other fishing lines, so it requires a slower trolling speed to get to the desired depth.

With these tips in mind, leadcore trolling can be a very effective technique for catching fish at a desired depth.

Tips for Using Fishing Planer Boards in Different Conditions

Windy conditions: In windy conditions, use heavier planer boards to keep them stable in the water. You can also use a longer leader to keep your bait farther away from the board and prevent it from tangling.

Deep waters: When fishing in deep waters, use heavier weights on your line to get your bait down to the desired depth. You may also want to consider using larger planer boards to help you cover more ground.

Shallow waters: In shallow waters, it’s important to use lighter weights on your line to prevent your bait from sinking too quickly. You can also use smaller planer boards to avoid spooking the fish.

Calm conditions: When the water is calm, you may want to use smaller planer boards to avoid spooking the fish. You can also use lighter weights on your line to keep your bait at the desired depth.

Fishing in Shallow Waters

Use lighter weights: When fishing in shallow waters, it’s essential to use lighter weights, as the water is not deep enough to require heavier weights to reach the desired depth.

Position the planer board closer to the boat: In shallow water, fish are more likely to be closer to the shore, so it’s essential to position the planer board closer to the boat.

Use smaller lures: In shallow waters, fish are more likely to be attracted to smaller lures, as they mimic the smaller baitfish that are common in these areas.

Fishing in Currents

When fishing in strong currents, it’s important to use heavier weights to keep your lines down and prevent them from drifting too far away from your boat. You may also need to adjust the angle of your planer boards to ensure that they are not being pulled too far upstream.

Another useful technique for fishing in currents is to stagger your lines by length, with shorter lines closer to the boat and longer lines further away. This can help you cover a wider area and increase your chances of catching fish.

If you’re fishing in a river with a strong current, consider using a drift sock or sea anchor to slow down your boat and keep it in position. This can help you maintain control of your lines and prevent them from becoming tangled or snagged.

Finally, when fishing in currents, be patient and allow your baits to drift naturally. Fish are more likely to strike when the bait is moving at the same speed as the current, so avoid reeling in your lines too quickly or jerking them around.

Frequently Asked Questions