How many Colors of Lead Core Can I Pull with Off Shore Boards

[Dave S]

Thinking of trying to make up several leaders with 3 and 5 colors of leadcore. Will the 5 colors of leadcore sink my Offshore Planer Boards? Any suggestions on amount of lead core for running 20 - 35'? Thinking 4 colors should run around 20' and 6.5 colors around 35'.

[cisco]

Be careful. Studies have shown little gain in going much beyond 4 colors. Remember lead core line offers a lot of resistance -- even at slow speeds you will get lift with 5, 6, or more colors out. The key to depth when you go that far is a combination of speed and weights. For my part, I gave up on lead core years ago. I'll go weights and Dipseys any day over the long, cumbersome mess you can get with lead core. You will, obviously, hear from those who disagree.

[Jim Carroll]

Offshore boards will pull three colors effectively. A Roach board can pull four with the ballast weight slid forward.

[Neal/CO]

At 2 mph you need at least 4 colors to hit 20 feet and 6-7 to crack 30. Of course the slower you troll the more depth you will achieve with each color.I have been using it for 15 years and still think it is the best option for targeting the 20-35 foot zone. Out west where we have alot of canyon area's with steep drops to deep water, nothing follows a tight contour precisely as lead core.