A planer board is a specialized device used in trolling fishing techniques to spread fishing lines horizontally across a wider area behind a boat. It’s particularly popular in situations where anglers want to cover a larger span of water and deploy multiple lines at varying distances from the boat. Planer boards are commonly used in both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Key features of a planer board include:
- Board Design: A planer board is typically a flat board that is buoyant and designed to ride on the surface of the water. It may be constructed from materials like foam, plastic, or wood.
- Attachment Points: Planer boards are attached to the fishing line by release clips or other attachment mechanisms. The line is usually clipped onto the board’s tow arm.
- Tow Arm: The tow arm is a protruding arm on the board that extends forward and away from the boat. The fishing line is attached to this arm, allowing the board to move laterally along the water’s surface.
- Directional Control: Some planer boards are designed with features that allow anglers to control the direction and distance of the board from the boat. This is often achieved through adjustable tow arms, keels, or other design elements.
- Left and Right Boards: Planer boards are usually designed for specific sides of the boat—left (port) and right (starboard). This allows anglers to deploy multiple lines on each side of the boat without tangling.
How Planer Boards are Used:
- Deployment: The planer board is attached to the fishing line, and the line is then deployed into the water.
- Trolling: As the boat moves forward, the planer board moves away from the boat, carrying the fishing line with it. This allows anglers to cover a broader area of water.
- Multiple Lines: Anglers often use multiple planer boards on each side of the boat, allowing them to troll several lines simultaneously at different distances and depths.
- Visibility: Planer boards make it easier to see when a fish strikes, as the board may dip or move when a fish is hooked.
Planer boards are commonly used for species like walleye, salmon, trout, striped bass, and other predatory fish. They are a valuable tool for trolling anglers who want to maximize their coverage of the water and increase the chances of hooking fish.