Full size Planners vs in lines

[ETT]

It's just about time to consider using full size planner boards on Lake Erie, in lieu of the in-lines like Off-Shore. I thought it might be interesting to discuss the differences, and advantages of each.
First I'm not trying to sell anyone. Each have their place, but too many think they are 2 different ways to do the same thing and they are, but they aren't.
In lines are best suited for slower speeds, while big boards work better at speeds over 1.5 mph, and really shine at speeds over 2 mph.
Big boards will handle a Reef Runner or Power Dive minnow with a 3 oz snap wt., and in lines would be beat up by them (particularly at higher speeds). In fact a few quality captains are using 0 Dipsys off of big boards in the central basin. Jets especially the larger ones require big boards.
The situation could be oversiplified to big boat = big boards & smaller boat = in lines ; but there is really more to it than that.
I have no intrest in starting a fight, but I would like to start a good exchange of information.
Let's hope all this wind is over and done before the PWT practice starts.
Good luck.

[Sluggo / NY]

First..Congrats on your recent win! Second..I'm gald to see that someone else still uses the big boards. Being from the other end of the Lake..we normally fish a bit different than you shallow water guys. I'm still a novice at the in-line boards, but from what little I've used them, I still like the "line free of gadgets" feel that you get from the big boards or the downriggers. I'm sure the in-lines have their place, but I'm still not used to having to unhook a board halfway through the battle. Again..Congrats & Good Fishing, Sluggo

[Capt. Denny Bergeman]

Jim,

Good topic to discuss. Like Sluggo I use only the big boards. Primary reason is the number of lines I can run off of the big boards. (I use 3 to 4 per side, and some of my fellow charters will go up to 5). Also, I am able to get out farther to each side. (130 - 150 ft. on good days) Therefore covering more area. As you already know with Lake Erie water clearing up the walleye tend to slide away from the boat as you pass over them. Which in turn will bring them in contact with the lures running off the boards.

Also, by using the big boards I am able to run the Big Jon mini dipseys for my scorpion spoons, Little Rippers, and worm harnesses. When using the Ripsticks I also can add weight up to 3 oz. with no trouble. This enables me to reach greater depths when needed. These are the reasons I feel the big boards are better for me. Good Fishing.

[Gunga Din]

LAST EDITED ON Apr-06-00 AT 02:49PM (CST)[p]In western reservoirs there are very few lakes where you can effectively use the mast/boards. Here's what I see as the adv/disadv of big boards:

---Mast/Skis---
* As already mentioned, you can more easily run more lines—up to a dozen effectively.
* Skis can be set to skip/stall/skip/etc across the water, imparting an action to the bait similar to pumping the rod.
* Work better in big water, big waves.
* Require more hands on deck; one to keep boat going straight in rough water, one to reel in fish, and one to reel in other lines when you get a big one on.
* Don't even think about turning quickly or following contour much—just point boat in a direction and try to keep her in a relatively straight line.
* They're big—not something you take along every trip "just in case".
* Require a boat big enough to handle the mast and boat must have a good place to securely mount mast.
* Pick where you want to fish and stick with—it takes some time to get your boards in the water and in-place, and then to set all your lines. You're not likely to fish a spot for 20 minutes, bring it all in and race 70mph to the next spot to try it all again.
* You need space between boats—a boat with dual skis out cuts a wide swath through the water. So you need to be able to see boats come from far enough out to avoid each other.

Fishing big boards is a lot of work. Sometimes it's worth it, sometimes it's not. Big boards or small, it sure gets the adrenaline going when your clicker starts buzzing!!! I don’t use them much, but when you need them there’s no replacement.

[Bob Zeinstra]

Good, timely topic. I switched from in-line to the big boards last year. I just could not detect smaller fish, weeds, etc. to my satisfaction with the in-line boards - even with tattle tale flags.
I would like more ideas for using big boards like the following: I use 3" rubber bands half-hitched on my Fireline. I put the rubber band in the clip with slack, or a 'belly' on the bottom strand with the top strand of the rubber band pulling all of the load. If I get a weed or small fish on, the slack, or belly, is gone. Good indicator that works terrific for me.
For me it is a strictly a down wind troll and don't mix it up in the packs. I try to find my own school. Would appreciate any other ideas on using big boards.

[Denied]

I have ran big boards for several years now. The main advantage, as I see it, is the ability to run up to four lines per board. This lets me get as many different combinations of plug, spoon, spinner, harness, etc. in the water as possible. I will also flat line a couple of baits off the back and have been know to have out a couple of down riggers, when possible. The point being, the more and different baits you have out, the better your chances of finding a combination that the fish like that day. Once we have caught a couple of fish on a given combination, we start changing all the line over..

Fishing Western Lake Erie aboard "DENIED"
http://my.ohio.voyager.net/~cliftond

[Scales&Tales]

Would you guys please mention what brand of big boards you use. I am in the market for a set and a poll of brands would be helpful.Unless brand is not that important.

[Robertp]

Jim,
The big board issue is one I got your opinion on down at Norton's during the open house. Are you going to rig your tournament boat for them? If so, how are you going to secure the mast and are you going to use a dual mast. Thanks.

[Dan]

I've used both boards, I've used big boards on small lakes and Offshores on Erie, I like the big boards on rough water. I've used them both on my 17ft boat, they both work equally well as far as catching fish, Its just all a matter of whats easiest to set our of your particular boat.
Good Fishing
Dan

[Fin Addict]

I have both and greatly prefer my big boards for all the reasons mentioned. I do not like to have the board hanging on the line while playing the fish and would not want to go back and pick it up after every release. I think I put more fish in the boat w/ big boards - fewer hooks thrown. The main advantage I see for the inlines is that they take up far less space. If I am not planning to run boards but later find that is what it is going to take, I pull out the inlines. Hate tripping over those beasts if I'm not going to use them. The collapsable boards look very attractive but I can usually find something else I want or need more.

[Roscoe]

I have used big boards quite a bit on L. Michigan mostly for browns, but also for eyes. I have also used in-lines for browns and eyes. The big boards ride much better in rough water, handle weight and hard pulling cranks much better, and allow some serious spread on the lines. As most others said they take up some space, and can be a chore to organize in the boat. Also, can be a bit more difficult to manuverA good choice if the game plan is known. If it is up in the air, the in-lines are nice to have along at all times. Scales&Tales, I build my own boards and put three skis on them. This way they plane out to the sides farther, and seem to cause less tangles in rough water. Be sure to have a strong mast as they can pull very hard. Also if you make your own don't forget to paint them something bright, so you as well as others know where they are. I also put flags on mine. Good Luck.

[ETT]

I will be using the Riviera DPM-K automatic dual planer mast, by Riviera (associated with Off-Shore Tackle & Bruce DeShano). It will fit right into the front seat base (taper lock). Hope this helps. Good luck.

[drifter]

all you trollers, please stay out of the drifting packs, with your wide path and limited manuverability! I hate being hooked by your spreads!!!!!! and if your methods are so much more effective then you shouldent need to troll through a pack of boats to pick up your fish.

not trying to start an argument, but this is a pet peeve of mine. I dont troll becuase I usually do about as well drifting and casting and enjoy holding my rod/s. It may cost me a fish or two but I have a full freezer anyhow.

[Ton]

Come on Drifter lets not start a fight. This is a good post Do'nt wreck it.

[Erie_Tournament_Troller]

I agree completly!!! Trollers with wide set ups need to stay the heck away from packs. I tell people all the time that 1/4 mile is as close as you should get. I'll make you a deal!!! I'll keep all the trollers out of the packs & you keep the drifters from coming out of a pack and setting up a drift right in front of the trollers. Purposely causing a problem. Now obviously, I can only control my boat and you can only control yours, but my point is there are Richard Craniums on both sides of the fence. Good point and one I'm glad you brought up. There are plenty of fish for everyone and a little cooperation goes a long way. Good luck drift'r

[bob oh]

LAST EDITED ON Apr-07-00 AT 11:51AM (CST)[p]I agree Jim, there's plenty of room for everyone, and I've seen as many obnoxious drifters as I have trollers. We should be encouraging courtesy on both sides, not trying to blame either side. I'm a drifter, but I know the guys trolling beside me are trying to have a fun day on the water also and I'm sure we both can have a good day and not interfere with each other. I've even traded information with a troller :-) (actually I got the best information from him - right Magic???)
Bob
PS I've never used the inlines so I can't comment, most of my trolling experience was in the "old" days when Erie was more the color chocolate milk and the eyes didn't run away.

[Gunga Din]

Another good idea is to write your name, phone/address on your boards. I've heard enough calls on the radio asking if anyone found a lost board from the night before, or if anyone lost one.

[Larry]

One of the better explainations of skis vs in-line boards came from Capt Dennis off Choc-Full-of Nuts. This may be a bit simplified but here goes...the larger boats can run 5 or 6 yellow birds off each side. Let's say the outside board gets a fish and drops back. After landing the fish, you can slide the other boards out a bit more and add the board you just recovered to the inside of the stack or you can let it free spool straight back, engage the reel and hope it swings back into position. Since all of the lines are at the same height above the water, they're interchangeable. This is not the case when you're running a mast. The closer to the boat. the higher out of the water you are and this changes the position that your lure is running. The larger the boat, the more of a problem this becomes. You're only option to positioning the retrieved line is to add it to the inside and slide the rest of the lines out. Now, that line you had set at a certain depth is no longer 6 to 10 feet in the air but much closer to the water line and thus more line in the water and running deeper.

I can't say that I like one method more than the other. I just use them like different tools in the toolbox. A guy can't build a house with just one hammer !!