planer board releases

[doug]

I have started doing some musky fishing on lake st clair. I have not used my boards yet but plan to the next time out. What kind of release do I need to pull these big baits. The heaviest release I have is a offshore OR 14 (I believe is the number there black). Would these work if I put an O ring on them,if not what will and where do I get them. Also if there is any other pointers to running the boards any help would be appreciated.

[Kingfisher]

Hi Doug, Im a troller from Lake Michigan and have used big boards for years. I use Lees downrigger releases. They are very strong and will hold wileys, terminaters,lokes and most other St. Claire baits. Also the cannon release with the ajustable gripper will hold anything. I have used both and like the lees because they are easier to use. You can get them at most west michigan sporting goods stores. Try Dusk to Dawn in Muskegon or Johnsons in Montague. Kingfisher

[MuskieKid]

Offshore Tackle now sells the OR-18 release that will work with any line. Boards will not come off with these attached. They are bought separately from the boards and run about $11.00 each. I bought them recently from their online site and am very satisfied with them. Prior to that, I had problems with the boards coming off the braided lines. Since I switched, I no longer have the problem. I have a link to them on my site. http://www.muskiekid.com then click on links. You can find them under Planer Boards.

[THE FERD]

I have only used planner boards once for muskie fishing and we didn't even use a release ,we used rubberbands and shower curtain hooks it seemed to work pretty well and it's a lot cheaper that way too !!! I plan on using boards a little more next year
THE FERD

[ToddM]

I use the church tackle boards which were formerly named mr. walleye. I have an offshore and I prefer the church tackle ones better. They are much easier to take off the line then an offshore board. My boards don't release when a fish takes the lure so we take the board off when it comes in.

[esoxanator]

Doug,
From what I gather your using in-line planers. If so the or-14's will work, you'll need to wrap the line thru twice so the lure will not pull free. When the fish strikes the board shouldn't come off either. You'll have to reel up to it and take it off yourself. I used in-line boards for a while but I prefer mast style board. If by chance thats what your using, move up to a bigger release, with a shower hook (to connect to tow-line). All that I could find around here were downrigger releases, I just did some modifying to them by cutting all the wires off and attached shower hooks. Out at St. Clair if the fish are on a board bite you better have lots of releases or you'll be reeling in the boards to get your release back!

Good Luck! Maybe I'll see you out there

[doug]

my fualt for not telling what kind of boards i am using. i am using the big boards (mast style)

[Kingfisher]

I also use big boards, 31" twin skis made from cedar. These boards pull so hard you can shoot arrows off the lines. I get outstanding hooksets on St. Claire. I would still recomend a heavy downrigger release for musky baits. Kingfisher