Church Tow Arm - Release

[Papascott]

I have a few of the church boards that I do not use much, always seem to use my offshores. I was looking on the church tackle website and was looking at the tow arm release. From what understand, you can trip the board to release the pulling power of the board making it swing to the back of the boat. Do any of you have hands on experience with these? Is it worth the money? I am worried that releasing the pull all at once will create slack line, so I am not sure if these would be for me or not. TIA

Scott

[Pscott]

Bump bump

[ebijack]

if you have a rear release that WON'T let go or use a barrel swivel a couple feet above your lure to where the board won't knock off your fish. then yes, a releasing tow arm would stop any tension from the board. then again, it could also cause some tangles in your line where you would lose fish. i use offshore and prefer them for my type fishing.. but that's me.

[Wazzz]

Not sure about the releae but I've had a couple of church boards for years and never used them, only the off shore. I overheard some guys at the local bait shop talking about using church boards with lead core. I tried it this summer on Lake Michigan for salmon and they work great with lead core. I let out 10 colors and sometimes a bunch more line and the board runs true.

[northern walleye]

I have both Church and Offshore boards. For me, i use the Church boards more in rougher water situations then the Offshore ones.

[Papascott]

GUys I agree with everything you say. I use my church board with copper and full cores mostly but was interested in their new tow arm release that stays attached to the line but releases the pull, by snapping forward I assume.
http://www.churchtackle.com/60120.html#Tow_Arm_Release_60120

Scott

[SUPERTROLLER]

Do any of you have hands on experience with these?

No experience with this set-up, first time I've seen or heard anything about it.


Is it worth the money?

I'm sure they cost what they cost to manufacture and make a profit but is it really a better idea? Their original clips are the best on the market and hold all types of lines.


I am worried that releasing the pull all at once will create slack line, so I am not sure if these would be for me or not.

That would be my concern too. The further you run the boards to the side of your boat the more time and slack line before the board and line pull tight again. Doesn't sound like something I'd want to risk on light biting Walleye. Stripers and Great Lakes Salmon and Trout, probably not a problem but Walleyes nibbling???, not so keen on that idea. Just my opinion and I'd welcome other opinions as to why this would be a better set-up than the original tow arm set-up.
(By the way, I hook a second release on the back peg instead of allowing the boards to slide. This way I can just reel the boards to the boat and remove the board completely just like the OffShore set-up but with better clips.)

[SUPERTROLLER]

Do any of you have hands on experience with these?

No experience with this set-up, first time I've seen or heard anything about it.


Is it worth the money?

I'm sure they cost what they cost to manufacture and make a profit but is it really a better idea? Their original clips are the best on the market and hold all types of lines.


I am worried that releasing the pull all at once will create slack line, so I am not sure if these would be for me or not.

That would be my concern too. The further you run the boards to the side of your boat the more time and slack line before the board and line pull tight again. Doesn't sound like something I'd want to risk on light biting Walleye. Stripers and Great Lakes Salmon and Trout, probably not a problem but Walleyes nibbling???, not so keen on that idea. Just my opinion and I'd welcome other opinions as to why this would be a better set-up than the original tow arm set-up.
(By the way, I hook a second release on the back peg instead of allowing the boards to slide. This way I can just reel the boards to the boat and remove the board completely just like the OffShore set-up but with better clips.)

[RANGER]

I'm curious, too! I run Churchs' and this is the first I've heard of the release but my sentiments are with you S T!

[seyka]

I have used the tow arm. I prefer them om big fish especially. The arm will not creat slack in your line, providing you are not turning toward them. The tension that is released is mostly between the rod and board. This is designed to give an easier retreive and to keep the board above water on those big fish. Try a couple, you won't be disapointed!
P.S. I rarely respond to any post. I type way to slow. I hope this helped.

[SUPERTROLLER]

> The tension that is released is mostly between the rod and board.

That is exactly my point. There appears to be virtually no tension remaining between the rod and the board and thus also to the lure to keep a light biting Walleye on the hook. The further out from the boat your boards are running, the more time a Walleye has to spit the hook due to this lack of firm connection. I already worry about fish coming unbuttoned when they're pulling just against a board until I can get that back to the boat and off of the line. I don't like the idea of giving them even more time to figure out something isn't quite right and to shake or spit it out. I'll stick with what I'm running now until I can figure out a reason that this could possibly be a better idea.