I have used Offshore Inline Planer Boards several times, but I read an article talking about a "Y"-rig configuration "that the pros use".

Could anyone explain to me what a Y-rig IS, exactly?

Thanks!

JimBob

There are two holes in the arm of the planer board. One in the tip and one is towards the back of the arm. A release clip, usually two OR-16's, is put in both of these holes, instead of on just the tip, forming a "Y". Personally, I don't like this set up, and only use a OR-18 in the tip and a OR-16 on the back end of the board. But, to each his own. Whatever works for you is what you should use.

Juls

What I'm seeing a lot of is using the front hole for a clip, often of the non-release variety, and running the line thru a swivel or something else that doesn't clamp on the line. Is this similar to either of the methods you have described?

Thanks!

The reason to run a clip on the back is to allow the board to slide down the line to a stop point on the line several feet in front of your lure. Your stop point can be either a swivel or an in-line bead or a splitshot sinker. Anything to keep the board from sliding all the way to the fish and giving it leverage on something to throw the hook. To do this you'll want a release on the tow arm that will actually allow the line to be pulled free. Most walleye anglers do not do it this way any longer. Since walleye usually hit much lighterthan trout and salmon, there is a tendency for the walleyes to hit, be very lightly hooked, and shake off before you realize sufficiently that they were there and able to set the hook after you snap the line free from the release. With the hold in place releases, the line stays in the release and you reel in the line quickly enough to take up any slack and increase tension the whole time until the line is tight with the fish. You do not have to set the hook. Just reel. Once the board reaches the boat it is easily removed from the line by pinching the releases and then you're fighting the fish directly with no board on the line. Either way will and has worked in the past. It's just another choice you make as a personal preference. When I fish for Salmon and Trout in the Great Lakes, I sometimes switch back to a Snapswivel on the back and go to lighter releases on the front, twist the line a couple times and insert it in the release. The twists allow for and easier release and a lot less where on rubber pads if using OffShore releases.

No, neither of what I described is what you have been seeing. Supertroller has that answer for you, but might confuse you a little in his opening line.
The "clip" he talks about in the first sentence, would actually be a swivel-snap that attaches to the back end of the board and not the back hole of the planer board "arm". I knew what he meant, but it could be confusing to someone who didn't. Like he said, this method is usually used when trout, or salmon fishing. Since these fish fight differently than a walleye, they tend to pull the boards under the water more, increasing the chance of losing a fish while trying to get the board above the water again. When the board is allowed to run back to a speed bead, or some other stopping device, it doesn't pull under the water as often. Not to say that it couldn't. Nothing in fishing is for certain, but there is less chance of that occuring.

Most walleye anglers will keep the boards secured to the line until it can be taken off at the boat.
The "Pro-Y" that you asked about will also be an instance where the board will stay secured to the line until taken off at the boat.

Try it different ways until you find what works best for you, and which way is most comfortable for you. Then use them that way. Just because a "Pro" is using them a certain way, doesn't mean it will be the best way for everyone. When you are comfortabale working with them, you will be more confident in using them. Confidence always makes a better angler..;-)

Good luck,
Juls

OK, just one more silly question. When trolling for walleye and using a non-release clip on the front, how do you tell there's a fish on?

Thanks again!

Jim

The boards will slip back and to the center it is easer to spot if you have multiple boards on a side.
Thomas

With larger fish it's not a problem. Like Beaconhill has said, the boards will slip back and towards the center of the back of the boat (and if you're really lucky, the fish "sinks" the board, and you know you have a hog on!). But, when you have a smaller fish on, and don't use the Tattle Tale Flags (upgrade kit), it can be a little more difficult, but not impossible. It's important to troll with two or more boards on the same side of the boat for the simple fact that you can then watch if a board starts to run "out of place" in relation to the board it's next to. When this happens, you can usually expect a small fish or weeds to be hanging on for the ride. Keeping a close eye on the boards while running them too, will help you see a hit when it happens. Daydreamers will often have a fish on and never realize it until it's too late, because they weren't paying attention.

Juls

I've tried the clips both ways also. I went to the tattle tale flags. I fish Eastern Erie and if I play with the set up on tha flags they work great on big fish.
><<<<<*> Looney Tunes

I've fished with lots of pros and have never seen the Y-clip setup used by any of them. I did find a floating board on Saginaw Bay one time with this system...which told me a lot.

I'll stick with the Church boards.

Breeeze

I am a fan of the Y rig for a couple of reasons. I think the board tracks in rough water a bit better because the nose stays up preventing it from taking a plunge if it dives into a wave. Also with smaller fish, it tends to tip back easier and if you are not using tattle flags, can indicate the prescence of fish or weeds. If you are having trouble with them coming off, you can double wrap or go to the new snapper releases.