Seriously, Inline vs Big Boards?????

[RANGER]

I have a question - What is the advantage of Inline Boards compared to Big Boards or vice versa? I have fished both and I, personally, like the big boards simply because I don't have to remove additional pieces of hardware from the line to get the fish in the boat. Secondly, the big boards are far more tolerent of presentations then are the inline: i.e. Dipsy's, BIG plugs/spoons, etc. I am asking in all honesty. If there is a true value to inlines, that will increase my fishing experience, I would like to know!

[Smitty]

I've often wondered the same thing. Actually I have reverted to using my inline boards like "big boards" and tying them off to the boat rather than running them inline because I don't like the hardware removal aspect either. I've just finished building my first big board prototype (I think from plans I got here at WC). I'll be testing early spring and go into mass production if successful to get our group ready for a trip to Erie in May.

Along those lines, can anyone tell me where I can find some less costly dual planer masts (with the Springfield taper locks)? I've seen the Big Jon's and Riviera's for around $200, but just don't use them enough to justify the higher end models. Some have mentioned Wiley's, but I can't find them on the net anywhere..

Sorry Ranger, probably added more to your question than provided an answer. The only advantage I can think of right off for in-lines is that they're less expensive if you only want to run 1 line out per side???

[s.f.]

with the exception of the dipsy system you use, i have not found a presentation that didn't work with the in-line off shore boards.
advantages to the in-line system as i see them are:
1. when it is windy enough to make trolling into the wind a fight, i like to pick up and move back up wind for another pass at high speed. it surely is easier and QUICKER to rack up the lines with the in-line boards and then be fishing QUICKER when i get to the starting point.
2. in nice calm weather, i can turn back over a school more effectively with the in-line system. ( in most cases, the schools of open water fish are smaller than we usually might envision. when we envision a school miles long, it most likely is several schools fairly close together, that are the size of a football field. i work these schools individually instead of making long trolling runs where there is potential for passing over fishless water.)
3. it's simply fun to watch that little board take a dive!

the only disadvantage to the in-line system i see comapred to the mast system is that the mast system will offer more ability to fish many more lines in a constructive fashion.

good luck!

#49

[Doc_wi]

The advantage (at times) to the in-line planer board is in the lure action. As the board gains momentum , then slides back due to the action of the waves, the lure darts and pauses. Although there is some of this with the big boards, it's only the lures that are closest to the board that are getting the bulk of the wave induced action as it is lessened to a great degree by the slack in the line between the board and the mast. If I could only have 1 choice, I'll stick with my Off Shore boards.

Good Luck,
Wishin' I Was Fishin'

Joel "Doc" Kunz

[Homer]

My reason for running them is primarily convenience. More often than not, the two of us have a mixed presentation of inline boards, dipseys, and downrigger presentations, with no more than one board line out per side. We can pack up and start a new trolling run a lot quicker by reeling in the inlines than we ever could with boards.

You're right that it's a pain to have half of the fight with the fish with a board attached. I don't buy the intolerant to presentation part, though. I successfully run Manns Stretch 25+s behind my Wille in-lines; you're not find a much bigger plug used for walleyes.

If for some reason we know that we're strictly going to be fishing from planer boards, then the mast and big boards get brought out.

[gilman]

Inline boards remove all of the guess work as to how much line is between the surface and the lure. This is the critical distance that controls how deep the lure runs.

[FreeByrd]

RANGER,
In general, if you have a bigger boat and fish more lines, and want to run heavier stuff like dipseys or 30/40 jets, and troll fast then yes Big Boards are the ticket. I fish from a 25' Carolina Classic set up with masts on each side of my hardtop, and until last year had never used the inlines. After fishing with them a few times, I can see times where there would be a benefit to me so I plan to have at least 4 (probably 6) inline boards for this year. Even with that I will still probably use the big boards around 85 - 90% of the time. I fish Erie - Western basin on over to Fairport Harbor. Here's the reasons I'm going to have some inlines:

1) When the fish want things SLOW. In the Spring, and sometimes late in the year. While I can slow my boat down to around 1mph, I've found running the big boards at less than about 1.7 to 1.8 very difficult unless it is almost dead calm. Tow line sag, and even getting the lures to slide down the towline can be a bear, plus you can lose more fish than I'd like as you get a release with those slow speeds. That being said, as a rule - I normally fish faster than most people. The last two years the weekend before the Port Clinton PWT and RCL, I've been trolling in the same areas as many of the guys are prefishing - going probably twice the speed they are running and catching fish. (They were catching too at around 1mph) I rarely troll less than 2 and usually in the 2.2 range even in spring. It was kind of comical - it was like I was "lapping" them. I fished the Port Clinton RCL as a Co-Angler last year and the slow speed was the hardest thing for me to get used to. However after our first day in the tournament I became a believer. That was my first time using the inlines. I fished with the inlines a few times throughout the year after that both on Erie and also on Lake Ontario.

2) We do quite a bit of night fishing casting shad raps in the shallow water (3-6 feet) around crib reef in the western basin. I'm planning to do some trolling with the inlines before sunset, in the deeper water surrounding the reef. Doing this with the inlines will be easy compared to setting a full spread with the big boards - there will be lots of turns and I anticipate this will be fishing slower than normal for me so it should be conductive to the inlines.

3) When the fish are pretty active on dipseys but I'd like to get a few more lines out on boards - maybe only 1 or 2 more a side. Using the inlines will be quicker in some situations. Also on days when the white bass are driving us nuts the inlines may come into play as an addition to the dipseys.

It's more a question of inlines AND big boards, rather than inlines OR big boards, assuming you have the setup to run the big boards.
Good Luck,
Steve

[RANGER]

First answer - Wiley was bought out by Big Jon so they are no longer a company.

Second - I agree that it might be an economical decision if it was 1 line but I see boats running 3, 4, 5 inlines per side and I have to scratch my head ?????

[Smitty]

Good point on the lure action. I hadn't thought of that, but it could definitely be a plus at times. I guess my question is does it just take practice at removing the boards to get efficient at it? I just picture myself looking like a total clutz removing the board when I bring in a fish.. It just feels awkward.

[perchjerker]

Smitty-
I have a little tip for you regarding the board/mast setup.

This will only work if you have a windshield.

An old timer used this setup all the time.

If you want to try the big board setup without a lot of investment, buy yourself some planer board tow line (braided dacron works best)
Take one end and tie it to one of those clasp hook things you find on a dog leash. On the top outside corners of your windshield, secure a screw eye. My friend made a spool out of a piece of wood to wind the line on, like you get to put extension cords on. Just clip the clasp on the screw eye attach the other end to the board, you are in business. Primitive, but it does work real well. If you decide you like this type of fishing, buy the mast setup, use the line and boards you have with it. We used to do it this way for years before facny masts came into vouge.

[RANGER]

All VERY GOOD arguments and food for thought. I can appreciate the slower presentation of inlines and, something I forgot about, the individual imparting of movement to the bait that you get with the inlines like s.f. said. I guess I have a real problem with putting "things" between me and that fish. I hate loosing fish and it happens (in my mind) more frequently when I have somthing between me and the fish! I mean, this holds in other applications as well - like - Cow bells for salmon, snap weights, etc.!!!!

[s.f.]

my concluding reaction or answer to a presentation issue or equipment issue is usually short and to the same point everytime. "when there is money on the line, and this or that presentation or equipment is the most used system, it must be the 'right one'."

#49

[Smitty]

Good idea. I was also thinking of the same clip method and just attaching to an existing cleat.. Nothin' else to do this time of year, maybe I need to spend some custom engineering time!!!

Thanks

[perchjerker]

The reason to use the windshield is its the highest, sturdiest point in the boat. You need some kind of angle to the line so it will slide down towards the board. Using a cleat, it might not work too well. Also, you dont want the tow line dragging in the water.

Just a few tips.

[RANGER]

FreeByrd,

Very GOOD points! I guess it is a matter of Big AND Inline and dependent on many variables! Problem is, I'm going to have to get a dingy to pull behind the big boat to carry all my "suff"!! LOL ;-)

[ETT]

Big boards and a mast are more suited for bigger boats, more fishermen, bigger waves, faster speeds and more radical presentations.

In-lines are more suited for smaller boats, up to 3 fishermen, up to 5' waves, speeds under 2.5, and more conventional presentations. ( and night fishing)

I know, I know, there are over laps, but in general, I find this to be the case.

Many serious Erie anglers have and use both depending on the situation.

[Smitty]

Good point regarding the tow line. I've used the method I mentioned above with in-lines (being run as big boards), but was only using 20lb mono for that. Much more resistance with the heavier tow line.

Thanks

[Marble Eyes]

When I go alone I use the inline Boards or straight line it. Otherwise I put up the Mast and the Big Boards.

My version of a Jury rigging. I have a 5 Ft. Piece of the Grey Electrical PVC, filled with Cement for stability, (It bent under the stress of the Boards empty) with a taperlock Fitting Glued and Pop Riveted on at the Bottom. I place it in the Front Seat Fitting of my 16ft. Tracker. On the other end I attached two Eye Bolts at the top to run the Planar Line Thru. The only thing I haven't done is rig up some Reels for the Planar Line. I tie off the line on the fittings on the boat.

I also have Rope that runs from the top of the Mast down to the front of the Boat where you hook up you trailer wench for stability.

Okay y'all laugh :)....I spent maybe 5 dollars for the setup. However, I would like one of those Nice Big Jon Masts with the pulleys and big black reels on em. But I don't want to have to mount that base plate. So I'll stick with the Low budget version for now.

[RANGER]

Thank you, to all, that responded. It has given me a new perspective that I plan to investigate - Thank You!!!!!