Planner Masts vs inline boards?

[Shellback]

I've got my Big Jon planner mast and boards from a previous boat and am wondering if I should install it on the new boat or just go buy some Offshore inline boards. They would seem to be alot less hassle taking on and off the boat vs the mast and big boards, but look like they would take some getting use to fishing them. Is there 2 release clips you have to fool with when landing a fish? Has anybody used both systems and can give me a honest opinion? I never fish more than 4 rods so the ability for the big mast to fish more rods doesn't matter. Thanks and Happy New Year, Shellback

[Ray]

I'll give you my honest opinion: Both systems work good, but the big board and masts system can't be beat. You can do more with the big boards than the little ones. Big boards you can run wire lines, dipsies, jet-divers, and even add 10-ounces of lead to your line. The little boards have their place too, but they are limited to what you can do with them. If you fish by yourself, they are easy to fish with. I fish with both systems, but the big system cant be beat. I'm seeing a lot of guys today getting rid of their big boards and mast for these little boards. I think they are making a big mistake. Ray

[Jersey John]

Hello,
I have both on my boat. I use the big boards and mast mostly for trout fishing, but plan on using them for eyes also. I would think they ( big boards ) would be better in rougher water than the in lines. My offshore in lines are great for calm to slightly choppy water. They both work well in certain situations. I like the ability to have both on the boat when trout fishing. Some of my in lines have the tattle flags on them which I only use during the day. The others I use at night with the offshore lights and they work great. I would say if you installed the mast base on the boat and bought in lines you could have the best of both when the time is needed. Happy New Year to you. JJ

[Den]

Both have their place, but as a rule if you only fish with a couple of people, the in-line boards are a lot easier to use. at time when the fish are real spooky the larger boards may be better. but in most applications the in line boards will work more than sufficient. a lot depends on where you are fishing, and what you are running for baits too. i have seen days when one will out produce the other by a large margin, but if you dont have the one that is working with you you just second guess yourself. if you have both, mount it and take it along. good luck and good fishin.
Den

[ETT]

My opinion is that in-lines are better for slower speeds, boats up to 21', water to 40' deep, and waves 4' or less.

Bigger boats, faster speeds, deeper presentations, and rougher water would favor big boards.

On Erie there are many who have both.

[Stormsearch]

There isn't much to add except to highlight a couple of notes. One by Den is one system will at one time way out-produce the other. If you can swing it, have both. At least borrow somebody's in-lines and see how you might like them. Finally, if you ever do any Steelhead fishing in Michigan, you can run (3) lines per person which Mast systems are pretty much dictated. I love both, I think Mast systems are easier but I can't completely give up those tattle tag flags especially when the weeds start flowing into the lake!

[bulletny]

Shellback, I've been running offshore inline boards for 5 or 6 years now and it is a great system. No problem taking boards off, I often fish alone and have no problem removing them. It does take time getting use to reading inline boards for strikes. I like going to Cayuga Lake usually Mid march after walleye season closes and practicing on the trout which are very aggressive this time of the year. This is where I gained confidence in using them and made it easier when walleye season opened back up and was able to set up a system for walleye's alot easier. Give me a shout and would be glad to show you how they work.
bulletny

[s.f.]

one of the big advantages to the in-line board (off shore) is that you are able to work a smaller area. in many cases, open water walleyes will be in schools the size of a football field. it takes less room to turn back with the in-line boards. especially in fairly windy conditions, it is best to make trolling runs down wind only. so having to do that, working with a school that size, it is much easier to bring in the gear, go back for another pass, and reset, with the in-line boards. this simply insures more time 'on the fish'. but, as has been previously stated, the big boards will accomodate more forms of presentations.
#49

[Walizz 1]

I've been using in-line boards since '95 and like them for many of the reasons stated above. As s.f. mentioned about turning around, it's also a lot easier to avoid other boats. Here on Winnebago that can be a real nightmare when running big boards. With in-lines you can quickly reel the outside ones in to avoid trouble. Overall maneuverability is a lot better. Happy New Year.

[Mark]

I agree with the points made so far but one difference has not been mentioned. The big boards allow you to fight the fish right away and not the board. Both have there time and place.

[Capt.Larry Jones]

Sometimes you need the extra distance away from the boat you get by using the bigger boards.Then also I have lost less bigger fish using the bigger boards vs. the inline boards.It is also much easier to see fish hit on the bigger boards when they are hitting light and the hook needs to be set quickly.Then there are the times when the inlineboards shine with the extra action given off by the extra movement of the boards in a lite chop.

[Shellback]

Thanks for all the info guys! I'm gonna get a pair of the inlines and give em a try. I was considering selling my mast and boards first to buy the inlines, but I'll hold on to them for now.

[marcbodi]

Hi,
I run big boards most of the time but I feel that when it gets choppy it is better to run Luhr Jensen Small pink side Planners .I think that the big boards jerk around to much and the small ones run smoother and the fish can hook up easier.A lot off time my buddy stays on the big boards on his side and I do better with the small ones on my side.I run both lines on my side the same lenght out too.That way I can move my inside line to the outside with no problem.I have had very few tangles.When I get a fish on the outside I let him swing around before I bring him in.

[RayChamp]

Keep both of them because some time you will need each.

[Jigger]

Hi Shellback. I have used both methods, first the big boards, then to the in lines because they seemed to be the "in thing". I have returned to the big boards and won't go back. Some of your replys indicated that you can fish alone with in lines; well, it may be possible but it is difficult because you have to maintain pressure on the fish while removing the in line; generally removing the board is a two hand operation so where is the third hand to hold the rod? Also, when fishing with a partner, if a fish hits the outside board the one of you not envolved in landing the fish can, and should, reel in the inside line to clear it out of the way. When you're alone it's a pain in the butt! I did borrow an idea involving the planer mast that makes their use much easier and more convenient. Here's what I did: I bought an extra pedestal base that fits my pedastal sockets. I cut the flat mounting plate off my mast,put it in the new base, centered it in the pedastal and epoxied it in place, and let it dry for a couple days. Now, when I want to pull boards, I pull out the bow seat pedastal and insert the mast in it's place. It gets the mast inside the boat where it is easier, and safer to get to and brings the tether lines closer to the back of the boat where you will be located. I also made up a tether line hook, consisting of a broom handle with a large cup hook on the end so I can reach out and pull the tether line to me to make it easier to attach new releases. It's a great system and simplifies the whole operation. I will continue to use the in lines at times, such as when I am in a boat with no mast, or if I happen to be using a rental boat. If you do get in lines, I strongly recommend the Gary Roach models. They are the easiest to put on and take off and they NEVER fall off the line. Hope this helps, if you need more info, e-mail me. good luck. Jigger

[Gilligan]

Shellback..when you get the offshores also get the new snapper releases. No double wrapping in the releases or false pop offs and an absolute must for superlines.

[perchjerker]

Hey Ron-
Great info on this post. Sometimes the right question brings out a ton of good tips!

The only thing I can add about the inliners (offshore) is I got a tip from Gary Parsons about taking the rear release off and mounting it in the tow arm reward hole. This makes it easier to pull the board off the line, since both releases are right there in you hand. I think the boards dont run much different this way. I posted a while back for tips on this and most people seem to use them in the conventional config, this year I am going to try 2 each way and see if the boards run any different.

So did you get settled up on your accident with the little boat and the lady who launched it across the street yet?

-Brian