Planer boards are a game-changer for anglers seeking to cover more water and increase their chances of a successful fishing trip. These ingenious devices allow you to effectively troll multiple lures at varying depths and distances from your boat, significantly enhancing your fishing efficiency. This guide will delve into the intricacies of planer board fishing, providing you with the knowledge and skills to maximize your catch.
What are Planer Boards and How Do They Work?
Planer boards are small, aerodynamically designed boards that are attached to your fishing line using a specialized clip. They are deployed off the side of your boat and, as they are pulled through the water, they create a planing effect, pulling your lure away from the boat's wake. This allows you to fish multiple lures far from your boat, covering a much wider area and exploring diverse water depths. The boards themselves have a built-in release mechanism that allows the line to slip free if a fish strikes, preventing the loss of your tackle. They are available in various sizes and weights to suit different fishing conditions and lure types.
What are the Benefits of Using Planer Boards?
Using planer boards offers several significant advantages for anglers:
- Increased Coverage: Planer boards allow you to fish multiple lures far from your boat, effectively covering a much larger area of water. This dramatically increases your chances of encountering fish.
- Fishing Different Depths: By adjusting the release clip on the planer board line and the depth of your lure, you can fish at different depths, targeting various fish species that may reside at different levels in the water column.
- Avoidance of Boat Wake: The boat's wake can disrupt your lure's action, making it less appealing to fish. Planer boards effectively pull your lures far enough away to avoid this interference.
- Multiple Rod Capability: Using planer boards allows you to effectively deploy multiple fishing rods simultaneously, maximizing your fishing potential.
- Improved Lure Presentation: Keeping your lures away from the boat provides a more natural presentation, often increasing your hookup rate.
What Types of Planer Boards are Available?
Several types of planer boards are available, each with its strengths and weaknesses. The best type for you will depend on your fishing style and the conditions you typically face. These can include:
- In-line Planer Boards: These are the most common type, featuring a simple design that is easy to use and maintain.
- Offset Planer Boards: Designed to pull your lure at a specified angle, these are great for fishing around structure or in specific areas.
- Heavy-Duty Planer Boards: Built for larger, more powerful setups, these boards can handle heavier lines and larger lures.
Choosing the right size and type of planer board depends on factors such as boat speed, lure weight, and water conditions.
How to Rig and Use Planer Boards Effectively?
Rigging and using planer boards effectively involves several key steps:
- Choose the Right Boards: Select planer boards appropriate for your boat size, fishing conditions, and lure weight.
- Attach the Boards: Securely attach the boards to your fishing lines using the appropriate clips.
- Set the Depth: Adjust the release clip on the board's line to control the depth at which your lure runs.
- Adjust the Angle: Experiment with the angle at which you deploy the boards to cover various water areas.
- Maintain Line Tension: Keep a consistent line tension to ensure your lures maintain proper action and depth.
What Kind of Lures Work Best with Planer Boards?
Many different lures work well with planer boards, depending on the target species and water conditions. Popular choices include crankbaits, spoons, and in-line spinners. Experimenting with different lure types and colors will help you determine what works best in your fishing area.
How Do I Retrieve a Planer Board After a Fish Strikes?
When a fish strikes a lure pulled by a planer board, the line usually releases from the board’s clip, allowing the fish to run without resistance from the board itself. This allows the angler to fight the fish unimpeded and minimize the risk of losing both your fish and your equipment. Once the fish is landed, you simply reattach the planer board to the line and resume fishing.
What are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using Planer Boards?
Avoid these common mistakes to maximize your success with planer boards:
- Using the Wrong Boards: Incorrect board selection can lead to inefficient lure presentation and lost fishing opportunities.
- Incorrect Line Tension: Inadequate line tension will prevent your lures from running at the desired depth.
- Overloading Your Boat: Too many boards or lures can overload your boat and compromise the fishing experience.
- Ignoring Water Conditions: Ignoring water conditions and failing to adjust your technique accordingly can negatively impact your catch rate.
By understanding and avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll significantly enhance your success rate when fishing with planer boards. Mastering the art of planer board fishing adds a new dimension to trolling, helping you reach more fish and increase your chances of a successful and rewarding fishing experience.
