Planer board Q

[salmonslammer]

Does anyone know if you can run a downrigger release (or something else) off of a planer board???? I haven't used planer boards in about 10 years and I never liked fighting the fish with the board still attached. I would like to fish erie this year and would like to try some planers to get 2 more lines in the spread. Anyone have any ideas on how I can rig this up???

[Gone Fishing]

I only run the big boards and what you are asking is no problem using those. Offshore make some pretty good releases for the big boards. I don't like the in-line boards for the reason you mentioned. If you want to make some big boards, I have posted plans on the site before.

[Reeltime]

Gone Fishing, are those plans with our without the gold and silver inlays! :) Seriously, those are the boards to build. I have a mixed collection of releases and find I like one called LaurVick Release model "VisiGrip" .I am not a big fan of the inline boards either, however both will catch fish on Erie better than long lines off the back of the boat.

[ESOX]

Not being much of a troller,and having a small boat, I am always looking for alternatives. I have tried the aluminum collapsible outriggers, with little success pulling big plugs, they tended to bend at a 90 degree angle permanently .:eek: I recently picked up some 13' fiberglass collapsibles from Cabellas, and so far am happy with them. They pulled Super Shad Raps upstream in the St. Clair river at 2.5-2.8 mph with minimal enough deflection that I think they will work fine at Muskie speeds. I prefer outriggers becaus they are a lot better for following structure closely.

I like big boards for the spread you can put out in open water situations, but they and the mast etc. take up a lot of room I want to cast.

Running two rods, 1 for the "in line" planer and one for the bait, you can rig up a release on the in line board, and fight the fish on the bait alone.

[Gone Fishing]

Originally posted by ESOX
Running two rods, 1 for the "in line" planer and one for the bait, you can rig up a release on the in line board, and fight the fish on the bait alone.

Good point ESOX, I thought of that but I still like the big boards. I have some in-lines although I haven't used them. Seems like a big Loke would pull those things under!:p

[ESOX]

Drowning them with big baits is only part of the problem. I have had fish attack in line boards. Need to put some 6/0 trebles on them!!!:D


I guess when the board looks tastier than the bait, it's time to change baits.......

[steve ypsi]

heres your plans john

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/slevinski/planner%20board%20plans/

[Gone Fishing]

Thanks Steve!
Paul, I've had them hit the releases dangling from the main line. I told my buddy about it over the radio and other people came back said I should quit smoking that stuff. :p

[RJF]

I really like the idea of a seperate rod for the in-line boards. Sounds great for the occasional trip for Great Lake Brown Trout in the early spring. The big boards are expensive and take up a lot of room. In-line boards will get a good wide spread. Seperate rod = Great idea.

May I suggest the offshore release.

Will be tested on Houghton Lake this weekend.

[FishTales]

Salmonslammer,

There are releases that are made for use with a planer board, they are just like a downrigger release but they attach to the mainline for the planer board.
They will have a clip on them, similar to shower curtain hook, that attach to the line and slide down the mainline to get away from the boat.

[salmonslammer]

Thanks for the info guys....I think I have it figured out now . Need to find 1 more 1x8 and I think it is in the dreaded "cow barn" Have to work myself up for that debachle!! I ll let you know how they turn out !

[mcanes1]

salmonslammer

They're not that hard to make. I went to Gander mtn. Looked at their the basic lay out. Went home, cut the angles on the end of the 4 boards with a circular saw, off set the 2 boards, drilled 3 holes for the threaded rod, 1 hole for the eyebolt. painted them orange. They worked great right off the get go. Spent $5 for material, the wood was free.
They might not win any beauty contest. But, there's a certain gratification when you can make something yourself and they work.
Never had any problems with them "submerging". Used them to land to nice steelies yesterday.

Rich
Mcanes1