Main reason is being able to run multiple lines (normally 3 each, 2 during the NWT tourney) but also for getting baits away from the boat in ultra-clear water. Can see down 20-ish feet in some areas here, wonder how far a walleye can see?
Safe to say Robert Cardenas digs ’em:
Planer boards can seem intimidating to someone that’s never ran ’em, but it’s easy as clipping a couple of snaps on the line and sending ’em out. Recommend hopping in the boat with someone and getting their planer board 101 course to see for yourself.
Few random planer board tips from chatting with Mike Olson of Fish Addictions TV:
> Tattle flags: Spring loaded tension so if there’s a change of weight it goes down. Help make sure 1) you’re not dragging around a small fish, 2) the baits aren’t fouled and 3) can help detect bites in rough water. Gotta leave enough slack between your front and back snaps so the tattle flag can go down. > Best all-around line is 10-lb mono…strong enough to hook into big fish but small enough diameter your dive depths aren’t affected. Mono ‘cuz you need the forgiveness in the line when a big fish hits.
> Stretches enough to keep baits from “surging.” Happens when the boat surges forward — from big waves — and rushes that planer board forward. Mono absorbs a lot of the shock so the baits run steady. Some surge is okay but a lot isn’t natural.
> Fish the boards out! Turn the reel’s clicker on, but instead of just opening up the spool, you loosen the drag enough so the board slowly works its way out. By keeping tension on the board you’re running the bait the whole time. As a tournament angler it’s all about how long you can keep your baits in the water — can set other lines while one is working out.
> Especially important with running blades…otherwise the bait could foul with weeds or snag the bottom before you even get going.
Crazy how many “extra” fish you can catch while fishing ’em out too. Not sure if it’s just the extra time in the water or if it’s the way those baits are changing direction and hitting structure at a different angle.
Whether you’re a board troller or long line cranks, gotta check out the Precision Trolling app AKA “the troller’s Bible.” Incredible tool that takes out most of the guesswork. Hardest thing you need to do is just make sure your baits are running true and in an area that holds fish.
Speaking of tuning baits…Off Shore Tackle just dropped the EZ Crankbait Tuner. Showed you a sneak peek earlier, but they’re finally (!) for sale here.
> “You’ll be able to adjust how much pressure you put on the eye of the bait to make precise adjustments. It’s plastic so you don’t have to worry about damaging the bait. We’ve been fine tuning it (no pun intended) the last couple years and it works great whether casting or trolling.”
Check it in action:
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