Getting started w/ planer boards

[smalls]

I run an 18' boat on Devils Lake, ND and have never ran planers as we were usually back in the sticks and timber. But last summer we found several open water patterns.

So my question is how do I adequately outfit myself to run planers. I have several stiff trolling rods (2- 7' St. Croix Glass and 1 7' Fenwick w/ linecounter reel), rod holders, etc. I don't want to set up a mast, so what do you guys recommend for boards.

I have looked at the yellowbirds, otterjons, and some others. In addition to the actual boards what kind of hardware am I going to need (or want to have).

Plus, is trolling with leadcore and boards an option? Never used leadcore either but looking into it.

thanks
smalls

[ChadM]

Smalls,

Sounds like you already have rods/reels which will work.

I would strongly suggest you purchase the Off Shore in-line planer boards. They are in my opinion the best out there for in-line boards and run $16-$24 each. Then I would either make my own or purchase the tattle flag kit. there are guys on here who have the directions for making your own.

The boards come with black snaps which are okay if using mono.

If using fireline you will want to upgrade. The red ones are okay but you must wrap the line. I have also tried the Snapper release by Off Shore. My preferred clips are the Church Tackle clips that are for the Red Roach Boards. They do sell the clips seperate at Fleet Farm & Scheels and with a little modification you can put them on your Off Shore.

I am assuming your boat is equiped with rod holders which are a necessity when running boards.

[The Vampire]

My favorite boards are the Offshores and the Church (Mr. Walleye board).

I have 2 of the offshore boards, but prefer the church boards myself...especially for leadcore. As previously stated, the black and even the red releases just don't cut it when you are using super lines with the offshore. Slippin' and slidin' all day. I went from the black releases, to the red, and finally to the clamp style. The clamp style works pretty good. By the time you add the releases, those off shore boards get expensive, and they don't handle leadcore as well, imho.

With the church boards, I added the red flag like the offshores have, and feel like I'm getting the best of both worlds. I also like the quick release on the back of the church boards much better.

I guess its a matter of preference. Over the years I've found that I like a board that does not release, normally, when a fish is on, and the church boards are perfect for that.

Whatever you choose, you'll really enjoy planer boards when you get your own system down. If you have other questions, just ask. Good luck!

[Johnnie Candle]

Send me an e-mail. I am putting on several walleye schools in the Dakotas in the next few weeks. You can come learn all you need to know and then some. I don't want to advertise too much here (really I do) so drop me a line.

[Ristorapper]

http://www.walleyecentral.com/vance-book.htm

I run the offshore boards as well and have just completed putting the church board releases on the offshore boards.

See you in class this weekend Johnnie!!

[smalls]

Sounds great Johnnie, just let me know.

[eye4aneye]

The new style OR-18 snapper releases simply will not let go. For that reason, I have them on a couple boards. They are a sure thing, no slipping or dropping. When you are running big, deeprunning stuff or at high speeds or in real rough water the standard black releases on the Offshores just plain suck. Nothing is more fun than doubling back to pick up a board in rough and windy weather. Wrapping or not they are inadequate and save yourself the learning curve by pitching them in the garbage or making snapweights out of them before you get in the boat. The only reason they sell boards with the black releases is to sell more stuff to you later.

At any rate, the Church releases are a low priced compromise that will work well. The red colored releases Offshore sells in the tattle flag kit are very good too, but the Church's cost less and hold as well or better and they don't have those rubber pads that wear out like the Offshore's. I have both Church and Offshore boards and outside of the flag, there really isn't that much difference. The Offshore's do track farther out to the side and are more versatile, but the Church's are good boards and you don't have to buy other stuff to get them to work right away.

[Erie bud]

I found the best way to alter the Off Shore boards -- buy Church boards -- they are good to go out of the package. Add flags if you want.....

Erie bud

[goosewa]

I like the Off Shore Boards for their size. They are easier to store.

Here are the boards that I use:

http://www.outdoor-links.com/boards.htm

They might be homemade and a bit large in size. But they do work really good on Lake Erie. Especially on the rough days.

I do not have a good place on my Trophy Walkaround to mount a Planer Mast so I went with two rail mount Big Jon Planer Reels and use Clamp style releases that use Mueller Electrical Clips.

This setup works exceptionally well at least for me.

-goosewa

[T man]

I agree, just buy the Church boards to start with, and run with zero modifications; instead of buying the Offshore boards and spending almost again the cost of the board to replace the release.
Plus, I like the adjustable (front / back) of the ballast weight on the bottom of the Church boards.
T man