inline boards or mast%3F

[GR8WTHUNTER]

I'm looking for all the pros and cons of running boards in line or with a mast. Also, when running boards in line what to use as a "stopper" to keep the board from running down the line to the fish. Any help out there?

[ETT]

Big boards
Pros.
1. better for 6 lines (don't have to clear inside lines)
2. better for faster speeds more radical presentations (jets & small dipsys)
3. more suitable for big boats

Cons.
1. slower to set up or break down.
2. troublesome at slower speeds
3. shallow or outside lure becames inside lure after a catch.

In-line boards
Pros
1. More versatile (tattle flags & night lights)
2. faster to set up & break down (easier to make a move)
3. better for smaller boats and slower speeds (lead core)
4. lures can stay where you want or need them

Cons.
1. must deal with clearing inside lines
2. not as good at higher speeds and more radical presentations
3. not as fast as big boards in a hot bite situation

There's probably more, but that's what comes to mind quickly.
Hope this helps. Good luck.

Speed beads are the easiest in-line board stopper, but a swivel and a bead will work too.

[punch1]

I think that the one big disadvantage of the in-line board is having to fight the board and the fish when realing in. Now I suppose that you could just rig the baord to have it release all together after a strike, but where I fish, that isn't very practical. That having been said, I like the in-lines better.

Pat

[iamwalleye1]

ETT
Thanks you expained that great! That somes it all up! Its people like you that make this board great!

[GetReel2]

ETT summed it up pretty good. I can run more options with the big boards in more difficult lake conditions. If I had to choose only one or my first setup it would be the mast and boards. I fish Erie and it works for me. The mast and board setup is more expensive but I still believe gives more options.

I have In lines too, (Off-Shore) and use them. I wouldn't be without either. They both have a place and time. Whatever you start with, if you fish the BIG lake alot you'll want both presentations eventually.

Chris

[ETT]

Chris,

Thanks.

I should have added that many have and use both on Erie. (including myself) Also I want to clear up that most do not use the release method, but attach the board firmly and bring it to the boat, and remove it manually.

[SUPERTROLLER]

An option you might be overlooking is that by replacing the back release with a snap swivel, you can allow the board to slide down the line. As ETT said, it can then be stopped several feet up the line from the lure with a speed-o bead or swivel with a bead in front of it so it doesn't wear on your knot to the swivel. We use this option more for salmon and trout on Lake Michigan and usually switch back to double release set-up for walleye.

[Walizz 1]

I used a mast system for about 10 years before changing to in-line boards in the early 90's. I find the in-line boards a lot less cumbersome to deal with. My big complaint was how much line was out with the mast. Say you let out 100' of line, attach your release and run it out on the tow line. You have fishing line that's not even in the water. This increases if it's your inside line or not. You can only estimate how much is up in the air. After you catch a fish on the outside line a move the others out you are really guessing. I hope I've explained this well enough. Reeling a board in on rough water can be difficult. Keep the rod tip up and take it slow. It gets a lot easier after you do it a few times. The Off-Shore snapper releases will hold any line so you don't have to be concerned with losing the board or having it slide down and knocking the fish off. Another advantage is when you are trolling near other boats. It's easier and faster to crank in-line boards closer to the boat when you have to. Good luck.
Dale Frank #251